Normalcy

The most normal I have felt since November 18th: today.  Today I felt like my typical Jenny self.  I played with my kiddo, drank some coffee, cleaned, cleaned and cleaned, watched some football, rocked and sang my angel to sleep, and sat down with a glass of wine in a nice (mostly) clean house.

To anyone else, this may not be the perfect day, but since spending the last 8 weeks out of any form of routine, normalcy is wonderful.

During my recovery, I was in significant pain.  I was on several alternating medications to control the pain as well as dealing with side effects such as fatigue and bloating.  Finally, I have nearly weened off all narcotic pain medication.  I can mostly control pains with ibuprofen.  I have been experiencing a lot of back aches, but massage and heat usually help.

I slept all the time.  Between the medications and the overall just feeling crappiness, I was in bed a lot.  I'd have good days where I was up and active, but the following day I would crash.  Day to day, I am getting more and more energy, hence my productive day today.

The worst feeling of the whole recovery was my inability to fully care for Arya the way I usually do. It was heart-breaking every time she would put her arms in the air for me to pick her up for Mommy to hold her, and I couldn't.  Now, with my lifting restriction gone, she is getting back to being Mommy's girl again, wanting to cuddle even more than before the surgery.

Our family had a very chaotic Christmas; however, we were all together and that is what mattered most of all.  Arya had a ton of fun opening gifts and playing with her cousins.  She received a lot of great gifts.  She is blessed to have so many people in her life.  This child is very loved.  

January 6th was our follow-up appointment day at Mayo clinic.  I had blood work and a CT scan in the morning and appointments with the surgical physician's assistant and oncology physician's assistant.  

The surgical PA reviewed my blood work results first.  My liver function is fully back to normal following the resection.  The CT revealed nearly full regrowth of the liver at this time with no evidence of disease within the tissue.  The spinal lesions are still present; however, they are stable.  Meaning, they have not changed in size since August of 2013.  In Jenny style, I did ask her whether or not I was able to drink again.  She said yes, but she did caution me as all doctor's caution their patients in regard to alcohol use.  She cleared me for lifting and full activity as well as discharged me from their surgical service.

We spoke with the oncology PA at length regarding the test results as well as the next steps.  As of right now, there is no "known" disease in my body.  The spinal lesions are a concern, but since they have not changed in nearly a year and a half, the physicians are not convinced that they are a severe threat.  We decided collectively as a group to meet with a radiation oncologist at our next appointment.  We may proceed with radiating at that time.  We also spoke with her about possible preventative options, but at this point there isn't enough research supporting what was proposed with Dr. Banck.  

The news we received was better than we could have ever imagined.  I remember the day we were told that this outcome was out of our realm of possibility.  I remember when all we all had to hold onto was hope, but with excellent care, a positive attitude, the support of others and the power of prayer, I can finally see a light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Thank you all for your love and support.  I am going to hopefully have another "normal" day tomorrow.  I hope you all do to.

Love Jenny