Finally, after more than a month since the spot was discovered in my lung, surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. These days have been the 'times that try men's souls' and women's too. Waiting is not my favorite pastime, and we've had more than our share of waiting these last six weeks. The old Army adage was 'hurry up and wait', and that certainly has applied here.
I am so glad that my friend June reminded me of the CaringBridge.org website for family and friends to keep up with the medical progress of the writer. It's astounding how many 'hits' my site has had, and the number of messages is rewarding, humbling and oh so comforting. Hubby will be posting updates on the site while I'm away from my computer.
I'm sure to miss 'my computer', since my morning routine - for years now - has included checking emails, other blogs, Facebook entries, weather and my bank statement status. When I was hospitalized 22 years ago (gall bladder surgery the old-fashioned way) we had just barely begun to learn computering, so I did not feel so lost without the option of logging on several times a day.
So, today hubby will take me to Baptist East to do the pre-op registration paperwork. My doctor's wonderful nurse faxed me the 10-page questionnaire to complete at home, and take with me today. That should save some time! Tomorrow, at the 'decent' hour of 7:30, I'll go back to the hospital for admission.
This adventure into medical science has cost me the privilege of attending several Christmas parties, and I'll miss several more Events while I'm out-of-pocket. I'm sorry that I won't get to participate in these affairs. I will be back ASAP to blog, email and do all the other amazing things that computers offer.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Friends Again Book Store
I can't think of a nicer way to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon than a visit to our Friends Again used book store at our Library. It's such fun to see friendly faces - the volunteers who give their time every day from Tuesday through Saturday. The books are always in such good order, easy to find what you're looking for and up-to-date with the selections.
All of this is a Volunteer project by the Friends of the Collierville Burch Library. All the books, magazines, DVDs and books on tape have been donated by community members. The prices are reasonable.. $2.50 for a gently read hardback book - some of which look like they're brand new!- and 50 cents for a regular paperback book. The childrens' book section is excellent, too. The youngest readers love to come in and choose something special to take home with them.
Seasonal books are displayed on a special rack in the store, and this month there's a huge collection of Christmas books of all genres.
It's fun to go "where everybody knows your name" and our visit yesterday was no exception. Old friends and new gather at the book store - some to browse and buy, some to visit and spend a few minutes chatting.
All of this is a Volunteer project by the Friends of the Collierville Burch Library. All the books, magazines, DVDs and books on tape have been donated by community members. The prices are reasonable.. $2.50 for a gently read hardback book - some of which look like they're brand new!- and 50 cents for a regular paperback book. The childrens' book section is excellent, too. The youngest readers love to come in and choose something special to take home with them.
Seasonal books are displayed on a special rack in the store, and this month there's a huge collection of Christmas books of all genres.
It's fun to go "where everybody knows your name" and our visit yesterday was no exception. Old friends and new gather at the book store - some to browse and buy, some to visit and spend a few minutes chatting.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
After Thanksgiving ---
The days since the big dinner have been different, to say the least. Our Maryland crew was here the rest of the weekend, leaving Monday evening to fly back home. We were able to get a lot of visiting in, and they enjoyed a special visit with her younger brother and his family at their house, too. We were pleased that they went with us to our Sunday School class on Sunday, too.
Since then, we've almost become readjusted to the too-quiet house again.
Several visits with doctors, with waiting times between, have added to the rollercoaster effects of not knowing when my surgery will finally be scheduled. It's been more than awesome to see how many friends and family members have signed the guestbook on the Caringbridge.org website I set up. That's a very good way to keep people updated on my progress, or lack of it, with my medical situation.
Waiting is very tiring. Not knowing is worse. Each time we go to a doctor, there seems to be 'one more test' that must be run before a date can be set for the actual procedure. The surgeon's promise of "after Thanksgiving but before Christmas" is beginning to seem rather farfetched.
For someone who never needs to go to doctors except to get blood pressure medicine prescriptions renewed quarterly, or for an occasional sinus infection, this steady stream of appointments and tests is quite wearing. Except for a brief stint in February this year, I have not been a hospital patient since 1987. That's a long time!
I'm sure everything will eventually be resolved, and I know that 'doctor time' and 'hospital time' are NOT the same as 'laymen's time'... so I should quit fretting and just let things happen. Maybe I'll figure out how to do that someday.
Since then, we've almost become readjusted to the too-quiet house again.
Several visits with doctors, with waiting times between, have added to the rollercoaster effects of not knowing when my surgery will finally be scheduled. It's been more than awesome to see how many friends and family members have signed the guestbook on the Caringbridge.org website I set up. That's a very good way to keep people updated on my progress, or lack of it, with my medical situation.
Waiting is very tiring. Not knowing is worse. Each time we go to a doctor, there seems to be 'one more test' that must be run before a date can be set for the actual procedure. The surgeon's promise of "after Thanksgiving but before Christmas" is beginning to seem rather farfetched.
For someone who never needs to go to doctors except to get blood pressure medicine prescriptions renewed quarterly, or for an occasional sinus infection, this steady stream of appointments and tests is quite wearing. Except for a brief stint in February this year, I have not been a hospital patient since 1987. That's a long time!
I'm sure everything will eventually be resolved, and I know that 'doctor time' and 'hospital time' are NOT the same as 'laymen's time'... so I should quit fretting and just let things happen. Maybe I'll figure out how to do that someday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
