Thank You Very Much

 Sunday, July 1, 2012

One of the things I never expected when putting my cancer story on this blog is just how much interest it would generate. I had surgery on May 30tand I meant to write this on on June 30th and look at the stats, but I forgot, I think I was rseting, fending off a headache. 

This month people looked at m blog just over 5000 times. I now have over 20,000 pages views. Wow! I really appreciate all the interest. It has helped keep me entertained. Thanks to all your you who come to see what is going on. There will be more information later this week. It is a holiday week, but I have two doctor visits in Kearney and one in Omaha. I also have family coining, so blogging will not be first priority, but I imagine there are plenty of other folks out there planning to celebrate this week, too, and not read blog posts.

I really am feeling better, My area of pain is concentrated on the bridge of my nose, and I do threat teh incision area carefully, since that is tender in spots. But, I am up and down and doing homey things. Not everything, since just making m bed still makes me puff, but I'm getting bored if I don' do things. I'm still not funning my house like I usually do especially in the food department. I don't care much about food these days, so we eat a lot of leftovers from somebody else. They are quick and need eaten anyway. So, thanks, folks, for enjoying my blog so I can enjoy it, too.

One last thing:

I've had several people wondering about leaving comments. If you want to make a comment, there is a box at the bottom of the comments list, and you can type a message in the box. The easiest way then to leave that comment is to click on the circle next to "anonymous". Just be sure to sign your name.

8 comments:

Renee said...

Hi, Shell! How fun to know you have a larger following than you thought!!! ENJOY family and fun and fireworks...and I with Food could be included in that but what good is it if it doesn't taste? Aww bummer!

July 2, 2012 at 9:48 AM

Unknown said...

Dear Shelley, just sitting here enjoying getting caught up on your posts and thinking that I should update mine. Our little second child is a cam joy, unlike his big sister who is our large dose of wild joy. He is learning how to crawl also and will sit for hours playing on the floor by himself or getting into sissy's stuff if she is close enough. A lady here in town said she marinated everything in Lawry's seasoning when her husband lost his taste due to cancer Don't know if that would work for you but it did for him. All for now. Love, Jeanne Ogden

July 2, 2012 at 3:68 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Enjoy!!!! your family, your fun times, your memories in the making!!! Then you can tell us all about it right here:) I just love popping in to see what's new...actually I just love you :) Cyndie

July 2, 2012 at 8:17 PM

Anonymous said...

Count me among your faithful readers, at least since May 30. Thank you for every time you have written. Yes, we read because we are interested and because we care so very much. Enjoy your family time and all of the good food your mom has been cooking. And remember to rest a lot even though you have company!

Sending love from Wisner, NE

July 2, at 9:38 PM

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelley! I just want you to know that I do read your blog, often, just since I found out about your cancer etc. We're very interested in how you're getting along, and wish you a complete recovery----a fast one would be great, too! (it's not that I don't like reading blogs, but I don't think of them very often----getting old 'ya know!)

Barb Kracht

July 2, 2012 at 10:28 PM

The J's said...

It IS fun to have readers! Hope you have a good time with your family--happy days! oh, I meant to comments on the other post about the boys--Wyatt is walking now, just! Thankfully he is much happier now he can explore more. I'm heading out to bring 4 grandkids back on Thursday and on Friday will have those 4 here too, That will be crazy, I'm sure. 

July 3, 2021 at 9:20 PM

Darcie said...

Yes, readers to make blogging more fun, and encourage us along as well, Been thinking of you again today, and hopped over. Hope you enjoy your day today. My honey has to work until 12, and then we are going to enjoy the afternoon and then our fellowship tonight. I will keep following as long as you keep on a blogging. :-)

July, 4, 2012 at 11:21 AM

gkey said...

dear Blogging friend,

Right now, I am not able to follow all the blogs that I used to....due to this VERY slow computer. However there are a couple I manage. Yours is right on top of the 'can't miss' list. 

It does hope, too, that we are not really in the same immediate 'neighborhood' lie we used to be. I mess those days, but life goes on...and so we can be thankful for various ways of keeping in touch anyway. 

love, 

bridging the distance,

in 

NE

July 14, 2012 at 1:59 PM

Cancer is an Ugly Word...

