I have not posted in 24 hours in hopes to bring you some better news....I can not say that I am bring bad news but I can say that we are in about the same place we were yesterday.
Today Em and I took a walk. Very short. Only made it about 50 yards before we headed back. When we looked back at how she felt in the hospital (and how we portrayed her progression during that time) it felt the like '6 weeks of bed rest' that we were told was a joke. We were not taking into consideration the little movement and the amount of medications that were helping her cope with how invasive of a procedure that she just endured.
Since we have been back from the hospital, a mere 36 hours, the 6 weeks of bed rest is starting to become more of a reality. I do think that she will be significantly better in a few more days (hopefully be the end of the upcoming weekend) but that significant improvement may mean that she is still dealing with a decent amount of pain and nausea. What concerns me even more is that this drop in meds has been tough but what happens when they continue to ween her off? Are we going to have another period where her pain and nausea increases to an almost unbearable level?
I am not trying to be pessimistic and my outlook is actually positive considering the fact that we are sitting in our bedroom 5 days after she had a brain operation. I think we just needed to readjust our expectations of our new normal for the next few weeks.
Thank you all for you kind words of encouragement. Be it a blog post, voice message, text, or card, Em's gained some strength from them. We have actually re-read a few over the past two days to give her a reminder of the love and support that she has.
Hi Em (and Neil!) It's your ol' pal Oobear. I've been thinking about you lots and sending good vibes and prayers your way. I cannot tell you what a comfort it is to have this blog and these updates from Neil (thank you Neil!). In one post, Neil wrote in a rhythm that reminded me of The Missing Piece Meets the Big O. And I was thinking, you just have to keep lift flop pulling, and until your fully rounded again. Keeping rolling forward! Maybe not the best interpretation but let's go with it since Shel has brought us such comfort in the past. I'm sending you lots and lots of love and hugs and hoping for a quick and painless (as possible) recovery.
ReplyDeleteHi Em and Neil -
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to say. There's no advice to give except that the road is hard, but if anyone can do it - it's you two.
I picked up Lois Lowry's "The Giver" tonight and was reading through it after reading the blog from today. It reminds me so much of Emma - this incredible burden that no one else can share. Please know that If I could take this from you, I would.
Keep resting, keep measuring your progress everyday. Okonkwo was in your brain with a knife less than a week ago - you are walking, talking, and at home. That is amazing. I'm sorry that the pain and nausea are there, but you are strong and it will get better. I know it. These are some great strides for 5 days out.
I love you both and wish you some good rest tonight, a steady belly and calm head tomorrow. you are my hero, Em. And I'm pretty sure that Neil is your angel. Let your healing happen - this is a process.
Z
You 5K-ers know about the pace and pain of the long run. Keep at it, little bit each day. It's not a race. There's no finish line.
ReplyDeleteFound a good quote by running expert Jim Fortner:
"Make your last thought before the start of a marathon: 'If I'm not worried that I'm running a little too slow in the first half, then I'm probably running too fast.'"
Courage.
Thank you for keeping up this blog Neil. We continue sending good wishes, thoughts and prayers your way. You both have incredible strength which I am sure you get from God, and each other. Stay strong and know so so so many people are praying for a quick and as painless as possible recovery.
ReplyDeleteAs you two continue to toil through the reality of recovery, I'll continue to pray for and believe in miracles... and hopefully we meet somewhere in the middle.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace, friends.
I cringe for Emily as I read this update and I worry about whether or not you are both sleeping and how long can you keep up the pace as you thoughtfully and selflessly update this blog and then I am struck (again) by how amazing you are individually and together and I find that I am without words and in awe of your strength and so I wind up rambling on your comments and then I pray. And, I will continue to do so every day. Gabrielle
ReplyDeleteHi Emily & Neil,
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine what you two are going through.
I think about you both every day and pray that Emily makes
a full recovery.
You are such a lovely couple & we really enjoyed the time
we spent getting to know you at the Sheraton after the wedding.
Our love, strength & prayers are with you always.
The Mueller Family