Like you i have not been on in awhile, but I was very glad to see an update from you when I checked in. You really have made the most of this second chance. That is so fantastic. Keep it up and keep dancing through life (figuratively and literally). You are a great inspiration.
Thank you for the post, I hope you are doing well! It has been a very busy time for me at work; and it wore me down quite a bit. Fortunately, things ... Read more
Thank you for the post, I hope you are doing well! It has been a very busy time for me at work; and it wore me down quite a bit. Fortunately, things are back to a more normal condition now.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
John Lund
On September 18, 2012...
Wow a year! Great milestone John. Congratulations. Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration. All good with me.
It has been quite a year! It has gone by much more quickly than I thought it would at the beginning.
It is good learn that you are doing well.
Take care,
John
On July 25, 2012...
John, Congrats on the excellent report from your doctor. I'm so glad echo and visit went well and you are healthy. Congrats also for your 1st place dance win. That is really awesome. It sounds like other than some long hard days at work, you are doing very well. I wish you continued good health & happiness. Stay well and enjoy the rest of your summer. Janis Kielbasa
Thank you for your kind words! It is always nice to hear from you!
I hope you are having a great summer and getting ready to go kayaking soon if you have not done so yet.
Before I got into dancing, I had been thinking of getting a kayak, I had thought that would be fun also. There are lots of places to do that along the Tennessee river. I have a canoe, but have not been out in it for years.
Now, my outdoor activity mostly involves riding my lawnmower; although my daughter talked me into getting my bicycle fixed up so I could go riding with her and her boyfriend when it cools down.
Take care!
John
On July 23, 2012...
Wait, you're telling me you're single? I wish I had known that sooner! -Jason P.
Hi John, I just read your update. I will check out your you tube. You have to be beaming with pride at your accomplishments and progress. Getting out there and doing what you love even when you are tired tests us all. You are an inspiration because you go for it. Just awesome, my friend. Stay well. Janis Kielbasa
Thank you for your very kind words. I guess all things considered, I am doing very well, my dancing is improving and I am having some fun doing ... Read more
Thank you for your very kind words. I guess all things considered, I am doing very well, my dancing is improving and I am having some fun doing it. My exercises are going well also, my overall condition is improving. I go to the cardiologist next Friday to see what he has to say. My main issue is a lack of sleep and I need to be careful of that.
I am getting ready to go to some dance lessons with Emily now.
Take care!
John
On June 27, 2012...
Hi John, just read your update ( have not been on HVJ much lately). I loved it! Not because you threw a hissy, but because it provided valuable perspective. We all need to realize how from we have come and how
lucky we are to be as healed as we are. Like you, I often forget and get frustrated that I am not better than I am. But let's be real, we are amazing. We have come so far and are SO lucky to be where we are. Getting frustrated is a sign of our progress!!! So, let's try to realize how blessed we are. And also be easy on ourselves for wanting more and getting frustrated. I know, easier said than done, but beating ourselves up after getting frustrated only makes it worse. So, we do the best we can and that should be good enough. Keep on dancing my friend, literally and figureatively.
Great to hear from you; I hope you are doing well, it sounds like you are.
After calming down, I did feel badly about how I had behaved. Fortunately, I kept it pretty low key, and not too many other people knew about it. Poor Emily received the most of my ranting and she apparently did not tell other people about it.
But you are correct we have come a long way. I am dancing, and I feel better all the time while doing it during the comp and socially; just got upset about the scoring afterwards. As Emily said, that is something we have no control over, and we can't let it affect us or it affects our later dances, partner, and other people. She said she and her partner have had similar experiences in their competitions.
I am very thankful for where I am and what I can do now. I need to work on things that I can control and not let the other things bother me. I am improving and that is what counts.
Take care!
John
On June 23, 2012...
Well all my classmates got ahead of me ! Dog gone.
You look great & im proud of you. But i am insanely jealous of all the great dresses in the contest. Always wanted some of those You look great. Thx for sharing
When we get to our UNION - as jeff calls it - i know all the girls will want to dance w- you Save onebfor me !!
Keep it up. Hugs. Nancy friedman.
St louis. 2-9-12 avr
I learned about the YouTube videos Friday evening at the party; one of Emily's students told me about item; it seems like I am the last to know.
I miss seeing you and dancing with you also; it has been quite a while now.
John
On June 20, 2012...
