New to Me

It's almost time to start driving again which means I need a bigger car. But, not a big car payment. So, I've been looking online at some of the smaller SUVs and the other day Chris found this 2003 Murano on Craigslist for a decent price. We're going to test drive it tomorrow afternoon and if all goes well I'll be driving it home!! It's got AWD, power everything, heated leather seats (yay for bun warmers!), bose sound system with 6-disc changer, sunroof, new tires, tow package, and high intensity lights (whatever that means). Oh, let's not forget dual front and side airbags, although I don't plan on ever having to test those out. It appears to be very clean from the pictures. I'll let ya'll know how it goes tomorrow!

Mouse in the House

Rex has secured his place in our household. . .he caught a mouse in the living room on July 4th. The evil little rodent was hanging out underneath the recliner where I happened to be relaxing watching Food Network. Rex is QUICK, but I must say that I was mighty quick myself as I ran to jump up on the couch. Chris set out a trap (he seems to think there are more. . .silly boy) but there have been no more sightings. I'm convinced that mouse was traveling alone.

Our friend Bill was gracious enough to loan us his canoe today and we took it out on Ruby Lake for a little fishing. I'll admit it, I was a nervous wreck about flipping it over. Everyone knows how difficult it is to get back in. We did great! Never came close to flipping. Chris caught one decent size fish and several bite size ones and I didn't catch a thing! It was still a lot of fun, though. Doubt I'll be able to move my arms tomorrow from all the paddling. Thank you, Bill!!

Goodbye Collar

So Long, Fairwell, Auf Weidersehen, Goodbye. . .Hausta la Vista. . .Au Revoir!!!

Today was a fantastic day! The CT showed that I'm healing nicely so we did xrays while I flexed and extended my neck (much more difficult than I anticipated). C1 and C3 remained stable so I'm officially being weaned out of the collar! Bone is no longer the concern. . .it's my poor, unused muscles that need the TLC now. During the day I can keep the collar off and stretch my neck to help those muscles relax some. I will have to wear the collar at night for about a week. I still look really stiff. Luckily, Marcella, I do not have a giraffe neck :) But, Chris says that it does look longer. My scar doesn't look that bad at all and as long as I don't burn it this summer it should blend in nicely in about a year. Still no heavy lifting, but I can do just about anything I want (no boxing, waterskiing, or trampolining for a while). I do have medical clearance to fly home in August for all of those worried (SUSAN!). So, that's about all for now. Thanks everyone for continuing to pray for me! Love ya'll!!

My first lunch without the collar. Do I look like I miss it?

Save the Date

We're COMING HOME!!! I'm flying into Panama City and Chris into Mobile on Aug 17th and we're leaving the 27th. Susan, save your vacation days until then because I need some time by the ocean! Can't wait to see everybody!

High Hopes and Dairy Queen

My CT is scheduled for Monday. Immediately after, I'll follow up with my doctor who will decide if he can start weaning me off the collar or not. It's summer. . .this collar is not helping my tan any. The thought of being able to take it off, for any amount of time, next week makes me want to do the happy dance everywhere I go. I had convinced myself that it was definitely coming off, but now I'm starting to face the reality that it could have to stay on for up to another month. If that's the case and you have a difficult time getting in touch with me, just call my local Dairy Queen. I'll be seeking comfort in a frozen treat.

Pain Update

It's 11:40 and I'm at work. So far the only pain med I've had is a 500mg Tylenol and I FEEL GREAT!!

Fusing, Fusing, Fusing. . .

Keep that bone a fusing [sing to the tune of the Rawhide theme song]. So, yesterday I saw Dr. Russo for my 1-month follow-up and he said that I was "fusing fast" at C5-6. That is FANTASTIC news. He can't really see the fractures at C1 and C3 on x-rays, but he said it's safe to assume that they are healing at the same rate. The plan is to follow up in 2 weeks for x-ray. If all looks good, we'll schedule the CT in 2 more weeks. If he likes the CT, he'll take the collar off that day and take x-rays as I flex and extend my neck. If not, the collar will stay on for probably another 2 weeks. Very good report from the doc so let's all keep praying!! Oh, took off my pain patch today so tomorrow will be the true test. Keeping my fingers crossed.