Check-up

Hi everyone,

Just a short update to keep my "prayer team" updated. Everyone continues to bless us so much with cards and calls and visits too now that I am a little stronger each day. THANK YOU so much for all your help and love.

Today I saw my family Dr for BP check (it's stable), general bloodwork etc. She thinks I am doing great for only 2 weeks after surgery. Charles took me from there to Kohl's (in a wheelchair) to get a few clothing items that I need now that I have this huge crazy incision as it's hard to wear some of my normal clothes right now. Then we stopped at the deli for a cup of chicken noodle soup and a chicken salad club. I couldn't eat it all - had more for dinner and still some left, but it was SO GOOD to be out a little bit in the "real world", and to have a little date with my hubby. I was tired when I got back and needed my nap, but I did feel great be out and about a little bit.

Tomorrow I see the kidney surgeon and get the staples removed - it might be a little uncomfortable but I will be glad to be rid of them! :-) Next week a chest x-ray and the lung surgeon and hopefully the Lankenau Oncologist. I also hope to be calling this week to start the process of setting up a second opinion at Fox Chase and to consider if there are any other options I should pursue. I don't have full "brain power" yet so each of these things is a bit of a project for me.

The kids are into their normal activities this week and next - the older three are counselors at our church preschool "camp" (VBS) and the younger two have had some outings with cousins and are hoping for a few playdates. Anya started her worship dance summer classes, the youth group activities have begun... it's life as usual in a lot of ways which makes me happy. We have had help with rides for the kids which is a big help but Charles is also trying to do some of the driving himself to give the kids some one on one attention. He is juggling work as best he can but some of that has to be second to the children's and my needs.

We had previously offered our pool for the middle school summer swim parties the first of which is this Friday night so we decided to go ahead and host after all. My dad and the kids will help get the yard and pool ready and it will be great therapy for me to look out over the fun from my screen porch!

We are so appreciative of each and every one of our dear friends and family for getting us through this valley. You have held us up when we didn't have the strength to do it alone. We are so thankful to the Lord for each of you and for His care for us.

Love,
Karen