The Linda Report

Our favorite patient went for a scheduled visit to Dr. G's office today. They removed the Steri-strips that were put on after the staples were taken out last Thursday. Dr. G. says the incision is still open at the top and bottom, but she said that is not uncommon with a vertical incision. The good news is the openings are only superficial and not very deep, so she's healing up fine inside.
Dr. G. cleaned the incision and treated the open ends. Then she placed more Steri-strips at both ends. Linda will have to go see her again next Wednesday. She also gave her a course of antibiotics just to be safe. If I had to guess right now, I'd say our favorite patient will probably be out the full six weeks before going back to work at SPX.

Meanwhile, our favorite patient has decided to try and keep the stress and strain on the incision to a minimum. So she's either going to be recylining in the recyliner, laying in bed, standing up or walking (only around the house). Apparently, sitting upright is when it pulls the most.

In other news, I must apologize for the past three days. First, I went back to work on Monday and it is our busiest time of the year with seven high school sports up and running. I about froze at a baseball game Wednesday night played in temperatures less than 30 with a nasty wind chill. It was so cold that I had trouble typing for about 10 minutes after I got back from the game. My fingers were very stiff, even though I had gloves on. Earlier in the week, I started coming down with a sinus infection, so Dr. Mike prescribed some antibiotics that seem to be doing the trick. So I felt pretty wiped out when I got home at night, and I've really been too tired to report. Linda has talked about taking over some, but she really doesn't want to sit that long at the computer. So just bear with us, we'll get some reports up. I may have to use the new super fast computer at work, since I can get blogger on my work computer.

Her sleep has only been so-so. Some nights it's good and others it's not.

Over the last four days, she's received a slew of get-well cards in the mail, including one all the way from Massachusetts from my Great Aunt Bert. Barb R. and Jessica G. from SPX stopped by today and brought cards that they kids made in class for their favorite DRE. Linda M. also stopped for a nice visit Wednesday and brought a wonderful gift.

Iris G. provided us with a delicious dinner Tuesday, followed by Anna M. on Wednesday and Jessica G. on Thursday. By the way, we've heared through the grapevine that many other people (outside the circle that's done it so far) would like to contribute meals. That's great news, since I work in the evenings and our favorite patient still shouldn't be trying to cook. So if you're interested, contact Barb R. at SPX, and she'll tell you what days are available next week (or check the list on the blog called The Menu, which is now up and running).

On the homefront, we have a new kitchen faucet thanks to our good friend Kenny M. and his crack plumbing staff. He took a look at the old one when he was here Sunday for dinner. We were having some trouble with the divertor, but not any more. It's working like a champ.

Before I close this, a special get well to our neice Hope, whose battling the flu back home in Houston, Pa. The poor girl was actually sent to the emergency room for a while, because they thought she might have something even more serious. Rest up and get well at Grandma Barb's, so we can see pictures of your field trip next week.

And finally, keep those thoughts and prayers coming. It is so amazing to have such a wonderful network of support during this time in our lives. We are truly blessed.

Jeff

Our favorite patient had another peaceful day Sunday, resting, reading and relaxing, although she did break one rule, the one about not lifting anything heavy.
SPX music director Hal B (aka Haliburton) provided dinner tonight, a delicious Cracker Stew with baked sweet potatoes and bread. Amy and Kenny M. provided the salad, as all three came for dinner and a visit.
In fact, I have to admit Hal's meal might have been the best so far. It definitely gave Jason, the professional chef, and Coach Button a run for their money.
It was truly a wonderful evening as Hal regaled us with stories of growing up in the South.
Kenny also figured out what was wrong with our kitchen sink. It pays to know a plumber sometimes.
Meanwhile, our favorite patient broke a rule by lifting one end of the mattress as we changed the sheets on the bed. She said I wasn't doing it right. She said it all was "boonched" up at the bottom. "Boonched" is one of her made-up words. In fact, she has several words like that she uses from time to time (another example of Linda-ease would be ginormous). Apparently, the proper amount of "boonching" is the key to making a bed. Who knew?
I told her she was breaking the rules, but she didn't seem to care. I told her from now until the end of her recovery when I make the bed, she'll be in another room far, far away.
We're turning in early tonight for a couple reasons. First, we stayed up too late last night. And second, I go back to work tomorrow, so I'll need to get up earlier in the morning to take care of some errands and a couple domestic duties.
For all those concerned about me going back to work and leaving our favorite patient alone, she's fine as long as she doesn't do anything crazy. She has promised that she will not do anything stupid when I'm not here.
Besides, my actual hours at work will not be all that long, depending on the day. In fact, I plan to finish things up in the evening from home.

