Good News, Bad News

It was a year ago today that I was admitted to the hospital to start steroids and my extensive work-up.  I remember rolling my suitcase down the hall to my hospital room and sitting in my room waiitng for a nurse.  When the nurse came in, she said, "Is the patient in the bathroom?"  I assured her that I was the patient.  I looked liked I was healthy but apparently my spinal cord was not.  I remember Meg coming to "do work" in my hospital room because she couldn't stand to be away.  It was scary but I was determined to find the cause and hopefully stop the strange nerve sensations I'd been feeling.  I also drew strength and courage from Charlotte Reynolds, the 3 year old who had just undergone 2 brain surgeries in the same hospital.  I figured if Charlotte could endure multiple MRIs and spinal taps, I could too. 

So, how did I celebrate?  I got up early; showered with no problems; got the kids to daycare; drove the commute down busy I-95; parked in the parking deck; walked the 4 blocks to my office in the freezing cold; worked for many hours typing w/ ease; walked 2 laps around the state capital (including the stairs); worked the rest of the day at my desk; walked back to the parking deck; climbed the stairs to the 5th floor of the parking deck; drove home; helped with the kid's bedtime; shopped at Target; and now I'm typing my blog.  No meds + no spasms = a happy girl. 

Some concerning news...
My father-in-law, Allen, had his cardiac cath this morning.  The procedure was quick because once they saw the 4 blockages, the abandoned the cath and decided he needed a quadruple bypass.  Scary!  He will stay in the hospital for a week to "stabilize" before the surgery.  They need to deal with the beginnings of emphysema and his elevated sodium level.  They also need to help him stop smoking cigarettes.  They are helping him with medications and oxygen.  Shirl, my mother-in-law, said he was relaxed and comfortable when she left him tonight.  Chris called and he said that he was okay, a little frustrated with the TV, but alright.  Chris will visit him in the morning and take him some goodies, hopefully he's allowed to eat them.  We are blessed that he's close by and Meg works at the hospital where he is. 

My sister-in-law's sister, Nicole, returned to the hospital for emergency surgery today.  She was due for another round of chemo but that's clearly is on hold at this point.  Unfortunately, she is in Orlando and many miles from her sisters and parents. 

Please keep Allen, Nicole, and their medical teams in your prayers.