Fourth of July

Daddy giving Harlowe sugar

My mother and Harlowe

Harlowe enjoying her first rib, Dustin's idea of course. She takes after Dustin's side of the family and my mother because she loves the meat. She will pick meat over fish, what is a mother to do? But hopefully she will like sushi, one day:)

I love this picture, she just melts my heart.

I am so behind on the blogging and I have so much to share with everyone. First and foremost, I am doing pretty good and my surgery went well. I have the most wonderful ENT surgeon who specializes in oncology, he is so personable and his bedside manner is impeccable. He even gave Dustin and I his cell phone number and I warned him, big mistake giving Dustin his cell phone number. I told him Dustin is chatty Kathy when it comes to the phone, the boy has no shame, poor Dr. Weinstock, ha.

The day of the surgery, I wasn't nervous and I remember being pretty calm, but it was probably due to the fact, we were running late so I had no time to ponder over things. Dustin said the surgery was quick and I was pretty out of it when I went to recovery. All I remember is waking up and seeing Dustin and Dr. Weinstock, who was trying to go over what to expect when I got home. Big mistake because I was so out of it, I couldn't remember anything.

When I got home and probably a couple of days after, I was feeling really good and proud of myself because I was not in that much pain. I only took Tylenol and Motrin so I could continue to breast feed. We even planned a trip to go to Corpus Christi so I could recover by the beach. It ended in utter disaster because of course I did not bring any of my pain medication because I was doing so well. The day after we got there, I was in so much pain and it was totally unbearable, we had to leave. Although, the weather was gorgeous and our condo was very nice, at least we were able to enjoy a day or so on the beach.

I took three weeks off of work and much needed, I cannot lie, having surgery on my tongue sucked to put it bluntly. I had to always hold my tongue a certain way in my mouth to avoid rubbing it against my teeth and I could only drink on one side on my mouth. At first I kinda got annoyed I couldn't eat but it was so painful to eat, I got over it real fast. It seems like I am still recovering because a month or so ago I bite the side of my tongue, the side where he sliced me up, ha. I guess my tongue is not healing properly because there is a big ball of sensitive skin there, gross, I know. I thought it would have healed by now so I kept it to myself but recently I told Dustin because it has really been bothering me. It is like I have a food aversion because it is hard to eat and always gets caught on my teeth. Even when I try to talk or swallow the thing seems to constantly get caught, annoying to say the least.

So the plan is: consult Dr. Weinstock and hopefully he can just chop it off, that is how annoyed I am. But I am all good with that and I am praying that will be the answer. I am at my wits end and am tired of talking like Elmer Fud and being the human sprinkler when I am talking, ha!

Although, the long term plan for me is to be monitored closely for two years and I will get a CT scan every three months. The type of cancer I had, apperently likes to spread so that is why he is going to monitor me so long. I really wanted another child but the baby making machine is on hold for now, per Dr. Weinstock's request. I was kinda depressed about it and I think Dustin saw it on my face when he told me. But the kind hearted husband that he is said maybe we can wait for a year and see how you are, then maybe start trying. My husband is the best husband in the world, he is my best friend and God has truly blessed me.

Reading the blog, it seems kinda negative but all in all I really cannot complain. I am healthy and happy, I have a wonderful family and support system and despite everything, I have a blessed life. I want to thank Dustin for being so supportive and wonderful through this whole ordeal. I really could not have gotten through it without him.

I want to thank my mother who came to stay with me for two weeks. She helped Dustin and I so much with Harlowe and taking care of me. She is a remarkable woman and I admire her strength and loving heart.

Thank you to Dustin's family who are so supportive and caring. I am blessed to have such remarkable in-laws.

Thank you to all my friends and brother for all the calls and texts. I have a great set of friends and a wonderful brother who are so thoughtful and kind.

Thank you to my grandparents and Aunt Janet and Uncle Roger for the thoughtful cards. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Most of all Thank God who has always set the path even though I might not know the end result. I know I have said this a million times but my life is a blessing. I never knew my life would end up here but it is an amazing life!