So good night and once again thanks for all your prayers and thoughts, we are truly blessed to have some many friends.


Jeff

Our favorite patient had only visitor today, her boss, Fr. John stopped by this evening. He brought her some work-related reading material to keep her mind fresh.

She also watched some kind of the crazy Japanimation thing on the portable DVD player. I don't think she understood it fully. Apparently, her sister gave it to her to watch because she didn't understand it, either.

Her sister, Elaine, made some of her famous potatoes with dinner. They were quite delicious.

As for myself today (actually Saturday since it's early in the morning Sunday while I'm doing this. I fixed the time issue on here. Thanks for the tip), I spent the most time away from our favorite patient since prior to the surgery. Duty called. I covered not one, but two, girls basketball state playoff games in Decatur and Atlanta. Let's just say it wasn't a good day for the local teams. Southwest DeKalb is awesome. I'll be shocked if they don't win it all in Class AAAA.

After dinner, we capped off the evening by watching two more episodes from season two of Northern Exposure. To tell you the truth, I'd forgotten how funny that show can be.

Next up for our viewing pleasure is season two of Father Ted, a Britcom. After that, I'm going to try to hook her on ER. We've got the first season. It should be easy, I've already turned her into a West Wing junkie.

In response to one of the comments on the post about college students staying up late, I must concur. I never took a class before noon after the first semester of my sophomore year. The normal bed time was about 3 a.m., just about the same time as tonight. As I've often said, if you didn't have to go to class, college would be the ultimate four-or-more-year vacation.


Who knows what tomorrow (I mean later today) will bring.



Jeff

Our favorite patient took her longest nap yet today as the rain continued to fall for the second straight day (trust me, we need all the rain we can get). She dosed off in the recyliner somewhere around 5:30 p.m. and did not wake up until around 8 p.m. Fact is, her puppy did the same thing across the room on the dog's couch.
Today, she had three visitors. Darryl M stopped by in the morning and the two of the J-Five (Bego and Christy) dropped by for afternoon visit. All the visitors brought something. Darryl M brought some food and the J-5 crew brought a basket of goodies. Christy even tried to play with Chloe (the dog), but for some reason she wasn't in the mood.
Actually, our patient made lunch today. One of her famous Lenten staples (no pun intended) macaroni and cheese with tuna. As always, it was yummy.
All in all, it was pretty peaceful day without much fanfare. The kind you need when you're recovering from surgery.
As for the questions in the comments on yesterday's entry, I have no idea why the time on this blog is messed up. I usually post somewhere between 11 p.m. and midnight. Yesterday's post said it was at 9:47 p.m., so it was about two hours off. I have tried to fix it. Let's see how it goes.
Also, Maria J is coordinating the food or you can just give us a call. Any submissions would be more than welcome, especially next week when I actually have to go and work from my office.
The rain was also beneficial in another way since today's local soccer games got cancelled, and I got to stay with our favorite patient instead of having to work. Anna M. was going to come stay with her while I was gone. I still worked, but it was far better to be here then out somewhere in the rain.
Later in the evening, we got to watch one of all-time favorite movies, Uncle Buck.

Well, in the immortal words of Scarlet O'Hara, tomorrow is another day.


