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Saturday, January 24, 2009

Getting Better Every Day!

It seems like ages since my surgery! And I'm getting impatient with this whole thing. Even though I'm feeling better every day, I'm VERY impatient with the fact that I still can't bend over to pick up things, etc. And wouldn't you know, Buster seems to know this and has decided to work on my last nerve by pooping on the floor!!!! What's this all about!!!?????? He was so easy to train as a puppy and NEVER did his business inside! Bottom line is, I can't bend down there to pick it up. Patsy and I make a great cartoon scenerio as we work together --- her on two canes, me stiff like the tin man --- trying to clean up after this horrible dog! It didn't help that he stole my raw chicken wings off the counter, too! It was NOT one of his better days!

Thursday, my sister and I headed back to the surgeon's office for a check on the stitches and drains. My surgeon was away, so his trusty sidekick did the job! I was so glad to get rid of one of the drains anyways. Wish it was both. Being that I didn't know if this job would hurt or not (internet description said "relatively painless", whatever that means!), I braced myself, tightly closed my eyes, stiffened up, and . . . . out came this 4 foot long garden hose of a drain! No wonder my ribs hurt with all that in there!!!!

I was sure the stitches were looking terrible, pulled apart and nasty red. But whenever I think something is trouble, the Dr. always seem to say it's doing wonderful! Red is good! Gray or Black is trouble. Mine is red, so I was good to go!

We asked about the pathology report and he rummaged through my book thick chart to find it. I was disappointed to find out that 5 out of the 15 lymph nodes did show cancer cells. The rest of what he said I didn't understand and will ask my cancer Dr. on Monday to explain it all to me. I hope this doesn't mean another round of that horrible chemo. But. . . . whatever it takes, I guess.

I'm not doing too well with lifting my arm at the shoulder. It just won't go. I don't know if it's too early to expect much or if the severed nerve is to blame for this. More questions for Monday as I will also be seeing the surgeon again.

I'm just so thankful that this phase of the "cure" is behind me! I've been dreading the surgery since June. And I don't make a good patient at all. Even an itch that I can't reach to scratch makes me crabby. I'm tired of laying around all day, too. I tried doing some stitching yesterday, but found that I had to prop up my arm with pillows, etc., in order to get it going. Once I was good to go, I had to pee. Another major ordeal just to get out of the recliner, to the bathroom, down on the toilet, and the worst. . . . back UP again! It's much easier to just stay in the UP position and get lots of things done while I'm up there. I've been told that when you get crabby, impatient, etc., that you are on the way to being well, so I guess I'm just about there!

In the midst of all this, though, I'm just so thankful for so many things! Especially for my wonderful sister who understands it all. The journey through all this is still so fresh and recent in her own mind and she understands the fears, the questions, the Dr.s who beat around the bush, etc. She went through a whole lot more than I did, believe me! We laughed so hard the other day as I tried to get in the car --- stiff, couldn't bend, couldn't get my leg up into the car, etc. She picked up my leg and threw it in for me! It was soooo good to have lunch out after the Dr. visit. It felt so . . . . normal!

Today was Angel Food pick up day. I had ordered and paid for it weeks ago, so it seemed "free" to me! Everything looked so fresh and good and I just can't wait to dive into it all. First on my list for tonight will be the cheese stuffed manicotti. I'll make a meat sauce to go with it and a small salad.

I left out my whole roasting chicken for tomorrow's dinner. It's a biggie, believe me. So that should do for several meals. I'm thinking of digging out my rotisserie to cook it on. Haven't done that in quite a while and sounds so wonderful!

Thank you, all of you, who have been checking in on me, praying for me, and sending me so many kind notes! YOu don't know how much I appreciate each and every one of you and thank the Lord every day that you have come into my life! Your prayers mean everything thing to me and I feel so strengthened because of you! It's been so great to go to each of your blogs, read about your daily lives ----- and I wonder how in the world you remember me and my problems in the midst of what goes on in YOUR lives. I guess that is what is so wonderful about friends! There's always room in the heart of a friend, isn't there????

