Post Op Day 34-Surg #3

I've been officially released from Cleveland Clinic.  My practitioner's exact words were "Go live your life" !  What an amazing feeling!! I am oh so blessed that things have gone in my favor and that I am seeing positive outcomes from all these surgeries!  I am excited to get back to work, back to the gym and most importantly, back to ME!  Life won't be consumed with this disease anymore or with the next surgery/recovery period.  God is good and has answered many of my prayers! *feelin extremely lucky right now* :) 

Post Op Day 27-Surg #3

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving...I'm so thankful to have my Momma in TN this year to celebrate this wonderful holiday with me.  I'm also thankful to finally have my health back...things might not be perfect just ate, but a ton of progress has been made! And for that, I am truly grateful :)

Grateful for the little things...

Yesterday I got some fantastic goodies in the mail!! A beautiful Thanksgiving table runner as I have oh so much to be thankful for this year! Thank you Greg and Vicki Pfiz! I also received a funny magnet and amazing card from my travel buddies!! I love you all-your sweet notes to made me cry. XO! Oh and well, I bought the Broncos sign, because really, what else does a girl need?! Her team and her dog!! :) 

I gave away this 'bag full o goodies' to The Pouch Place where I had always gotten my ostomy supplies. They are expensive products and I can only hope they lighten someone's 'load' especially with the holidays right around the corner. And trust me when I say, I was MORE than happy to donate these items...seeing as I don't need them anymo! Yay! 

We saw Little Big Town, Brett Eldridge and Brothers Osborn

Mom and I at the concert!! 

My first beer!! Nov 14th. Tasted good altho was a little rough for me later on in the night! 

Post Op Day 20-Surg #3

Well although I'm incredibly grateful for a lot of things in my life; this week, I was thankful for an amazingly supportive, patient, caring mother and PAINKILLERS!  Those were the two things that got me through an incredibly rough couple of days! I'm also thankful that I am going to see my GI doctor in the AM and will hopefully get some answers as to where this crazy pelvic pain is coming from...let's pray its only a UTI and that my antibiotics will do their job! 

Pics from the last week or so...

Momma Joyce at the Limestone Cafe...the awesome little diner we stopped at for lunch on our way home from Cincinnati! 

Happy to get cuddles from my love bug once I got home!! 

Yay for putting on real clothes and not pajamas/sweatpants!! This was post op day 8! 

Yummy food from the Old Mill Pottery House! One of my faves! The ham and cheese quiche had onions in it...had to dig em out, but I enjoyed it immensely :) 

Me and Momma outside the Old Mill. Post op day 11

We rode the Sky Lift in downtown Gatlinburg!! 

Such a gorgeous view!! And a great day with my fun-loving momma! 

On top of the world!! And feelin good :) 

Spent Tuesday, post op day 12 soaking up the sun in my new hammock!! It was a beautiful day in the mtns ! 

 

Post Op Day 14-Surg #3

It's been two short weeks since my last surgery! Wow, it sure has flown by.  This week has been fairly low key, just the way I like it!  Grateful to be feeling as well as I am and that I'm all in one piece :)

Post Op Day 11-Surg #3

Living life as normally as possible right now...trying to figure out how to live all in one piece at this time.  The body is a complicated organ, even for an ol NICU nurse like me to figure out :) 

My first meal-post discharge!

I attempted to eat! Chocolate milk, pumpkin pancakes and hash browns!! Yummy yummy in my tummy! Oh and I barely even made a dent before getting too full and had to stop. It was worth it tho! 

Post Op Day 6: Surg #3

Sorry for the long post...I was sort of a space cadet and jumped all over the place with this blog. Tomorrow's will be better.  I promise.  Haha!  BUT I did have a lot to discuss...I'm oh so happy to report that I got discharged yesterday morning and I made it home late this afternoon! I'm incredibly grateful to be home...I do realize that every recovery is different from the rest and I will continue to learn how to deal with being put all back together.  The journey never truly ends... :)

Post Op Day 4-Surg #3

I saw some positive improvements today...thank goodness things are starting to trend upwards :)

The belly on post op day 3

Lookin like the starving African children on tv! I've always had a bit of a gut, but come on, this is ridiculous!! I can't wait til things start moving and I don't look like I'm 4 months pregnant!! 

Post op day 3-surg #3

Not every day is a good one...

Post Op Day #1-Surg #3

Day 1 is always a rough day.  Just gotta keep chipping away. Slowly yet surely will win the race and these bowels will wake back up.  I've just got to be patient.  

