A little better, a little stronger

Today is the first day in quite awhile that I've been alone, and I'm managing all right. Marty had to go out to a doctor's appointment in the mid-morning, and Laurel was supposed to be here as soon as she finished with some appointments, but things must have taken longer than she expected. Marty has called to check in several times, and right now he's getting his hair cut before heading home.

I'm still having problems with coughing and irregular breathing. I called Lauren a few hours ago, and she suggested that I concentrate on trying to breathe slowly and deeply--in through the nose and out through the mouth, to try to bring the spasming under control. It's working to some extent, and I definitely feel less weak than I have been feeling for the past few days.

Things are coming together for the celebration--RSVP's continue to trickle in, and today Marty is sending out reminders. It looks like it will be a bit smaller than I first envisioned, but there will be lots of people there that I haven't seen in awhile and will bring together people from many different segments of my life.

I got a lot of sleep last night, but Marty didn't come to bed till very late. So when I woke up around seven, I was able to come into the living room, turn on the air conditioner, and get myself settled in my chair. Marty woke up around eight, very confused at not finding me in bed, but I wanted to make sure he got as much sleep as possible.

Although I feel somewhat tired and weak today, I am much stronger than I have been over the past few days. I've been able to go from the chair to the bathroom and back without feeling totally exhausted by the effort...these days, I guess that's about as good as it gets.