It's been a rough weekend and I have found myself having lots of negative feelings. The pain and pressure from the new stint were annoying and frustrating. I couldn't wait to remove it on Monday. I thought it would come out and I would finally be free of all foreign things in my body. I thought I would head straight to Coshocton to be with grandchildren, family and friends!
As soon as I removed it I started having spasms in my bladder and my kidney. The kidney pain was very scary and I was sure something serious was happening. I spoke to the Clinic 3 times and was assured this would be normal for 24 hours.
I cried a lot and I was mad a lot. I truly felt like I was dying. By evening I just gave in and I prayed. I took a spasm pill and a pain pill and went to sleep around 1am.
I'm better today. Still not feeling the energy I thought I would have but I'm sure it will come. Still feeling a little weepy and exhausted but I'm sure those too will pass.
I'm thankful that most of the back pain is now gone and the upset stomach when I eat seems to have left with the stint removal.
I have not been the easiest person to be around and I thank my parents, my daughter and my husband for their unending patience with me.
I can't wait for the blog post when I say....."It was a great week!" Maybe week 6......
love to all.....
Leslie
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Week Four....The Runaway Stint (part one)
Hello Family & Friends...
I'm not going to post my usual "book" of information tonight. We just returned home from our 2nd time to the Clinic this week and I just took a pain pill.
My little 15-30 procedure in the office on Tuesday, turned into an hour and a half surgery today. Good news is that I'm home.
Last week my back pain and pressure became worse then on Sunday I started to bleed. We headed to the clinic on Tuesday to have some tests and take out the stint. Nothing seemed to go smooth that day which was probably an omen for the stint removal not going well. My stint had moved UP and kinked and they couldn't do it with a local anesthetic...bummer. We came home. Everything was scheduled to be complete that day at 11am. We left the clinic at 4pm knowing that I would have to go back over. Thank you to my "girl team" of Valerie, Ida and Mom! We got up at 3am that day to make the drive. Lots of waiting room time for them....totally not fun. I love you all.
Mike and I went over on Thursday for more tests. The surgery was today.
Let's talk a minute about this stint. The only stint I am familiar with is my dad's stints in his heart....small...inch or 2 and they look like a little soft spring. That's what I thought I had all this time. I thought mine was like dad's! We found out yesterday that mine is flexible and is a foot or more long....with one end hooking into my kidney and the other end hooking into my bladder. The bladder portion had kinked behind my bladder.
Anyway....it's out and I have a new one for 3 days and I can remove it myself!
Thank you to my Owens Aeroflex guys for helping Mike get the time off to take me yesterday and continuing to be a great support to Mike. It was a tough week for him too.
I'm feeling a bit frustrated and I was even a bit angry earlier but I did a big cry and feel much calmer tonight. There are so many things to be thankful for....If I had kept my appointment for August 2 (which I don't think I could have survived the pain that long) They would have sent me back home and I would have been scheduled for surgery the 2nd week of August. At least I got it all taken care of in a week.
Okay....that's enough for tonight. I made my blog brown because I've had a poopy of a week! Hoping for better things to post during week 5!
Mike and I both send our love to everyone. We are blessed!
I'm not going to post my usual "book" of information tonight. We just returned home from our 2nd time to the Clinic this week and I just took a pain pill.
My little 15-30 procedure in the office on Tuesday, turned into an hour and a half surgery today. Good news is that I'm home.
Last week my back pain and pressure became worse then on Sunday I started to bleed. We headed to the clinic on Tuesday to have some tests and take out the stint. Nothing seemed to go smooth that day which was probably an omen for the stint removal not going well. My stint had moved UP and kinked and they couldn't do it with a local anesthetic...bummer. We came home. Everything was scheduled to be complete that day at 11am. We left the clinic at 4pm knowing that I would have to go back over. Thank you to my "girl team" of Valerie, Ida and Mom! We got up at 3am that day to make the drive. Lots of waiting room time for them....totally not fun. I love you all.
Mike and I went over on Thursday for more tests. The surgery was today.
