Happy 250th America!

For most of my life, I have spent July 4th either at the lake in NC, at the ranch in WY or in Crested Butte, so this has definitely been a different year for me. But good in its own way. Stephen left for the ranch two days ago to assist with the cattle drive, so my dear Aunt Harriet flew in from North Carolina to be with me. And I have my two boys here which is time I never take for granted!

The past couple of weeks have been challenging for sure - mostly in the area of pain management. I naively thought that with all of the medical advancements we have made over the years that they would have figured out pain control by now. But what I failed to consider was the backlash from the opioid crisis which has resulted in doctors prescribing as little as possible. After major surgery akin to an amputation, I was sent home with Tylenol, ibuprofen and a muscle relaxer! I had a few oxycodone tablets for "emergency breakthrough pain" only.

After about a week of searing nerve pain, I was also given a medication for nerve pain. But in researching each of these medications to try to get on a schedule, I discovered that many of them could not be taken together and could not overlap. So with four types of pain that needed managing - incision, swelling, muscle and nerve - and a different medication for each that could not overlap, I have found myself in some sort of pain at all times. Until today! I finally convinced them to give me more oxycodone (I promise not to get addicted or overdose) and I feel like a new person. I showered, put on real clothes and makeup, had a visitor, talked to people on the phone. Huge improvement!

I have yet to get any pathology results so hoping for that this coming week. Praying for no sign of cancer in the lymph nodes and no need for ongoing treatment.

We have been so blessed by friends and family - and even some of my clients sending flowers and food. My sister has come twice to be with me, my mom came down from Wyoming for almost a week, my aunt is here now, friends have brought some wonderful food, I've received so many texts, emails and comments here. All of it makes such a difference and is so appreciated. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness!