"Hey Look, I'm the Bishop"

Crew's style and desires of personal appearance are emerging  more every day. I love watching it develop. Today as we were all getting ready for church, Crew had some specifics on what he wanted to wear; mostly his blazer. After he was all dressed he came out, struck a pose, and said, "Hey look, I'm the bishop!" Who is currently Donald. As I snapped some pictures Abe disappeared for a minute and came back in an identical outfit: Khaki dress pants, blue tie, and a blue blazer. Too cute!

Happy Birthday: To Me!

Today was hard. 

I didn't ever picture myself entering my thirties and dealing with ovarian cancer and healing from a painful surgery. I imagine happily welcoming it with friends and family, doing a big self-pampering/party during the month, and really loving my new age.

Instead I am still couch/bed bound and Abe did his absolute finest to make sure I felt special. He made a delicious breakfast, cleaned the house, and made a cake. I definitely spoiled his plans with being carried away in my own misery and discomfort. 

He tried to get my friend Erin to take me to lunch, but I turned her down. He did his best to accommodate and altered his own plans. Little did I know that he was planning a surprise birthday party for me. Around 4 my friend said she was going to bring me a treat and another was supposed to come soon after to drop off dinner. That's when a storm of people came through the door and yelled surprise. 

My first reaction was definite surprise, my next was pure embarrassment that I looked so awful. I really didn't want to be seen. My next reaction was love for Abe and the joy that I did have good friends that knew I probably needed a boost. Honestly, the two feelings were very competing and it was hard to happily enjoy the moment. Everyone had cake and soon had to go to take care of their own families. 

I did receive good news yesterday that I won't have to have chemotherapy. I will go in for check ups every 3 months to make sure my cancer has reoccurred. What a great relief and a wonderful gift. Abe gifted me a roomba so my floors can always be freshly vacuumed, as long as they are picked up!  

I hope to have a redo and happier feelings when I turn 31. Thank goodness I have a loving husband that was able to cope with my grumpiness and grumblings for the day! Life would not be as sweet without him, my boys, family, and all those that have touched my life. 

Reports From the Couch

Thankfully I have lots of help and I can basically sleep my days away, working on recovering. I was able to nab some pictures someone took of Crew dressed up as a cowboy at school, watch Sawyer be a goof and work, Crew help my Mom, my Mom help all of us, (including a library trip), walks with the boys, watching Abe and the boys play, sing and dance, and quiet Sundays working on my lungs and re watching conference.  And once my Mom left, my house fall apart into chaos!

 

Surgery Day

My surgery was on the 29th, but I wrote this email to some friends and family on the 31st:

Good morning friends and family!!  What a week it has been. I was tickled to have Anne and my parents come to drop off my Mom. It was a quick reunion and so good to see Anne after her mission. I did not have as much time as I would have liked to sit and chat, but the embraces and words exchanged were fabulous!

My surgery was moved to the second one of the day, so we didn't have to leave until 6 am for the hospital. It  took much longer to get checked in and taken back to surgery. Finally I went back at 10 am for surgery. I was fully awake because they had me sit up and and move around in order to adjust the table to fit me. (The table gets tipped, during surgery, so my head is down and all of my intestines move out of the way) I also was introduced to the group of people in the room. It was a team of about 10.  Finally when everything was set they put me to sleep.

The surgery took 3 hours. I had a very hard time coming out of surgery. I could not open my eyes for 3 hours because the room was rocking and spinning. This was intensified by all of the different pain meds they kept administering because I was in a lot of pain. I kept asking for Abe but I didn't get to see him for 3 more hours. Finally they took me to a recovery room where I was able to hold Abe's hand and feel his comfort. I am sure it was difficult for Abe to sit and wait all that time.

I am not going to lie. Life was rough at this point. I wanted to sleep because  I was exhausted, but my oxygen saturation was too low and the alarm kept going off every time I started to doze.

At 10 pm they admitted me and I stayed overnight. Abe checked into a hotel.  My oxygen did okay until 4 am and then I was put on oxygen until 9 am.  I was released around 11:30 am.

(Now it is evening. Sleep kept over taking my writing)

I am having a lot big pelvic swelling and blood pooling. I contacted my doctor and he said it will take two weeks to clear up. I had Abe and his Dad administer a blessing to help me through my healing and for the swelling to diminish.

I feel everyone's prayers and I feel so touched by everyone that is checking in and letting me know they care. I even had a friend buy compression underwear for me; that is true friendship!! My Mom is taking  great care of us. Abe is able to take care of business while my Mom does a fabulous job meeting all of our needs.

I know Heavenly Father is watching over me. He loves me and wants what is best for me and my family. I can see so many tender mercies as he uses angels here on earth to help me through this.

Thank you again for all of your prayers. Please continue to pray that my swelling and discomfort will quickly dissipate. I love you all.

 Lindsey

I had my greater and lesser omentum removed (thin fatty layer that is attached to and protects all of your intestines), lymph nodes along my aortic artery and in my pelvis, and biopsies taken from various parts in my pelvis and my reproductive organs. It was a bit invasive, to say the least, but not as extreme as it could have been. How blessed I am to have been given and listened to the promptings I have been given. 

Anne Is Home

Well, as I prepare for my second surgery I am so blessed to have my family come visit and help out. Anne and my Dad are only here for a day before they turn around and go back home, while my Mom stays to help. It was so good seeing Anne and having a quick chat with her. We even set her up on a date to get her right back into regular life. 

Anne and I kind of began a non verbal competition to see who could grow their hair the longest. It was a pretty close call. (I am on the left squatting down to make our heads level)

Because I knew the boys wouldn't be participating in Halloween I knew I wanted to make it to our wards trunk or treat. I had to start my bowel prep a little early and was feeling well enough to go. I grabbed a delicious water and the rest of my family feasted on cafe rio. We kept in simple and put the boys super hero outfits on. It worked out perfectly. 

It was quite fun, but I was so exhausted by the time we got home and got the kids in bed. 

(pictures from Debbie)

Sawyer

 Sometimes he just doesn't want to function. Good thing he is a cutie and I like him anyway!

Crew's Turn at Latin Farm

I generally only do the fall experience at Latin one time a year. But this year, I am now going two days in a row. Yesterday was hot! Today was a little chilly and windy. Abe was able to join us in the festivities and then we headed to Reno after. Sawyer was a lot less excited this time around because it was cooler and the dust and hay were blowing into our eyes. 

We got a pumpkin right away, fed the goats, looked around, and Crew took a ride on the cow train. We didn't stick around too long because we wanted to get to the auction yard to check out a potential truck for Abe's business.

It was great spending time together with all four of us. I miss Crew being around all the time.