May 17, 2024 update.

Originally posted on social media May 17, 2024.

"May 17th marks the 6 month anniversary of the Whipple Surgery. It's been a challenging 6 months, recovering from the surgery has been slowed by recovering from the damage done by the 2 leaks and fistula (Liver bile duct and stomach / small bowel connection).

Being home has been a great pleasure, enjoying the ever changing clouds and weather. Pictured above is a selection of snap shots taken in a 20 hr period. As you can see the clouds move and change, the weather is hard to predict at times.

I am comparing the clouds and weather to my recovery. I have good and bad days, and really can't predict how things will be from day to day. I did think going into the surgery by 6 months I would be back or close to my new normal life, but still healing and recovering is how I spend my days.

I am very thankful for what I have, the health care that has got me this far, family and friends that keep me on the positive path are the most valuable thing in my life.

Life is an unknown journey, enjoy it, treasure it and watch the clouds changing above you."

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June 23, 2024 up date.

Originally posted on social media June 23, 2024. "UPDATE: June 24, the fistula scab fell off this morning, revealing what looks like a fully healed wound site. I am so excited, it's been something I have dreamed about for over 6 months I will still go for the CT scan, as the incision site is deformed with a depression or "valley" where the fistula was. ORIGINAL POST: I had a follow up last week with the surgeon, I was asking why it's taking so long for the fistula to heal. The fistula hasn't out put anything since Apr 2 (84 days to the date of this post), and the last CT scan was done on Apr 17. He showed on the CT scan what the fistula and pocket under it looked like over 2 months ago. I guess it explains some of the reason why it's taking so long to fully heal. I have a follow up CT scan in 2 weeks and hope it shows the healing is progressing. I was given the okay to try fluids by mouth last week, that seemed to go well. Nervously I have moved on to ...

What's it like Volunteering on a trail day.

I decided to try and retire this year, not sure financially this was a good decision, but mental and physical I know I have to try and I know it will help keep me healthy. If I stay healhty and active I will stay out of the hospital I hope. A trail day is helping repair and maintain a multi use ( horse back, hiking, running and mountain biking) network of trails. I live in a beautiful part of the world, the foot hills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are several networks of trails and trail associations here, we are very lucky. I think my favorite trails to work on are the old classic trails in Kananaskis Country . Most of these trails haven't seen any attention in many years, so they are over grown and eroded. The trails are often in a remote wilderness area, so getting to them can often be an adventure, we hike, bike and use e bikes to get to locations. You have to be prepared to be there for several hours, with enough food, water and extra layers in case the weather chan...

Sept 8, 2024 update.

Originally posted on social media Sept 8, 2024. "I got to visit another one of my "Happy Places" . It maybe my favorite of all the places that I was dreaming of visiting again after the Whipple Surgery. I also hit the 800km mark on the ebike that was gifted to me by family and friends to help get me back on the trails. I received the ebike on May 24th, I still remember the first time a saw the bike and sat on it. It made my day, it has made my summer. A big thank you for the bike that has made it possible to visit my Happy Places. 🙂 Recovery is a balance between the physical and mental healing. Getting to do something you love, seeing places that hold a special place in your life, helps with the healing. 🙏 I love the people, bikes, and the places in my life. Cheers."

The FAP - Whipple Report

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