Jeff

Well, our favorite patient had her staples removed today. I was not present in the room at the time (I was not sure if I was allowed to go back and witness the event. There are different rules at that kind of doctor's office and being of the opposite sex I am unclear on them), but apparently I was missed, because Dr. G asked where I was.
The patient said the removal was not too painful. A couple just pinched a little bit. Of course, there was no hole, and she took a couple precautionary pain pills before she left.
There's no official count on the number, but I'd guess somewhere between 15-20 staples.
And yes, as the Drs. De-squared suggested in the comments, she has traded staples for packing tape, in other words Steri-strips. Whoever came up with these things must be a millionaire by now. They don't look like much, but the professionals swear by them.
Her next trip to see Dr. G. is next Thursday. Dr. G. is pleased with her progress, but stressed that she needs to take it easy still. She's not allowed to go for a walk outside and no sleeping on her stomach for now.
After the removal, we stopped by our favorite coffee shop Kaiteur, bascially right across the street, and our patient had her first coffee from there in about 10 days. We also got to see Moose, the owner. That man makes a mean hot chocolate.
Earlier in the day, Coach Button stopped by and brought us some of her scrumptious chicken salad. It was awesome to say the least.
In the evening, the patient took a big nap while I finished my work for work. I think the day's activities took a little bit out of her.
Tonight, we watched a couple episodes from season two of Northern Exposure. That show, while a little off-beat, is a classic as far as we're concerned. Of course, the patient tries not to laugh too much because it hurts, lots of luck with that show.
By the way, congrats to Laura D. and her Fighting Irish. They beat Pitt tonight in South Bend to extend their home-court winning streak to 35 games. Unfortunately Laura, the Big East Tournament is played in the Big Apple, which will spell doom for Notre Dame in about three or four weeks (just trying to make sure you're reading the blog every day).
Well, that pretty much covers our day, except for four loads of laundry and the other domestic duties.
Until tomorrow.

Jeff

Well, at least that's what I think our good friends Calvin and Hobbes might say about our favorite patient's day on Wednesday.
She received seven get well cards in the mail today, all of them local. Thanks to everyone who sent them. That brings her two-day total to nine. She got two on Tuesday from Pennsylvania, one from our neice Hope and one from our good freind, Lillian.
In the early evening, Captain Barb as John J calls her (or Barb R for everyone else), brought dinner and stayed for a nice chat. Dinner was Honeybaked ham and turkey with all the fixings. It was delicious. Thanks Captain Barb. She also brought an arrangement of handmade flowers that the kids (SPX's teens) made after the early morning mass and pancakes this morning. Each one had a personal message for our favorite patient. Thanks to all.
Tonight, our favorite patient ventured outside for the first time since coming home. She had a good reason, she wanted to shoot some pictures of the lunar eclipse. She thinks she got a couple of good shots. We'll post them later.
After a pretty full day, she's going to bed early tonight. She'll need her rest because tomorrow the staples come out.
Before I close, a special hope you're feeling better to the G6 minus one (they know who they are) who have been battling the flu this week.
Well that's all for now. Until tomorrow.

Jeff

Our favorite patient had another restful day on Tuesday.
She enjoyed morning prayer and watched a movie on her sister's portable DVD player. We also spent some quality time chatting today. All couples should do it from time to time. Actually, it's great to have part of our crazy lives on hold right now. It really gives you time to listen.
Our youth minister Christina brought us a delicious chicken dish prepared by her husband Jason, the chef.
O-Dog also tagged along with his mom. They stayed for a short visit that was quite enjoyable. The O-Dog found a whistle and a horn and played some tunes for us. He's always the life of the party. He also was very fascinated with the patient's Marvin the Martian slippers.
The patient continues to progress, at least in my humble opinion. She's learned that it's very hard to pace yourself in this situation, and she says her battery runs down in the late afternoon to early evening.
She's actually come up with a good idea how to spend part of her recuperation. More on that later.
Linda has also observed that I have a lot better domestic skills than she thought. Fact is, I don't like to flash all my skills at once. I like to keep people guessing.

Until tomorrow.

Jeff

Sorry folks that this update is so late.
We spent most of the day just relaxing Monday, so, when I finally got around to working from home in the evening, I got behind finishing work for work and my domestic duties here.
Our favorite patient spent a quiet day just trying to relax. She's having a little trouble getting a good amount of sleep at night because she has never liked sleeping on her back. From my experience, her sleep will improve once the staples are removed Thursday. So after the pain pills wear off, she moves to the big recycliner, which seems to work.
Quiet was definitely Monday's theme as she had only one visitor. Nancy D-W brought her communion. She also received some flowers from my office.
I, however, did catch her using her camera to take pictures of all her flowers arrangements. She said was trying out the camera's super macro feature and trying different things with and without flash indoors.
About a hour later, she felt like she might have overdone it just a bit, stretching to take the photos. Other than that, she was a good patient on Monday.
For dinner, we enjoy some delicious vegetable soup provided by Linda M and Dr. Mike.
That's pretty much it.

