I am home!!!!

Oh happy day! I came home yesterday after 2 weeks in the hospital. I was home for about 12 hours on Feb. 24- 25 but then had to go back with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. It turns out that I developed a bowel obstruction close to the area where they reconnected my small bowel. So thankful that it resolved itself by having clear liquids for a few days.
   They would not let me come home till my extreme bloating went down and I was able to eat soft food again. Most of my stay I had no appetite and got full very quickly if I did eat. Because of this, and frequent diarrhea, my electrolytes got out of balance so they started me on complete liquid nutrition. This required a Picc line to be put in which was good because all of my IV sites were failing at that point. My veins were pretty shot from chemo and being dehydrated. The liquid nutrition really helped me to feel better and sustained me till my system started working again.
  The doctor feels that several things contributed to my bowel blockage. They probably sent me home a bit prematurely. I got dehydrated and had too much food for my system to handle when I came home the first time. I also had something called ileus which is when a part of your bowel just stops working from having surgery. I could feel this happen and it is miserable to say the least. My dear sister Carole was at my side during those times and just blessed me so much by massaging my back and feet and trying to keep me comfortable! Pain medicine only helps to a certain degree. The doctor said another contributing factor could have been some swelling or inflammation in my bowel near the surgery site. My WBC count is not quite back to normal yet from chemo.
 We are doing well, thanks to all the meals and prayers. Duane and the kids have been troopers but they are so happy to have Mom back home.
  They sent me home with orders to take my diet really slowly. I need to be on a soft, low residue diet and eat small, frequent meals till my system is fully healed and functioning more efficiently.
  I have experienced so many unpleasant things on this stay from lots of  needle sticks, vomiting, severe gas pains, a  very sore bottom, not making it to the bathroom on time, picc line mini surgery, drinking soapy lemony tasting stuff for my CT scan, to sharing a cramped hospital room and just being exhausted....HOWEVER......God is so good! and I was able to develop a relationship with my one roommate and the nurses. I had plenty of company and flowers to cheer me. I really sensed God's presence with me in a special way. If I have learned anything from this experience it is this :   When we choose to declare our trust in Jesus and give thanks in every situation it prevents the enemy from gaining a foothold in our lives. I know deep in my heart that God was and is watching over me!!! and He was and is working everything out for my good!
  It is so wonderful to be home! esp. since today is Heidi's 16th birthday!
Love you all!
Marcia