Health Update(s)

I thought it was time to post a general health update here.  Some of you know about all that has been going on in October, but it hasn't necessarily been general knowledge.

First of all, I am doing very well.  I am now 4 weeks post surgery and am getting stronger every day.  My mind and my body do not agree, however, on how far along I am or should be.  I have twice now found myself in a store (Hy-Vee and Walmart) in the middle of shopping and realized that I really am not able to do that yet.  :(  My mind believes that I should be back to normal, but my body wonders if that will EVER be the case!  I know... I need to have patience.  I am working on that.  :)

I am still having to wear stretchy clothes because of (nerve?) pain across my mid-section.  Am thinking there should be a line of post-hysterectomy clothing, much like maternity clothing!  :)  I would buy it right now!!  If I ever get to wear 'regular' pants with zipper closures again, I will rejoice!!!  :D

Now, to the news that we haven't really been sharing.  October has been a difficult month for our family.  My Aunt Aleta was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the beginning of the month - literally just days after my release from the hospital.  She is still awaiting a scheduled date for her surgery and I have to say that my patience is running extremely thin regarding this.  My cynical (and weary) mind is worried about the surgeon's delay.  Please pray for a date (imminently) for her surgery and for her long term health and recovery.

My Uncle Dale has been in the hospital in Illinois for 6 weeks now.  After 4 weeks in the hospital he underwent surgery to remove 20 inches of his colon due to a blockage.  He is extremely weak and not able to do the physical therapy required but is nearing the end of his time allowed to stay at the hospital.  Please pray for a good plan of action and his long term health and recovery.  Aleta and Dale are my dear Mama's sister and brother.

And finally, to my own dear Mama.  If you know her in person, you know she is tough as nails.  We don't call her 'Big Sue' for nothing!  :)  The week after I was released from the hospital she started having horrible headaches and neck pain.  She was able, for a week or so, to gather the strength to continue with her very busy schedule of events, but would come home exhausted and in great pain.  However, a couple of weeks ago her ability to push through the pain came to a screeching halt.  My Mama, who never complains about pain, was reporting pain of a 10, 11, and 12 on a scale of 1-10.  She was totally incapacitated.  She ended up in the ER, but we found out nothing.  She has undergone multiple tests including 2 CT scans, 2 MRI's, lots of blood work, and etc.  The wonderful news is that she has NOT had a stroke, there is no sign of a tumor, no bleeding in the brain, etc.  We are so VERY thankful for that information!!  The bad news is that her pain is still a mystery.  I am, however, so thankful to report that for the last 36 hours her pain has remained in the 4-6 range.  That feels like quite a blessing.  Although, we still really need to determine a course of action for her moving forward.

We are so grateful for her team of doctors who are working hard to narrow down the possibilities and help her find relief.  And we are tremendously thankful for those of you who have been praying.  Sorry for not sharing this news far and wide, but it hasn't been news Mama wanted shared far and wide.  Till now.

We covet your prayers for my dear Mama, my sweet Aunt Aleta, and my precious Uncle Dale.  Three siblings who have such a strong connection and who are all hurting right now.  Thank you so much.

UPDATE - Mama is being admitted to the hospital this morning - 10/30/14.