Bidding this lil friend farewell!

Today was monumental and marked the last time I will have to change my appliance. See ya later my little friend...no more 'brown baggin it' for this gal! Yay! I'm so incredibly grateful for modern medicine and the grace of our good Lord. 

The Day Before Surgery #3!

Yay!  Tomorrow is surgery #3, which means I'll be reconnected and considered somewhat 'normal' again!! I am fully aware that this means that I am nowhere near the end of this journey BUT it does mean that I am one step closer to getting back to my old self.  I am super happy to be feeling so well and REALLY REALLY happy that today is the last day I have to spend with my little added accessory!  God is so good and has answered many of my prayers already...let's hope he has room for just one more and that my surgery tomorrow will go off without a hitch :)  Thank again from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support!  I couldn't have done it without y'all!  ~much love~

Post Op Day 76-Surg #2

I'd never want to wish my life away, but I hope this next month and a half flies by!  Then I'll be able to put my 'brown baggin' days behind me!!  Come on, October 30th!!

More pics...

My new recliner...

New bedding...

Momma J and I went to visit the Ellington's! 

We went and got matching manis!! 

Momma's way of spoiling me. Breakfast and coffee and on the patio :) 

Aaand she bought and planted me flowers...I'm a lucky lil girl!! 

Pics since surgery #2

Momma Joyce and I busted outta the hospital...7/4...trust me when I say I looked better than I felt... 

Watching fireworks from our hotel room. I was very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. But happy to see em; fireworks are the best! 

Back in TN. Sweet Teas in hand on 7/5

Happy to reunited with my girls!! Lunch date at Gourmet Market had to occur! 

'Twas followed by a dinner date with these lovelies at Copper Cellar! 

1 month and 26 days Post Op-Surg #2

And the ball keeps rolling...soo grateful for all of the days where I feel good and don't have any incidences! God is Good!! :)

Post Op Day 33-Surg #2

Dropping Momma Joyce off at the airport in the AM...so sad to see her go BUT I will see her again in a few months!  Ready to start back to work this week-I'm going to start back with 2 nights in a row for sure, and maybe do a 3rd depending on how I feel.  My job is amazing and allowing me to do 60 hrs every 2 wks instead of my regular 72.  Hopefully this allows me to get more rest and to fully recover prior to my final surgery in late October!  I had a great last weekend with my momma-she is truly one of my best friends and we always manage to make things fun despite life's trials and tribulations.  Oh and I should give a little disclaimer here, I went to church this morning so this blog gets a little bit religious (and I get choked up at times)...but my feelings toward organized religion are something I've struggled with for quite some time now.  I truly hope that no one finds my words offensive because that was never my intention at all. Everyone has their own way of expressing their faith and I hope we all can respect that. That being said, I believe in the power of prayer and I want to thank you all once again for keeping me in yours!  *Much love*

Post Op Day 30-Surg #2

Yay for good post-op reports from Dr. Gorgun!!  And most importantly, there is an end in sight!!  My 3rd and final surgery is now scheduled for Oct 30th!! 3 more months of this little added accessory...and you better believe I'll be counting down the days! I'm so incredibly happy and grateful that things are going according to plan.  Mine and His. God is oh-so-good. :)

Back to Ohio-Post Op Day 27, Surg #2

Momma J and I made the long trek back up to Cleveland once again today...hoping to hear good news and get things on track for me.  Looking forward to the Botanical Gardens in the AM and then an appt with a new gynecologist later in the afternoon.  I'm curious to see what that darn cyst on my ovary has been up to...

Post Op Day 19-Surg #2

Not much to say about this week...trying to do little things throughout the day and it continues to prove to be exhausting most of the time.  It is frustrating to me, but I'm grateful for the good days and the time with my Momma.  She's been so good to me, even at times when I'm undeserving.  God Bless her :)

Oh the web life sometimes weaves...

So as if recovering from a major abdominal surgery wasn't enough...now I've got to tackle a hemorrhagic cyst on my darn ovary!  Wtheck?!  The good Lord must really be trying my patience...just to make sure I'm strong, inside and out, I suppose.  Anyhow...my attitude has taken a hit these past few days...trying to stay optimistic, but it's difficult when things keep piling on top of each other!  Oh well, I just keep telling myself that it will all be worth it in the end!!  Thanks to my awesome family and friends for all the amazing support!  <3 you all!

Pics from my day of surgery #2

My dad and I 

My Momma and I 

My Dad took this as they were wheeling me away to the surgical suite! 

