Dr. Carr burst in the room on Saturday and announced my counts were normal and I was free to go! A very welcome early surprise and of course we were out of that room with triple the amount of stuff we came in with in record time. The nurses clapped and threw confetti on us as we left and outside I was met by a huge group of friends with signs and banners, many tears, prayers, songs, and thankfulness. What a wonderful feeling from the outside, heat, wind and West Texas dust but a blessing to me. Everyone else was sweating in 102 degree heat but it felt wonderful to me. Our fist stop was Sonic and it was wonderful to have real food outside the hospital.
I was scheduled to go back for blood work on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday but I enjoyed my Saturday night in my own bed and even went to church the next day. As I look back on that day it was really a blur and so foggy but I was there and it was good to be in a real seat and not have to listen on the computer. Nothing like being able to worship with people who have prayed for you so diligently and touch them again. I missed human touch and hugs so much-never take that for granted!
Went to the doctor on Monday morning and my counts were great-went again on Wednesday and saw Dr. Carr and she was so encouraging and released me for 8 days.
It is great to know that my body is doing what it is suppose to do and keeping up, a true miracle once again-God is using this every day!
My brother and sister-in-law came in on Monday and we had a blast just visiting and showing them around town. They even got to meet Dr. Carr and loved her as I do. We cherished every minute with them and were so sorry to see the go but it was a happy sad. We will see them soon.
Home has been wonderful but made me realize just how far I have to come back. The first few days I was so weak I wondered if I would ever feel somewhat normal again. Day by day little at a time my strength seems to be returning. I try to do one big goal a day and then nap so I will have some strength left for my sweet family. My body is still physically recovering from all the antiobiotics and chemo in the hospital. Weird but my legs are still swelling but seem to be slowing down a bit.
Even weirder all my skin is flaking off all over from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. I really never knew that I had that many layers of skin and I really hope I don't have to start over with that or I will be peeling forever-aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I feel like I have greased myself to death and it just keeps going.
Of course I don't have to say that my home is so much sweeter and the food taste so much better and the smells are so much more pleasing. Never take your surroundings for granted and cherish them and know that if you were away and couldn't be there for a time you would miss it. I love my family, friends, home, town, church and everyone who was so sweet to keep up and pray for me during that long stay.
I go back to see Dr.Carr on this Thursday and she will let me know the date to go back in the hospital for consolidation therapy to be sure none of the leukemia cells have returned. She wants to keep me in the hospital to moniter fevers and stuff. Not looking forward to it but after the month stay I know I can do this.
God continues to teach me day by day about His love, strength, and never letting me go. I praise Him everyday for the lessons and letting me walk through even the bad times because I know how good it feels on the other side.
2 Samuel 22:29-36 says it so well---You are my lamp, O Lord, the Lord turns my darkness into light. With Your help I can advance against a troop with my God I can scale a wall. As for you my God, Your way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. You are a shield for all who take refuge in You. For who is God besides You, Lord! And who is the Rock except my God. It is you God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. You make my feet like the feet of a deer; You enable me to stand in the heights. You train my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me Your shield of victory; You stoop down to make me great!
Lord help me never forget this and be reminded in the valleys and the mountains of your greatness and how each time because of you the victory is won-glory to your name Lord glory to your name.
God is good--------------all the time!
Still praying for you...so glad you have gotten to enjoy two weeks at home.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
~Carla