John, just read your update. Don't be so hard on yourself. Being competitive is good but being a sour puss not so much. Say your sorry to whoever needs to hear it and move on. Emily sounds like an amazing dance partner and I'm sure she understands. Having a winning attitude is important as is a even temperament. So get out there and kick butt but do it with a smile. Janis K.
Thanks for your comments. Emily is amazing as a dancer, instructor, person, and dance partner. Fortunately she is also very patient and understanding. ... Read more
Thanks for your comments. Emily is amazing as a dancer, instructor, person, and dance partner. Fortunately she is also very patient and understanding. She said she has felt the same way as I did in some of the competitions she has participated in also. I was pretty rough on her and have apologized several times. I had bought some Godiva chocolates (dark which are her favorite) and Godiva chocolate liqueur before the competition to give her as thanks for her support during the competition. I gave them to her the day after the competition; so that also helped. There is one other person I might need to apologize to also, if she heard me, which I hope she did not.
I let the judges' decision get to me, and that was a mistake, as it affected me and Emily the most. She had plenty of other things going on and I needed to stay focused on my dancing, which I did not.
Emily has been pleased with my progress, and one of the judges, who also coaches me, told me I had improved since she saw me last year. That was good to hear, especially with what I have been through.
I need to stay focused, keep improving, and kick butt (while smiling)!!
Take care!
John
On June 20, 2012...
John, just reading the list of dances you had to perform made me tired! I know you are disappointed in your "behavior", but....it takes a real man to admit they acted poorly with no excuses. I commend you for that!
I predict your next competition will be much different. I also suspect that there were some "surreal" moments involved, perhaps subconsciously that contributed to your "bad boy" behavior.
Keep up the hard work and put this episode where it belongs...in the "I won't do that again" file!
Keep on dancin.....
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
I think there were some background issues and problems leading up to the competition that made me a bit more vulnerable to having bad behavior; kind of like the straw that broke the camel's back. I used to be very bad about that; but fortunately do a lot better now, for the most part anyway.
I will definitely keep on dancing, and also try very hard to behave better.
Emily has been very good and supportive of me and helped me understand the judging situation better. She said it happens to everyone from time to time.
John
On June 16, 2012...
Back to competing, such great news for you John. At the end, be sure to rip open your short and show them what you got, a new zipper chest! Good luck.
Thanks, I am a little frustrated because a shirt I had ordered for this weekend will not make it but my lessons/rehearsals last night went well. ... Read more
Thanks, I am a little frustrated because a shirt I had ordered for this weekend will not make it but my lessons/rehearsals last night went well.
Just need to relax and enjoy dancing now.
John
On June 14, 2012...
John, Happy 9 month anniversary. I think I love reading your posts because you have mixed exercise with what you love to do, dance. You are keeping your body and spirit strong. Your heart is repaired and full. Awesome!! Janis K.
Thanks, I had my final lessons/rehearsals last night, worked on a few problem areas, but overall they went well. I just need to relax and enjoy ... Read more
Thanks, I had my final lessons/rehearsals last night, worked on a few problem areas, but overall they went well. I just need to relax and enjoy dancing this weekend. Dancing is a great way to exercise, lots of fun too!
John
On May 16, 2012...
Hi John. Great to read you continue to do so well. Keep on dancing! It seems like a good way to go through life. Take care.
-Mitch Friedman
My cardiologist is quite pleased that I continue with my dancing.
It is good exercise and great fun!
John
On May 15, 2012...
Happy 8 months!! Wow, you have come so far and done so well. I know it is not easy but your positive attitude, work ethic and spirit have served you well while on this road of recovery. You have so much to be proud of, so much to be thankful for and so much to yet enjoy. Your posts always an inspiration. Continued health, love and happiness!! Janis Kielbasa
Nice to hear from you!
It seems like a long time ago that you were preparing for your surgery. Time does fly.
I have enjoyed your posts, especially your poems!
Take care,
John
On March 18, 2012...
John, glad to read you got a good report and all is well with your liver. You have been through enough, as we all have, so glad you are back on track!
