Project 365, Week 52

Post-Christmas/Pre-New Year week, with a somewhat major surgery thrown in. Even still, we were net-positive on a good week. So much to be thankful for!

December 26

In no time, Christmas was put away and there was no evidence that 28 people had sat together and enjoyed another Christmas together.

December 27

The long-awaited surgery day. Just kidding....it was actually only 22 days from the time it was first breathed as a possibility to the time it was completed..

We got whisked right in so we only caught a quick glimpse of the wow-worthy holiday hall.

We had set aside a couple days of this week to go away with Amy's family, as we've done the last couple years. We had looked into places to stay, thrown around options, but came to the conclusion that what the kids most wanted was 1. to be together 2. to have a pool and 3. to have good common areas for games and floor hockey. 

When we found out about surgery, Amy immediately insisted that they'd stay at a hotel outside of the city where we've been several times this past year during radiation and such. It ended up being just right for what we needed. 

The crew headed down mid-day and got to work having fun. :)

I have so little memory of the four hours in recovery. Somehow I ended up with a cup of tea. 

When Shaun finally got to the hotel at 10pm, the kids met him down in the lobby.

December 28

They have cameras in the room and if you try to get out of bed unassisted, a nurse immediately comes on the speaker to tell you to get back in bed and wait for help. I know this because I got busted.

Colombo doing a great job being the fun uncle while Amy and Shaun were at the hospital with me. 

And Pop and Kiki were caring for their grand dog. :)

December 29

I slept well at the hotel and, though I was able to move very well, I was able to see the beautiful sunrise when Shaun opened the curtain. 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

Shaun and Amy worked together to get me up and about for the day and while the kids were still sleeping, Amy and I had a delicious breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

We have a huge, caring, generous, there-for-us community. In a variety of ways, these sweet faces take the brunt of the hard stuff, and have for many years. I wish I didn't have to ask this of them, but I'm so very grateful they are on my side.

After getting most of the day at the hotel, we headed home and it was so good to walk in the door!

December 30

I didn't make it out of my bathrobe, but I did get outside in the sunshine for a bit.

And Shaun and Avery fixed a tree that was falling from the last storm.

My dad picked up Aiden and they went to see Renna and Rocco playing in their hockey tournament.

December 31

For New Year's Eve, the three kids were together with friends and Shaun and I were together at home. It was a quiet night and early for me.

 

Numbering Days, Week 22

I went into this week determined to enjoy all things Christmas and family. It was wonderful and life-giving and the thought of surgery did not loom but instead sat quietly in the corner.

Amy and the Boyds, along with Shaun and the kids worked determinedly and by mid-morning the house was super clean and de-Christmased, except for two trees that just have lights on. What a gift to have that done, knowing that I'd be able to walk in the house post-surgery without that worry! 

We left the house at  6 AM for a 10 AM arrival. The morning traffic was such a refreshing experience on this holiday week! We sailed through all the trouble spots and got there a couple hours early. As we were checking into the building and being briefed on their new security, I got a call that they were ready for me early if I wanted to get there early. Perfect! We got taken right in and started on all the pre-op things

Instead of the 3-4 hours predicted, the surgery took more than five. I was in the recovery room for four hours and Shaun was able to be with me for about half that. He said when I was high on the drugs I was very chatty, except I didn't remember any conversations, so I asked the poor nurse "How was your Christmas?" at least half a dozen times. I remember next to nothing about the recovery room.

I got settled into my room and slept soundly until the 2 AM vitals check, then my roommate and I were awake for several hours. At 6 AM the fellow and his five students came in to check things, which began a whole stream of professionals. At one point someone said I looked great and as long as I did XYZ, including but not limited to getting out of bed and walking, I could go home that day! 

This was unbelievable, amazing news! A miracle! Long before I very nearly died from a hosptial-borne infection seven years ago, I have not cared for hospitals. For example, two of my kids were born in the morning and I was home that same afternoon. Though I am so thankful for nurses and appreciate doctors, I am most comfortable and receive the best care at home.

Shaun was there first thing and Amy soon after. Both of our families were staying at a hotel just outside of the city for easy access to the hospital. Shaun went back to work and to be with the kids and Amy stuck it out for the day of all the nonsense that goes with being discharged.

Once they let me out on the sidewalk, Amy drove the getaway car and we didn't look back! :)

Everyone was down in the lobby to greet me and it was SO good to see all those faces!

I had an army of people praying on my behalf and I know that I experienced miracles, beginning with the fact that the surgery was even possible and happened.

The day after surgery, they wheeled me in for an x-ray. I was able to get out of the wheelchair, climb up on the table, roll onto my side and then get off the table. The two techs were astonished! One said, I've been doing this for 25 years and I've never seen anyone moving around as well as you this close to surgery. I told her that I had a lot of people praying for me. She said, that is powerful stuff!

If you are squeamish, now's a good time to stop scrolling. They gave me a copy of the x-ray. When I was awake at 2 AM, I googled "surgical screws" and was amazed to see photos of actual screws, like Shaun keeps in his workshop. Sure enough, actual screws and rods.....

Home. :)