The beginning of the long road to recovery

To start off, Happy Hanukkah to all of our friends and family!  As it is a holiday that highlights the light within us that has the ability to guide us. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers that have helped to guide us thus far. Chag Sameach from the Z's.

We are in recovery mode and it great but it is not easy.  Given that we have been fighting and managing for the last 70+ days in the hospital and another month+ before, there was an illusion that once out we can move on.  I know we did not think that but I think there was some unconscious process given what has been overcome things may get easier.  It will get easier and we are making progress. It is a different journey than before.  Very happy to be on this side of it. 

We knew what recover was and actually the edema has been far less severe than last time and over all right on track.  The pills are in the dozens, multiple times a day and the treatments are long and draining but Laura is crushing it.  

The incisions and the insertion points are all healing well.  I think I have figured out how not to have the dressing tape stick to itself. This is like the tape they use on NASCAR when a bumper falls off.  Water tight seal immediately.  As of today there was very little seepage for any of the wounds.

Exercise is a must.  Getting out this weekend in SF was terrific.  Laura is battling and getting stronger daily.  Little steps up the hills but she does get there. We are up to 100 yards or so, progressing daily.  

Building strength is a must and thus eating is critically important.  As we are back in our old hood we had a great meal from Trattoria Contadina, a great local favorite on Russian Hill.  Couple with ZA Pizza a few nights early we are making a carb comeback.

This week is another week of apts.  Laura has another Bronch and the possibility of having many of her sutures removed.  The actual incision for the transplant was glued from armpit to armpit so there are no sutures there. AMAZING.  The sutures that she had for her chest tubes and drainage are what I am referring to.

All in all progress is going well.  Hope you are all preparing for the holidays.  

Enjoy!