Let's talk a minute about this stint. The only stint I am familiar with is my dad's stints in his heart....small...inch or 2 and they look like a little soft spring. That's what I thought I had all this time. I thought mine was like dad's! We found out yesterday that mine is flexible and is a foot or more long....with one end hooking into my kidney and the other end hooking into my bladder. The bladder portion had kinked behind my bladder.
Anyway....it's out and I have a new one for 3 days and I can remove it myself!
Thank you to my Owens Aeroflex guys for helping Mike get the time off to take me yesterday and continuing to be a great support to Mike. It was a tough week for him too.
I'm feeling a bit frustrated and I was even a bit angry earlier but I did a big cry and feel much calmer tonight. There are so many things to be thankful for....If I had kept my appointment for August 2 (which I don't think I could have survived the pain that long) They would have sent me back home and I would have been scheduled for surgery the 2nd week of August. At least I got it all taken care of in a week.
Okay....that's enough for tonight. I made my blog brown because I've had a poopy of a week! Hoping for better things to post during week 5!
Mike and I both send our love to everyone. We are blessed!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
3 weeks out....
Hello everyone....
I am feeling better everyday. Admittedly a bit impatient with my progress but see small victories, none the less. I am ready to wake up with energy and a bounce in my step. I am having some back pain when I stand too long and I have lost my passion for my computer, reading and food. What's that all about!
Don't get me wrong....I eat! The meals we are getting from our church family are simply incredible! I just can't eat much and my former passions for breads and desserts seem to be hiding somewhere within(more for Mike). I had delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies this week and I only ate one. Val wanted to know who I was and where her real mom was hiding. She knows my love for desserts!
I consider it all part of God's plan to make me a healthier person. I would have preferred Him telling me in a "burning bush" way or a "dream" rather than this cancer thing but I feel His presence in everything. I am eating 3 small meals a day, nothing much after dinner and continue to walk a 1/2 - 1 mile (30 minutes) I am now down 33 pounds....6 pounds from my weight at Matt & Val's wedding where I think I looked pretty great and I was still at least 30 pounds overweight. This time I will keep eating healthy instead of hanging up my gown and heading to the buffet!
I had a good week at home but it sure was quiet! I think part of my frustration is thinking about all the wallpaper stripping and painting I could be getting done if this healing and recovery time would go a little faster! I would love my little ones to come back to a great new space!
It was Vacation Bible School week at church and I was supposed to be doing the opening and closing music sessions! I was so excited about the sports theme! I had my uniforms and head gear all figured out and lots of fun ideas! I am grateful that Debbie was there to take over for me but I can't help but look at the clock every night at 6pm and think about all the kids and teachers and the lives they are touching and the seeds they are planting! I'll be back next year!
The grandchildren came for a visit last night. It was wonderful to hear those precious words.....Grandma, Grandma, Grandma. They never say it just once! They repeat it over and over again. And they are so careful not to hug too hard and when they come over to snuggle, they want to be sure they aren't hurting me. Grace gave her baby doll a bath in the sink and we powdered and dressed her. (our little mommy). Madison snuggled and play nintendo and computer. It was wonderful to have the sounds of kids back in the house. We took a short walk together and held hands. Do they really have to grow up? I treasure these times with them and I really hope I can set better examples for them to live by.
Andrew and I missed our first Harry Potter movie opening! The last movie we stood in line for hours and met tons of fun people. It was the midnight showing and we got home after 3am! It was so much fun!! He assured me we could just go to this movie together. It didn't have to be on the opening day. I am a blessed Grandma and I am looking forward to my date with my Grandson to see Harry Potter!
Mike went back to work on Monday. It was hard to let him go and I admit to crying a few tears at 5:30am when he left. He wrote me a beautiful letter to find when I got up! xoxoxoxo He has been pretty happy with his lunch bucket meals this week..... the leftovers from our church dinners! I'm afraid he is going to be really disappointed when reality sets in and it's back to PB & J and cereal in a week! All good thing must come to an end Sweetie and I can't compete with these church meals!
