Only Good News to Share Tonight

Hello Everyone! I have lots of good news to share this evening....keeping it light tonight!

Nash quickly informed about "Operation Cheer" yesterday after the mailman dropped off 21 birthday cards and 2 packages! Oh my was that a surprise! And they are still coming in! Relatives, close friends, colleagues, college classmates, and friends/relatives of people who are close to me. It's so amazing! The words are wonderfully uplifting and encouraging. Thank you. While I was in the hospital, Nash was taping the cards to the pantry door in the kitchen (just as I would with Christmas/Holiday cards) so that I could see them when I returned home. We continue to add the cards I've received since I've been home but I'll tell you....I'm running out of room! Thank you....I'm smiling right now just thinking about that!

I had follow-up with my surgeon Dr. Samy last week regarding my initial ear/skull problem. Good news....The surgery was a success. All of the initial symptoms that prompted the need for surgery in the first place are gone in the right ear. They also tried to induce vertigo symptoms and were unsuccessful! This is great news! I'll hold any comments about the left ear for now. Only time will tell and I'm hopeful they won't progress to a level as problematic as my right ear. Second bit of good news.....Dr. Samy stated that he was prepared to present my case to colleagues in his field of practice at the end of the week. He is very seriously considering changing the post-op regimen for future surgical patients as a result of my complications. Specifically, he is considering requiring all patients with a pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease history, to be on fragman shots (blood thinner) for at least one week post-op to reduce the likelihood of DVT's or PE's! THAT'S BIG! That means that what I've gone through isn't being dismissed as a fluke or random incident. What happened to me may change the way surgeon's practice and may save lives! Now if that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will!

One side note....For those of you on hormone therapies....While in the hospital, the hematologists shared with me that they recommend persons on hormone therapies (esp. birth control) go off for approx. 3 months prior to a scheduled surgery....especially lengthy surgeries. We had no idea! My recommendation.....Be informed, ask lots of questions, and consider consulting a hematologist if this impacts you.

My walking is improving each and every day. I'm still using the cane and am able to step through more smoothly and efficiently. My biggest challenge is to take my time and focusing on the quality of my steps....that's my Physical Therapist's talking! They're right....I do much better when I slow down and take my time. If only someone could tell me how to get the world around me to slow down! Also, I start Aquatic Therapy in the next week or so in a 90 degree pool. I think this is going to help me tremendously!

Tonight I had a SIMPLE, But, BIG achievement. For those of you who don't know, I always cut Nash and Will's hair. Nadia taught me one cut and it works for both! When I returned home, I was in awe at the mopey head of hair both of them had. I begged Nash to take he and Will to get their hair cut. But, Nash said he was boycotting hair cuts until I could do it again! GREAT! I didn't have to work too hard to convince G-Ma Carol to take Will to get his hair cut. I didn't want to chance cutting him. My left arm still isn't back to baseline. It still shakes some and is a bit "clumsy". But tonight, I gave it a shot with Nash. We decided it could be good therapy! Nash was sort of my cane and support for balance. I have to say, my arm held up well. The bigger challenge, surprisingly, was my LUNGS! I don't think I've spent much time doing activities with my arms at chest height. I had to take 4 breaks because my chest got so heavy and my work of breath increased. I know my OT colleagues are probably smiling right now. We have goals for our patients specifically about completing tasks at chest height! I can certainly understand what our patients are going through. I guess it was good therapy!

Lastly....I don't know if I told you this and thought it might warm your heart. My first night home, Nash and the kids and I, as well as my Father-in-Law Norm, were sitting around the table having our first dinner together. William (our 4 year old) very maturely spoke up after a couple minutes of silence and said, "This is a great day." When asked, "What makes it such a great day Will?" He replied, "Because Mom's home." I'll never forget that moment and fought to hold back the tears.

Love to you all! THANK YOU again for everything (prayers, words of encouragement, cards, meals, and more). We are so very blessed.
Kelly