ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: bdsgurl on March 26, 2009, 09:55:42 am
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Hey everyone,
I finally got a text messege last night from Liz's Husband at 11:22 pm. He said she had finally come out of surgery and it looked like everything was going well. She was supposed to go in at like 6:30am so that was a LONG surgery! I hope to hear more from him today and when i do ill update on here as well. I know today is gonna be one of the hardest days for her, so im just gonna keep praying everytime i think of her, so glad this is behind her!
Annalisa
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Hi Annalisa,
Thanks for the update! I've said this before, but during surgery, it's the caregivers that have the hardest part of this ordeal! The waiting and worrying, while the person having the surgery just sleeps the day away :)
Sending well wishes and prayers for a quick and uneventful recovery,
Ernie
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Great! I can stop pacing. We'll be waiting and watching (of a different variety) for your reports. Thx!
Nancy
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Another text this morning!! He says she has a bad headache and wondered if that was normal:) I said, OH YES!! and ask for more pain meds!
He also said, she is talking, swallowing fine, and has very little facial paralysis!!
Im so relieved and happy!
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Oh that is great news! Continued prayers and she recovers.
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Ernie's right. The family and friends are the ones with the hard part during surgery.
Keep us posted.
Syl
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Ernie's right. The family and friends are the ones with the hard part during surgery.
True, all we had to do was sleep ;) Our trials came post op.
Glad to hear Liz is doing okay; nice to see we have another postie among us.
Jan
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I'm so happy for the good news. We will be keeping Liz and her hubby in our thoughts and prayers
Scarlett & Rich
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Annalissa ~
Your updates on Liz are much appreciated. I'm so pleased to learn she's doing well. Be sure to tell her that according to Steve - and we all agree: 'the first 3 days post-op don't really count'. You can add that she's officially a 'postie', now. Then, tell Liz to get some more rest so she can move toward being discharged and really beginning her recovery. :)
Jim
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More good news. Another good week. I am liking it. :)
Steve
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Turns out Liz and I had the same surgeon at Madigan Army Med Ctr. So glad she came out OK. That was a monster of a tumor.
I just found her link the night before her surgery. She lives nearby so I would like to call her and/or visit when she gets home.
Can anyone PM me her phone/address or husband's cell phone?
Thanks,
maureen
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I spoke with Liz's husband today and he told me that she had a bad night, really nauseaus and feeling badly. She had to have a shunt put in to help drain the CSF becuase even prior to surgery she had alot of the fluid at the top of her head, so they didnt want to take any chances and wanted to go ahead and drain it. He said she has lots of pressure so she will stay in ICU for the weekend and then see how they go from there. He said she is still talking and doing well otherwise. I just keep praying for them, these days are certainly the hardest!
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My sympathies are with her for having to stay in ICU fo so long. Once I was awake, I realized that it is a very noisy place, and all the lights and machines made me feel llke an experiment in a bad sci-fi movie! Hope she gets well and gets to go home soon. :)
Priscilla
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bdsgurl ~
I'm sorry to learn that Liz is having some difficulty. The shunt should alleviate her CSF problem. I trust her ICU stay will be brief.
I was stuck in ICU for 4 days even though I had no real post-op complications. No other beds available, they said. I hated it! The noise, lights and general lack of quiet is counter-productive to healing, in my opinion. Not to mention the fact that I was awakened about every two hours for various tests that seemed redundant and unnecessary - and that ended abruptly as soon as I left the ICU, confirming my suspicion that most of them were not essential in my case but simply nurses following standard ICU protocol. Liz has my sympathy, too.
Jim
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Hi Annalisa,
We're very sorry to hear that Liz is having CSF complications, hopefully once they square that away that will be it.
Thank you for the updates,
Keeping Liz close in our thoughts,
Rich & Scarlett
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Argh, the CSF leak strikes again. Oh well, it will probably clear up over the weekend.
You are right, Annalisa, the few days after surgery can be hard for those who wait, as well as for the patient. Both of you take care,
Steve
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Sorry to hear about the CSF leak. She is in great hands there at Madigan. I was there. They are being extra cautious.
Better to be safe and drain what fluid is there. Make sure she gets her pain med-preferably the IV morphine stuff if she can tolerate it.
Hoping to meet Liz after all this ordeal is over.
