No Surgery!

The lesions on my spine are significant, one in particular is responsible for the loss of feeling in my feet and legs.  I'm still looking at some nasty MS drugs to stop the progression of this disease, but I do not have to have neck surgery at this time!  There are bone spurs in my neck that can be treated with an epidural of steroids.  I'll have to do this treatment once a year.  I'm also starting physical therapy, which will address the neck problems and the MS.  They are going to put me in a class that does exercises in the pool!  Nice!  Now if I can only find a cute "supersized" swimsuit!  Lol!

I have decided I need to try to find work I can do from home.  A little extra income would be so nice.  Any ideas out there?

Nina Simone is singing "Little Sugar In My Bowl"... it is so bluesy/jazzy/relaxing... My home is nice and cool.  Outside it is another blistering "hot sauna" afternoon.  I think I'll go watch a little HGTV!

Recovering... and Brenda Photo Challenge

First of all, today is the Brenda Photo Challenge (click on the name to see all the entries).  My entries are posted on my other blog, Nita Jo's Photos.  If you enjoy photography, you will love looking at all the entries for this months theme... "Broken"

Other news... I am recovering from my surgery.  Yesterday, they removed the drain tube I'd had to wear for the past week... I called it my "vampire necklace"... I am so happy to be done with that.  The growth is gone!  My calcium and blood levels are back to normal, and the biopsies showed I am cancer free!  I am so thankful for God's mercy, and for all of your kind thoughts and prayers!  God has been so good to me! 

Well, it's the wee hours of the morning.  I'm going to try and sleep a bit as today is full of things I need to get done.  Sunday is the celebration of our churches 70th Anniversary.  I still have photos to gather up and get delivered for display.  I had hoped to get my hair done, but that may just have to wait till next week.  And, I haven't forgotten about my promise of a Give Away... it's just going to take a few days longer than planned, but it is going to happen soon!

Love and Blessing to all!
Nita Jo

I'm Still Here!

Hello friends! I had my left eye surgery this morning. It went well! My eye will be dilated up to 48 hours but even so, I can see really well out of it. I am able to use my $2.00 reading glasses to see my computer screen, but I have to keep it to a minimum for a few days.

This has been an experience. I'm glad I did it, but even more happy that it's over. I am looking forward to enjoying my computer, reading books, doing some art & craft projects, etc. You know the classic question, "Would you rather be deaf or blind?" Well, I'd been saying blind because I have such a love of music and the sounds of wind, rain, birds, laughter. I've now decided neither is an acceptable choice. My uncle said "How about one good eye and one good ear?" He always has a way of bringing humor to every situation!

What I have discovered is that I am going to treasure the things my senses allow me to enjoy. The sights, the sounds, the textures, the colors: all are precious gifts to be thankful for. I don't want to take anything for granted.

Life should be lived fully and enjoyed completely! I am so thankful for my eyes!

Blessings!
Nita Jo

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries."
—A.A. Milne

Surgery Update

Hello everyone! I had my cataract surgery last week. Considering that I scratched the surface of my cornea right after my surgery, I am doing well. It looks like I will still need glasses, but I can already tell a difference in my vision. Here are the details:

• Right eye cataract surgery was one week ago
• I apparently scratched the cornea while putting drops in. I had to wear a contact lens "bandaid" all week.
• Vision was bad and I have been worried
• Today "bandaid" taken off and I am seeing much better
• Colors are much brighter, but still seeing "halos" around everything
• Vision will continue to improve over the next month
• After one month I will be rechecked and fitted with glasses. Hoping for reading glasses only, but will be happy either way.
• Left eye surgery is scheduled for 8:45 am on May 27th!

Sorry it's taken me so long to post this. I was told not to use the computer except for quick email checks (with the right eye closed). During the healing process, the pupil stayed large and let more light in than needed. I had to avoid bright lights until now.

By the way, the surgery was not scary at all! You can't even tell they are coming at you with sharp instruments... they use very bright lights. Actual surgery time was only about 12 minutes. So far, this has been a very good experience!

Almost forgot... Sis's surgery went fine. It was a laser procedure. They made a small hole in the eye to relieve pressure. They did the eyes about a week apart, and she says it went very well!

Thanks for all the prayers, comments, and emails! I appreciate it so much!

Blessings!

Nita Jo

Prayers Desired...

I just got through texting my little sis... she has eye surgery tomorrow. It's to relieve pressure in the eyes. Her second eye will be done the same day that I am having my first eye surgery! Different doctors and different eye clinics, but I kept thinking how funny we'll both be "under the knife" on the same day.

My eye surgery is due to cataracts. On the 22nd, I will have my right lens replaced with a man-made lens. If all goes as planned, I will only need reading glasses. My left eye will be scheduled after the Doc sees how quickly I recover from the first surgery.

I am "looking" forward to having it done. I have not been able to drive at night for some time, or to read normal print. I tried using my Grandpa's magnifying glass, but it was too much effort to hold the book and hold the magnifying glass. I'm sure it made a funny picture to my family! Lol!

If I am absent for a while, it is due to pre-op and post-op procedures. Plus, it may take a little time to adjust to my new vision.

Please keep me and sis in your prayers. I'll be "seeing" all of you just as soon as I can!

Blessings!
Nita Jo