So Many Improvements!

I've really come a long way these past two weeks. I'm able to do so many things that were uncomfortable to do just two weeks ago. My stamina is building, in fact we walked for hours at the state fair two nights ago and the only discomfort I felt was in my legs. My back pain has subsided quite a bit except when sitting on hard chairs -something that probably hurt my back before the surgery. A week ago it really hurt me to brush the pool, this week I brushed and vacuumed it and felt fine, I can put the fitted sheets on the beds by myself (the fourth corner has been a killer up until this week) I can walk a half mile and hope to double that by the end of next week. (not sure if that's going to happen, though) I successfully wrestled two cats to the vet (they are both fine - Ashley and I just needed to be sure after K.C.'s episode) Yesterday we spent the day by the pool and I was easily getting into and out of the lounger by the pool with no help, something that hurt two weeks ago. And here's the exciting one . . . I even layed on my stomach on the pool lounger and felt fine. (I felt a pull at the incision when I got up, but I was thrilled with that accomplishment.) Using the hoe two weeks ago hurt very much, I'm hoping it's gotten easier, too. I have two more small gardens to get cleaned up, the weeds have driven me nuts all summer, but the bulk of the weeding is done. Sleep remains my biggest challenge, but I'm feeling like myself again and I'm excited to see if I'm ready for situps. I still have to be really careful with how heavy I lift and certain twisting movements, but overall, I'm in a much better place. I have to say, though, that I am one huge bruise - being on the blood thinners has made me bruise incredibly easily. Wrestling the cats into the cat carrier did a number on my legs. (So if you see me and notice I'm looking black and blue, don't be alarmed :0) I am relieved to not feel quite so disjointed, though the connection between my sternum/ribcage and my stomach area will probably always feel off to me. God is wonderful and I'm thankful to be feeling like me again. Hope everyone is doing great and I can't wait to see the whole family in Tennessee. We are car shopping today, wish us luck, as I really feel uneasy about driving the Explorer all that way. Thank you for still checking on me!
Love to all!
Joyce

On Our Own

We left last Monday to take Tony's mom home to Pennsylvania and returned yesterday, Saturday July 5th. Words can't express the appreciation and gratitude we feel for the sacrifices and help we've received from all of the parents, mine and Tony's. It feels strange to be without them.
Some sad news . . . Our cat of 13 years, K.C., took a turn for the worse around 4 AM this morning and we ended up having her put to sleep around 9:30AM. Anyone who has ever lost a pet surely understands how sad we are. I feel particularly guilty for leaving her here this week, but I had no idea she was feeling so poorly. Apparently she was hanging on for our return (Or God kept her going until we returned.) She seemed fine when we arrived home, but was breathing harder than usual at 11:30 and I awoke to her deterioration around 4 AM I stayed with her, hoping she would pass peacefully and naturally, but watching her suffer just was too unbearable - by 9:00AM we decided to help her in her passing. (I haven't gone more than 30 minutes without crying all day - reminders of her are everywhere.)
As for my recovery, I am doing well, my stamina is building and my bad days aren't nearly as bad as they were just two weeks ago. I still have a lot of trouble falling asleep and getting back to sleep if I awake in the night. I've survived three sneezes this past week - not fun. (So glad that didn't happen any sooner than this!) I begin rehab tomorrow morning (6:30-7:30AM) I'll let you know how that goes. I have to go get a tissue - K.C. would normally be trying to lay on the keyboard while I type this. I miss her terribly already!

Love to all!
Joyce