Hello to all my friends and family. I thought I would touch base and update my blog. Things seem to be progressing well. The number and doses of my medication continue to get reduced, so that should help boost my immune system. I have been feeling good as far as the surgery goes. My energy level is improving, and I have put on about 4 pounds since leaving Rochester.

Last May 26, Jeanine and I celebrated our 25th anniversary. Unfortunately, our time and energy at the time was consumed with my pending surgery. We just had a belated celebration on the island of Kauai where we relaxed in the sun, explored the island, and connected with old friends. I did one fairly strenuous hike with the aid of some hiking poles, and enjoyed swimming in the ocean and testing my limits a little. My legs and lower body continue to be challenged, but I am of the belief they will continue to get better. Nerves just take a long time to heal, so I have to be patient.

I return to Mayo for a week of scheduled tests on November 2d. We will see some old friends at that time, and I hope and assume we will continue to get good news. Hope everyone out there is doing well. Love, Rick

 Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary to us - 

Rick and Karla (childhood friend from Hood River, OR) at Karla's home in Kauai. Jeanine and Rick finally had a vacation !!!!!

Rick walking to Secret Falls in Kauai. He did great !

Some friends from Portland stopped by yesterday and said I needed to update my status on the blog for those who live out of town or haven't seen me since my most recent trip to Mayo.

We have been back in Eugene for 2 weeks now. Everything seems to be going ok so far. My weekly blood work has been checking out well. I am trying to exercise each day. I am walking over a mile now. My legs are still really compromised and it remains to be seen if or when they will improve. There was a lot of nerve damage done before they were able to do the surgery. My neuropathy in both legs is pretty significant, but will hopefully improve with time. But without interaction from the nerves, I really can't strengthen my leg muscles, and with all of the numbness my balance is not too good. However I am able to walk and that is saying a lot. I believe that I will continue to improve from here on.

I am going to work two 1/2 days this week and next and see how that goes. That shouldn't be too taxing, and if it goes well I will build up my time from there. I am scheduled to go back to Mayo again the first part of November, and hope to reunite with some old friends at that time, and get some more positive test results. I probably won't have many posts until then. Assume that no blog news is good blog news. Until then, my love to all. Rick

Mayowood Estate

From Jeanine:  Walking to Mayowood. Charles Mayo lived on 3,330 acres. I took a tour of his mansion and had a great day walking on his property.