So, that's where we are 3 weeks out from surgery! Thank you for your continued love, prayers and support!
hugs for everyone!
Leslie
I
I am feeling better everyday. Admittedly a bit impatient with my progress but see small victories, none the less. I am ready to wake up with energy and a bounce in my step. I am having some back pain when I stand too long and I have lost my passion for my computer, reading and food. What's that all about!
Don't get me wrong....I eat! The meals we are getting from our church family are simply incredible! I just can't eat much and my former passions for breads and desserts seem to be hiding somewhere within(more for Mike). I had delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies this week and I only ate one. Val wanted to know who I was and where her real mom was hiding. She knows my love for desserts!
I consider it all part of God's plan to make me a healthier person. I would have preferred Him telling me in a "burning bush" way or a "dream" rather than this cancer thing but I feel His presence in everything. I am eating 3 small meals a day, nothing much after dinner and continue to walk a 1/2 - 1 mile (30 minutes) I am now down 33 pounds....6 pounds from my weight at Matt & Val's wedding where I think I looked pretty great and I was still at least 30 pounds overweight. This time I will keep eating healthy instead of hanging up my gown and heading to the buffet!
I had a good week at home but it sure was quiet! I think part of my frustration is thinking about all the wallpaper stripping and painting I could be getting done if this healing and recovery time would go a little faster! I would love my little ones to come back to a great new space!
It was Vacation Bible School week at church and I was supposed to be doing the opening and closing music sessions! I was so excited about the sports theme! I had my uniforms and head gear all figured out and lots of fun ideas! I am grateful that Debbie was there to take over for me but I can't help but look at the clock every night at 6pm and think about all the kids and teachers and the lives they are touching and the seeds they are planting! I'll be back next year!
The grandchildren came for a visit last night. It was wonderful to hear those precious words.....Grandma, Grandma, Grandma. They never say it just once! They repeat it over and over again. And they are so careful not to hug too hard and when they come over to snuggle, they want to be sure they aren't hurting me. Grace gave her baby doll a bath in the sink and we powdered and dressed her. (our little mommy). Madison snuggled and play nintendo and computer. It was wonderful to have the sounds of kids back in the house. We took a short walk together and held hands. Do they really have to grow up? I treasure these times with them and I really hope I can set better examples for them to live by.
Andrew and I missed our first Harry Potter movie opening! The last movie we stood in line for hours and met tons of fun people. It was the midnight showing and we got home after 3am! It was so much fun!! He assured me we could just go to this movie together. It didn't have to be on the opening day. I am a blessed Grandma and I am looking forward to my date with my Grandson to see Harry Potter!
Mike went back to work on Monday. It was hard to let him go and I admit to crying a few tears at 5:30am when he left. He wrote me a beautiful letter to find when I got up! xoxoxoxo He has been pretty happy with his lunch bucket meals this week..... the leftovers from our church dinners! I'm afraid he is going to be really disappointed when reality sets in and it's back to PB & J and cereal in a week! All good thing must come to an end Sweetie and I can't compete with these church meals!
So, that's where we are 3 weeks out from surgery! Thank you for your continued love, prayers and support!
hugs for everyone!
Leslie
I
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Reflecting
Have you ever had so much to say but you didn't really know where to begin? That's how I feel. I've been thinking about this post and I knew many of you were waiting but I just didn't know where to start. I already feel the tears. I'm so afraid of forgetting to thank someone . Much of the hospital and first few days at home were a bit confusing so please know that I love you all and there is not one thing more important than the next when it comes to the the hundreds of acts of kindnesses I have been witness to since this journey began. The smallest hand colored picture to the most beautiful books, cards, prayers and gifts all hold the same place of love in my heart and in my life, forever.