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

DEAR CORA,
IT WAS SOOO GOOD TO HEAR AN UPDATE FROM YOU. I HAVE HAD YOU ON MY PRAYER LIST EVER SINCE I FIRST READ YOUR BLOG.
YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR THAT WILL KEEP WATERING THE WORD THAT IS WITHIN YOU....THERE WILL BE NO DRY GULLIES IN YOUR GARDEN.
HOW WONDERFUL THAT YOUR SISTER IS THERE TO SHARE THIS TIME WITH YOU.
I CAN LAUGH AT YOUR CONSTIPATION STORY...BUT IT IS A NERVOUS LAUGH BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THERE....BREAKING OUT IN THE COLD SWEAT WHERE YOU THINK THE TROLLEY IS THERE TO GET YOU....OH YEAH...I HAVE DELIVERED THAT HIPPO WITH HORNS THAT COULD HAVE BROKE THE WINDOW OUT IF IT HAD GOT LOOSE. GOD LOVE YOU.
HAVE A HAPPY SATURDAY. WE'LL PRAY ABOUT THOSE LYMPH NODES....TO BE NO MORE...THANK YOU JESUS.
KEEP US CLOSE AS WE WILL YOU.
HUGS
debbie

PianoPlayer said...

I'm so glad to hear your encouraging report, Cora. I knew there was something good to be said about being crabby. :)
Cheryl

Ruthie said...

Remember that after surgery - at first each day is bad. Then there are a few good days mixed in with the bad. Eventually there are still good and bad days, but there are more good days than bad....and ultimately, all the days are good with only a few bad days!
So looks like you are on the "good" side of the recovery process! :)

About Buster: I just saw a TV program on the National Geographic channel. It was called "The Dog Whisperer" and this gentleman goes to homes with problem dogs and shows them how to resolve the problems. If you can get this channel, you might like to watch it and get some tips that would help with Buster. I had a dog for 18 yrs. and I still learned some good stuff from him.

Hang in there. My prayers continue.
Hugs. Ruthie

Pam said...

Oh Cora- you have so much strength. I am keeping you in my prayers each day.
Blessings and hugs,
Pam

Anonymous said...

Delighted to hear you are getting better, Cora....and yes, I agree with Debbie, you are amazing....
I just think Buster knows something isn't quite right and shows it by his bad behavior...he will be ok, I think...raw chicken isn't too good for dogs to eat though...could be why he made his indoor mess? just a thought.

Gone said...

What a wonderful update! Hearing that your sister threw your leg in the car was astounding! LOL!!! I'm glad you're able to GET up and stay up, getting things done...before sitting down.

So glad that you seem to be feeling better...even if impatient and antsy!!

As for Buster...he senses that you are NOT the same as before you went for surgery...and is upset...so he poops in the house. Maybe, if you let him out MORE often...that could help fix that problem...also, if he got a pinch more attention (good attention) from you...he would feel better about the whole situation. I'm sure one way or the other, he'll get better. The question though, I'm sure you're asking is WHEN!?! I don't know. LOL!!!

You think friends have all the answers!?! LOL!!!

Deborah said...

Hi Cora! I'm so glad you are doing well! I look forward to hearing more encouraging updates!

Toni said...

I pray that God will continue to give you peace as you seek Him.I also pray for continued physical and spiritual strength.Love ya,Toni

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

I am so glad to read that you are gaining - even if it isn't as fast as you would like. Yeah for getting the drain out. I hope the next one comes out soon as well.

I pray that the cancer dr is not too concerned about the nodes when you see him.

lots of hugs, Linda

Farmhouse Blessings said...

I was so happy to pop over hear and read your post. You've been heavily on my mind all day.

You tell Buster I'm going to come down there and whoop his hind end if he doesn't straighten up! (smile) What a rascal!

I think the blood drained from my face when I read about the "garden hose". Glad there were no pictures! LOL We'll just keep praying about that report and your future care. The Lord has it all under control.

We have had Angel Food all week. Luke loved the manicotti! And we got a bag of chicken thighs that made the best chicken soup I've ever made. I'll be using the less expensive cuts for my soup in the future. The broth was a little darker but it tasted great!

We were studying states this week and the only one Colton KNEW for certain was Florida "because my friend Cora lives there"! It was sooo sweet that I thought you would want to know.

Hugs,
Lea

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

Cora~ I'm so glad you have your sister to lean on. You are totally summing up what so many of us have been through with various surgeries. You remain in my daily thoughts and prayers. Keep hanging in there.
:)Ginger

Renna said...

