Back to Work

Thank you all for the prayers, calls, cards, visits, well wishes and comments.
Wow, I have some loving friends!

Today started with a check up with the surgeon. My wounds are healing well. I still have a constant dull, ache in my tummy so he prescribed Nexium. My pharmacy had an issue with filling it so I just got Prevacid instead. I also have thrush. How pleasant. While in the hospital I was on mega antibiotics to protect me from sepsis from the stomach leaks. The antibiotics kill the bad stuff and the good flora as well. I've been drinking a Dan Active pro-biotic every day to build my immune system. They are tasty. Give 'em a try. Probably too much sugar but they are so small and serve a greater good.

I went to work for a half day today. It was so great seeing my co-workers. They were very welcoming. Can your believe the people of the Forest Service and other agencies donated 200 hours of leave to me? There are no words to describe my amazement and gratitude for how well I have been cared for during my recovery. My cube mate is in Portland this week so that is a bummer. I am planning on a trip to Portland in mid October for training. I think I'll be ready to travel. How cool will it be to fit in the airplane seat? Yea!

So the big question is... how much have I lost?    37 pounds. 
I got out clothes from weights past and they fit nice. I think I have enough clothes to last for another 30 pounds. I will need shoes, though. My feet are smaller already. Weird, huh?
Truth is I have lost so much in my face it is weird putting on make-up. I almost don't recogize myself.

Food is going well. I've had eggs, chicken noodle soup and tonight I made crab legs. Today the nurse told me she wants me to drink 32 oz of milk a day. Yikes! I'll add a few vanilla lattes to the daily mix.
Hot milk, instant decaf coffee, splenda and a few drops of vanilla extract. Yummy!

Abby's Day Out

I had a big day out today - nail salon, Billys' school, Wal-mart & the pool. My poor fake nails were still clinging on somehow. I think I got them Aug 9. So new nails, pretty toes & feet and I even got my eyebrows done - a first for me. I'm so grateful to be alive & on the mend I felt like a little pampering.

Billy got off the bus in tears because left his jacket at school so we jumped in the car to go get it. His new K teacher, Ms. Salo is terrific. Great to meet her. Saw the Sight Word accomplishment chart in the wall. Billy is tied for 2nd out of all the K classes in how many sight words he knows. He is at 50! One boy has all 200. Needless to say, we worked on sight word flashcards tonight. He asks to do them. Man, I love that kid!

Went to Wal-Mart for lots of stuff but in particular Blue Bell no sugar popsicles. Can't find them at Publix or Kroger either. The hospital had them. All other sugar-free pops have sorbitol or some other -ol and that gives me quite the tummy ache. I found some Mayfield pops that were just 50 cal a piece so I got those. Banana pops, um, YUM! If you notice Blue Bell no sugar pops at your grocery store send me a note. Thanks!

On the way back from Wal-mart I noticed our community pool is still open! I rushed home and grabbed suits. Billy & I got a sweet swim in before dusk. Kept my incisions dry :)

Wow, I am tired. Tomorrow will be special. Bill & I get to spend the day together. Perhaps we will go join Lifetime Fitness.

Oh, food. So I had cream of wheat, Dan Active probiotic drink, Carnation instant breakfast (chocolate) and cream of chicken soup & mashed potatoes with extra protein added. While I'm popping tums and pepcid like candy, I am so pleased with how well the food is progressing. Not too much tummy trouble except when taking pills or liquid meds.

30 lbs gone - waahoooo!

My Constant Companions

I'm so thankful to be home and on the mend.

These are a few reminders why I should learn deeply from this experience.

IV pole

The Board

My central line flush

Time for Vitals

At Home

So I am home enjoying the love, hugs and kisses from Billy!

going home

I have been cleared to go home!
I hope to be home by 6 pm.
Praise, surrender, endure.

Look who is sipping tea!

Well, Praise God! The leak is healed!

I am enjoying the wonderful flavors of herbal tea and orange jello. Hmm.

The thought of going home is so magnificant. I hope to be well enough for the Duluth Fall festival but we will see. Being home with my boys will be amazing. I hope to home by Wednesday if food progresses as planned.

I totally wear hats

just saw a target commercial

I totally wear hats