Jeff

Sorry everyone that this is so late today, but our favorite patient had a very restful day Sunday.
She spent most of her time in the recycliner watching a portable DVD player and knitting.
Last night, she had a couple of fever spikes during the night and she had a hard time getting comfortable enough to sleep.
She had a pretty busy Saturday, coming home and receiving visitors, so maybe that had something to do with it.
Today was much more quiet. In fact, it's very quiet now that her sister left and took her mother with her until Friday. So our favorite patient should get plenty of quality rest and healing this week. She continues to drink plenty of fluids and her appetite is back.
After dinner, Linda M. and Dr. Mike stopped by for a quick visit and brought Andrew C. with them.
On the home front, I'll be handling all the domestic duties this week and working from home.
So the blog will get updated at night, probably between 10 p.m. and midnight.
One last thing, Bego (Maria J) is the trivia winner, although she only got it half right. She is correct 11 years ago our favorite patient was in attendance at the Daytona International Speedway for her first and only NASCAR race . However, it was the Saturday race and not the 500 on Sunday.
On that day, she learned some interesting things like the concession stands don't carry napkins because they blow away and end up blocking the front grills on cars. Also, she learned about this thing called "Happy Hour."
She made a fascinating insight about Happy Hour. Dale Earnhardt roared onto the track, got in line at the pack of the back and then proceeded to pass everyone, all 42 cars, before parking his No. 3 after three or four laps. She turned to me and said, "He's trying to mess with everyone's head, he's sending them a message about tomorrow. I never knew racing had a psychological side to it. He's going to win tomorrow."
Alas, our patient was off by 365 days, as Earnhardt didn't finally win the 500 until the following year. But it left a deep impression on her until this day.
"I was impressed then and still am today," she said. "He made it look so easy, no wonder they called him The Intimidator."
For the record, I, along with my father Ray, were the ones who got to see Jeff Gordon (yuck) win his first 500 and Earnhardt extended his Daytona 500 winless streak to 0-for-19 the following day.Ray's comment with Earnhardt running second and the laps winding: "Well, it looks like you picked the right time to come to the 500. He's waiting for the right time to make his move and win it."
Jeff's lament seconds later as Earnhardt's car goes tumbling down the backstretch: "Got any more predictions Carnack?"
And where was our favorite patient that Sunday? She was at, according to her the happiest place on earth, Disney World.
As for Sunday's 500, our favorite patient got a little excited when her driver, Tony Stewart, took the lead with two laps to go. Yelling at one point: "That's right Tony show'em who's the boss."
However, Smoke only won the Daytona 499 as he got passed on the last lap with about a mile to go. She took the loss in stride and didn't even reach for a pain pill.

Until tomorrow.

Jeff

That's right, our favorite patient busted out of the joint around noon today.
She actually thought they were going to let her walk out under her own power, but she got the mandatory wheelchair ride.
I knew she was ready to go when she was sitting in a chair by the bed when I arrive shortly after 9 a.m. and said to me: "I want to go home now."
Dr. G came around 10 and asked her if she wanted to leave, and, of course, her answer was yes.
Eventually, out came the cathiter and after she tinkled on her own, she was free to go.
She's having some pain, but hey they gave her good drugs.
The next big medical day is Thursday when she'll go to Dr. G's office to have the staples removed.
On the visitor front, Coach Button came by early in the morning and brought more flowers.
Linda M also stopped by again and stayed with us while we waited for the Is to be dotted and the Ts to be crossed. Dr. M also made a brief appearance during his rounds. We even used the lounge area outside of her room.
After a good lunch, she is now relaxing, probably sleeping by this point, in the recycliner she purchased for my recovery two years ago.
Deacon Bill is supposed to visit later in the afternoon.
As a trivia question, can anybody guess what event we attended 11 years ago today?
Tomorrow, plenty of rest and relaxation is on the menu.
But she might even tune in to the Daytona 500 to watch her man Tony "Smoke" Stewart driving the Home Depot Toyota. Her other driver is Michael Waltrip in the NAPA Toyota.
Of course, neither one has a chance, because Junior's going to win.
On the home front, the dog is relieved her mother his home and is not leaving her side.
As for me, once I get things squared away for Sunday's sport section at the Citizen, I think it's time for a cocktail and then a nap.