 June 23, 2012

...so are surgery, tumor, chemotherapy and radiation

There are also a big bunch of other words I don't like that now belong to me, like Stage IVB small-cell neuroendocrine tumor and 'very rare.'

There are some comforting things, however, the first one being that I'm still alive with most of the faculties intact and I'm improving every day.

Another thing is that Stage 4 for this kind of tumor means things like size and placement (like next to the brain.)

Also, this tumor is rare because of where the crazy thing was. Yes, there are nasal/sinus tumors, many of them. Neuroendocrine tumors are also a very common kind of cancer, it's just that you don't find those kind of tumors in the nasal/sinus area.

It's like being a poster child.

I am also causing all the doctors involved to do a lot of research.  (I'm not sure I'm so unique on that one, it seems like cancer diagnosis and treatment cause a lot of effort in the research department.) 

However, there are several words that I do like, doctors who are called perfectionists, nerds, and careful. Words like, 'we expect you to be cured'.

My doctors do inspire our confidence.  They are kind, efficient and answer our questions before we ask them, that is a good thing. Oh, we still have plenty of questions and ask them, too, but they are more personal things, like how many problems will I have during treatment, and will I be the same again?

So, there are plans out there for treating this type of tumor, all our doctors are working together, making the plans to fit my circumstances.  

As far as I understand things at this time, the chemo and radiation will start at the same time.  The chemo is cisplatin based and is given to make any cancer cells left more vulnerable to the radiation. 

I don't know anything about cancer treatment, really, the nuts and bolts of the process, I mean.  I could have known more, since I know a few people who have had cancer. But, I don't. And anyway, some of that stuff changes so quickly, it may not have done me any good.

Normally, radiation sites are marked onto the skin with some sort of indelible ink. Thankfully, they don't think that is a very good choice for radiating on the face. Also, because of the sensitive nature of a good deal of the stuff that resides in your head, they want to be able to be very precise and accurate so nothing really important is damaged. Which means I have to be tied down, so I can't move. 

Now, how they do that is really very interesting. They made a mask out of a plasticky-feeling stuff that is molded to my face and shoulders and then marked with with radiation sites. 

Since radiation is a 5-day a week for 6 weeks proposition, there are a lot of things prepared ahead of times so that every day, I will get put in position, zapped and go on my merry way.

So, before the CT scan that day, which is one of the things they will use to figure out just where to aim, I lay on the radiation table, (with a nice warm blanket, why are doctor's offices so cold!?), with one efficient technician on either side, who molded a head rest under my head, and then they slapped the very warm mask over me, snapped it to the table with about 10 snaps, and molded it around my face. Then they put wire over the incision sites so the would show up in the scan, whooshed me through and I was done. I could see through the mask, (it's mesh), at least with one eye.  The mask was smashed down so tight I didn't try too hard to open the other one. It isn't comfortable, really, and I am reasonable enough to know that what has to be, just has to be done.

They colored the incision area for better viewing through the mask.

And the stuff didn't come off when I washed my hair this morning!

Soon, the 6-week mark will be here and the doctors want to start treatment as close to then as possible.  I can't decided if I want time to go quickly or slowly. Either way, the time will come and then I probably will want time to go quickly.  So, if the end of summer comes in a hurry, 

you can blame it on me.

I've been hoping I would be able to comb my hair into something looking like I was used to, but a huge healing incision on top of my head isn't helping. Clips in my hair, pull. So, I've finally decided to come out of hiding.  My latest housekeeper is back to her regular life, after helping us out for over a week, so we took some pictures at the airport.

On a special note, to all those who have sent cards and letters, and things, thank you very much, they are greatly appreciated.

13 Comments:

gkey said...

Dear Out of Hiding,

Thank you for this very good & informative post. It is so great that you seem to have a clear 'picture' of what is going on and what will happen when the treatments begin. Do you remember what we learned in the Bradley child birth classes once upon a time? "We often are the most afraid of what we do not understand."