I'll never forget the morning the call came in from Dr. Austin's office that there were masses in my kidney and they wanted to send me to Cleveland Clinic. Mike was here and Barry Gibb had been on American Idol the night before. I had taped it for him because he was working. We snuggled together on the couch and cried as we watched Barry sing our song...."To Love Somebody." We thought it was the most beautiful version we had ever heard. We have watched that performance dozens of times since that day. Those Bee Gees have been a great support to Mike throughout this journey. He has always loved music and anybody who knows him knows that his favorite group of all time is the Bee Gees. During the month prior to my surgery I can't tell you how many times I got into my car and turned the key and he had "To Love Somebody" set to play. Depending on my mood that day it either made me smile or cry.
I am so thankful for that month prior to surgery. Precious time with my family and friends; time to get a bit healthier for surgery; time to pray and worship; time to fall in love again. I do believe I was taking my life and all the daily stuff for granted.
Still....to this day....I cannot believe I had cancer. Even though I've gone through the surgery, it just doesn't seem real. I drive myself a little nuts trying to figure it all out. And I know, having watched precious friends and family in their cancer fights, that I was blessed to have mine found before the symptoms surfaced. So, when I had really emotional days, I tried to remember you all who had gone before me with this disease. Each of you fighting your own battles and setting such inspirational examples for me to follow. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your wonderful suggestions for me and my family.
My family.....(gulp) you know how I feel about by husband. Anyone who knows my Mike, knows that he can't sit still for 5 minutes. Yet, this man held my hand for 11 days at the clinic and guesthouse. He was the first one in my room each morning between 5:30-6am and we would take the first walking laps in the hallways. The nurses said we looked like we were on dates. I was so proud to be his wife. On the really bad days, his hugs were the ones that calmed me through the pain and his shoulders held the tears that flowed. I really did fall in love again.
My daughter.....the last thing Valerie had time for in her life was a mom with cancer. Her days were so full but she was there for nearly every doctor appointment, test and emotional breakdown. She rarely cried in front of me but she allowed me to cry. We reversed roles these past several weeks. She became the strong one. She held me up and, of course, she made me smile. No mother could be more proud of their daughter than I am of my Valerie. And that son in law of mine....Matt, thank you for the sacrifices you made so Val could be with me. I adore you and will always remember your encouraging words and support for Mike and me and Val. I look forward to spending some good quality time on that deck in the weeks to come!
My son....so strong & positive throughout this journey. Thank you for your many phone calls from North Carolina and for your love and support. We are so proud of you. Thank you for staying so many days after the surgery. It was comforting for your dad to have the whole family together. We are looking forward to watching you race at Mid Ohio at the end of the month! I will be the proudest mom there! Keri...thank you for being a support for Chad as well as for us. I know it was easier for him because you were there during the rough times. Even big, tough, motorcycle riding attorneys have emotional days when their mamas are sick! It was a great comfort to us knowing that he had you to lean on.
My parents.....I suspect this might have been one of the hardest things you have had to go through, although you would never tell me that. I can't imagine how it felt to see me cry in pain and the hours of surgery must have been torture but we got through it together as families do. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of me before, during and after the surgery. That first week home was certainly made much easier by the love of a doting dad and mom! You are wonderful examples of what family support and love should be. I know there were days when you were emotionally and physically exhausted but you just kept going. Loves does that and I felt loved. I know Mike relaxed that first week home knowing he had your help and support. I love you both more than words can say.
The rest of my family....Don & Ida, Patsy & Cookie...thank you for making the trip to Cleveland and for your love and support not only for me but for each other. I was so proud of my waiting room gang. I could feel the prayers and love....
Prayer Warriors.....the first time I saw that prayer vigil list, I sobbed. I don't know how to sufficiently say thank you for your prayer commitment. I felt you lifting me up in prayer. When my fever went up, I asked mom to call my prayer warriors. When my pain became unbearable, I asked her to call you. And as soon as I made the request, the tension lifted from my body and I just waited for answered prayer. It happened every time. God is good.