Here's the latest. Deacon Bill and Wylone dropped in for a visit late this afternoon, as did Jessica and Pablo. Jessica and Pablo brought Linda some flowers, tulips in fact.
Deacon Bill and Wylone stayed long enough for a drink and some stimulating conversation. Apparently, Deacon Bill is planning to pose for us in a Speedo at some point. We might be able to sell tickets to that. While the Crimson Tide was here, our Miami contingent, at least part of it, Bego (Maria J) and Christy, stopped in for a visit, which made things even more lively.
Bego bostowed dinner on us, a John J creation, which the patient eagerly gulped down. It was probably the most she's eaten in three days.
The patient is now watching what John J calls Bubble-Gum Television (Hannah Montana). She plans to watch some DVDs later this evening. We will probably turn in early since she needs her rest.

Until tomorrow.

Jeff

Well, our favorite patient is doing well afer two days.
First, the medical update: Dr. G. was quite impressed with her progress. She actually made five laps in the morning around the second floor and four in the vening. In fact, she no longer has the pain pump. She now has to ask for her pain medication. In the evening, she had a rough time with some of the new pain medication (it begins with a D or a P. I forget which one), but she had bounced back by the time visting hours ended.
Dr. G. says she could come home as early as Saturday. We'll see how that goes tomorrow. There are still a couple things medically that need to happen for her to come home.
Now to the visitors and gifts, and where do we begin.
Our youth minister Christina was the first vistor in the morning. She told her boss not to send her any more e-mails. She even brought her some magazines, I think at least, to devert the patient's attention. I grudgingly gave her back her pocket PC on Thursday. I am considering revoking her privledges again. I believe I made a mistake.
Visitation really picked up in the afternoon after lunch. Charlotte Y. stopped in and brought her a stuffed animal and some lotion.
After that, Rah-Rah M. (you'll have to guess who she is. but I'll give you a hint. Have you ever heard the saying: Once a head cheerleader, always a head cheerleader?) stopped by with a statue of the Blessed Mother and balloons. Dr Mike also paid a visit at the end of his rounds.
After they left, the rowdy bunch came in the form of Bego (Maria J.), Beth G. and Captain Barb. Beth G. marveled at the size of the room and the size of the bathroom. Maria was her usual charming self, and she bestowed a new MP3 player on the patient. Captain Barb was delightful as always. Beth G. delivered a hand-made card from Anna G. It was immediately placed on the bulletin board.
The Terrific Trio suggested that perhaps our favorite patient should hand out numbers to grant audiences since has a nice lounge are in front of her room.
Alexandra stopped in for a visit and brought a lovely robe as a gift. I'm sure it has a specific term, but I'm a man and those things are foreign to me. So we'll go with robe.
Before I made a brief pit stop at work, Fr. John made a quick check on the patient. He brought a church bulletin to keep the patient informed of the goings-on at St. Pius while she's out.
While I was gone, the patient participated in a survey administered by someone from the hospital front office. She gave everything so far execellent grades.
During the day, flowers arrived from Mary S. and Mike and Jill W. and their kids. The staff at St. Pius sent a fruit basket filled with fruit, cookies, cheese and crackers.
Of course, the most important visitor was the patient's sister Elaine, who stayed with her most of the day.
The previously announced visit of Deacon Bill from Alabama did not materialize. However, word has trickled in from Alabama that he and Wylone are coming on Saturday.
On the homefront, Chole, our dog, still misses her mom and went to great lengths this morning in search of her. She even went in our bathroom, which is a no-no because it has a shower and could be a potential place for a bath.
As for me, for the second straight night, I'm dealing with some insomnia. That's why I'm posting this at nearly 5 in the morning. I don't think I'll get a good night's sleep until she comes home.
Well, I think that's all for now. I finally feel sleepy. If I forgot to mention anyone or any gifts, please forgive me, my mind is a little fried right now.

Jeff

P.S. I know I'm good writer since I do it for a living. But a little feedback and encouragement from the masses would be a big help.

