Feeling Better!

Hi Everyone! It has now been 5 weeks since my surgery and I am feeling much better. I am still soar and tight, but not as bad as it used to be. I can pretty much do whatever right now, I just have to be careful. Unfortunately I am able to clean the house now. I had my first fill, and it wasn't too bad. I was more soar for a couple of days, but not too bad. The doctor thinks I will need around 9 fills (once a week) and then I will have surgery for the exchange 3-4 weeks after that. So probably have the surgery around middle of August or September. I am so glad I am feeling better because today is Cody's last day of school and starting next week he will be saying, "I'm bored!" Thanks again for all your prayers! God is so good to us!

Recovering

I had three doctor appointments this week! The doctor said everything looks good. I do have some fluid build up, but he said when they start the expansion process, they can extract the fluid. I was able to go to small group last night, so that was good! I am going to church tomorrow for Mother's Day. It's been two and a half weeks since my surgery. My chest is still very soar and hurts. I'm just taking Tylenol right now. I will start the fills for expansion next week on Friday. The nurse said it should take 4-8 weeks and then a month after that I will have surgery to put in the implants. I know I have already said it, but thank you all again for all of your love, prayers, cards, notes and meals you have sent! You all have truly shown what the body of Christ is suppose to be like! Love you all so much!

Expanders

Expanders are the big round things I have in my chest that are used for streching my skin. Whoever said expanders don't hurt (like my doctor) has never had expanders! Yes they do hurt! I am getting tired of hurting and being uncomfortable all the time! Sometimes I wish I could just rip out these expanders!!! Sorry about the complaining. I just had to vent for a while! Having to go through this makes me stop and think about other people who suffer everyday...much more than I am! Take some time today and ask God to put on your heart people who are suffering today and take some time to pray for them.

Drains out!

The doctor took the drains out yesterday because he felt like it was too risky to keep them in. Holy cow did that hurt when he pulled them out!!! I'm going back tomorrow and he will talk to me about how I can take a shower. I still can't lift my arms up, but it might feel good to be in the shower! My chest is still very tight and uncomfortable. I'm trying to take my pain med every five hours instead of every four hours. It has been such a blessing for people to bring over meals! Thank you! Even reading posts or emails has really helped me! Even though this has been hard at times, God has been with me every step of the way, and I know that there are lessons He is teaching me that I wouldn't be able to learn any other way. He is also showing me how much He loves me through each of you!

Need prayer!

Hi everyone! I'm needing some prayer on a few issues. First, thank you for everyone who made comments about my pain medication! That really helped me. I am needing prayer on how to start lowering the amount of narcotic I'm taking without being in too much pain. Also, my drains are going to need to come out soon, but I am still having alot of drainage. Pray that the doctor knows the perfect time for when they should come out. I have also broken out into a bad, itchy rash down my arms and legs. We thought it might be from the antibiotic, so I quit taking that. So please pray I don't get an infection, that the rash will go away and that we figure out what is causing it...the antibiotic, the narcotic, the older recliner I'm in, or something else. Please pray that Craig gets the rest he needs and that be is able to catch up on his work since he has been trying to work from home. Also thanks very much to craig's sister for coming and helping out and cleaning out my very dirty refrigerator! Love you all! Thank you so much for going through this with me!

It's Me!

Hi everyone! Thank you again for praying for me! Also thank you to those who have left posts, it really encourages
me when I read them! I am doing a little better. I haven't been able to cut down yet on my medication. Today I tried to just go 10 minutes longer and it felt like someone was trying to crush my chest! I can't do anything except sit in this recliner all day. It is really sore where my drains are, so I am hoping that those can come out soon! I go to see my doctor tomorrow. Craig's sister is coming in tonight to help out for a couple of days, so that will be nice! It was very nice of her to fly in and help out! Craig's Dad has had some health problems, so please pray for him also. Also for my Dad. It was very rough those first two days in the hospital! I am so thankful that God was with me and brought me through and that my Mom was able to stay with me! Craig has been working so hard taking care of the kids, the animals and cleaning the house! I don't know what I would do without him! He is trully the best husband anyone could ever have! I thank God for him everyday!

We're Home!

Laura was discharged this morning. Dr. Zucker visited her this morning and removed two of her chest drains, and that of course caused her some discomfort. However, he said she looked like she was ready to go home. Her pain is still pretty severe, but other than that she seems to be doing fine. I am sure she will be writing her own post soon. While I have tried to be as detailed and accurate as possible in my post, you will soon have her much more detailed insight which I am sure you look forward to. Thanks for all of you prayers.