Cora, it's so good to get an update from you. I feel like the biggest dunce EVER. I kept wondering and wondering why so many days and days went by without seeing a post from you, growing more concerned. Then today, it dawned on me that I hadn't seen new posts from several blogs I read. What was up with that? Lo and behold, at some point, I'd inadvertantly 'collapsed' the list of blogs in one of the categories of my Google Reader. Suddenly, there was your blog and a kajillion others I'd been missing. It will take me days to catch up on everyone's blogs!

No, I'm not a blonde, but I guess I'm getting close to being a senior. ;-Þ

Pink Princess said...

Dearest Cora, thank you for the updates.
And thanks God for a wonderful sister like yours to keep you company in all this.

Will keep you in my prayers.

And that doggie, AAAWWW poor animal knew his mommy was nervous too, don't be too hard on him :)

tam said...

Cora you are one strong gal! What an inspiration you are to me! I am very happy that you are feeling so much better~and how blessed you are in so many ways! Like your sister being around to help so much!I think your doggie is acting up because he senses somethings not the same around the house.You should check out my daughters blog "whisker palace" she works at a vets office and has some great advice-you can ask her questions too she's wonderful and happy to help! She is one of my followers. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!~Smiles~Tam!

The Stricklands said...

Hi sweet Cora! Congratulations on the removal of your "garden hose" drain. What a relief! I love knowing that God is never surprised by the hills and valleys in my life. He is such peace and rest in the hard times and our biggest cheerleader in the good. Aren't you glad you are a daughter of the KING! Nothing on this earth can change one diddly bit of our identity in Him. I love, love, love that! You are prayed over and loved deeply sweet one.
Mary

Nancy Jo said...

Cora,
Thank you for stopping by my site, just that you are interested in my Laundry soap making, with all you have to deal with is a tribute to your outlook. You are a wonder indeed! But the new laundry project is working great, I love the way the clothes come out, and I'm very fussy about the laundry, so I THINK ITS A GOOD THING.
Maybe your puppy is just trying to get you to exercise more. they are funny little critters, of course what he is doing really isn't that funny.
So nice to hear from you, and I think of you often.
NANCY Jo

Karen said...

Hi, Cora,
It was so nice to hear from you. Thank you for visiting my blog. I believe this was the first time I have been on your blog, but I enjoyed visiting! And will be back! Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers as well.
Hugs~
Karen

Juri said...

Cor....you are such an "adamastockert" (won't even try to spell that out). You know I love you and you know I do know what you are going through. I thanked God every day for having you as my sister when I was going through my cancer....I love and owe ya, sis!!!

Jur

papel1 said...

Don't let Buster get that roasting chicken..even as a patient you write great blogs.
Judy

Claudia said...

Your sister is such a blessing and an angel in your life. Your doctors are also blessings. That much I do understand. Believe what they're telling you. You are alive and fighting and that is all such a blessing!

Keep working those arm exercises. You will get further along and to accomplish that, you have to keep working at it.

I pray for you every day. I am with you every day, even if you don't hear from me personally.

Feel every emotion. Cry when you have to. Scream if you need it. Every emotion helps. I know. And when you can, smile and laugh. Those help the most.

*hugs*

MommaB said...

loved reading your profile.very inspiring...the lord has surly been with you in your life

Eggs In My Pocket said...

So glad you are doing better and it is good to see you blogging again! Take care, blessings, Kathleen

Kay-The Rustic Cottage said...

Cora - so glad to hear that you're feeling so much better. Am so glad that you got one of the drains out. I will be praying about the lymph nodes and hope you get an ok report on that from the cancer doctor.

Tell Buster to behave himself or you'll get a cork for his behind!!

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

Good Morning Cora,

It's good to read your update, it's the little steps like loosing the hose isn't it?

I know when you get some kind of appetite back that's a good sign :). Angel food cake and chicken sounds good to me, I hope you enjoy every bite.

Your sister is an angel! I continue to pray for both of you!

Blessings,
Kathi :)

Julie said...

Hope you are having a great day, Cora--you are in my thoughts everyday. take care. Julie

Michelle said...

Praise the Lord!