Ostomy Life is good...

It's been 3 1/2 weeks since my surgery and I can't believe how much better I'm feeling week by week. Things I have learned in the past three weeks:

- my family and friends are incredible, calling on me, looking after me, ensuring I have everything I need.

- stress is as hard on my family and friends as it is on me... we've all had some tears and anxiety, and it's brought us closer.

- NOT having to rush to the bathroom 20x a day with extreme urgency is such a novelty after the past three flaring years.

- My fello Ostomites are right - you CAN wear your own clothes and nobody knows!

- Moderation is required - overdoing fiber in the form of meal-size salads is guaranteed to cause a day-long belly-ache!

- did I mention family and friends? Thanks to EVERYONE that has provided the support I've received, you're truly wonderful!

xo h

feeling creative again...

It's now three weeks post-surgery, and I've been feeling better each day. Better enough that I've been back into the "creative zone". Made some thank you cards, and my new hobby - beading. I've had fun experimenting as I made the following gifts:



This one is for my sister-in-law Kim - it's made with all wood beads, very natural and quite long. It'll look great with casual outfits.

This one is a gift for my niece Jodi. She's getting married with a beachy theme and the colour purple. I just love the little fish charms - hehe.

This triple-strand is for my friend Jan - she loves autumn colours, so green with naturals seemed fitting.



Derek is in Berlin today, the end of a one-week stay there, and is heading to Krakow tomorrow. After a week of fun, seeing Auschwitz will be very sobering. Then on to visit new friends in Switzerland, Munich, and more. Glad he's enjoying himself so much!

Jamie found herself a wedding dress last weekend. It is a gorgeous cocktail dress and a beautiful jacket the same length. she will look absolutely sensational for her January wedding next year. She and Adam are very excited - nine months to go, and I'm sure it will zoom by!

Home sweet home...

... my home, my bed, my couch, my bathroom. Home...

And the countdown is on

This time tomorrow I'll be getting ready to go for pre-op appointment. And 24 hours from now I'll be a patient. After going through the shock of being offered an earlier surgery date, I'm ready to go - let's just get it done! I'll be up and running again before summer, and able to plant my own flowers. I feel a vacation coming on - well deserved! Meantime, while I'm in the hospital, I hope Jamie brings me a big coke slurpee!

Derek is in Ireland - Dublin today, Belfast on Tuesday - St Patrick's Day - being joined by Sarah and Colin. Derek met some Irish college students who told him St. Paddy's is a tourist holiday and the only reason the locals go out is to show the tourists they can't be outdrank. Wonder how hard these three will try to make liars of the Irish...

Now, to use Derek's blogging style, things that I have learned:

- mothers and daughters will try and protect you from afar. My mama tells me to stay home and avoid all germs. My daughter tells me to have a bath and get enough rest.

- fathers worry more silently. Nuff said.

- exes worry too - offering anything at all needed. What can i get out of that.... (heehee)

- cleaning house before going to the hospital just like before going on vacation, is a feminine necessity!