The human body is a remarkable thing. It's been two weeks since the surgery and I am feeling surprisingly well. I'm not really in much pain today. But after being asked to rate my pain from 1 to 10 day and night, days on end since surgery, it is funny how your pain threshold perspective changes. Uncontrollable dry heaving the day after they cut me open and used a rib spreader on me?...a solid "10!"  Close behind at a "9.5" was the building pressure on my ribs from the inside out as I not-so-patiently waited for my digestive system to start working again. Add in an unexpected cough, sneeze or gas bubble, and it rapidly shot back to a "10 ". I recall the nurse asking me to rate my pain that last day in the hospital and I responded, "If I lay here perfectly still, it is a two." Looking back, in reality it was probably a five or six but comparitively speaking at the time, as long as it wasn't sending me through the roof, all was well. So, yes. Today I am feeling quite well in light of my new perspective on what not-so-well feels like.

On another note, I have found it quite a challenge to be home doing basically nothing. A person can only watch so much TV. I have to admit that I find myself perusing Facebook just waiting for friends and family to post something... anything...so I can vicariously live through their adventures (Note to my FB friends - keep posting pics of your kids, pets, dinner, or whatever...you'll be sure to get "a like" from me!). I am supposed to be out five to six weeks for recovery and I'm only on week 2?! The boredom is going to drive me cuckoo but I think the worst is behind me.

On January 7 & 8,  I will be heading back to Mayo Clinic for follow-up appointments with my surgeon and oncologist, as well as another CT scan. I have to admit I was disappointed to hear that there are remaining nodules in my liver. But I know God's not done with me yet. He is able. He continues to be able.

I want to thank everyone who has extended kindness to me. Those who offered to bring a meal (Amy, Kathy & Dennis, and Samantha), those who came to visit me (Kristen w/ grandkids and Brian, Stosh, Nina, S.Terry), my neighbor Julie who shoveled our driveway, those who sent flowers (Amy, Lisa & Lisa and my Festival family/CI Team), Dave who sent chocolates (yum!), those who sent a card (Karen, Mitch, Cathy & Gary, and Mom & Neal), and the countless others (too many to name) that texted, emailed, called or sent an encouraging word through social media. And most of all, thank you to all who have whispered a prayer on my behalf. God's richest blessings to you all.