You look really good Shelleykins,

in the picx and IRL. Special to visit again teh other and & see B also!

This curve in the road was not one you could have anticipated, but I have high admiration for now you are taking it. 

love, 

Going on One Step at a Time

in 

NE

June 23, 2012 at 8:52 PM

Anonymous said...

You are beautiful, my friend! I, personally a very thankful for the nerds & perfectionists...and are glad you are in their care. Thanks for the update and pics.

Brandie

June 23, 2012 at 10:14 PM

  

Anita said...

Yay for you! And for BK! And for you all! Sending a big hug!!!

June 24, 2012 at 4:37 AM

Lanae said...

Good to 'see you and so good to know that you are in safe excellent hands. However, the time goes, fast or slow. I hope it all goes well and smooth as possible for you.

June 24, 2012 at 1:03 PM

The Chairman's Wife said...

Sure have thought of you often. So glad you had reinforcements come in from WI! Hope the time goes as fast or slow as it should. Take care of yourself!

June 24, 2012 at 3:12 PM

Listy said...

Hugs. To each and every one of you...Ly CBL

June 24, 2012 at 9:45 PM

Heidi said...

Summer is coming in a hurry, though I'll probably want time to pass slowly again when we finally get to my home town. Experience gives words new meaning and depth doesn't it. So glad you are improving every day! Nice to see your smiling faces. 

June 25, 2012 at 4:28 AM

The J's said...

What a great picture, and Shelley you look wonderful. It ws great to see Bonita while she was here, too. Hope to stop by & see you soon again!

June 26, 2012 at 5:05 PM

Darcie said...

So glad to come back from vacation and see your smiling face! You look wonderful, and wow the things we learn when life takes us on a detour. Thankful to those that walk along beside us and help us through it all!

June 25, 2012 at 5:42 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

So thankful to you for sharing this, my dear friend. Love the photos...you all look wonderful :) 

Your spirit toward you current direction is really inspiring. take care & I'll be seeing you soon, 

Love & hugs, Cyndie

June 25, 2012 at 7:52 PM

Gramma's Corner said...

Andrey wrote..."Hi, Shelley and Jim, thanks for sharing this about treatment and all, do think of you so often and will continue to as you start the next part of the journey with care."

June 27, 2012  at 8:08 AM

Gramma's Corner said...

Jane wrote..."Thanks for sharing your story.:

June 27, 2012 at 8:09 AM

Janis said...

You look about 16 with your hair in a braid over you shoulder! Jim looks happy to be sitting by such a cute young thing :) Love that picture of the 3 of you!

June 28, 2012 at 1:12 AM

Recovery Is A Lot Harder Than It Looks

 Tuesday June 19, 2012

Thanks to all those with suggestions for the sticky hair problem. I decided to take my mom's advice which was something to the effect of, "What are you worrying about your hair for anyway, 

leave it alone!" So I am. 

I think in my exuberance to get back to 'normal,' we spent more time and effort on it than we should have. Yes there is still goo up there. Yes, it looks pretty greasy and I dan't do much with it. So far, I just comb it into a braid on the side. The heaviness of having it up with a clip in is a big much yet. 

It seemed like the scrubbing and showering were doing more harm than good, when the whole idea si to let the head heal.

So, vanity has to go out the window for awhile.

It is a rather good thing our eyes are for looking out at other people rather than at ourselves.

And let that be a lesson to ya!

At 4:00 this morning, I woke up feeling different. I was calm in the darkness and really awake. I felt more like ME than I had for man a day. Jim woke and mumbled, "it's not time for a pain pill". It was past time, but I didn't want one. I didn't have a headache, and I wanted to enjoy the drug free sensation a while long

I did go back to sleep, but woke again, and STILL no headache, but my keepers...erm...family insisted I take one as a precaution at breakfast, which I did, and had a lovely morning nap. After that, I had a very nice lot of lovely company. I took another nap, since being up, very often gives me a headache and another rest. 

So, here I am at the end of a more eventful day than usual, spending an unusual few minutes at the  computer, after which I will lie down, not to test this headache free period too far. 

I feel better, I feel like I've turned a corner.

