Was out and took some pictures of some really cute ornaments at Cracker Barrel. So I think I'm gonna try to make my own version. If they turn out half as cute I'll be happy and hopefully so will my swap partner.

Darn that Lynnie! ;):)
K

Thanks, I can use all the prayers I can get, to keep my sanity as she tries my patience each day. Surgery is scheduled for the beginning of November pending the pre op approval.

My mom lives with dh and I, has since my dad passed in 2002. In 2004 she was diagnosed with lung cancer, had most of her right lung removed along with the tumor...then had 2 diff chemos. She sailed thru most of that, but ended up with an abscess in the scar area where lower 2 lobes of lung removed. Now is prone to pneumonia. Since 2003, She and I have had 4 diff hospital stays, 7-9 weeks each time. I say she and I as I stay 24/7 with her. Being in the medical field I know how things can be. I'm able to help her with everything but her IVs and meds. Nurses usually love us because I help her with her showers, change the beds (mine, too..lol), "make" her walk (when you don't feel great and hard to breathe, doing anything isn't too fun, but walking is best way to get that pneumonia out! I go into "therapy" mode for that, then go out in hallway for "daughter" mode to cry because I know she's having a rough time). People say, "Oh you're so sweet." I say, "Nope, I am just a gal, selfish in that I want to keep my mom around as long as I can. Also, when she's well she does the cooking!" We got a miracle, as she is coming up on 10 years cancer free!!
If you ever need to talk, feel free to pm me.
Regards, K

Kiffie....I know how your mom feels, 2 years ago on the 30th of this month I lost my right lung to lung cancer, I know how hard it is not wanting to do anything when you hurt or having a hard time breathing. I am fortunate that I did not have to go through any chemo or radiation as the type I had didn't respond to either one, only removal. I have now been cancer free 2 years, get checked every 6 months.

Mom will be having a cervical fusion, so I am sure she wont want to be doing much moving, the doctor already told her she would be up moving same day or next morning after surgery. She is also having injections in her low back to see if they can calm that area down until the neck area is healed.

Thank you for all your help and willingness to talk.

Cindy

Prayers go out to both of you. It's hard when it's family hugs hugs hugs to you too.

I have my ornaments all ready to go. So when address gets here I can send them on there way. Can you mail early or wait till November? I sign up for two. Thanks for hosting.

Cindy, neck fusions are a breeze, it's the lower back ones that are the killer. I've had 9 neck/back surgeries, and have a dorsal nerve stimulator implanted, upper and lower. they take away some of the pain. good luck and prayers your way

Thanks, Owl for your kind words. Ready to mail, eh?? You go ma'am!!

Cindy, wow! What are the odds?? I will keep you in my prayers...and Mom says the same. Each 6 mos. you are cancer free will be a victory...and then each year...it won't be long before you will be coming up on your 5th, then 10th anniversarys cancer free, too! Mom is on oxygen full time..didn't need it after coming home after the initial surgery, but when the abcess/infection set in, had to have it, and keep it since then. At first she was depressed about needing it all the time. We had a terrific Respiratory Therapist who told her that we are all "addicted to oxygen" so to speak...and he is so right. Just wording it that way changed Mom's way of looking at it. It's just part of our day, now. When we go to town I have my purse on one shoulder, her oxygen bag on my other...and away we go.
Let us know how surgery goes for your Mom, I know it's hard to want to get up and move about after surgery...but the anesthesia can do a number on the lungs, too (even for us non-smokers)..and the best way to clear it out and try and prevent pneumonia is walking. After my hysterectomy I was up the next day, and made sure I stood up straight, not hunched over "guarding my incision"...sure it hurt at 1st, but in the long run it was best.

Lynnnie,
ACK! But whatever makes the pain better is good. I have Lupus and Interstitial Cystitis, don't have the neuro stimulator implanted, but it has been suggested..just don't know if it will work for my type of IC...I use the external stimulator for now.

Regards,
K

I have also had neck surgeries. Two of them the first was on the front
where they used a cadaver disc. Ther Dr. called it an ACDF (Anterior
cervical discectomy and fusion). Titanium plate and 4 screws. Everything
looked good for the first 6 months then the vertebrae stopped fusing.

My second surgery was more painful for me they went in through the
back of my neck having to cut through the muscles. They placed 2 rods
and 4 screws.

I just passed the 7 year (9/11) of the first surgery, and the 5 year mark
for the second is coming up Jan. 5. I can not say that I am out of pain,
but when our insurance changed I had to stop trying to find a pain management
treatment that would work.

So I do the once thing I shouldn't be doing, but feel like there is no other choice
for me. I tank up in Advil or Tylenol daily.

Enough of that from me.........


SO tell me what kind of ornaments are you planning to make?

I have 1 made already.


See!!!!!!!!!!!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]438304[/ATTACH]

I was actually planning to use him in a different manner, but decided he
would look better on a tree .

cute yo yo snowman Louise!