Charlene and I have had an absolutely wonderful vacation. We flew to Norfolk (correctly pronounced "GNAW-fuk") to my parents house, then left to take Blair to college in Lynchburg, VA. He settled in very quickly, and after an appropriately brief (tearful) farewell, we left for our vacation. I knew the best way to turn off Charlene's tears was to put her behind the wheel of the car and head directly for the mountains. We spent the next four days doing the kind of agressive, strenuous mountain hiking that would make John Steer proud. I'm so thankful to have completed chemo three weeks ago, and yet have the strength to get out and really enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We spent four days on "the Parkway," from mountain summits to deep gorge waterfalls. The last point was Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. Week 2 of this vacation (why in the world did I wait so long to take two-week vacation???) is visiting Char's family in SC, visiting some friends in NC, spending a day at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, going to Va Beach for a day and visiting my family before heading home. This "empty nest" thing is going to be really tough!!! :) Here's a few pics to enjoy; click to enlarge and I'll post more later.
Wow, rest at last...Enjoy.
ReplyDeletePraise God that you and your wife could have such a wonderful time together. You continue to be in our prayers as you ready yourself for your surgery. God is keeping you in the palm of His hand and is watching over you. He knows you and what is needed for you. God is good! All the time, God is good.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're having a great time! The pictures are beautiful! The waterfall shot reminds me of Korea.
ReplyDeleteDorothy
Welcome home! We missed you
ReplyDeleteNow, some thoughts unrelated to the chemo. These are intended with some humor, but with a kernel of truth as well. All are based on real experiences ;)
ReplyDelete"Do's while recovering from cancer surgery"
Do enjoy the change of pace and time away from the normal routine.
Do be honest with your family and friends about your feelings and fears.
Do walk everywhere they allow you to walk, especially outside, even trailing a urine bag, pain med pump, and with a naso-gastric tube in your nose.
Do meet with colleagues about actual church business every now and then. Invite them to a nearby lobby. It's OK and therapeutic for you.
Do expect discomfort and challenges adapting to your appliance.
Do take advantage of free hemorrhoid consults available from all the surgical residents!
Do listen to advice from the team with the pain medications.
Do blow in the funny breathing tube game that helps work your lungs during recovery, even though it hurts.
Do enjoy the occasional light-hearted visits from casual friends who just want to lift your day, and are neither super spiritual nor overly dramatic when they stop by.
"Don'ts while recovering from cancer surgery"
Don't expect to be cheerful or Christ-like.
Don't be surprised if you feel depressed.
Don't be afraid to cry.
Don't expect to sleep comfortably.
Don't expect very many showers.
Don't expect the naso-gastric tube to be any fun.
Don't be surprised if you say uncharitable things to your family members.
Don't expect adaptation to colostomy to be quick or easy.
Don't hesitate to remind the young (inexperienced) female nurse to DEFLATE the locking bulb in your urinary catheter before withdrawing it on the day it comes out. I'm not kidding.