However, when feeling this good there is too much temptation to do too much.

So, That's all Folks!!

By the way, the photo at the top is titled

"Wildflowers by the Yellow Wall?  

8 comments:

Raimie said...

Dear Auntie Shelleykins, 

"It is a rather good thing our eyes are for looking out at other people rather than at ourselves." Is a beautiful thought, especially as the view is usually better than way anyway.

The photo is beautiful and I hope to see your sunshiny room sometimes soon. Enjoy feeling like "you" that's the best any of us can be, after all.

Love, 

Looking Out in NE

June 19, 2012 at 7:24 PM

Renee said...

"Wildflowers by the Yellow Wall" might very well win an award if you entered it in a contest! Lovely! I just have to say I can simply hear your Mom saying, "Why are you worrying about your hair anyway, leave it alone!" Your expression about our eyes being made for looking out at other people rather than ourselves is a great one. Wow, I feel like I have just attended a class on common sense philosophy! I am HAPPY that you had a good day!! Hoping for many, many more!!!

June 19, 2012 at 7:51 PM

Luanne said....

It wasn't just your sunny wall that cheered your tired friend today. Thnaks!

June 19, 2012 at 8:40 PM

Anonymous said...

So glad yoiu had a better day and hope that is a new trend for you!

John and Sandy

June 19, 2012 at 10:02 PM

 

gkey said...

Dear Sunshine, 

Love hearing about Good days on this part of your healing journey.

I am ANXIOUS to come and see the yellow wall...and you!

love, 

Flowers & Yellow are the

best 

in

NE

June 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM

Anonymous said...

LOVE this post and am so glad you had a good day!!! Hugs!! Love, Janet

June 20, 2012 at 10:52 PM

Dan& Cyndie said...

been gone a few days so just checking n:)

and YEP, I am still loving that yellow wall!!!!

and you, my dear friend.

Cyndie

June 25, 2012 at 12:18 PM

The J's said...

That looks so nice & cheery!! Aren't we glad for those welcome corners!

June 25, 2012 at 5:08 PM

Hair Goo

 Friday, June 15, 2012

Once upon a time, there was a product on the market called Dippity Do, and when I just looked it up on Google, you might still be able to buy it. Anyway, there really are a number of hair gel products on the market these days, but I remember Mom sticking her comb in the Dippity Do jar before she slicked our hair down when combing. It probably helped our thin fly-away hair stay our of our faces.

One thing that does not work well for hair get, or perhaps it works too well, is the antibiotic ointment used on my incision.  We are having an awful time getting it washed out. The doctors said diluted hydrogen peroxide would work, but the way that is going, I'm still going to have a stickly problem for another couple of weeks, It helps, a little at a time. 

So, if anyone out there has some idea of what might cut this Vaseline type stuff out of my hair, bearing in mind that I have this incision and a tender head, I'd like some ideas.

8 Comments:

Renee said...

This is just a random thought, but I wonder about Dawn dish soap? It is good for cutting grease. Maybe it would be too strong for an incision?

BTW...I remember Mom using Dippity Do on us too!

June 15, 2012 at 10:51 PM

The J's said...

Oh yes, Dippity Do!! LOL! Did you try the olive oil/ishsoap route? I have some *N dishsoap that would be gentle & cuts grease well that you could try if you want!! Let me know!

June 16, 2012, at 10:49 PM

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing with such honesty, Shelley. Your "marathon" entry is touching. I'm sorry you have to become so sick for me to even find out you HAVE a blog, but I'm appreciated reading it and a few of your old entries. You really ARE a writer! I'm thankful that Bonita is there with you. Please give her my love and thanks.

June 17, 2012 at 1:24 PM

Anonymous said...

We used to use peanut butter on kids with gum in their hair. I don't know if that would add to the mess or help get it out. What about plain ole vinegar? I used to rinse my hair in that to get all the soap out and it works for getting goo off other things, so it might work. Good luck. So glad Bon is there, for how long?

June 17, 2012 at 11:47 PM

Grumpy and Dayka said...