Good to hear!! That little guy, Mr. Liver is an important organ and glad it is working well now. You've done so well and continue to inspire us to keep moving towards our goals. For me, it is a daily mental exercise to get my body to daily exercise. Reading of everyone's accomplishments is good for my "Catholic Guilt" and helps push me out the door for my 2 miles trek. LOL. Continue good health and recovery to you, John!! Hugs, Janis Kielbasa
Regular exercise is important. My routine has been thrown off a bit due to the remodeling of the Livewell center at work. I was just getting a routine established, and have to try to find another routine temporarily. It is easy for me to quit and difficult to establish. There are too many other things to do once I get home, which is why I prefer doing my exercise before coming home. I just have to make a better effort once I get home.
I did get some good exercise dancing last night. One of the instructors had me dance the Viennese Waltz and Quickstep with her, definitely got my heart rate up. But, I was also more careful to take breaks and not over do it last night.
Take care Janis, and keep walking!
John
On March 15, 2012...
Hi John, you seem to really be doing great. It is obvious that dancing is big to you, so I am very glad to read you have that back in your life in such a big way. I am sure dancing again will do wonders for your spirit too.
I started dancing 4 years ago and have really enjoyed it. It is a great social activity and dancing also is great exercise and helps with the ... Read more
I started dancing 4 years ago and have really enjoyed it. It is a great social activity and dancing also is great exercise and helps with the mind - body interaction. One person who knew me from before I started told me my overall movement is much smoother now.
Take care, best wishes for you as you resume more of your normal activities.
John
On March 14, 2012...
Man. This iPad really sucks. When it changes words. I hope you get the gist of it below. Ha ha
I have an iPhone, so know what you are talking about. The auto feature does throw me a few curves when I am trying to send a message.
I think the information about it taking a full year is correct. I am doing very well at half a year an have no complaints, but I think the surgery affected me physically, emotionally, and psychologically. That is a big impact and will take a while to fully recover. Plus, I think the surgery changes us in other ways and maybe gives us a different and new outlook on life in general. So there is a lot going on!
It is good to see how well you are doing in your recovery. I have really enjoyed reading your poems to the other people as they are getting ready for their surgery.
Take care,
John
On March 14, 2012...
Hi John. Always
Enjoy your posts. And so glad to hear how good you're doing. C grats. But as everyone says. Take it easy ! I was just told it will take a full year to sell ' me ' again. I feel great. 5 weeks post Thursday 3/15. But yeah get tired if I do too much. Naps still feel very good
But back to you. Am so proud of all you're accomplishing. Best to you always
Thanks for Having been there for me ! Nancy. Stnlouis mo. 2/9/12. Done.
Whew John...your schedule wore me out to read it. No wonder you need some R and R. Hope things get better at work and calm down a bit. Sounds really intense! Hang in there...hope things are really going to be more calm for you! Jamie Todor
Hi John. You sure had a busy week. Glad to read that you got some dancing in; from some of your posts and your photos, it's obvious this is one of your passions. Thanks for the song suggestion on my Guestbook - I've always been a Beatles fan, so I won't be surprised if one of their's cracks the top ten Heart Songs. Take care.
- Jim Smith
John Lund Hi Jim,
I started dancing 4 years ago, something I had thought of doing off and on for a long time. It is a lot of fun. I was in high school when The Beatles ... Read more
John Lund Hi Jim,
I started dancing 4 years ago, something I had thought of doing off and on for a long time. It is a lot of fun. I was in high school when The Beatles came over, I think I first heard them on a late night TV show in 1962. it was a great time; early on, there were Beatle weekends when the only songs that were played on the radio were by The Beatles. They pretty much broke up after I graduated college in 1970 to my and a lot of others disappointment; but their music lives on.
Thanks for thinking of the Heart Song contest.
John
On March 4, 2012...
Hey you!! so glad to see you got to enjoy some dancing this weekend. I'm sure it was a welcome relief from your busy work schedule. Won't you miss that recliner? I know I should move mine back to the spare bedroom...but me and Teddy the pooch like to watch, "The Voice" in it still. LOL. Have a great week. We had rain, sleet and snow all weekend. I'm hoping to see a robin and some sunshine very soon. Cheers, Janis K.
John Lund Hi Janis,
It was good to get in some dancing. Having a low key party was probably good as I did not dance as much as I might have otherwise, so I did not overdo ... Read more
John Lund Hi Janis,
It was good to get in some dancing. Having a low key party was probably good as I did not dance as much as I might have otherwise, so I did not overdo it. I had a good time overall. I will miss the recliner, it is much more comfortable than the other chairs that are at my son's place. I had a pajama day today, at least until the early afternoon when it was time to put them in the wash. I did chores, but also laid in bed and napped and read, so a pretty restful day for the most part. Too bad about your weather, I guess you did not get to do much walking this weekend. Hope it clears up and you get to see the robin and have some sunshine soon!
