Hello family and friends!

I am one month out from surgery today and I finally feel like I have turned the corner on healing!  Last week, I felt sick all week and I couldn't figure out why. I was still so sore and bruised that I couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep, so I had been taking one dose of strong pain medication at night. Sam encouraged me to try to stop taking it, as all that medication is bad for you.  So I stopped and then I was nauseous and weak and after doing even the smallest task, I would have to sit down.  Then I realized I was going through withdrawal! I'm really glad I stopped taking it, but last week was rough.  I am not sleeping well, I am having lots of hot flashes and have a lot of trouble turning off my brain and getting comfortable, but this too shall pass. I remember going through this "sleep difficulty" phase after my last surgeries as well. 

I had my follow up appointment and got all my stitches out. Doc says everything looks good and technically all my restrictions are now lifted.  But of course, they said to take it slow and ease into regular life.  Zury and Kara both got their Temps, so I get to do lots of passenger riding as they learn the rules of the road.  I will be going back to work at Subway for a couple hours next week but will be mostly doing the register as my left hand is still really sore.  I scheduled two amazing gals to work with me so I know they can handle a lot. I am looking forward to being back.

Yesterday, I wanted to surprise Sam and have the main part of the house really clean when he got home from going into the office. Poor guy has been crazed at work, plus running kids to and fro, and trying to keep up with laundry and housework. He had mentioned that he was looking forward to having us both healthy so the house can be straightened up and clean. On Tuesday evening, I had opened up some of the cupboards and almost cried. ALL of my organization was destroyed. The children, while helping with dishes, didn't put things away where they belonged.  Let's just say they very creatively (lazily) put things anywhere they found room.... So yesterday, I was feeling good, so I organized the cupboards, and vacuumed, and put neglected piles of stuff away and cleaned the bathroom and waaayyy overdid it! By the time Sam got home, I felt sick and my left hand was aching. Sam couldn't believe how much I had done! He was impressed but concerned about me.  I am taking it slower today. But overall, I feel so much better! Praise God!

It's hard to believe the surgical part of my journey is finally over!! I am so thankful. After the countless holes, incisions, stitches and bruises, I am ready to get my body back in shape and feel strong again. Thank you doesn't begin to express how grateful, blessed, and loved we have felt by all of you throughout these last 19 months. We couldn't have made it without you!

Prayer Requests:
*My left hand/wrist is still quite painful. I can do some things with it, but pulling the cap off of chapstick(!) and folding clothes or doing any kind of turning hurts a lot.
*My labs have come back too high two months in a row. My oncologist is having me do my next blood draw on January 19th ahead of my appointment on the 22nd to see how my numbers are. We potentially have to choose between a total hysterectomy or stopping all cancer preventing medication. 
*Sam's right knee feels so much better since surgery(Major Praise!!) He is scheduled to do his left knee 12/26. However, he has been taking a high dose of Vitamin D for the last 2 weeks and the pain is almost gone! (Shock and Praise) Please pray for wisdom as to whether or not to cancel the surgery. We do NOT want any surgeries in 2024!

I wanted to end this post with some profound thing I have learned or a big God sighting, but it's really about the small things. God clearly walked through this entire journey right beside us. It was hard, so very hard, but He was there. He listened to my sobs and my laughter, and He helped me endure the pain. He sent all of you to show up and bless us with cards, food, company, and prayers. We are so thankful for our loving God.