I would wonder about Basic H from Shaklee

And yes, we used Dippity Doo, too!! And I used it on my poor daughters. LOL

HUGS to you, Shelley

June 18, 2012 at 8:55 AM

Unknown said...

I remember Dippity Doo. I would try the olive oil or dawn dish soup. Pops had much shorter hair we probably be having that problem with his incisions also. Vitamin E seems to be doing good for him. 

Hugs, Jeanne

June 18, 2012 at 4;16 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Shelley, 

No ideas for you problem but it sounds like you've got a few things to try with the about comments, Is you incision very painful?

I hope this "headache" passes.

Love, 

Raimie

June 18, 2012 at 11:13 PM

gkey said...

Dear NOT so dippy, 

I am not sure what to recommend here. WE have used "dissolvit" (walmart?) over the years. I though it had some harmless sort of ingredients...but haven't needed it in a while so couldn't check that. 

My child-hood hair combing memories involve Mom using "wave-set" on me. It came in a tallish sort of container,. Light lavender in color , and the comb fit right down inside. I can almost remember the smell even.

love, 

There will be good-hair-days again some day

in 

NE

June 19, 2012 at 9:11 AM

Getting Ready for a Marathon

 June 13, 2012

I have a lot of things on my mind today, which means this post will either be long and take a while or I will get tired, and much less information will be posted.

Today Bonita comes to help out.

Yesterday was my first post-op appointment in Omaha. The incision healed well, the staples were taken out and now I can think about doing something with my hair except a braid down the side. Everything seems to be proceeding normally. the forehead part is healing down well and the inside as far as they can see is healing like it is supposed to, also.

I don't get as tired as I did at first, but now I am on a "do a little more activity every day" mode, but carefully.

Several of my friends are going in for fitness these day, running, biking, and signing up for runs and marathons. So I'm going to join in, too. I'm getting ready for a marathon that in six weeks or so is going to do things to my body that I can't even realize right now. I'm not sure I even want to imagine. In some ways getting ready for cancer treatment is like getting ready for a big race. I have to eat well with extra protein. I have to make progress every day with my physical activity. I need to get as well as I can get before treatment starts so I can feel as well as I can going into it. 

So, right now, everything is on track. I will have my chemo and radiation in Kearney after all. What I help that will be for the toll on my body! I see the medical and radiation oncologists next week.  The week after will be follow up appointments again with both surgeons this time. And the next week, I go see the dental oncologist for dental maintenance and protection. Because...they have extended the realm of radiation larger than at first. They plan to irradiate the lymph nodes in my neck. So, they are talking about quite a large area, from my forehead, down to my collar bone, including the neck.

The main side effect, besides the usual ones of radiation, is the frontal lobes of the brain when radiated cause fatigue which could last up to a year since radiation does not stop working when treatment does.

As I understand it now, the radiation and chemo will take place at the same time. We'll know a lot more once we visit with the oncology doctors. 

In about six weeks from surgery. No dragging feet, just keep on marching from step to step.

I really appreciate everyone's confidence in me and my ability to keep positive. You people are going to make it very hard to me to wallow around in self pity and complain. 

Do I worry about what if they don't get it all? What if it comes back? What if is spite of everything that is done and what everybody says, it comes back? I do a little, a very little.  I can't see wasting what energy I have worry ing about things that might never happen And if they, well we'll all cross that bridge when we come to it. I might still be a bit in the 'denial' mode. But, I do know that I can accept most things as they come along. Faith and Trust go a long way in helping me be who I am.

Blogs can get very boring sometimes without any photos, and these were taken by the waiting party in the surgery waiting room during surgery. It looks rather like they were having a party in there. 

It was so nice for Jim and Lynette to have helping watchers. 

They now have electronic boards in the waiting room so family can see the progress. I'm the first one. 

And a nice little note for my room!

11 Comments

Ruth said...

Shelley, I so admire your perspective and your ability to not worry. I a terrible worrier and I hat it! I like some wisdom in a book I'm reading and hope I can learn from it. It says worrying about tomorrow will rob the job of today. And it is arrogant to worry...like thinking God doesn't know how to do His job. So glad you have such great support. That will help you so much. And it OKAY to eel a bit sorry for yourself once in awhile! Take care!

