One Week Post-Op: A Gratitude List

It’s been one week since my surgery, and recovery has been more frustrating than I had imagined. Seriously, I’m so tired of sitting around at home by myself, doing nothing. I just want to go back to work, or at least be able to sit up, unsupported, for more than fifteen minutes without getting exhausted and sore. It seems that no matter what I do, I cannot sit or lay down comfortably. Apparently having a 3 inch incision on your neck will do that to you… Or how about eating easily? I used to take eating for granted. Now it's so hard. I can’t chew that well, and swallowing hurts. And yet I have to eat a lot to keep up my strength, so I feel like I’m constantly, slowly nibbling all day long. And while we’re on the topic of digestion… well, I won’t even go there. If you’ve been on painkillers, you know what they do to you.  But you know what would be nice? Being able to talk at a normal volume without hurting myself. Or having the feeling back on the right side of my tongue and jaw. Or being able to hold my head up straight, instead of having it stuck at an angle. Or not having a rash on my arm thanks to an allergic reaction to my antibiotic.

You can probably guess that I’ve been pretty cantankerous this week. I’ve snapped at my husband more times than I’d like to admit, despite the fact that he has tirelessly and sacrificially taken care of me. I was texting a friend and telling her of my woes, when she asked, “Do you need to make a thankfulness list?”

Grumble, grumble grumble….

Yes…

So here it is:

1. The tumor is GONE.
2. The tumor, as well as the lymph node they took, was benign.
3. I married a man who meant it when he said, “in sickness and in health.” He has not once hesitated to help me in any way he can - refilling my water glass countless times, walking me to the bathroom, giving me whatever food I need, letting me cry when I need to, and giving hugs at all the right times.
4. I got to spend a few days with my mom.
5. My mom stuffed my fridge and cleaned my house before she left, as caring mothers are wont to do.
6. I got two care packages, both of which had socks in them, which is great because I said just last week that I needed new socks.
7. I can now eat without throwing up.
8. I am now able to shower.
9. I am now able to walk to the bathroom all by myself.
10. My mom brought the Anne of Green Gables series for me to watch.
11. My mother-in-law sent the Harry Potter series for me to watch.
12. Netflix and Hulu exist.
13. A friend from high school, who I haven’t seen in 4 years, happened to be in the area and visited me.
14. Every single nurse and doctor I encountered in the hospital was extremely kind and caring.
15. I received many text messages, Facebook messages, and emails letting me know that people were thinking about me and praying for me

I’m sure I’ll think of more as time goes on, so long as I keep up the right attitude.

Thank you to all of you who have sent me encouraging text messages, notes on Facebook, cards, care packages, and so on. Your support means so much to me.