John
On March 4, 2012...
Hi John, I always appreciate your posts. This one is a good reminder of the importance of rest. You do what you have to do, then find time to rest when you can. You are a good model for us all. Keep up the good work.
John Lund Hi Mitch,
I worked more than I really should have, but it was something that was needed. I just had to cut back significantly on my other activities. I hope ... Read more
John Lund Hi Mitch,
I worked more than I really should have, but it was something that was needed. I just had to cut back significantly on my other activities. I hope to catch up on them a bit now. Staying home today was really good for me, it was not a complete day of rest, but it was a good one.
It is hard to believe that it has been over 4 weeks since your surgery, you are doing very well, keep it up.
John
On February 28, 2012...
Thanks John for your post. Great to see your progress. Continue to do what you can and rest when needed. Keep up the good work.
Wow, your work schedule has been crazy busy since your return. It hard enough putting in the long hours when your 100%. then add just had open heart! Take Care of yourself and try and get some down time in whenever possible. Have fun dancing!! Janis Kielbasa
I work in the design group at a nuclear plant. It is a job a job that demands a lot most all of the time and it gets even more demanding during ... Read more
I work in the design group at a nuclear plant. It is a job a job that demands a lot most all of the time and it gets even more demanding during inspections, refueling outages, etc. We are in the last week of a five week inspection, so it should taper off and become more reasonable next week. I should get in a bit more dancing and down time then.
John
On February 26, 2012...
John. Glad you're doing so very weel. I'm not near you yet but gaining on you ! Your posts are always so encouraging l
Fla keys is great. Doing walks with dick - moving as we say in the right direction. Had our first party - & I did pretty well. No dancing but it was good to be with everyone Was hard to believe it was me they were asking " how I was". Thx. Be well. Nancy Friedman. St Louis mo
Good to learn that you are doing well and enjoying your recovery time in the Florida Keys. I grew up a bit below West Palm Beach, but only remember ... Read more
Good to learn that you are doing well and enjoying your recovery time in the Florida Keys. I grew up a bit below West Palm Beach, but only remember going to the keys once as a child, and mainly remember the ride over the bridges. I was in Key West last year during a cruise excursion, so that was only for a few hours.
You seem to be doing quite well with your recovery. Have fun, but be careful about partying.
John Lund
On February 26, 2012...
John,
Good to hear you have more capabilities back than most workers have that have not gone through OHS!!
I am really pleased with what I have been able to do recently. I have a lot to be thankful for all things considered. However, I do hope the ... Read more
I am really pleased with what I have been able to do recently. I have a lot to be thankful for all things considered. However, I do hope the work effort slacks off a bit.
I liked the pictures you posted in your journal. It looks like you have a great family!
John, Try and work some rest in between those long work hours. You have a hard schedule so do take some time to just be lazy in the lazy boy once in awhile, my friend. I'm so glad you get to enjoy your passion of dance which also is probably one of the best exercise classes one could have. You are doing incredible. I will try and follow in your footsteps, of course I have 2 left feet so I'll be a lot slower and make you laugh...but try never the less. So in awe of you...with that said...do work in some rest!! Janis Kielbasa
Thank you for your very kind comments! I have actually spent time in a Lazy Boy the past several evenings, which is a bit of a change. However, ... Read more
Thank you for your very kind comments! I have actually spent time in a Lazy Boy the past several evenings, which is a bit of a change. However, I realized that was what I needed to do. I tried to watch some DVDs and programs, but spent most of the time dozing. I am puttering around now, doing laundry and paying bills, but taking it easy, waiting to hear from my son. I want to get in a work out, but other than that, not doing anything very taxing today. Johan and I will probably go out for dinner and a movie later.
Hey, there are a lot of different dances, so don't give up before you try some, you might surprise yourself. As some of the instructors say, dance is just a variation of walking, and you like to do that!! I kind of felt the same way before I started. As an Engineer, I was way out of my comfort zone.
Take care, and enjoy your walks, just be careful not to over do them. :-)
John
On February 20, 2012...