Our favorite patient was resting comfortably when I left Rockdale Hospital at 9 p.m., at least trying to. Respiratory therapy showed up as I was leaving. It's been a long day, but she's doing great.
The day started with Fr. John dropping in at 6:15 a.m. in pre-op, telling the nurses that he came because he felt Linda might be a troubling patient.
Thanks to all of our friends who showed up and waited, patiently, to hear the news from Dr. Garrett. I went out to get some breakfast and when I returned to the waiting area, Iris Grant was there. Then Maria Johnson showed up with a hot chocolate for me from Kaiteur, our favorite coffee shop (Thanks Moose, he's the owner) . Laurie Ashmore, Linda Manning and Beth Gowasack also made appearances and added to the lively discussion. It was quite a group and definitely made the wait much easier. I don't mean to brag, but we were the life of the waiting room!
Also, Dr. Mike made a stop during his rounds at the hospital, and later Deacon Fred stumbled upon us.
It is such a blessing to have so many friends in our lives.
Dr. Garrett came out and talked to me around 10:15 a.m. and said everything went well. The biggest news: No cancer.
By 11:30 a.m., Linda had moved up to Room 269. Apparently, by chance, she rode up the elevator with Deacon Fred, who filled her in on the happeings in the waiting area.
We actually both took about an hour nap around 1 p.m., which we both needed by that time.
Linda's mother visited in the late afternoon while I made a quick pass through work to share the good news and then came home to have some lunch.
I returned to the hospital around 5:30 and our patient was still doing well.
In the evening, she even had some visitors that seemed to lift her spirits even more. Although it's not like she needed that, she's been barking orders from the bed already.
Anna Milam stopped by first her and brought her some wonderful fuzzy slip-ons to wear on her feet. Lori McManus and her husband were next with a stuffed frog and some tulips.
Thanks guys for coming, I know it really made her evening.
After the visits, we both dosed off again until around 8:15 p.m.
When I left, respiratory therapy was making its first visit, introducing her to what Deacon Bill Brandt and I have termed the "instrument of torture." If you've had surgery recently, you'll know what I'm talking about. Mine is resting in pieces after being mysteriously crushed by a sledge hammer. And yes, I waited the appropriate amount time after my surgery to be using a sledge hammer (just in case my primary care physician or his wife are reading this). We'll see how Linda's experience went tomorrow.
But here's a question to ponder: Why does it seem like the respiratory therapy people always show up at night?
She's having some pain, but oddly enough not around the incision. But the nurses have said the pain she's having is not uncommon with that kind of surgery. Although from my experience of almost two years ago, the pain really didn't start until the anasthesia wore off in the middle of the night. Her throat was a little sore, but it appears to be getting better.
All in all, today was pretty smooth. Thanks for the all prayers.
If you're thinking of stopping in to see her, please do. As you all know, she's a people person.
Well, that's all for tonight. I need to get some more sleep and love up our confused puppy dog. She keeps looking for her mommy!
Looking ahead to tomorrow: Deacon Bill Brandt is supposed to come in from Alabama.
All I have to say is: Roll Tide!

Jeff

She's been moved to a room

It's room 269



The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
- EPHESIANS 3:20

Lin is out of surgery and in recovery - All went well!!!!

Today received a visit from my dearest friend. And with her she brought with her laughter, comfort and a gift which lead me to the best gift of all peace. Tomorrow can come and I am totally peaceful and ready.

I'm aware that tomorrow will come whether I'm ready or not, but by amazing grace - I'm ready.

Passed all my pre assessment for surgery today. That means they take my blood and my money, not necessarily in that order and after the insurance says it's a go, Thursday let me into the "pain pump" crowd.


Originally thought it was 5:30am - I know, 6:00a doesn't sound a whole lot better, but for this caffeine deprived night person, it's a lot easier on the psyche. Jeff / Lainie are taking over the writing Thursday morning.

Surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, that's right - Valentine's Day 7:30am at Rockdale. I'm feeling really blessed, since most people don't want to have surgery Valentine's Day weekend the date was free and we didn't have to wait until mid March.

That would have been terrible.

Binks will be posting the updates here while Jeff's with me at the hospital. I will hopefully only be in until Sunday.

I ask your prayers for the surgical team, the nursing staff and all people that the hospital as well as for Jeff, Binks and Mom. Also know that I'm praying in gratitude for your support and love.

Did you know that the Chinese language does not have a tranlstaion for the word "crisis"? The cloest they come is "dangerous opportunities". Really that's what this new development in my life is. Well I hope not so dangerous. But maybe "suspenseful opportunity".

They've found a mass on my ovary that has to be removed with who knows what.

Yikes. Yep a blip on the routine of life radar. Everything is looking "to the good" I hear from my excellent medical team.

It took me a few days to process, but I know that God is all over this and He's got it. I'll have 6 weeks of convalesence to practice that knowledge.

Jeff is liking being on the other side of the operating table this time and promises to keep everyone up to date at this blog. He's planning head lines as I type and threatens me with pictures! (or is that threatens you?) Pray for him, too, all his joking aside I think being the one on the table is easier.

Thank you for your prayers, they're helping me to remain peaceful.