Joanne and I both continue on the road to healing, although I'm the identified patient right now.
Surgery went well. Swedish hospital is like a 5 star hotel compared to VM. Even the food is quite healthy and good. You order it just like room-service, from a menu, 24/7. OK, clearly I'm impressed by small things. . . As good as it was, I was eager to get to our home, a true 5-star abode.
After a few days of screaming bone pain and yucky nausea, I am feeling more human. My life is mostly confined to two places: my brown leather "stress-less chair" in the living room and my bed in the downstairs guest room. The chair is great. The bed so-so (I apologize to all our guests who have had to sleep on it). I maneuver with a roll-about and wheelchair. Both sites provide me with a view of the water, Mt. Baker and the passing fury of the storms. It could be much worse.
Life is simple for me these days. Getting caught up on old, unread magazines, reading books, watching movies from Netflix (I LOVE that company!) and taking narcotic-induced naps, all with several felines on my lap.
We did have an adventure last night. We had tickets for Lily Tomlin and were committed to going. Yes, we had at least four inches of snow on the ground and it was snowing heavily with very icy roads. Fortunately, our dear neighbors, Cindy and Vanessa, offered to feed us dinner and take us with them to the show. I must admit that I have never maneuvered a wheel-chair in the snow before last night. It was a team effort, especially since stairs were involved. A real lesson in surrender and trust for me, made easier by the competence of these strong women. It was a great night and a treat to get out of the house, even in a blizzard!
Joanne and I each have a next step in Seattle next week. On the 9th we go down South for a Seattle Men's Chorus concert. The next day she has a CT scan to monitor her fluid pocket and surgery to remove her IP port. I have an appointment with my surgeon (at the same time!) to have sutures removed and be casted. Different hospitals. My dear friend, Laura, will be chauffeuring us both to these events and then home to Bellingham, as neither of us will be able to drive! What a pair! We are each comforted by the thought that this year, 2007, will soon be a distant memory.
We cut down our Xmas tree last weekend, the house is decorated for the holidays, Joanne is getting stronger every day, and LIFE IS GOOD.
Janet & Joanne
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9 comments:
Wow, that's some view you have there.... :(
Sucks about the pain, the inability to walk, the boredom, the frustration... Thank goodness you have a TON of books from your birthday party that are anxious to be read!
Love,
E.
So good to hear you're keeping your spirits as you move about aided by All. I love you, Gals! And, so glad that you got out to Lily's show. Saw it on the marquee last week, and, for that moment it felt like B'ham was BigTime!
The winds and rains pelted us good last evening, the barn door slamming against the rustic structure with every breath of the Nor'Easter. It's quite a different experience of life in this abode . . . No more security of the basement from storms! YEee-Haaawwh.
Speaking of 'em, we're out in it to take Big Z to school.
Be blessed!
Love and hugs from us to you,
Zander and Tess
PS
Joanne, this Rock is soon in your care. Perhaps after your port is removed?? Two thoughts: One, it goes free in the waters outside of your home with a mini-ritual of release and thanksgiving; two, it's plopped into our pond with the same loving Grace. I like idea 1 best, but it's your rock, having done its job well. You decide, and perhaps, you've got a better idea to offer . . .
As always, your words bring me smiles and thoughts of gratitude that I have the privilege of knowing the two of you. What a storm you got this weekend.
Blessings on you both. Hope the holiday is bright, pain-free and full of healing.
Much love,
KarenSue
I was gone for over a month and just now have had time to catch up on your news. Wow you two are really going through it. But things look like they are improving if Joanne can take care of Janet for a while. Just wanted you both to know that you are in my heart and have been on my prayer list for sometime and will remain there until I hear all clear! Love, Carol Stewart
Thanks for the update as I've been praying with you both continually and visualizing easy recoveries for you both. While it may not be easy, you certainly take each step (or roll) with grace, love and commitment. I appreciate the role model you both are and endeavor to face my challenges with equal elegance. May the quiet of the snow be remembered inspite of the howling winds.
Love, Janet Estep
Hi Gals,
Thinking about you. Good thoughts. Healing thoughts. That'll have to be good enough because I don't seem to be able to get much beyond the thinking. Knit up a storm. Cyber hugs all around. Naturally, that includes the cat-kids.
Love,
Nancy
Dear Joanne & Janet
It is lovely to hear from you and about you. As always, you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Christmas and may 2008 bring you health, wealth and happiness.
love you both very much
Ashanti
Janet and Joanne, what a year the two of you have had! I have nothing but admiration for how you have held together through all of this, which I realize was done with the help of so many angels, near and far. May the healing continue for you both!
Peace and blessings,
Kathy Seibert
Hello to both of you,
Good to hear that your surgery is done Janet - and that Joanne is doing so well. We are preparing for a bustling holiday up here in the land of many children - and guess what - there's a wedding in our future! (Haven't set a date yet) Thank goodness for Canadian civil liberties. I'll look forward to seeing you two dancing at our party. Advent is a time of waiting and I wish you patience in the spirit of the season.
Gillian and Wendy
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