Yes, my friend John. Taking it easy, especially when you feel good, is HARD! No other way to put. I find I feel great, want to do more, and hit the wall and must sit down, then I usually fall asleep. Or, the next day, my body slows me down by being tired. So, slow and steady wins this race. Need me to mail you a toy turtle!
Also, give yourself some credit. You might not being doing it all, but what you are doing is nothing short of incredible. So join me now. Here is to John, hip, hip hooray!
Taking it is easy is a bit of a challenge. I remember a few weeks after the surgery going out for a walk, I was feeling very good and decided to ... Read more
Taking it is easy is a bit of a challenge. I remember a few weeks after the surgery going out for a walk, I was feeling very good and decided to do another lap around the parking lot. About half way around I felt as if someone had pulled a plug and the energy just drained out of me. It took me a few days to recover after that. I need to remember the tortoise and the hare story, thanks for the reminder. Still need to keep balance.
Also, many thanks for the cheer, I really am surprised at how well I feel and how much I can do already, especially now that I am not so young.
Take care, and thank you for the message.
John
On February 18, 2012...
Hi John,
You are so good at giving us all support and advice. I am happy to hear that you are listening to yourself now. It does really feel good to just relax once in a while. You did put in a very long week. I know we all feel like we went through so much that we never want to hear about another health issue again. Recently I complained to my cardio. about an annoying heart rhythm. He said it was nothing to worry about, but of course that is tough advise to follow.
Relax you earned it.
Jane
Most surgeons, cardiologists, and general physicians have not experienced what we have gone through. I sometimes think that they do not fully appreciate ... Read more
Most surgeons, cardiologists, and general physicians have not experienced what we have gone through. I sometimes think that they do not fully appreciate our concerns about what we are telling them about our symptoms! I think they mean well, but it is still frustrating.
I did slow down this week in some ways, but this was a busy week at work. I went back in today to work in peace and quiet in an effort to work on the resolution of some issues that came up last week. Monday is a holiday for me though and I will take it easy.
John
On February 18, 2012...
John, It appears that things are moving in the right direction for you. Yes, keep on top of blood work, you need to keep that liver healthy. I'm glad you took a day to rest, you needed a pajama day. Enjoy the weekend and work in some fun. Janis Kielbasa
I actually had two dance lessons Saturday, they were great. Then I went to the health club to exercise, only the second workout this week thanks to work; but, I think missing one actually helped my body as I felt much better. Then some grocery shopping and home where I collapsed and dozed while watching TV. Finally just went to bed around 10:30.
Got up and got to work at 8:00 this morning so I could respond to some questions the inspectors had raised last week in peace and quiet. Left work at 6:00 and now I am home doing odds and ends. Working today was not so bad, and I do get the holiday off Monday; so, I am pacing myself a bit.
Tomorrow will be a fun day!
John
On February 18, 2012...
Make sure you listen to your body John! Enjoy reading your updates and dancing with You! Take good care of yourself.
Thanks, I really would have liked to have gone to DWTKSs and the party last night, but I worked late Thursday and was tired, and worked a bit late ... Read more
Thanks, I really would have liked to have gone to DWTKSs and the party last night, but I worked late Thursday and was tired, and worked a bit late Friday, and was more tired, so decided not to go again last night.
Although, this morning I realized there was probably some carry over from the performances Thursday to the party and have some regrets about not going last night. I do have dance lessons with Lisa and Emily today and needed to be rested for those.
I do hope to get to dance with you soon!!
Take care!
John
On February 16, 2012...
Mmm. Sounds like you need to plan another Valentine's day where you don't have to work so hard! I can relate to having the ability to work really hard then have to pay the price later. Maybe we are expecting too much too soon???
I strained the sternum last week. I thought it was fully healed - but apparently not!
Rosemary Sutherland
It sounded strange when you talked about summer weather in your post,although I know that your seasons are the opposite of ours.
It has been a rough week, we have a big inspection going on and have to provide answers quickly. I have worked extra each day and missed out on some fun activities as well as a workout. I don't have a sweetheart, so it does not really matter in regards to Valentine's Day.
In regards to the sternum strain, I had some pain along my sternum and the surgeon said it was probably in the connections between the ribs and the sternum and was caused by spreading the sternum apart after it had been cut. The bones usually heal more quickly than the connective tissues. I have had some minor back pain, but nothing as bad as yours.
Take care,
John
On February 15, 2012...