June 13, 2012 at 11:53 AM

Dorothy said...

"Faith and Trust go a long way in helping me be who I am." It's beyond the scope of m imagination (as Anne would say) to think of you without incorporating those two values into my perception. You can be sure you'll have a pack of cheerleaders on the sidelines when you start your marathon.

June 13, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Renee said...

There you go again, Shelleykins, writing a blog post that is inspiring and brave and so very forthright and honest. Just like YOU are....and we love that about you.

I am tickled to pieces to think about Bonita being there. How smart of you to think of this "race" like a marathon..no body gets one those accomplished with t/e one step and then the next step process. I'm joining Dorothy's cheerleading section!!!

June 13, 2012 at 1:25 PM

Renee said...

I liked the pictures you added, too! Pictures always spice up a blog post!!

June 13, 2012 at 1:26 PM

Elaine T. said...

I'm you lost your gold 'headband" of staples and all is healing nicely. Keep jp the great work and gearing up for treatment. Always remember "This, too, shall pass." 

It's nice you can do it in Kearney. Was that gold on your walls the new color? I noticed it, and love it, but wasn't sure if it was something new or I'd just overlooked it before! So glad Bonita can be with you a bit. Take care.

June 13, 2012 at 9:38 PM

The J's said...

So glad Bonita is coming! I'm hoping to get in to see you again, soon.

June 13, 2012 at 11:07 PM

Lanae said...

Glad Bonita can be there, too.

And I have a ton of admiration/respect for your attitude/spirit toward this. I think it's a good idea to think of this liek running a marathon, too...an apt analogy. The preparation, both physical and mental...and then the race where the mental matters every bit as much, if not even a big more, than the physical, to help you endure when the going gets tough and it's hard to keep going. I think you are well-prepared mentally/spiritually, and than will help carry you through!

June 14, 2012 at 5;36 PM

Anita said...

I'm going to be in the cheerleading section, too!:)

Like those pix! It does look like they were having fun!:) And I like that message board they have up - what a great idea!

June 15, 2012 at 3:58 AM

Luanne said...

Hi Shelley!

I am home again. Thought about you everyday, just couldn't read your blog.. (sorry I missed the painting!!) Rod said it was great to see you at Bible study. See you soon, Lu

June 15, 2012 at 4:54 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Aunt Shelley, 

Oh my, dear, dear, lady! You've crafted a very touching post once again. May you have all the strength you need to go thru this.

Love, 

Raimie

June 18, 2012kj at 11:16 PM

gkey said..

Dear Gearing up, 

These days would be full & flying by as you prepare for this leg of the journey. 

I am glad you are writing about it all. It is good for you and helps the rest of your 'team' as well. 

Love 

Faith and Trust are the best 'running-mates'

in 

NE

p.s. This is my 3rd attempt to make this comment post. Hope it doesn't finally appear 3 times!!

June 19, 2012 at 9:18 AM

Settling In

 Sunday, June 10, 2012

I have had some eventful, uneventful days. Having a housekeeper and daughter suddenly decided to paint the paneling, (in the living room) I've had some lovely long naps in my bedroom instead of the living room. So, Now we have some new color in the living room, and my daughter instead wanting to paint again for a very long time.

I am continuing to sit, eat very nice things people send in (thankyewverymuch) and have naps. I am slowly learning to type on this laptop, which is a very annoying project. If I do too much of anything including have visitors and talk on the phone, which I LOVE, I get too tired. PLEASE don't stop calling and visiting. I'll just nap later, or I already have had a nap.

So, today, I have three naps, 6 visitors spread out between naps, three meals and two snacks.  I'll have one more snack with the evening meds.

I am feeling pretty good right now. Everyone comes in and says how GOOD I look, however, the better I feel the more I do, and then I will feel worse tomorrow. I don't want to spend too much time typing here either, because it is tiring.

