I'M BACK!!!

Hi everyone!  We had a fun reunion last night with the kids.  I was sitting on a chair in the living room.  Esther brought them home, and she just held the baby close so she could look at me.  I can't hold her, so I just smiled and talked to her and rubbed her hand.  I'm so grateful to be home and to get through my first night here.  My fever spiked to 103 after I got home last night, so I was pretty anxious.  I called a pharmacy to find out how much of what I could take.  I've never taken so many pills in one day in all my life!  Mat was alarmed to find me in bed this morning (instead of the recliner where he left me) without calling him. We have our cell phones at the sides of our beds, so he can be there to help me in an instant.  I'm not sure I'm even aware of when I moved, but I needed to change positions.  The fever is gone today and I feel pretty good as long as I don't move much.  Mat was shocked to see me trekking down the stairs just now so I could update the blog.  : )  I call it "therapy".  And it's good to have a destination, somewhere to go every day, even if it's just down to the office.

I can't even tell you how overwhelmed I felt walking in last night and see all the work that was done at my house in the last few days.  Paint, new bedding (homemade), a huge picture collage of the kids, etc.  I hesitate to mention names because I don't know that I'm aware of everyone.  But Kari deserves a medal for everything she coordinated and accomplished!  Thanks Kari, I love you!  Someone cleaned out the bathtub too, which has been needed for some time, so I'm grateful to whoever you are!  Diana brought over her mom's recliner so I'd have a comfortable place to hang out and sleep.  Her mom died a few months ago, and I loved her!  It's an honor to have it, and I'm very grateful for it.  I'll think of her whenever I'm in it.

The effects of surgery will be with me for a week or two.  They have to cut through muscle to get to the lymph nodes, so my left arm is weak and retaining water, which is painful.  The rest of the nodes will be removed January 8th, based on yesterday's lab results.  I understand I'll have issues with my arm for the rest of my life, but exercises and prevention of those problems will go a long way.  I have to say I was shocked the first time I looked at the reconstruction.  My initial thought was, "My goodness, I hope that's just swollen and will come down some".  I told the plastic surgeon "B" would be good, ya, it's bigger than that.  She told me she could liposuction some of the fat out if I wanted, but I bet I'll be used to it by the time reconstruction on the other side happens, and I'll just have her match it.  I've never had "cleavage" before.  : )

Our thanks and love for all of you!  Your prayers are felt and the miracles evident!  So many sweet gifts have been brought over or sent from far away places.  There will be no hungry people here for at least 2 weeks!  Thanks to Val for taking the 3 big kids for a sleep over tonight, and to Mary, who has the baby for a while so Mat can sleep, despite plans for a date with her husband.  We have the best support system in the world!  Oh, and by the way,  PLEASE call Mat to find out what help he needs in the next week or two.  When he tells you he's doing OK and he can handle it, tell him to cut the crap and give you a list!  I think the main thing will be distractions for the kids and some "baby free" time for him.  Love you all!