Sunday, July 26, 2009

I'm Back

Well, after quite an eventful few days, I am at home trying to recover. The surgery went well, as most of you are already aware. I can tell they dug for lymph nodes because my arm hurts terribly, but my prayers have been answered - no cancer in any of the four they checked. I am so completely overwhelmed because if I'm correct, my odds just went up by another 30%!! I'll take those odds any day.

Now, the work is really beginning. My chest hurts so bad at times that I cannot even cry. I can't lay back because (due to the expanders) my chest is swollen. And OF COURSE, I itch on my back where I can't reach - too funny. That is God showing me that I can do even the smallest of things. So, for me to itch it I use a wall and I look like Balloo (the bear on Jungle book) itching on a tree. Today I had a big first, I walked my fingers all the way up the wall - both hands. Sounds crazy, but this one little exercise is apparently very important in maintaining mobility of the limbs. Then, more drugs. Whew, don't know what I'd do without a few of the drugs to take off the edge, but I was violently ill from the morphine. Oh my, I felt so bad for my nurse, Casey - he was a fine nurse I might add - I did not know that a body in such bad shape from surgery could hurl that much out of nowhere! Thank goodness most of it hit the pink pan, but he cleaned me up well and was very good to me. Thank you Casey.

This week, I will be trying to find a way to get a few hours of sleep here and there. My back and chest hurt every moment and I walk holding what's left of the twins. I continue to try to find a way to relax and get comfy in the hopes that it will be sooner than later. Tomorrow I will have the bandages changed and I just hope I can tolerate it. Not just the looks, but also the loosening of the compression tube top too. Wish me luck....I'm trying to look at it like this - for my 45th birthday, I will have a new chest.

Well, its started thundering/lightning and after Friday night's boomers, I'm shutting down. My thanks to all for your continued support and calls and beautiful flowers. I've needed you more than I could have ever imagined, and you have really stepped up and held my hand. There are no words to convey how monumentally grateful I am for having all of you in my life.

7 comments:

  1. It is so wonderful to hear from you. I have said it before and will say it over and over again. You are amazing!

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  2. You amaze me. I was telling Angie about you wanting to go out to dinner because it was Brad's last day home and Angie said "I know I don't know Arla as well as you do, but I can say this - she is the strongest woman I know in every way".

    Thank you for the address, it's in my cell phone now (that way I won't lose it-I hope). As soon as it comes in, it's headed right your way. Don't know if I told you this, but it was my wonderful husband's idea to send it to you. He said "I know you've been upset about Arla and I have been so involved with work and really haven't spoken about how you feel with what Arla is going through, so not only did I buy you one, I bought one for you to send to Arla too." How sweet. He's known I've been wanting one for a long time (hehe - not telling you what it is), but I can't wait to get mine and I think when you get yours, you'll realize that no matter how sick you may get from the chemo, radiation, etc - and you may one day think "How can I continue to make it thru all of this chemo and radiation one more day"..I hope you'll look at it and I hope it will give you courage and strength to continute to stay strong, funny, full of "piss & vinegar" (hehe) and ALWAYS find the humor in everything.

    Love you girl,
    Kellie

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  3. Hey Arla!!
    I hope your day today is better than yesterday and tomorrow even better than today! You know my number; all you have to do is call.
    Love ya!
    Ferell

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  4. WELCOME BACK!!
    Arla, I am so glad you are home with your boys and babies. You are a strong woman and this will only be a temporary set back. You are well on your way to recovery. I'm looking forward to seeing you back in school. Thanks to the boys and your sister for keeping us all informed. I will continue to pray for your speedy recovery. Please feel free to call if you need anything or just want to talk.
    Love, Donna Nero

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  5. Hey there,
    this blog web site was the best idea ever to keep updated. Money, power, fame and anything else does not measure how blessed a person is in life. It is measured by moments/events like this when things are bad and you are reminded just how many people care about you. But, it was all well earned by you. Sometime next year or so when you are at the beach with the new twins being oogled at by surfer dudes, you can look back and laugh at this. But don't laugh now, it would hurt too much.
    Hope to see you soon.
    Gibbens

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  6. We are so happy for you, our prayers were answered when the cancer was not found in your lymph nodes. Keep strong and remember your family is here for you! We love you and know that you will recover, no matter what this illness throws at you. You are amazingly strong and no doubt able to handle anything that comes your way. We are so sorry you have to tolerate such pain. Love, Randy and Cheryl

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  7. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away"

    Quoted by someone - but by whom? I do not know.

    Love you Girl

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