To everyone who has sent an encouraging email, card, note, comment.....from the bottom of our hearts, we send you our thanks and our love. I have saved everything. I know Mike has read them over and over and they have given him such comfort. They usually made me cry and most of the time I could only read who they were from and would save everything else for later. I have loved the scripture verses and the beautiful prayers and thank you for sending some to make us laugh. It's funny how just the right cards seemed to arrive on the the exact day we needed them for strength or for a chuckle. We have loved the music cards too! Again....encouraging music and music to make us laugh. What blessings!
To our church cooks who are sending over the most incredible meals....thank you for providing us with some of the most delicious food we've ever had. It is truly comfort food and you will never know how deeply appreciated and enjoyed each meal has been. Your kindness will always be a part of this story. Dad and Mike are especially grateful and I think they have both gained weight and will be joining me on my daily walks to work off some of those wonderful meals! God bless each of you....
Pastor Jeff & Debbie....Thank you for your friendship, your healing prayers, your inspiring messages & music. Our prayers are with you and your family as your nephew battles brain cancer. He sounds like an incredible young man, husband, father and teacher. He will be lifted up in our prayers......
I have been blessed by so many......and I have felt God's grace in my life these past 6 weeks. So many circumstances coming together to create this journey....too many to be coincidences. I believe with all my heart it was in His plan. My eyes see things brighter now and my heart feels love like never before.
I'm having trouble waiting on full recovery to happen. I'm ready to live again. But I will accept each day and the small victories that come therein. I will pray for those traveling their own paths of disease and lift them up as I have been lifted. I will give glory to God for allowing me to remain in this life.....to soak up like a sponge all that it has to offer. I will trust Him for He has certainly blessed me with His grace. I would like to promise Him perfection but He knows me too well and that isn't going to happen but I will be better.
Thank you to everyone who has been traveling with me on this journey. It isn't over. We are just heading up a new road. It's been so much easier traveling with you all!
"Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24
love to all...
Leslie & Mike
I'll never forget the morning the call came in from Dr. Austin's office that there were masses in my kidney and they wanted to send me to Cleveland Clinic. Mike was here and Barry Gibb had been on American Idol the night before. I had taped it for him because he was working. We snuggled together on the couch and cried as we watched Barry sing our song...."To Love Somebody." We thought it was the most beautiful version we had ever heard. We have watched that performance dozens of times since that day. Those Bee Gees have been a great support to Mike throughout this journey. He has always loved music and anybody who knows him knows that his favorite group of all time is the Bee Gees. During the month prior to my surgery I can't tell you how many times I got into my car and turned the key and he had "To Love Somebody" set to play. Depending on my mood that day it either made me smile or cry.
I am so thankful for that month prior to surgery. Precious time with my family and friends; time to get a bit healthier for surgery; time to pray and worship; time to fall in love again. I do believe I was taking my life and all the daily stuff for granted.
Still....to this day....I cannot believe I had cancer. Even though I've gone through the surgery, it just doesn't seem real. I drive myself a little nuts trying to figure it all out. And I know, having watched precious friends and family in their cancer fights, that I was blessed to have mine found before the symptoms surfaced. So, when I had really emotional days, I tried to remember you all who had gone before me with this disease. Each of you fighting your own battles and setting such inspirational examples for me to follow. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your wonderful suggestions for me and my family.
My family.....(gulp) you know how I feel about by husband. Anyone who knows my Mike, knows that he can't sit still for 5 minutes. Yet, this man held my hand for 11 days at the clinic and guesthouse. He was the first one in my room each morning between 5:30-6am and we would take the first walking laps in the hallways. The nurses said we looked like we were on dates. I was so proud to be his wife. On the really bad days, his hugs were the ones that calmed me through the pain and his shoulders held the tears that flowed. I really did fall in love again.
My daughter.....the last thing Valerie had time for in her life was a mom with cancer. Her days were so full but she was there for nearly every doctor appointment, test and emotional breakdown. She rarely cried in front of me but she allowed me to cry. We reversed roles these past several weeks. She became the strong one. She held me up and, of course, she made me smile. No mother could be more proud of their daughter than I am of my Valerie. And that son in law of mine....Matt, thank you for the sacrifices you made so Val could be with me. I adore you and will always remember your encouraging words and support for Mike and me and Val. I look forward to spending some good quality time on that deck in the weeks to come!