This is the first time they had me sit up...luckily still under a lot of the anesthesia :) 

Bill...what a trooper he is!! I'm pretty lucky to have a guy that was willing to go through this ordeal with me :) 

1 Week Down...Post Op Day 7, Surg #2

Post Op Day 2 after surgery #2

Momma said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this, momma said!  And hopefully these days are few and far between...but as is with life, you've gotta take the good and the bad.  And be grateful for the good.  Thanks to everyone for the continued prayers and ever loving support.  It means the world to me during this incredibly difficult time. Xoxo!!

Pre-Op pics!

Mom and I doing our pre-op thing on June 30th! 

I met this awesome dude, named Ty, on our hotel shuttle! He is being treated for a brain tumor at the Clinic and is kicking cancer's butt!! We decided...you can't 'Ty' us down!!! 

Out and about before my surgery!!

  Pics from my last day/evening in Knoxville! 

Pre-Op Day for Surg #2

Ahhhh!! So I'm getting ready to go to bed...wake up call is 3:30. I've got to shower with this special soap in the AM and then head over to the hospital around 4:40.  Admission time is 0500, which is super early for this night shift gal!! I just want to send a very special thank you to my mom, Bill, my Dad and Theresa for being here in Cleveland for me during this crazy ordeal.  I'm not always the easiest patient and they put up with a lot!  And although I appreciate the prayers from each and everyone of you, I think you should also say one for them-as well as the surgeons and nurses that I will encounter these next few days. I know that I am being carefully watched over by my sweet Davery, Grandma and Grandpa Roberts.  I wish they were here with me, but I know they will guide healing hands over me during the surgery and my recovery too. I'm a very lucky lady to have soooo many people that rooting for me and I'm humbled by all of the outpouring of support and well wishes!  I love y'all! 

Heading up to Cleveland in the AM!!

I can't believe it's already time for surgery number 2!  Trying really hard not to let nerves, anxiety and terror take over me right now.  I'm oh so lucky to have my momma here by my side...along with many other incredibly sweet and supportive friends/family!  One of my favorite quotes is 'You don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.' I feel like that pretty much sums it up right now...I'm choosing short term misery for a lifetime of health. I WANT my life back.  I WILL GET my life back.  End of story.

This month has been a blurrrr...

Well the months of May/June have seemed to sort of fly on bye.  I can't say this is a bad thing...and there were definitely days that I was down in the dumps regarding my situation.  But all in all, life has seemed to go on somewhat normally, if you can call life with an ostomy normal...but beauty is all in the eye of the beholder...and I have to remind myself to be grateful for each and every day that the good Lord allows me to open my eyes in the morning.  Some of us aren't quite so lucky.  So that's that for today...I'll do more blogs as D Day gets nearer...and my anxiety mounts!  Thanks again for all the prayers and positive vibes!! XO

From the past week...

Met my buddy and coworker Rob's and his wife Rachael's 3rd son! Mason Beckett! He was such a sweet lil pea!! Love those cheeks and double chin! 

Caramel Latte from one of my new go-to's!! Cosmos Cafe 😀

Hung out with this handsome dude today!! Evan is 4 years old and I took care of him as a preemie in the NICU back in Columbia, MO! He's a rockstar!!!

Life goes on...and happily so!

Went to Bill's kickoff party for kickball! Enjoyed a nice gluten free cider! Gluten has inflammatory properties and I'm not drinking any beer in fear of my joints going nutso again. This kid is incredibly supportive of my surgeries and he sweetly helps me stay on track with my diet! I'm pretty lucky that he's such a caring individual and that he's willing to put up with all the craziness that this disease throws at me on a daily basis. Very lucky actually 😄

Dinner date night at Schuck Raw Bar! 

Chillin with his pup, Parker and my Mr Bear Bear!! They're becoming the bestest of friends ! 

More daily, lifetime photos...

Another girls night with Jaye and Michelle! The rain never dampers our spirits!!

Spent another night with the Ellington's and the triplet beauties. 

I could cuddle these girls every day! 

Jay bought me a hat and promised to take me fishing prior to surgery #2!! He better follow through 😆

A Lil Missouri Romance

All dolled up for Alison and Brian's wedding!! This girl danced the night away!! 

I cheated that day and ate quite a bit o' cheese!! Soo yummy tho! And I alternated a glass of wine and a glass of water all night! (At an open bar no less!!) this second surgery means the world to me!! But I did have to give in to the cheddar 😊

They looked amazing! And oh so happy! So glad to be a part of their story!!! 

Can't wait til this lil beauty and her hubby come visit me in TN !