Recovering and Looking to the Future

Recovering from surgery is a frustratingly slow process. When I got home from "up north" last week, I itched to get back to my normal routine. On Wednesday, I spent all morning doing some mild house cleaning, and by afternoon realized I had overdone it. I spent the next day or two recovering from my enthusiasm.

So, now I'm trying to force myself to take it easy and let the incisions heal. My wonderful mother-in-law and Relief Society sisters are bringing us meals, Steve has become Mr. Mom with the laundry and household chores, and my kids are pitching in like troopers. I'm so grateful for all the help!

It's been just over 2 weeks now since the surgery. I should be fully recovered in about 4 more weeks. My stay in the hospital was pleasant (as much as a hospital stay can be, anyway). I love the menu up there! It's like ordering from a 5 star restaurant for each meal, and I'm afraid I often went overboard in my choices.  Steve had to finish at least half the food for me.

He stuck it out with me, the whole 5 days, sleeping on the couch and putting up with nurses waking us both up around the clock to check my vitals and so forth. (Not that I didn't totally love my nurses: they were all awesome! And I'm absolutely amazed at what doctors in this day and age can accomplish.)

Just a little bit of gushing now about my husband. Steve really has been my rock, throughout this whole experience. I don't know what I would have done without him! He has stuck by me through the thick and thin of it, never leaving my side and always making sure I'm well cared for. I could never find a better forever companion!When people talk about my strength in surviving this ordeal, I point to him, because I would not have been strong if he hadn't been there, propping me up the whole time.

After getting an "honorable release" from the hospital, I spent a week at my parent's house, lounging around all the time and not doing much of anything. I did find some great shows on Netflix, if you want any tips. ;-)

Then, I was finally well enough to come home last Monday. Today, we're headed up again for a follow-up appointment, but it will be a short, overnight trip.

The girls started school last Thursday, and I sent my "baby" to kindergarten. We thought she would be clingy, but she marched right into class like the big girl she's become. All the girls absolutely loved their first two days of school! They're thrilled with their teachers and excited for a new year.

I'm excited for a new year, too. I feel like I have a new lease on life, now that I can finally say I have overcome cancer. My biggest news is that I am achieving my lifetime dream to be a published author. My first novel will be released this fall or winter. (And you're all invited to the launch party!)

But, of course, the biggest joy is to have my family and friends around me, and to be able to take a turn serving them, for a change, as I stick around on earth a little longer. I am so very blessed!

And with that, dear reader, I will close this blog. I don't expect to have much more news to relate in regards to cancer. I hope that my experience has inspired you to overcome your own life challenges. We can be stronger than we think we are when we have God on our side and loving friends and family around us.

I have neglected my regular blog in recent years, but I may now return to it and occasionally post what my family and I are up to, if you want to hop over to: sandsblack.blogspot.com. Watch there for news of my upcoming novel!