It's actually Me. the temporay Queen....oh that is so NOT me!! I am having a very hard time seeing what needs done and NOT doing it...it's torture!!! But I am trying. Yesterday was a really good day. I didn't need any pain meds until night time. Today I need a bit. If you know me at all, I hate being on meds long term. But I must do the best for my neck to fuse properly so if it is pain meds that help, I do it. I wear a soft collar 24/7, and a hard collar in the shower. Those are still a challenge. I feel like i am being choked in the hard one because of swelling in my throat and concequently I get sick at a my stomach before I get finished. My Husband to the rescue!! He bought a stool for the shower stall so I can sit, using no collar, shower carefully, and he helps me to stand* replacing the soft one quickly! Love that man!! It went better last night, no sick stomach! (which means no phenergan!)
*A bonus: this house was handicapped equipped so I have 2 handles to use at my shower!!!! (the former owner was in a wheel chair)

I want to thank you all for your prayers! I was so humbled when my wonderfu Daughter informed me that my pleo friends/family were praying for me. It reminds me of the power of a little prayer.....So thank you all.

The house is quiet today. But yesterday the hours passed watching our grandchildren play and romp and giggle and scream! Kaden does not understand why Granna doesn't pick him up to comfort him. But Mackenna Mae understands booboo and always says "be gentle Nana"...and flattens her body against the wall as I walk by, or gently places her hand on my arm to lead me to the table. Precious. I love seeing Kaden place his little fingers together for prayer and Mackenna offering to help him say it. He points up when asked where God lives, says a sound for bible, is excited to attend bible class and screams as Papa John walks in the door!

These little ones grow up so fast. Kaden can already open the door, climb on the couch and probably more things I don't know about yet! He is getting those hard molar teeth in and goes from happy Kaden to not knowing what he wants! Makenna Mae-Mae is improving in her speech and wanting to do things for others!! They are precious gifts from God. I pray that I am the proper example for them as they mature and grow! it is so serious.

Better give my shoulders/neck a rest from typing. It is amazing, but just about everything we do effects or affects our shoulders....(not sure which word is correct, someone educate me!)
Enjoy your day my wonderfu pleo family!!!
toodles

So I hope this is the LAST update that I do for my Momma and that the next one will come from HER! :)

Thrush indeed took over her mouth and throat. It is an awful thing and makes every day tasks much more difficult... like eating! It takes away her taste, causes her nausea, and is also very painful. She was having throat swelling/trouble swallowing from the surgery (this is an short-term expected outcome), but the thrush made it all the worse and is worse than the neck pain itself!

Thankfully, after talking with her today, she is seeing some improvement!! She was able to eat "normal" food today!! This is such a blessing! Our bodies cannot heal on fudgesicles alone (although we would like to try!)!!

She has been a good patient and tries to walk around the house every day! This is greatly encouraged by the doctor as it opens her lungs and brings fresh oxygenated blood to the surgical site and bone fusion. This even helps with pain management, believe it or not! So thankful for that added blessing.

I thank you so much for remembering my Momma in your prayers. This is a long journey so I ask that you do not grow wearing in doing this good thing. She is brave, but hard days are still hard.

With warm regards,

Shawnee

I was hoping that by now, Momma would feel like getting on the computer and updating for herself, but sadly, we're not quite to that point. This is Shawnee again. The doctor was right - she feels pretty lousy. Pain control has been more difficult in the last couple of days. Hard for me to tell 200 miles away, but I'm afraid we may have a thrush problem as well (she's gotten that after surgery before). She's still a good patient though!

Daddy's employer sent flowers to her and they are so pretty! Lots of yellow/cheery flowers in a yellow smiley mug! I hope that helps her feel better as she tries to make it through these difficult days. Please continue praying for her. It does not go unnoticed.

Thanks all for your concern about Momma.

God bless,

Shawnee

This is Shawnee posting for Momma. :) She came through surgery very well. It actually didn't last as long as the surgeon thought it would (I am sure the person having surgery after her was very excited!) It was scheduled for 4.5-5 hours, but lasted about 3.75. :) The surgeon was quite satisfied with how she did. Thank God she did not wake up vomiting from the anesthesia (as she has done in the past). The doctors gave her some good anti-nausea meds that worked wonders. She is of course in pain, but it is being managed pretty well. The doctor explained that she may feel lousy before she feels better, but we knew this would be a long process to work through. She has been a star patient in my book and I'm so proud at how well she is handling all of this! One of the doctors told her she gets to be Queen! If it's on the floor, don't pick it up! If it's dirty, don't clean it! She's the Queen!

We used this analogy to explain it to Mackenna. (She also knows in more detail that Granna had surgery because of the booboo on her neck. It's amazing how much she grasps.) Granna is the Queen, so she does no work or cleaning! She asked if she wears a crown, so we found one to put on her head before she saw Granna! Later she said, "Goodnight Queen! Goodnight your highness!" as she took a bow. Of course, this is said in her adorable Mackenna language that makes it all the more precious. It's ok for you to go "awwwwww." :)

Thank you for all of your prayers going up on Momma's behalf! She is also very appreciative. We are counting our blessings and are quite overwhelmed. Please continue to pray for her as she has a long road of healing ahead. This is a big surgery and requires a lot of healing - adhering to very strict instructions! Patience is a must during this time. A smooth and speedy recovery is what we're praying for.

With warmest regards,

Shawnee

My sweet Daughter came to help me get ready for my neck surgery which is scheduled for Fri morning. She took me to get clothes w/ zippers or large necks to go over or around my hard neck brace that I am to wear for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Then today she took me to get my hair cut SHORT in preparation of my brace... she is making things fun for me...Love that Girl. And I am thankful to her Hubby for sharing her with me these days!

Hurting too much to type, bummer...
toodles all