Maureen
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unfortunately, more bad news from Lizs husband...
he said yesterday they told them that Liz will have to go back in for another surgery on tuesday. they said when looking at the MRI, there was a significant amount of tumor left behind right near the brain stem, and they will have to operate again to take it out. Of course this means a longer hospital stay and more time away from her babies, which she is really sad about. I dont know any more detail because as you can imagine, her husband is spending all his time with her in ICU and doesnt have much time for updating me (bless his heart too!) I know this isnt how she imagined this turning out and it makes me sad for her. I wish things had turned out more simply, all we can do is keep praying for her. Has anyone else had this type of complication after surgery where they decided they needed to go back in? Im so worried for her after being in surgery for almost 16 hours just a few days prior, how will her body deal with yet another long surgery?
please keep her and her family in your prayers as often as you can!!
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please keep her and her family in your prayers as often as you can!!
You bet.
I read back over Liz's posts, and realized that the CSF build up started before surgery, so that was less of a surprise than I first thought. I also realized that her tumor was 4.5 cm, which is quite a large one.
This latest development is not common, and certainly serious enough. My sympathies for Liz, this is a lot to endure, but she will make it. I think the second surgery should go quicker, much of the ground work is already done. I have heard of reopening surgeries for cleaning up infection, and that seems to go okay. Even though this is more serious than that, I think there is every reason to remain optimistic that it will get done. People have made it through strokes and other serious complications during their surgeries.
Please relay to Liz and her husband our continued support for them, they will need to stay strong through this. We are pulling for her...
Steve
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bdsgurl ~
Thanks for the update on Liz, even if things are not as positive as we would all like. We need to know the reality.
Immediate second surgeries on remaining ANs are not common but it does happen, and better the doctors excise this bugger now than to see Liz have to go back in the hospital weeks or months later, again disrupting her life. This is certainly not the smooth operation Liz and everyone else had hoped for, but with all the support and prayers for her (including mine), our Liz should pull through this, O.K.
Jim
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I agree with Jim. Better to take care of the residual tumor now than to go through the entire healing process twice. I know if I were given the choice, I'd want it out now.
I will continue to pray for Liz, and hope she knows how many people here are pulling for her on this latest setback.
Ernie
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I'm also sad to hear about Liz. Please tell her and her husband that many of us are praying for her and pulling for her.
Keri
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Praying for Liz as she fights yet another battle,
Rich & Scarlett
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Liz,
You were the last one I thought of last night and the first this morning.
Deep breath.
Soon it will all be behind you.
Lots of love to your friends and family,
Nancy
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Good luck Liz. Do not worry about your children. From one mother to another, you know they are in good hands. I know my advice is easier said than done. Get that sucker out of your head and be well.
Anne Marie
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Liz,
You will come through this fine, hang in there, much love and hope,
Marci
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Hang in there, Liz :(
Not what you planned, but at least they can get what needs to be done, DONE.
Wow, the length of your first surgery was impressive. I would imagine they just had to stop after so many hours.
Things will be OK
I'm praying for you and your husband/kids too.
Maureen
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Linz~
You are in my prayers! Hang in there better to get it all over with at once!
K
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Oh, dear. They have to open Liz up again? That's unfortunate, but I'll be praying that they get it all this next time and that she comes out of this ok.
Syl
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My heart goes out to Liz, her husband & children.
Keep a peaceful heart through this trying time.
My thoughts & prayers for a safe & successful surgery are with you all.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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So sorry Liz has to go through this! I think sometimes that the only way we get through it the first time is thinking that we will be done! My heart goes out to her and I will be praying and thinking about her for Tuesday.
Priscilla
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Liz went into surgery at 7:30 am today, just spoke to her husband and she is still in there! Keep those prayers coming!
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Praying for you, Liz! Keep on keeping on!
Becky
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Sending positive thoughts. What a terrible thing to have to endure this again in such a short time. My heart is with her family right now. Please let this be over and let her get on the road to recovery. I am pacing....I will keep checking to see how things are. Liz I am praying for you. Big Hug!
Michelle :-*
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Still praying for you Liz!
bdsgurl, thanks for the updates!
Ernie
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We will continue to hold Liz in our prayers,
Scarlett & Richie
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ditto and amen to everyone's thoughts and prayers. hope all is well now and you are on your way to recovery.
keri
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I am so hoping it is over now, and all has turned out well in the end. Double ditto.
Steve
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Continued prayers for Liz and family!
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Very anxious to hear am update! Hope all is well.
Hugs & prayers to you!
K
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Praying for Liz and her family today. Hope all went well.
Maureen
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How is Liz???
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Ditto that!
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VERY concerned that we haven't heard!
K
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To Liz and her family,
May the power of our prayers be heard and acted upon and bring Liz through this journey with bright shining colors.
Jackie
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Is Liz's surgery next week? Anybody know? Or was it supposed to be this week?
Still wondering, praying, and concerned.
Maureen
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The last post from Annalisa (bdsgurl) was on Tuesday the 31st, saying she went into surgery at 7:30 am.