It is amazing how tired I can get reading a few pages in a book, or reading on the computer. I had no idea it took so many muscles in my forehead to focus my eyes. I read my morning comics, if I'm up to it. I look a little at facebook and every couple of days look at my email. I have to decide sometimes what are the most important things to do, because I can't do all of even these little things all the time or all at one time.

I'm not finding it very easy to be a couch potato. I'm not finding it easy to sit down and watch other people do my work. Next on my list is to not let things like that stress me out. 

Note: (July 10, 2022) Jim has never been a fan of painting paneling. I had wanted a change in the living room for some time but knowing Jim didn't like it I hadn't pursued it. I gave in to the pressure of the "housekeepers" at the time and Jim has never been truly reconciled to the change.  We don't talk about it. :)

Note 2: (also July, 10, 2022( One of the things I have learned over the years after this surgery and other surgeries later, is that surgery takes a lot out of you. It takes anybody a lot of energy in the healing process which involves a lot of resting and no energy to do anything else. I think people (I know I did) don't take that into account.

10 Comments:

Dorothy said:

Boo on having to be a couch potato (I don't think I could enjoy it very long either,) but YAY on feeling pretty good! Keep up the good work!

June 11, 2012 at 7:25 AM

MEJ said...

I would not enjoy being a couch potato either, so I have total sympathy for you!

I wondered if you had a lap-top, thinking that would be much easier to be on than the computer!! It took me a while to get used to mine, but since it's all I've had for 2 years now, it feels pretty normal now. I do prefer to use a mouse with it tho, hate that touch pad!!

I'm anxious to see your new paint! Wow, how exciting!

June 11. 2012 at 8:25 AM

Bonita Sue said...

Save some jobs for me! See you Wednesday, I'm excited to come!

June 11, 2012 at 8:49 AM

Gramma's Corner said...

Plenty of jobs left!! Lynette's good, but young and it doesn't come very naturally to Jim, and I'm the one that isn't picking up the slack, and there is plenty of that around! :)

June 11, 2012 at 10:27 AM

Grace Kracht said...

So good to read the last few entries, Shelley - as have been thinking of you so much.

Hope you continue to get stronger every day & the fact that you are not liking to be a 'potato' is nothing but a GOOD sign! :)

June 11, 2012 at 10:57 AM

Renee said...

Hi, Shelley....so good to catch up a little with you, now that we are home from Idaho.

Oh, wow, I can imagine being a couch potato would be fun for about one day and then not so much. Baby steps will get you back to the old "new" you!! I'm happy that you are allowing some time for blogging!!

June 11, 2012 at 1:32 PM

gkey said...

Good Morning ShelleyKins,

You are so not a slacker....and so those would be 'trying' days in that respect as well as just the 'going slow' part.

It will be lovely to have your BonBon there with you awhile :)

love, 

sending well-wishes

in NE

June 12, 2012 at 10:27 AM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, I've not "stopped by" the blog for too may days, but please now it's not because I wasn't thinkinb about you1 You are on my heart and I pray for you...and your kiddos and Jim.

You are a gracious servant-heart Rest and soak in the blessing that comes from being served. You need some help right now and it is the Lord's great pleasure to bless you this way - so put the guilt aside and DELIGHT in Him!

Brandie

June 12, 2012 at 12:36 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, so glad you are getting stronger each day. What a privilege to have Bonita coming to be with you :) :) Healing thoughts headed your way daily.

Margie

June 12, 2012 at 2:46 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Aunt Shelley, 

I REALLY have been here reading your posts, just haven't got around to leaving comments. Not very nice of me, I know. We are settling in to our Summer routine to hopefully I can get busy reading the blogs I love.

Glad to hear you are settling in at home for you Summer routine...tho it's surely not the routine you expected!!

Love, 

Raimie

June 18, 2012 at 11:20 PM

Dear, Dear Friends,

 Thursday, June 7, 2012

I am very, very, very, (insert appropriate number for verys), thankful for all those who have checked this blog the last few days. It was such a pleasant thought to think of all those people thinking about me. Ad then at the end of the day to have the comments to listen to as I settled down for the night in the hospital.

Being so ill in the hospital was rather a surreal experience.

