I'm baaack.....

Here I am, finally upright, and viewing the wonderful comments and updates from so many of you. Thank you for all the wonderful well wishes - they all must have worked, because I have come through things in pretty good shape, considering....

Although the time in the hospital and the rehab were grueling, I met some terrific people, and learned so much about what works well in the health care, and what works less well. One of the more interesting experiences was staying at the rehab hospital in Brookline. The people who work there are from all over the world and have some amazing stories to tell. My bed faced the window in the room, and my favorite time of day was about 11:30 am when the many ethnic restaurants across the street would start their cooking for the day, and the most exotic smells would come wafting through the window. There was always a lot to see out that window as well.

I've been home for almost a week now, and get just a bit better everyday. I am eating a bit better, sleeping better and able to go a bit farther with the walker. My parents are taking excellent care of me, and I highly recommend this "step down" approach to recovery. I'm not sure if they'll be taking new patients in the future, but if you have a need, I can always put in a good word for you. :)

The cards, calls and flowers have been such a lift. Thank you to everyone who has sent me some love and light. Being reminded of what we mean to others is the true gift of a situation like this one....and one of the many learnings coming from it.

Til the next posting!!

Ellen

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Alleluia!! Ellen came home from rehab today. She had a challenging ride home from Boston. We stopped twice but other than that she did quite well. She looks good and is walking very straight. Her day consists of sleeping, sitting and walking. Hopefully she will be doing less of the former and more of the latter as time goes on. At this point it looks like a long recuperation.

Thank you to all who wished her well and prayed for her. Those prayers were answered. Praise the Lord!!

Ellen's Mom

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Alleluia!! Ellen is finally home. She was released from the rehab facility today. The trip home was challenging but we made it. If you would like to visit please call first to find out if the timing of your visit is convenient as she sleeps alot. Ellen is recuperating at 1 Pond Place Lane, Concord. The telephone number is 225-2327. For those who prayed for Ellen and wished her well, we thank you. Those prayers were answered. Praise the Lord.

Ellen's Mom

August 23, 2008

Alleluia!! Ellen is finally home. She was released from the rehab facility today. The trip home was not too difficult but challenging. Ellen will stay here at 1 Pond Place Lane for her recuperation. If you would like to visit please call first to see if this is a convenient time as she sleeps a great deal of the time. The number is 225-2327. Thank you to all who wished her well and prayed for her. Those prayers were answered.

Ellen's Mom

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Ellen was released to a rehab facility yesterday. Her days are busy with therapy and exercising. She seems to be progressing well. Hopefully she will be coming home this weekend. Home for the next few weeks will be at 1 Pond Place Lane, Concord. If you plan to visit please call first as I do not know how much stamina she will have at first. Our phone number is 225-2327.

Ellen's Mom

August 15, 2008

Ellen is out of surgery for the second time. She had been in recovery for a time and is now in the ICU facility. She is talking and expressed how happy she is that this second stage is complete. She seems to be doing quite well and may be in a hospital room by tomorrow. Will keep you posted as we know more.

August 14, 2008

We visited Ellen yesterday in the rehab facility. She is quite content there. She looks wonderful and is in great spirits. She is anxiously awaiting the second surgery which is scheduled for tomorrow. Will follow up with you as soon as this second phase is completed.

Ellen's Mom

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for all who prayed and sent well wishes to Ellen. She is finally feeling better. Yesterday she walked for the first time. Right now Ellen is waiting to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility. She will remain here until her second surgery is scheduled. This should be sometime at the end of this week or next week, so keep those prayers coming.

Ellen's Mom

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The first phase of Ellen's surgery is complete. She is in the ICU unit. The surgery was long and the doctor was not able to complete the entire process. Ellen will remain in the hospital in the Rehab unit for ten day to two weeks and then the second phase of the operation will be done.

We will be going down to Boston and will stay for several days. More update when we get back.