I agree it is troubling. But there are various reasons we may not have heard anything. Annalisa was getting text messages from Liz's husband and then posting updates here. She may not be able to post, or he may not have send a message, or something else like that. All we can do is wait, and hope to hear something soon, and fervently hope it is good news.
Steve
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Hello everyone, so sorry it has taken me so long to post, I didnt hear from Liz husband until thursday evening. I had some stuff going on yesterday so today has been the first chance i had. Her husband said that surgery was another 16 hours on wednesday. She came through it ok although she has some significant facial paralysis this time and they were keeping her in ICU for the weekend because of the CSF buildup she had, then they would decide if they needed to put the shunt back in or not. He also mentioned that one of the nurses scratched her eye during the surgery and she had to wear a contact lens?? I didnt get to ask anything else about that. I am hoping to hear something else today, i struggle between anxiously wanting to know how she is doing and not wanting to be a pest when i know he has so much going on in his mind and on his plate. So i will update just as soon as i hear something else. Please keep praying, i apologize if there are lots of typos i cant see my screen very well, the backlight is going out....
Annalisa
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Annalisa,
Thank you so much for the update. We have been worried.
I know Liz is having a tough one, and I'm sure her husband is beside himself with worry, and not thinking about updating you or us. We will take what we can get.
I am very glad to hear that she got through it, at least. I am not happy to hear about the eye, I hope they take care of it well, eye issues are no fun at all. The facial paralysis is not so surprising, since it was a large tumor, and they obviously had trouble with it the first time. It is a much better outcome than the alternative.
We are all offering our continued support. Liz will get stabilized and make it through this. Let her and her husband know we are at their side every step of the way.
Steve
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Wow another 16 hours... how much can one body take?
My prayers are with you Liz and of course with your family. Rest and heal!
I have been checking and checking hoping she is okay, thank you bdsgirl for the update.
Sending hugs your way. Michelle :-*
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I will let her know that you guys are all praying for her and behind her, i know it will mean alot to her and her husband, you guys are all really special people!
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Major relief to hear the news. Give her my best wishes for speedy recovery and trip home.
Thanks.
Nancy
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Thank you bdsgurl for the update! I have had Liz on my mind so much lately! Yes, please tell them that there are LOTS of prayers coming there way from Texas!!
K
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bdsgurl,
Thanks so much for the update! Like the others, I was getting concerned.
We are still praying for more healing for Liz. So much to endure for one person, two really if you count her husband. I will be
anxiously awaiting the next update, but understand that it may be a while due to the tough circumstances.
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I will be praying for Liz....for physical/emotional healing, for strength for her husband and family supporting her.
Cecile
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Annalisa,
We're so sorry Liz had to go through another 16 hours of surgery. Hopefully that will be it, and she can begin to mend. Liz and her husband have been through enough. He must be a reck. Please convey our concerns for his health also.
As for you, you've been doing great keeping us updated the best that you can. Obviously you must be upset yourself, so please, do take care also!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all,
Rich & Scarlett
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Thanks so much for the update! Two extremely long surgeries is a lot for a body to take. My thoughts are with Liz and her husband.
Marci
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Sending out my prayers to Liz and her husband too.
Thanks for the update Annalisa.
Jan
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Hi Annalisa, Liz, and husband,
Thank you for the update. Today is Sunday, a big prayer day. I will pray for a speedy recovery at this point without CSF buildup. The docs at Madigan are awesome. They saved MY life and I'm sure they will get Liz home as soon as possible.
As long as they did not cut the facial nerve, hopefully the facial paralysis is just temporary. Lots of swelling going on in there.
I can't imagine 2 surgeries, 14, and 16 hours respectively. Hang in there all 3 of you.
I used to be Dr. Crawford's most memorable patient, but Liz, I think you may have just picked up the award. :o
God speed for fast healing.
Maureen
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Annalisa ~
The update on Liz is a bit sobering but still appreciated. What an ordeal Liz is having! However, with so many prayers and the support of her friends and family, I'm confident this will all work out in time and Liz will be home and recovering before too long. That is my prayer for her as well as for strength for her husband.
Jim
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Hi Analissa,
Hope you are all hanging in there alright. Best wishes to Liz and her husband and babies, and to you who have been such a support. We will continue to hold you up in our prayers.
Keri
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Hi,
Bad news from Liz' husband about the second surgery, but, as someone said, it's better do deal with the rest of the tumour now than after the healing process. I'll be thinking of her and her family. I'm sure she'll make it!
Helene
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Two surgeries is alot to go through. I'm praying for you and your family,Liz. I know you will be ok.
Syl
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HI EVERYONE!!!
