Sad News - Alicia

Alicia Parlette, whom I went to school with, is in the hospital dying from cancer. She fought hard and bravely for five years after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her hip, breast and lungs. She was working for the SF Chronicle when she was diagnosed and was asked to document her story for the paper. (Read more about her story here.) 

Whenever I think about other people with cancer (especially those I know with it), it makes me really sad and mad, but at the same time grateful that I am doing better. I understand what it's like to get the news that "they've found something", to live off of hope and the understanding that, at least for me, you never really know what's going to happen. I've been told that the uncertainty would drive most people nuts. But then again, isn't that life anyways - you can't predict the future. All you can do is keep moving forward...

My thoughts are with you, Alicia.

Wheelchair and other things.

Ok! I finally got my new wheels, check 'em out (the cat wasn't too happy with me...). I do get a lot of comments on the fab green color. I got this from MedTech and it's perfect - it's a proSPIN 4x from Invacare. Smaller than the "other" one, lighter and just plain cooler. Best part; it has a butt pillow! A $450 one at that. The cushion is an Invacare InTouch Flovair. It is basically temperpedic foam with a gel/air topper. Super comfy. Normally when I would go places, I'd transfer to another chair. But this cushion is so nice, I don't really transfer out unless I need to.

Let's talk about all the cool features of this wheelchair. First, it only weighs about 28 lbs. So, it's about 12 lbs. lighter than the other one. We already talked about the cushion, but what a difference it makes. The back of the chair is shorter and I can adjust the tension as needed. I also added anti-tippers since some ramps a are little steep and freak me out. Just a safety thing. I also got swing away arm rests that are lower than the ones on the other chair. I opted for this because it makes it easier to get in and out of the chair. I also opted for the foam covered rests instead of the padded ones because the cover on the padding can crack and break with too much wear and tear. I got no puncture wheels. They're a little heavier but I won't have to worry about flats. I also got larger caster wheels on the front to help go over bumps/edges and carpet. The chair also has swing in or out leg rests. So awesome and convenient! Best part is, most of these items come off for easier lifting. The wheels pop off, the arm rests come off, the leg rests come off and the cushion does as well. The whole things folds up and can easily be transported. So, in short - I'm really happy and excited about this new chair!

Speaking of being in this chair, let's talk about the kid at Subway who is much braver than I. Basically, went to Subway to get a sandwich - so good! Yum! Anyways, went to pay and he asked me, "So, are you paralyzed or  just hurt?" Ummm... how to answer because technically I have "partial paraplegia" - so kinda paralyzed... but I'm also kinda hurt. I didn't feel like explaining my past year to him, so I said, "Just hurt." He replied, "Oh, ok. Because you look like you're just hurt, not paralyzed." Oh. Ok. Apparently I need to work on my "paralyzed" look - whatever that is. I wasn't upset or offended by his comment. I was just taken back by how bluntly he just asked. I mean, how many times do we see people in wheelchairs and we want to know what happened but we're too "politically correct" or polite to ask? So we just look. And that's probably the worst because, guess what - I can see you looking at me and asking me with your eyes, "What happened?" Maybe I should just get a shirt that says, "I might not be able to walk, but I can still see you." LOL! It's fine, really.

But, let's also talk about how inaccessible the world really is if you're in a wheelchair. Doors are hard! I still have issues opening some of them, especially the one to the bathroom at the Cancer Center - in the hospital! What's up with that? Then the things that are high up, like at the grocery store, yeah... Aisles that are too narrow or there's too much stuff in the way (hello World Market, I love your store, but move your shit. Big girl coming through.) And stairs! I can't even go to my friends new place because she's on the second floor! Then there's the bathrooms. Dear able bodied people, please do not use the ONE handicapped stall when you have, oh, I don't know, five other ones to use. Nothing erks me more than having to WAIT for someone who can actually WALK to get out of the handicapped bathroom. Yes, I know it's bigger and well, you had your toddler with you, but seriously? Get a clue and be more considerate. And then able bodied people that "BORROW" a disabled placard to get a closer parking spot or sit and wait in a disabled spot - WTF? All of us with those placard had to EARN them by either being old or actually disabled. And guess what - we actually need to park that close. So quit being rude and use your legs that actually work.

I think that's all the venting I need to do today. So, just stay out of my bathroom and parking spaces and we can all continue to get along. LOL!