The Big House

I should have seen the signs when I sat down for church on Christmas Eve. My husband was busy as an usher and my daughter was busy "helping" him. One of my home health nurses and her family sat down behind me in the last pew at the last service of the day. I wasn't sure at the time if this was a sign from God to prepare myself or accept the help of others. As it turns out, it was likely both.

I went back to the U last week on Wednesday. My friend was coming and I told her I wasn't sure if she should come or not as it might not be a really fun visit. She came anyway which worked out really well for me. Earlier in the week, I had discussed the pros and cons of a picc line versus a port and the big house versus my house with my other friend while our kids searched for library books. You can discuss a lot of life's problems at the library.

When the time came, it wasn't much of a decision. I did the PFTs, we saw the scores, and my bed was waiting. The only choice was whether to go home and pack my own pajamas or have someone bring them to me. I opted to go home and leave my car behind so I couldn't make a run for it. So, my friend packed up her two kids and my unhappy kid and drove me back. In the meantime, my in-laws came to stay the weekend with my husband and take over for my friend when she had to go back to Iowa.

I was hoping to go home on Monday but it was a University holiday so I couldn't do PFTs. I had to see the graph going in the positive direction and gain some weight in order to get bailed out. So, by Tuesday, things were looking up. I have a fancy new picc line and if it doesn't result in any blood clots, I will get a port a little further down the line. After my afternoon IVs, my husband was waiting in the circle drive. I never get tired of his cute face although he is getting more worry lines.

Today finds my daughter back at school and the next crew of help on the way. My sister and my niece are coming to play Barbie dolls for a few days and get me by until the weekend. She was already here last week as she is a little crazy but she made the time go by a lot faster and kept me distracted while I waited to get scheduled for a picc line.

The reality of the schedule is a little brutal but we will get used to it. I came home on one IV three times a day over two hours and another one once a day over an hour. I am also doing more vests and trying to lay low. Also, don't feel bad as I didn't really call anyone and tell them where I was for the last week. It didn't seem like very exciting news. I did call my husband at work and tell him that I was being sent to Paris for work. He managed very well without me which makes me a little nervous.

Blessings,

Cindy