My son....so strong & positive throughout this journey. Thank you for your many phone calls from North Carolina and for your love and support. We are so proud of you. Thank you for staying so many days after the surgery. It was comforting for your dad to have the whole family together. We are looking forward to watching you race at Mid Ohio at the end of the month! I will be the proudest mom there! Keri...thank you for being a support for Chad as well as for us. I know it was easier for him because you were there during the rough times. Even big, tough, motorcycle riding attorneys have emotional days when their mamas are sick! It was a great comfort to us knowing that he had you to lean on.
My parents.....I suspect this might have been one of the hardest things you have had to go through, although you would never tell me that. I can't imagine how it felt to see me cry in pain and the hours of surgery must have been torture but we got through it together as families do. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of me before, during and after the surgery. That first week home was certainly made much easier by the love of a doting dad and mom! You are wonderful examples of what family support and love should be. I know there were days when you were emotionally and physically exhausted but you just kept going. Loves does that and I felt loved. I know Mike relaxed that first week home knowing he had your help and support. I love you both more than words can say.
The rest of my family....Don & Ida, Patsy & Cookie...thank you for making the trip to Cleveland and for your love and support not only for me but for each other. I was so proud of my waiting room gang. I could feel the prayers and love....
Prayer Warriors.....the first time I saw that prayer vigil list, I sobbed. I don't know how to sufficiently say thank you for your prayer commitment. I felt you lifting me up in prayer. When my fever went up, I asked mom to call my prayer warriors. When my pain became unbearable, I asked her to call you. And as soon as I made the request, the tension lifted from my body and I just waited for answered prayer. It happened every time. God is good.
To everyone who has sent an encouraging email, card, note, comment.....from the bottom of our hearts, we send you our thanks and our love. I have saved everything. I know Mike has read them over and over and they have given him such comfort. They usually made me cry and most of the time I could only read who they were from and would save everything else for later. I have loved the scripture verses and the beautiful prayers and thank you for sending some to make us laugh. It's funny how just the right cards seemed to arrive on the the exact day we needed them for strength or for a chuckle. We have loved the music cards too! Again....encouraging music and music to make us laugh. What blessings!
To our church cooks who are sending over the most incredible meals....thank you for providing us with some of the most delicious food we've ever had. It is truly comfort food and you will never know how deeply appreciated and enjoyed each meal has been. Your kindness will always be a part of this story. Dad and Mike are especially grateful and I think they have both gained weight and will be joining me on my daily walks to work off some of those wonderful meals! God bless each of you....
Pastor Jeff & Debbie....Thank you for your friendship, your healing prayers, your inspiring messages & music. Our prayers are with you and your family as your nephew battles brain cancer. He sounds like an incredible young man, husband, father and teacher. He will be lifted up in our prayers......
I have been blessed by so many......and I have felt God's grace in my life these past 6 weeks. So many circumstances coming together to create this journey....too many to be coincidences. I believe with all my heart it was in His plan. My eyes see things brighter now and my heart feels love like never before.
I'm having trouble waiting on full recovery to happen. I'm ready to live again. But I will accept each day and the small victories that come therein. I will pray for those traveling their own paths of disease and lift them up as I have been lifted. I will give glory to God for allowing me to remain in this life.....to soak up like a sponge all that it has to offer. I will trust Him for He has certainly blessed me with His grace. I would like to promise Him perfection but He knows me too well and that isn't going to happen but I will be better.
Thank you to everyone who has been traveling with me on this journey. It isn't over. We are just heading up a new road. It's been so much easier traveling with you all!
"Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24
love to all...
Leslie & Mike
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Woo Hoo PTL!
It's been 2 weeks today since I had my surgery! Mike and I just took our biggest walk yet and stopped into our house to say hello to Chloe cat and check email.
I have lots of deep and emotional thoughts and tons of thank you's to send but I'm too happy to get that emotional this morning....so check back tomorrow or Friday for the "yucky cry" blog update. I'm sure it will take hours to post and lots of tissue as we reflect on the past couple of weeks.
