Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – Day 512

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Good morning, everyone.

Well… I think my immune system may have just thrown up the white flag this morning. When my nose starts running, it usually isn’t long before the rest of my body joins the rebellion. Maybe I’m wrong—but the growing pile of used Kleenex is usually a pretty reliable early warning system. Seriously, I hope I’m wrong.

I don’t want to take a turn for the worst, tomorrow I’m supposed to get “measured” for a feeding tube. I’m not exactly sure what’s being measured, but I’m told this one will be custom. Maybe they measure the stoma—the opening where the tube is inserted. That’s the only part that makes sense to me.

I wonder if there’s a catalog of all the 2026 feeding-tube options. Here I was thinking feeding tubes were standard, off-the-shelf products. You can buy one online for under $100… although the installation probably runs closer to $10,000.

Yesterday turned out to be a busy day: a morning shower, physical therapy, and a visit from my brother Tim and his daughter, Marianna.

I realize it probably seems strange to list “showering” as part of a busy day, but the amount of energy it takes is exhausting. I’m getting close to the point where someone else may need to take over the washing part. Is that considered a spa service, or nursing care? Either way, I’m guessing it’s pricey.

Stephanie, my physical therapist, came by in the early afternoon. I asked her to review the leg-stretching exercises—ones that really require a second person (read: Cindy) to do properly. We had gone through them before at the hospital PT clinic, but I didn’t keep up with them as well as I should have. I tried to do what I could on my own, but it’s clear I need help. So… one more task added to Cindy’s already full checklist.

We talked about transfers from the wheelchair. This is a big concern for me. Stephanie assured me that I’m a long way from being unable to transfers…there are a lot of props that can be used to get from one place to another. I’m still concerned so I’m going to be compliant on the stretching exercises. Last chance.

As we wrapped up PT, my brother Tim was knocking on the door. I’d asked him to stop by to help with a few light projects, and he brought Marianna along. She’s on break from the University of Illinois, and we hadn’t seen her over the holidays when the family stopped by for caroling before Christmas.

This is Marianna’s last semester of college, and she has 22 credit hours packed into it. That sounds like enough work for two semesters to me.

By around 2:00 p.m., they were still here, and I was completely wiped out. I was having some CO₂ buildup, so I laid down with the ventilator mask on—and promptly fell asleep for two hours. Tim and Marianna were gone by then. Sorry I missed saying goodbye, and thank you both for all your help. And good luck to Marianna on her final (very busy) semester of undergrad.

I’m going to feed this supposed cold some chicken broth, while trying not to choke, and hope I can nip it in the bud. I really don’t feel that bad, so maybe it’s nothing.🤞

Have a great Wednesday. Love you guys! ❤️

Random photos for today.

I was sent a photo of what looks to be my doppelgänger. I’ll let you be the judge. You can compare it to the other posted photo. Sorry if I’ve sent this out previously.