The Road to Recovery

So, I guess that I should start off by saying that I'm NOT dead. I know that may come as a surprise to some, especially since I tend to be clumsy and impulsive (not the best combination, trust me). Mostly, I've just been busy taking care of my mom in the weeks that followed her surgery. The hysterectomy went well; she only had to spend one night in LDS Hospital. I have to say, I really like that hospital; all of their rooms are private rooms, which makes such a big difference on the overall healing process. At least, that's what I think. Anyway, I had my herniated disc surgery at LDS Hospital in 2007, so I was somewhat familiar with it. Well, I was familiar with it, before they updated it and made it super fancy. I went to visit my mom after her surgery. Fortunately, I have a great sense of direction, or I probably would have gotten lost in the search for my mother.

Strangely enough, I wasn't even questioned by any hospital staff as I entered the building, wandered around for a minute, and eventually wound up in my mother's room.

She was heavily drugged, but seemed like she enjoyed my presence. I only stayed for a little while; my dad stayed overnight with her. I had to take care of my dog, who had been alone for most of the day, so I made a hasty trip home to tend to his needs. Afterwards, my girlfriend came over and cooked dinner for us, which was AMAZING. I swear, she's a culinary wizard. She doesn't believe me when I tell her that, but trust me... it's true.

So, back to my mother... she came home the day after her surgery. That weekend was rough for her, and she was in a lot of pain. Everything came back to her, gradually. She's moving around the house now, and seems more comfortable in general. She hasn't left the house yet, but we may be able to coax her out sometime next week. I understand that she's still swollen and in some pain, so I'm not going to rush her; she can move at her own pace. Literally.

We received the biopsy results about a week after the surgery. The good news is that they think they removed all of the areas affected by cancer. The bad news, of course, is that there's a five year period where they have to keep an eye on her, because anything could happen. So, much like the situation with her skin cancer, she'll just need to be extra vigilant in listening to her body and reporting any strange pains to her doctor.

For now, all's well that ends well!

Lander, WY: Part One

So, my girlfriend's birthday is on January 23rd. For her birthday, she wants to visit her roommate's family in Lander, WY. Apparently, she did this last year (2010) and had a great time.

Tomorrow, my girlfriend and I will head for Lander, along with her roommate, her sister, and her best friend. All I know of Lander is that it's roughly six hours away. Also, there will be a turkey dinner, courtesy of the roommate's family.

If this picture is any indication, there are also goats in Lander. Our trip would probably be more exciting if goats were involved. Not in a dirty sense, of course. That would just be awkward.

Six hours of driving... oh well, that's why I have a PSP! ...and a cute girlfriend to sleep/drool on, of course.

Happy early birthday, baby girl!

C Is For Cancer

Last week, I received some unpleasant news: my mom has uterine cancer. Tomorrow, she'll undergo a hysterectomy, which will be the second major surgery that she's had in three years. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous; this has been a rough time for me. Fortunately, I have some great friends, and a really excellent girlfriend, all of whom have kept me sane and focused.

One week from tomorrow, we'll know whether or not she'll have to undergo chemotherapy.

For now, I'm going to be optimistic and send positive energy to my mom. One day at a time...

Geaux Saints!

Well, boys, we didn't make it to the Superbowl this year. That's okay, the world's just not ready for a back-to-back black and gold superbowl; it would be too epic, perhaps. I'm still a little bummed, but you know what? We had a great season and I'm already looking forward to the next. Also, to quote my friend Rae: Vicks commercials FTW!

WHO DAT!

Mobile 1

Another sleepless night- the perfect opportunity to try out this whole blogging via mobile phone thing! Testing, testing... Oh, this has just created so many new opportunities for me. Yeah, I'm a nerd. So?