Hi John, sorry to hear of your frustrating day. About your cholesterol and meds...none of my business but...I am a medical laboratory technologist (recently retired). There are soooo many medications that can affect your cholesterol that you would never think of. I definitely would not stop the statin without first talking to your cardiologist "firsthand"...not the nurse. And I also would stop taking the supplement until you talk with him. Nothing against the nurse, but I have been in the medical field for over 30 years and sometimes I know for fact that they will tell patients whatever comes to mind and they may not always be right. Again, this is generally speaking. But I know that statins are an important part of heart disease treatment, I have been on Lipitor for about 4 years, not because of my cholesterol, it is in the normal range, but because they believe it also slows the progression of aortic stenosis. So...in my humble opinion, this would be worth scheduling an appointment with your doc, so you can sit down with him and hear it with your own ears, directly from him. And according to excerps from Dr. Gillinov's book "Heart 411", there really have been no studies to show that CQ10 has any heart benefits. Good luck and if I have overstepped just tell me to mind my own business! Just concerned.
Thanks for the great feedback. I know first hand that a nurse is not always correct. I was sick with sinus issues earlier this year. I went to ... Read more
Thanks for the great feedback. I know first hand that a nurse is not always correct. I was sick with sinus issues earlier this year. I went to the doctor's office after a few days and saw a nurse, the doctor was too busy to see me. She checked me out and told me to take some Benadryl; I asked her if it would affect my other medicine, I had given her a list, and she told me it would not. I took half a tablet before going to rehab one day. My heart rate was about 25 bpm higher than normal during the exercises. I discussed this with my rehab nurse afterwards. She asked me if I had taken my medicine and I said that I had taken it. I also told her about the Benadryl; her expression changed and she told me that was why my heart rate had increased and to look for another specific kind if I needed it. I did not take anymore after that and the heart rate has settled down again.
I give my cardiologist and physcian a list of my medications and supplements each time I visit them; so they have reviewed the list. But I think I will stop the CQ10 just to see what happens; actually did not take it this morning. I will learn more after the next chemistry analysis in 4 weeks.
Thanks again for the feedback. I figured there would be someone in the HVJ family that could help me with this; or at least commiserate with me.
John
On February 14, 2012...
Oh John, Sorry you had such a long and frustrating day. I feel like that when I'm on the phone with the coumadin clinic. Hope you get some answers tomorrow. Keep us updated. Janis Kielbasa
I have been fortunate so far, with just a few bumps in the road on my recovery; hopefully this is another one. I suspect my regular doctor ... Read more
I have been fortunate so far, with just a few bumps in the road on my recovery; hopefully this is another one. I suspect my regular doctor wants to check with the cardiologist first. I may call and speak with the surgeon's nurse to get some feedback from him. He said I could call if I ever had questions, and he was the one the initially prescribed the medication.
I did have the best sleep in a while last night, so maybe a day off from my workout was not a bad thing. I just don't like to break with the routine.
Have a nice day!
John
On February 14, 2012...
Happy Valentine's day to you too day. Yes, this day aka "heart day" has very special meaning to all of us that have been fixed. Our hearts have been touched, literally and figuratively, and we will forever be better for that. Have a great day. -Mitch Friedman
Thanks for letting me know you made the post below and your kind words! It is frustrating to me to see a post in my Guestbook and not know who made ... Read more
Thanks for letting me know you made the post below and your kind words! It is frustrating to me to see a post in my Guestbook and not know who made it.
It is very easy to over do it when I am feeling good and able to do things I really enjoy. It is also easy to forget that I am still recovering from major surgery during those times.
I have really enjoyed reading the posts in your journal, it is great to learn how other people respond to their heart surgery, both in the preparation for it and the recovery after it, and you have been very open and honest about your experience. I think that is a great help to everyone here. I wish you continued success in your recovery (slowly and steadily).
John
On February 13, 2012...
Great post John. Thank you. It is a great reminder to me that even further along in recovery, the same lessons apply. Slow and steady wins the race. I know it sucks when you have to actually follow your own advice for others. I would offer you great pearls of wisdom, but instead I offer you this. Go review what you have written to many of us. There is no better advice out there! Stay strong and keep doing it in small doses.
Uploading your photo!
Like you i have not been on in awhile, but I was very glad to see an update from you when I checked in. You really have made the most of this second chance. That is so fantastic. Keep it up and keep dancing through life (figuratively and literally). You are a great inspiration.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman