Fatty pad on thigh or lymph gland?

[Scottietottie]

Hi Kathy 

I understand you feeling shell shocked. Sounds like you're in for an uncomfortable time but its something that needs fixed for sure. I can't 'go' without laxatives now and sometimes not even with them.

You'll have to get yourself a rubber ring to sit on!  Are having a full anaesthetic or do they use an epidural? Make sure they're wekll aware of the dry mouth while waiting on the day of the op. I thought I'd made them aware but had to beg to be allowed to get some water to swill and then spit out because I felt so dry as they'd kept me hanging around.

Your Mum sounds amazing. Really resilient. Keep us posted.

Take care - Scottie 

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Kathy!

Wow...I'm just catching up on this post...you have been through a lot in a short amount of time. Good luck to you when you go in for your surgery....will send lots of positive thoughts your way for a full and speedy recovery!

I also want to mention that your trip to Rome sounded fantastic....how very cool to see and do everything that you mentioned with your mom!

And Jenna...what a wonderful life experience you had singing for the Pope!  We have so many talented people in our sjogrens family! I'm surely impressed!!

[Chickpea]

Hi Kathy

No wonder you're shellshocked!  At least you know what you've got to face, you've got a date for the op and a timetable for recovery.  It's going to be tough but you're strong, you have a deep faith, and a world of friends here.  We'll be thinking of you lying there in the May sun with your bottom to the air!

Good to hear that your Mum is improving.  How are things with your sister?  Has she understood that your op will put you out of action for a while, and what the implications are?  Maybe now she'll understand how much you've been coping with for so long?

Thinking of you - Chickpea

[Katybarstool]

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Chickpea, now that is not a sight to behold Katybarstool with a sunburned bottom

How are you doing with your treatment? Has it helped, or is it early days just yet?

My sister was a bit shocked when I emailed her with the information about the surgery. She is in charge of mum's rota, and realizes now that I can't be doing much, other than sorting my own home and family out. She knows I haven't been at work this week , due to the badder problem, so I think she is beginning to understand.

Anyway, it's a lovely sunny day here today, and I can hear the birds tweeting, and see the lovely spring flowers.  After a few tears this morning, I'm picking myself up again. What a difference a bit of sun makes.

Kathyx

[JannaLee]

Dear Kathy,

I just wanted you to know I am praying for you every day and wishing for you to be keeping up with everything you have to do (mum, work, etc) and not feeling too poorly.  You have a lot on your plate these days, not to mention surgery looming in the near future.

You are very special, I think of you so often.

Janna

[Katybarstool]

Janna

That is very sweet of you. Thank you so much.

BTW You can't possibly be old enough to have such a grown up son. What a handsome fellah!

Kathyx

[JannaLee]

Thank you, my dear friend!  I just read your response to my husband and he told me to tell you our son gets his looks from his father!!

My husband has never suffered from a lack of self esteem!

This is my son, Britt who is my baby.  He's 22 years old.

Love to you Katygirl!

[Katybarstool]

Morning Janna

How you doing? Are the fluff bunnies going or staying? Sending you positive vibes and a big hug for the coming weekend.

Kathyx

[JannaLee]

Well,  I worked till I was about to drop but am feeling pretty good today.  All the floors are clean and all the beds got made...and my husband did most of the shopping, which saved me!

My mom and I have been making cutout cookies all day.  They are in the shape of airplanes and we will ice them with names of the new Lieutenants.

Hopefully I will continue to feel good for the next several days!

How are you feeling, Kathy?  How's your little mama?

Janna

[Katybarstool]

Janna

I'm impressed with the cleaning and the baking. Well done to you and your Mom.  My mum is walking better, now that she has a shoe over the plaster. She has been with my sister to choose some plants at the garden centre, and sounded chirpy when I spoke to her.

I've been resting since dinner. Its almost bedtime now, and it's been a tough week at work. I just have to finish off some projects and hand over some work to a colleague tomorrow, and that's me, ready for the surgery on Monday.

The weekend is going to be a busy one. I'm going to have my hair cut short, and do as many jobs as I can.Then I will just have to hope that the dust bunnies don't multiply in the next two or three weeks.

Have a wonderful weekend - we expect pictures afterwrds!

Hugs
Kathyx 

[harrigan]

Kathy = just want to say a huge GOOD LUCK for your op on 17th.  I will be thinking of you and hoping it is all as easy and carefree as possible, and absolutely successful too.   Rest up lots and look forward to feeling lots better.  XX Ailsa

[Katybarstool]

Thanks Ailsa

I had my blonde head on when I posted the date - it's actually the 18. I had a really hectic day at work today, and I've been lying down for a while, as I felt rough. I'm feeling ok now.

My biggest fear is of incontinence afterwards - probably daft, but you know how it is. I've decided to not think about it now til everyone has gone to work on Monday. I don't have to be in 'til lunchtime, so I will get my brain orgnised by then.

McT, please will you come and hold my hand?

Kathyx

[Chickpea]

Hi Kathy

You've been in my thoughts today and then I thought how silly that was if I didn't let you know!  I hope you're having a peaceful day, gathering your strength for tomorrow.  Have you been able to have some time in Church for quiet prayer?  Hope the family are rallying round and taking the best care of you today. 

Let us know if there's anything we can do over the next few weeks as you convalesce.  Hope sleeping on your tummy isn't too odd!

Love and prayers - Chickpea

[Katybarstool]

Chickpea

Thank you. I feel blessed to have you thinking about me. I've been to mass with my mum this morning, and then doing some essential cleaning and bed changing. I'm now having a bit of a rest before the two little granchildren come.

To be honest, I'm a bit worried about the surgery. I know it's not major, but I have had a very strange dream about dying, and I'm trying not to let it get to me. Of couse, I daren't tell my famly, as I don't want to worry them.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be back to normal soon. BTW, I always sleep on my tummy, so I'm not too worried about that .

Kathyx

[Chickpea]

Dearest Kathy

You're bound to be feeling vulnerable and fearful, and those worries come out in all sorts of ways.  Maybe it was good that you could address some of those emotions in a dream?

From what you've said I think it is pretty major surgery so don't minimise what you've got to deal with.  You'll need to 'dig deep' and dredge up all that strength, faith and optimism that enables you to keep going day by day.  And trust too.  When I went into the operating theatre after my accident a few months ago I just concentrated on trusting the people round me, and giving thanks for their expertise.  For hours all those highly trained people will be thinking about you, doing everything they can to heal you and make you well. 

Glad to hear about the tummy sleeping!

Love to you, dear friend - Chickpea