11.3.11

Today marks the first day that Jim went back to work at Wilmington University, on a VERY part-time basis.  He felt good about it and had a very good morning.  The support that Jim is getting from WU is amazing.  He will continue to do some work from home, but his main goal is the heal and gain his strength back so he can go back to fulltime status after the holidays.  Knowing Jim, I'm sure his hours in the office may stay according to "our agreement", but he'll work more hours from home.



The "Leaf Whisper"

Tomorrow is Friday and we meet with the transplant team to review Jim's progress.  We do not expect major changes to "the plan".  This week Jim went to another level of his strength and healing. I decided to just go do "some racking" on Tuesday late afternoon for some exercise and then I planned to get our tractor and swoop up the leaves to discard them in the woods way behind our property.  I needed Jim's assistance (showing me how to hook things up, etc) in getting the tractor ready for leaf removal and he said he wanted to "try to drive the tractor" at a very low speed and if he had any discomfort he would immediately stop driving the tractor, since it was only 5 weeks post-op his transplant!  He didn't have any issues and he truly enjoyed the time outside and on the tractor.  We got our back done in no time. He wasn't even sore/stiff, uncomfortable; I can't say the same for me, LOL!!  I need to rake more often I suppose, because walking isn't enough for this "old body" of mine :-D 

The count down has begun for our son, Matt and his upcoming surgery.  Today it is 12 days until his Tuesday, November 15th pancreatic cancer surgery.  He is preparing his work schedule for his recovery time off as well as getting questions ready for his upcoming pre-op visit this coming Tuesday, the 8th of November.  As with Jim's surgery, the reality begins to get more prevelant the closer to the time of the "event".  As a wife through the first event, my emotions were much different than they are at this time with our son having surgery.  We are so thankful for the keen eye and early detection of the professionals that caught this spot for Matt.  This is not a type of surgery that is common in a almost 30-year old otherwise healthy young man.  We are grateful that this is getting taking of so quickly and truly want it to be behind all of us.  As mentioned previously, Matt will be recoverying at our home rather than his condo in Wilmington.

Continue to keep my two "boys" in your prayers as one continues to recover and the other prepares for his upcoming surgery and recovery.  Our family covet your prayers and support.

So thankful for all the good things God provides for our family, through your prayers, encouragement, support and love.  My gratitude is great!

~Tina