the date has been set

After multiple talks with dustin's orthopedic doctor and the prosthetic team he has come to realize his decision. Dustin has chosen the route that should lead to quickest recovery possible. He has chosen living his life over waiting, hoping that someday he will have a life again. After much thought, prayer, information, and soul searching dustin has decided to let the doctors take his leg.

As i mentioned before they will be removing the leg above his knee (approx. where the break is), after surgery we will be in the hospital for another week or two; but therapy will start almost immediately. they will begin working with his thigh muscle in his residual limb (the remaining part of his right leg) to strengthen those muscles and get him ready to wear his prosthesis. the doctor's feel that the break in his left leg will not prohibit him from standing on it right away (the fracture was minimal), and the rehab team will help to strenghten that leg and teach him to adjust to having to rely on the prosthesis.

this rehab process will be grueling, but is necessary for him to regain normal function in his leg. he is preparing himself for the battle ahead, and knows that his willingness to work is everything. dustin has goals of walking, running, working out, getting back to work, starting a family with me, and eventually getting back on a bike again. with these goals in sight he will be able to keep his eye on the target.

Tuesday will be the day that we say good bye to dustin's right leg.

as the doctor told us "this is not the end; just a new beginning"