I’m thankful for this Monday of my last week off work post surgery. Now I have to cram as much daytime fun as possible into this week. Today I got myself donuts from the apple orchard and finished cleaning an old wooden trunk.

I’m grateful today that I was able to see my sister briefly on her way through town, for beautiful fall weather, and for finally getting my Halloween decorations up.

I’m thankful for fun with friends today. Patrick made pizza and jalapeño poppers, and we had salad and beer and brownies (the ones Cooper didn’t eat). It was a beautiful evening and a great time catching up.

Omg. Since I’ve been having a lot of UTIs lately (I had another after my surgery), my oncologist ordered an ultrasound of my kidneys and bladder. Like most other screenings, I had been kind of dreading it. After having one type of cancer, there’s always a fear that it will be found somewhere else. Plus this one has the added worry of having to come to the appointment with a full bladder. But I had the screening this morning after my oncologist visit and a bone density scan.

I got the results within two hours, and everything is fine. I can’t describe the relief. I was actually worried about this one since I’ve had issues. I’m so, so thankful for good news.

I’m also thankful that my hormone shot went well since I needed to have it in my arm again. This time they didn’t hit a nerve or a vein. Yay!

I spoke too dang soon about the rain. It just won’t go away. I know some places are still experiencing droughts, so I shouldn’t complain, but I am not a dreary day kind of girl. I’m unmotivated. That might be why I spent a good portion of my day working again. I meant to just jump on and finish something I started earlier in the week, but I got pulled into a couple meetings and conversations. By the time 4:00 rolled around, I needed a drink.

But I’m thankful that there was enough break in the rain for Patrick to get the yard mowed. And physical therapy went well. And I had a good fall beer with dinner.

Well, the rain and my headache showed up again this morning, but all was well by the end of the day. Even the sun came out. I got some things cleaned up at home, took a work phone call, and added more Halloween decor at home. I’m thankful for a new day.

It’s officially six weeks and one day post surgery for me, and I’ve hit that point where I feel like I should be fine. But then I’m reminded that I’m not really. My incisions are almost completely healed and the scabs are mostly gone, but everything looks red and angry. I also get an ache in a couple of places along my chest bone, and wearing the binder too long makes my stomach incision ache. Not wearing it feels like I’m pregnant—all I’m aware of is my tight, swollen stomach. And I still get tired easily.

I’m tired of it. Can I say that? I’m tired of recovering. And being sore. And not being able to lift stuff or move quickly or eat much. Getting my Covid booster yesterday didn’t help because I’ve also had a headache all day. That and 2 days of rain has me in a bad mood.

But I know it’s momentary. Both the rain and my headache should be gone tomorrow. By the end of the month my incisions won’t be so mad at me. Everything I read says that by eight weeks, the swelling is really improved. And my physical therapy is loosening up that stupid tight tendon in my arm. I’m thankful that lousy days don’t last.

It was a Monday. I ended up spending most of my day working, even though I’m still technically out on disability leave for two more weeks. But I’m thankful for being missed and feeling needed. And getting caught up a little bit before I’m back full time.

I’m also thankful for getting caught up with an old friend this afternoon.

I’m thankful today for more rain, puppy snuggles in bed, wearing regular pants (yay! less swollen belly!), a skull arriving in the mail, and more wood fired pizza.

We went to a flea market for a couple of hours this morning and I found a few treasures like an old velvet coat and a box of wooden trim bits that spark my imagination. We ran into a friend who was also there. It was fun!

This afternoon I started decorating our mantle for Halloween. I have more to do, but it’s looking pretty good so far. I’m thankful for a good day.