I was generally wakeful between 1 and 3 AM and at that time the PCU floor was very quiet. I could look out of the window on one side of an open ended box, and see the cool white lights that matched mine in the other sides of the box, for a few floors up and down. It felt a bit like floating in space with no time or dimension. 

So, dear ones, Stage two on the the journey begins. Surgery is over, recovery begins.

Recovery is boring. It means parking my carcass on the couch and leaving it there. It does not mean I can get up every little bit and put something away and sit back down. I tried that on the first day and crashed and burned painfully. So, today and yesterday, here I am, sitting on the couch, napping, eating, pill popping, relatively pain free.

People are working around me, and I'm trying not to feel guilty.  I feel like I should be doing something. Anyway, I am ready to go back to regular blog programming. I'll still keep this updated oftener than usual, just not every day.

Tomorrow is a very special day in my world, blogging or otherwise. So, we are going to celebrate our 25th anniversary while I sit on my very nice couch and recover.

And I go to the doctor on Tuesday, hopefully to have the staples removed from my head then.

14 Comments:

Ruth said:

Enjoy your couch and let people pamper you...you certainly deserve it! Hope every day is a better day.

June 7, 2012 at 9:22 PM

Anonymous said...

Sit! Stay! Heal! Thinking of you and knowing how hard it is for you who is a caregiver, to be on the other end of this. Love you outlook! Keep you knees bent and your chin up. Lynn and Jeanne

June 7, 2012 at 9:4 PM

Brenda said...

I am so, so, happy your surgery went well. Have thought of you every single day. I think tomorrow is a special day for a special person, who incidentally, I have never met!

June 7. 2012 at 9:49 PM

Bonita Sue said...

May I be the first one to wish you-- happy 25th anniversay!

June 7, 2012 at 9:54 PM

Bonita Sue said...

Oops--anniversary! So that's why they have the preview option.

June 7, 2012 at 9:56 PM

Dorothy said...

And may I be the second to with you HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY!..."to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

Love you both dearly

June 7, 2012 at 11:16 PM

 

gkey said...

Dear, on the eve of your 25th Anniversary, 

I have been waiting for this, to wish you Happy Anniversary...A special day indeed.

Certainly you are proving that "in sickness"...part of your vows now.

Good night.

June 7, 2012 at 11;28 PM

Maxine said...

Wishing you both a very happy Anniversary!! I know this is not how you would have preferred to spend it, but we (and I know you) are so thankful that you are here & able to celebrate a special anniversary!

Try to enjoy the pampering-I know how hard it would be. But you DO have a lovely couch to enjoy it from!! Hope you have a good weekend, see you when I get back!

June 8, 2012 at 8:12 AM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Oh, what a special anniversary!! Happy 25th!!! Others have better words about you 'couch mode', but I so appreciated the though above "keep your knees bent & your chin up." :)

love you, Cyndie

June 8, 2021 at 8:38 AM

Anita said...

Happy Anniversary! :)

June 8, 2012 at 9:02 AM

Barb from Minnesota said...

I've been reading your blog, since  friend/relative told me about it, but decided that I just have to comment, too.! I hope you have a wonderful anniversary, in spite of your "condition" right now. I, too, like the one about keeping your knees bent and your chine up! This is hoping that you will improve quickly , and can soon put this "experience" behind you, but keep the positive lessons learned, through it all. May we all learn from what you are sharing with us. 

Barb

June 8, 2012 at 10:11 AM

Darcie said...

SO very glad to hear that you are back home! Now you get to know that couch up close and personal. ;-) Make that couch your new best friend! In all seriousness...rest while you can, your body needs it, even if you mind is telling you otherwise. Once again...glad you're home! (((hugs))

June 8, 2012 at 11:04 AM

Darcie said...

I am not just reading the about comments and realize what you special day is.

HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY my friend!!!!

June 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary, Jim and Shelley!! Didn't know we were married the same year. We will celebrate 25 years in Sept.

You have been in our thoughts and prayers so much. So glad the surgery went well, you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you face the days ahead. 

Love to you both from Arizona,

Varrel and Sandi Herndon

June 8, 2012 at 5:28 PM