I feel as strong as ever that the discovery of these tumors were a miracle and the outlook would have been much bleaker if they had not been found this early.
Anyway, I am feeling stronger...down to one pain pill and 3 naps a day. I sleep alot. I will fall asleep sitting up. I fall asleep talking to people. I think it's the oddest thing! I have been sleeping flat in a bed for the past couple of nights which was a bit scary for a while. I would panic at the thought of not being able to get up. I would prop myself up on 5-7 pillows and I refused to leave mom's couch.
The incision has become our family "fish story." I would hear Valerie tell people..."Mom has to remember she has a 14 inch incision around her side" then it would become..."Mom forgets she has a 16 inch incision in her!" and on the drive home from the Clinic last week my whopper of an incision grew to 20 inches as she talked to someone! She makes me smile...I would laugh if it didn't hurt so much! I think it will end up measuring 14-15 inches when the tape comes off and we can see it clearly.
We are looking forward to watching the fireworks at dad and mom's tonight. Praying the rain holds off.
I am planning to move back home tomorrow. Dad and Mom have been incredible caretakers the past week. I know the first few days were particularly hard on them as I struggled with some emotions and pain. There is nothing worse for a parent than to see their child in pain and crying....even their 52 year old child! And my hero, my husband....I had some major withdrawal issues letting him go back into the world and away from my side.
I received notice from the clinic yesterday that I have procedure scheduled on August 2 to remove the stint...It feels a bit like a speed bump in my smooth road to recovery and my face must have reflected that as my dad told me not to think about it. I guess I just didn't expect the prep time to sound so much like surgery and it does. I'm probably making too much out of it and it will be nothing!
Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers and support, not only for me but for my family. I am happy & blessed....
I'll be back.....actually....I am back! (and all the Given Dawson gang shout..."HOORAY!)
love, Leslie
I have lots of deep and emotional thoughts and tons of thank you's to send but I'm too happy to get that emotional this morning....so check back tomorrow or Friday for the "yucky cry" blog update. I'm sure it will take hours to post and lots of tissue as we reflect on the past couple of weeks.
I feel as strong as ever that the discovery of these tumors were a miracle and the outlook would have been much bleaker if they had not been found this early.
Anyway, I am feeling stronger...down to one pain pill and 3 naps a day. I sleep alot. I will fall asleep sitting up. I fall asleep talking to people. I think it's the oddest thing! I have been sleeping flat in a bed for the past couple of nights which was a bit scary for a while. I would panic at the thought of not being able to get up. I would prop myself up on 5-7 pillows and I refused to leave mom's couch.
The incision has become our family "fish story." I would hear Valerie tell people..."Mom has to remember she has a 14 inch incision around her side" then it would become..."Mom forgets she has a 16 inch incision in her!" and on the drive home from the Clinic last week my whopper of an incision grew to 20 inches as she talked to someone! She makes me smile...I would laugh if it didn't hurt so much! I think it will end up measuring 14-15 inches when the tape comes off and we can see it clearly.
We are looking forward to watching the fireworks at dad and mom's tonight. Praying the rain holds off.
I am planning to move back home tomorrow. Dad and Mom have been incredible caretakers the past week. I know the first few days were particularly hard on them as I struggled with some emotions and pain. There is nothing worse for a parent than to see their child in pain and crying....even their 52 year old child! And my hero, my husband....I had some major withdrawal issues letting him go back into the world and away from my side.
I received notice from the clinic yesterday that I have procedure scheduled on August 2 to remove the stint...It feels a bit like a speed bump in my smooth road to recovery and my face must have reflected that as my dad told me not to think about it. I guess I just didn't expect the prep time to sound so much like surgery and it does. I'm probably making too much out of it and it will be nothing!
Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers and support, not only for me but for my family. I am happy & blessed....
I'll be back.....actually....I am back! (and all the Given Dawson gang shout..."HOORAY!)
love, Leslie
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