Slow moving.

Hi Everyone,

I guess I should update since it has been a week since I have done so. Lauren is about the same as she has been. Not much appetite, puffy, sore, and tired. Sorry, I don't have anything great to add. It is just very slow going. We are hoping that once the bad part of her liver is removed, things will improve.

Lauren and I went out on Wednesday, first to have labs done at Mercy and her wedding dress had come in and needed to be picked up. It was kind of sad because they asked Lauren if she wanted to try on her dress, and she just said, Yeah, right, like it would fit. She was having a bad day because she felt so huge and at one time said to me after seeing her reflection in a storefront, "Oh my gosh, I look like one of those huge women that have to wear big dresses because that is all that will fit." My heart broke for her. Can you imagine what it would feel like to lose over 20 pounds and feel good about yourself, and then in a few days gain all that back plus 10 more pounds. It has got to really mess with a person's mind and self esteem. It was the first day since surgery that she had done her hair and makeup and looked so pretty, but no matter how many people told her that, she didn't believe it. I hope so much that her swelling goes down soon.

We went to Panera for lunch. I had a yummy spinach salad and Lauren ordered half a sandwich. She ate about a third of the half and was done. The only thing she really likes are her protein shakes, which are very good for her because they have 30 grams of protein. She is supposed to have 100 grams of protein a day, but rarely gets that much because she just isn't hungry.

After lunch, we went shopping for dresses for my nephew, Matt and soon to be niece, Katie's wedding on May 4th. I got a black dress and Lauren got a black and white dress. They are really cute and the best part was that they were on sale!! Lauren was exhausted after our outing and has been recovering all week.

A few times this week, Lauren has walked around our block which is about half a mile. She is really trying to get better, but it is so difficult.

Wo's incision is healing great at the bottom, but is still oozy and pulled apart some at the top by her chest. She had a bubble of fluid in the middle and wanted to pop it. I said absolutely no to that and I cleaned it, put Neosporin on it, and redressed it. The next day, Lauren was sitting on the couch and pulled her blanket back. there was a basketball sized wet spot on the front of her nightgown. Her dressing was soaked and when she took it off, the bubble had popped. I swear, if we could just pop her body with a pin, she would lose so much fluid!!!

I called Dr. Sonnenday's office on Thursday because he said he wanted us to call five days after seeing him to see if the Lasix was working. I told his nurse that she had lost 4 pounds, but still felt really swollen. She didn't call back until Friday and said Dr. S wanted her to stay on the same dosage, no increase. He knows best, so that is what we will continue to do.

As I read back over this post, it sounds kind of Debbie Downer, but really it is just that recovery takes time. I am sure Lauren will continue to improve and once she has the next surgery, will do much better. Please keep her in your prayers, but do not pity or feel sorry for her. That is the last thing she wants. She is very tough and will get through this and be that much stronger!!

Major news flash!! Lauren and I just went down to the basement and she weighed herself. She lost 6 more pounds!! Maybe the Lasix is finally starting to work. Her dressing was soaked again too!! Lauren let me take a picture of her incision. It's kind of funny. She gets a kick out of showing people her scar. This is a girl that would never show her stomach to anyone before!! If you are squeamish, don't look. You have been warned!! I will update again next week. Until next time...

Love,
-Pam



Don't scroll any farther unless you want to see Wo's tummy!!!!!