#22 Sep 19^th p.m.

After my walk, I set up my laptop on the table.  I feel almost normal checking e-mails and scouring through Face Book.  Flexing my abdominal muscles and my left wrist seem to be the only things that hurt me, so sitting at the computer is good and enjoying a leg massage while surfing is even better.

Later in the day the directions have come down to the nurses that the massage unit is to be removed, and it is.  By this time I’ve decided that I don’t need to take any more morphine hits and my nurse says they can give me Tylenol instead. Getting up and bending aren’t so easy for me but other things are moving along nicely, and they’re surprised at how well I’m walking. 

My sister comes to visit.  I can’t laugh yet, it hurts too much, but she brings me a really funny get well card. There’s a picture of a leopard with a caption that reads, ‘Will it help if I lick your face?’  I’ll get her back for that.  She also brings a cute night gown. It flows from the shoulders, so shouldn’t touch any sore spots or be too restricting.  I can wear it once I get rid of this wiring in my hand.

Other company arrives too.  It’s really nice to have visitors.  It helps to pass the time chatting with them.  When they leave I go for another walk.  With each hallway circuit I’m feeling stronger, travelling faster and walking more naturally, I.V. pole and all.  

Dinner arrives and I’m served real food.  There’s a piece of white fish, boiled rice, and what looks like mashed up carrots. I take my time and gingerly nibble at the food, not wanting to put my stomach through too much too soon. The tray includes some hot water and a generic tea bag.  That tea bag reminds me of something I packed so I go to my suitcase and find the little plastic bag that contains several sealed pouches of peppermint tea.  It’s a flavour that I prefer and it seems to help with digestion after a meal.  Although I was hungry, I stop after eating less than half of the food.  I’m full already!  That’s crazy. Maybe I can lose more weight.  There could be a good side to this too.

Mike and our daughter, Tina, come to visit.  Having company is such a great diversion. Since I can’t wear my new night gown yet I send it home with them when they leave.  I don’t like having too many personal things here to look after.  I already have a phone, computer, clothes and my own pillow.  That's right; I insisted that my pillow came with me and it does make a difference to my comfort and my sense of control over my environment.

Tonight I can actually roll onto my side with hospital pillows surrounding me at my back, under my tummy and between my knees.  I’m much more comfortable this way and sleep comes easier too.