Another Surgery is Completed!

I am happy to report that the surgery was successful. The doctor removed a fully-encapsulated tumor from my spine. It was the size of a grown man's fist, which explains the horrible pain I was suffering. Because it came out intact, the surgery was much shorter (3 hours instead of 8!) and hopefully much less traumatic to my body.

When I woke up in the Recovery Room, I could immediately tell that my legs were stronger. I was able to stand briefly with the help of physical therapists yesterday. Dr. C thinks that it may take several weeks for my spine to heal and recover, but he is hopeful that I will regain the full strength that I previously had.

I am weak, of course, and the incision is quite sore, but overall I am in much less pain since the tumor has been removed. The nurses have been so kind to me, and I am resting comfortably most of the time.

My next goal, of course, is to get out of here! If all continues to go well, I might be able to go home on Monday. I know I have a hard road ahead of me, but I am ready to move forward again.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, calls, cards, letters, and gifts. I am truly, truly blessed.

:-) Sharon