My Options after review of the MRI findings...

1.  Arthroscopic surgery
2.  A slighting more extensive arthroscopic surgery

I actually felt pretty sure that I wouldn't really need surgery...I must have been in denial.  This pretty much puts me out of running until Winter...which means next year.  I will want to take it slow so that I actually have the chance the run again and not hurt it.  I have not yet met made the appointment for surgery. but it will most likely be in July.

The 2nd option would entail crutches and then a big straight knee brace for about 12 weeks.  I should be able to drive myself, but going up and down stairs will be difficult at best....

The cool thing is that they gave me a CD with my MRI images!!!

Working My Way Back...

I have been giving my knee as much rest as I can, and went to see an Orthopedic Surgeon to find out if I need to get anything fixed up before I try running again.  The x-rays looked really good, so he sent me for an MRI.  I get the results from that on Wednesday, and then can chart my rehab start getting back into shape.  I will take it incredibly slow ~ because I don't want my knee to feel like that anymore!!!  I want to be Runner Girl. 

I went to my first race meet with the whippets last weekend for the year, and me knee held up pretty well.  I am pleased and hope this means I can move forward toward fitness again.  I'm sure HotRod and Anneke will be happy to go for walks in the evening again. 

Relay for Life - epilogue

What a great event to be involved in!  I decided to stay up for the full 24 hours so I could witness everything that happened - including dance party with techno music at 3:00 AM.  We lucked out on Saturday and had some much appreciated sunshine, but the rains came just before the end at about 5:15 AM.  I would like to give a special Thank You to our tireless leaders Mary Ann Tasker Thompson and Cheryl Palm.  They were so prepared and had so many great fund raisers ready to go that the rest of us just needed to be there and do our thing.  (Plus more food than we could possibly eat!).

Each team had a country they were representing, and we were New Zealand - land of the Kiwis.  I think the best fund raiser was the lap beads.  Anyone could buy one bead and a cord, and then pick up a new bead for free at the end of each lap they walked.  That way they have a physical reminder of the day and a count of how many laps they were able to get finished.  We were swamped all day (and night) with people picking up their beads and by the end were friends with them as we saw them so many times.  One woman had taken over as captain of their team as they had recently lost their captain to cancer - and I don't know for sure, but she must have reached 20 miles or more.  And one cute little boy who just raced around proudly declared at one point he had just finished his 21th lap!

Luminaria in honor of and in memory of those who experience cancer

That is the kind of thing we do this for...friends, family, babies, and old timers who have been stricken with cancer.  Not all of them survive, so someone else takes up the torch and carries on for them.  I know I'll be back next year - knees willing.

Onsies for the babies and hand crocheted pink ribbons

Sunset over the Relay for Life 06-05-2010

See you all next year - God Willing

It's 3:52 AM...do you know what lap we're on?

They are playing Greased Lighting over the speakers and having a "dance party" and things are still pretty happening here at the relay.  I've been here since 8:30 this morning and have decided to just stay up till the end.  I am done walking - just hanging out and talking.  My knees held up pretty well which makes me very happy.  Only 4 more hours and it will all be over until next year.  I think I will do it again.  Pictures will have to wait until tomorrow...or Monday...

One more day until the Relay for Life...

I am starting to get excited about the event ~ just hoping the weather cooperates and it doesn't rain.  Otherwise my hour walk from 1:00-2:00 AM will be less than enjoyable!  Since this is my first time at this event I had no idea there were so many things to do during the 24 hours!  Limbo, lip sync, crazy hair, ice cream eating, etc.  I guess I won't be sleeping much, but that is part of the fun. 

I doubt there is anyone out there whose life has not been touched by cancer and the havoc it can wreak on a family.  I have had family members, friends, and even Gracie my whippet was lost to cancer.  Any and all charities fighting these diseases are where my support will always be directed and I hope that we can come up with more successful treatments in the near future. 

Of course when I was getting the dog's breakfast ready this morning I managed to wrench both knees...not just the bad one.  How did I do it you ask?  I tried to step over a toy Anneke had left on the kitchen floor and to my dismay I stepped on it and a knuckle bone that was hiding underneath.  I am ashamed to admit it...but I said some very bad words.  I will just have to take it easy tomorrow and walk more slowly than my normal pace.  I have already told my teammates that I will not be partaking in any running, sack racing, skipping, or limbo a little lower now...so they will have to take up the slack there. 

Have a great weekend everyone.  Hopefully I will have some great pictures to post.