Slowly but surely

Okay, medical update first...

I have been pretty busy since my birthday, when I came home from the hospital.  Lots of recuperation, rest and more doctor's appointments.  I have seen my oncologist (Dr. Haley) who thought I needed 2 units of blood from a little anemia.  I have felt more energy after that infusion.  I had a very productive appointment with my rehab doctor (Dr. Mendez).  She gave me a prescription for a hospital bed, which I ordered and they delivered the same day! I have had one night on it, and I was so happy to be on a bed with my legs raised and head up higher.  I hope I can even sleep-in a little bit tomorrow! Then, the doctor ordered boot to help with pressure relief on my ankles.  AND, she ordered home health to come evaluate me for PT/OT to see how they can help with mobility around the house.  

But, the best thing happened when I told her I have been experiencing more back pain the last few days.  She, right then, sent a text to my pain management doctor (Dr. Bruel) even though I told her I had an appointment with him in a week.  Well, Dr. Bruel said I could come in the next day.  I was grateful, but that meant another trip into Dallas, which I had already made Mon-Wed. of that week.  She text him again to see if he had anything that day.  It turned out he was teaching that day, but was going to come RIGHT over to help me in her office!! What?!? Who does that?? I was SO grateful for him.  My pain is better and I was Dallas-free the last part of this week! I am so blessed with a team of doctors that help me so much.  

I am still fighting a fever (on antibiotics) and my mobility is low.  I am learning to take medicine when I need it.  My throat problems are better each day.  Today, I even ate some pretty normal foods, cereal and chicken noodle soup, with relative ease. I am learning new strategies every day. I am so grateful for pain management, a bed and so much help from family and friends.

The girls are all doing well.  Our thoughts are filled with Halloween costumes and Jadyn's birthday.  Katelyn's volleyball team is undefeated.  Jadyn loves her daddy coaching soccer and Bryn has fun being a Groovy Girl on her Kindergarten soccer team.  We are blessed with great friends and teachers for all three of them.  

Another super exciting thing happened to me Friday.  My sister Hope came into town with her two precious little ones, Austin and Ella! It was complete surprise to me! It was great visiting all weekend with her. And, nurse Hope was SO helpful to me as a sister and with her nursing background.  I really don't know what I would do without my brother and sister.  Garett is between careers and while he waits to be able to sub, he is able to drive my to all my doctor's appointments and transfer me (which is a lot more work for others now).  

I love ALL of my sweet family.

Two pictures of Hope's visit.  (Sorry for the lack of hair--a radiation side effect.) But, we are all smiles.

I am having memory card issues, so I will need to start taking more pictures to post for you soon!

Love,

Jess