Im so happy, finally some GREAT news from Liz's husband Eric. She is getting ready to go home! The shunt is out, her stiches are out, her eye has healed, she is on the mend and on her way now!!!! She has some facial paralysis but the nerve is still intact which is good news! She is happy to get home to her babies and start her life again i know. I was so crossing my fingers for good news when i called this morning, and im so grateful to God that he has seen her through this incredible trial and that she is recovering now. Thank you for all your prayers, i know that all your messeges will mean alot to her and her husband when she gets back on the computer and sees how much she is loved! She has been through two surgeries, a shunt and her poor eye getting scratched (ill let her tell you all that story, dont want to steal all her stories);)what a STRONG woman!! Im so proud of her!!
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Amazing, awesome news. Continued prayers for your recovery Liz!! I'm so happy for you to be on your way.
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Great news! Thank God!
Liz, you have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be through out your recovery.
Scarlett and Richie
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Well, that is great to hear - thank goodness. Yes, she certainly did go through a lot!
Thanks for letting us know,
Cindy
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GREAT news! Liz, you have so been on my mind & in my prayers! Onward & upward from now on, hear??
K
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This is wonderful news! I'm so happy for Liz. After all she's endured, home will be especially welcoming. I pray her recovery is swift and complete. :)
Jim
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Thank you so much for letting us know! We're glad to hear the good news.
Praying for a good recovery - I also have facial paralysis issues but with the nerve intact - 'give a holler' if you need to talk about it!
keri
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Wow. Glad you are going home! I also had back to back surgeries where they went back in on the 2nd day due to my facial nerve not responding well and they wanted to see if they could relieve more pressure. Taking the screws out and the plate off the 2nd day led to alot of swelling as you can well imagine and I'm sure that you will have one heck of a headache. Don't be afraid to medicate often during the first week or two. It is better to take before the pain actually hits so I just took it around the clock at first and the pain was well managed.
Many prayers coming your way.
Angie
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Wonderful Liz! What a relief to hear that you are on your feet again ::) Not all the time, I mean, but anyway ... I hope you can rest a lot when you get home and that you'll get a smooth recovery.
Lots of hugs from Sweden and Helene :)
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Ahhhhh what a big sigh of relief! Liz I can't wait until you can post. We are thinking of you, rest, heal and try to put this behind you. Many of us who have experienced facial paralysis are here to help you through this. I am sorry you had youir eye scratched. I remember when I was in the hospital and my eye was stitched and a nurse read my chart that i needed drops and she tried hard to pull my eye open and my daughter said "Be careful her eye is stitched close" I was too out of it to say anything.. accidents do happen. Hopefully yours will heal quickly.
Hugs Michelle ;D
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Oh man! I just got home from work, and this is the first topic I check. It has an update! The news is good! What a relief!
Annalisa, thanks for hanging in there and getting the news to us. Liz, I hope you are feeling better at last, and that your recovery is good from here on. Two surgeries and a shunt and an eye thing are way more than enough for two weeks. "Getting ready to go home" never sounded so good.
Take care, Liz, and come back to the forum when you can. We will welcome you back with open arms and a giant cyber hug!
Steve
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Liz,
Yea some good news! This also the first post I check. We were so worried.
So relieved to hear you are on your way home. Lots of recuperating and healing to do, but I bet you were just about ready to bust out of Madigan!
Hope to hear from you when YOU feel like it. No rush, just glad to hear that things are on the mend.
Will be interesting to hear your Madigan stories. I"m sure there are many. I had my share :o
Your AN buddy near Gig Harbor.
Hopefully we meet when things settle down.
Maureen
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Awesome News! Like many of you, I have been checking this thread each time, waiting for some sort of news :). Now it's time for some quality rest and healing time at home. I will continue to keep Liz in my prayers.
Ernie
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Great news Liz. Kiss your babies and REST!!
Anne Marie
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Thank you for the good news. Like Steve, I have been checking this thread first every time I go online just to see if there is an update. Looking forward to talking to Liz!! Welcome to postie-land.
Best
Marci
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Wow - great news! Thanks for sharing - I also kept checking for an update on Liz :-) Now, one hour at a time - you WILL get through the recovery...don't focus on the long term.
Cecile
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Fantastic!
Now one day at a time, and we'll progress together.
Nancy
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Liz and Family,
So glad to hear things are going better and you are now able to be at home!
Continued thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery and great healing.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Glad to hear that Liz is on the mend.
There's no place like home, and being there should help in her recovery.
Still saying prayers, and wishing Liz the best.
Jan
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Dear Liz and family,
Thinking of you and hoping/praying you are recovering nicely and enjoying your babies again. :)Hopefully no other complications arised.
Maureen