Last April/23, we had taken Lance to Niag. Falls, Ontario as he had wanted to go to the Bird Kingdom, said his back was a little sore and he thought he had lifted a heavy box at work. We stayed overnight and the next morning, we found he couldn't get out of bed - took him right to Urgent Care...from that day for about the next 4 months, he was in a wheelchair when we went to appts. or out. He was started on chemo July 28th and within 2 months, he hasn't needed the wheelchair or any device since! He does get sore when out for too long, even with the pain pill, but the chemo and 1 radiation on his femur have worked. We don't know the future but at this moment, he can walk on his own, carefully, even with the 5 compression fractures in his back..he can inspire others.

I started having hip pain last April (2023) it got gradually worse after my SCT in May 2023.
My oncologist sent me to a hip surgeon (who has treated patients with MM before) and after multiple X-rays he said I have Avascular Necrosis of the head of my femur due to the steroids I was on for so long He said I need a hip replacement but then said I’m not eligible because it’s not been a year since my SCT and because I’m not in remission. He said we need to buy me some more time. So he said to buy a cane and preferably one with a flip down seat, so I can stop and rest when I’m out and about or standing in line somewhere. I take it with me when I’m going out for any period of time. Helps tremendously! My hip surgeon also gave me official paperwork to get a permanent handicap parking placard and handicap license plate, which I got!

Karen,
Thank you for reminding me what is important. I want to keep my freedom and be independent.
Paula 🌹

Yeah my family thinks I should get one but I do okay with my walker and cane but if I go to our Menards or the Superstore I usually just use the cart as a walker but if we’re going to take awhile to do our shopping I may have to use a scooter because they are huge. I might not have a choice in the future but time is will tell.

Paula you’re so right the joy that kids give is so precious and I know when my grandkids come for a visit it sure brightens up my day. I use a cane more for balance too but need a walker also because my back gives out after awhile when I use my cane.