Coming up with creative ways to enjoy pastina (I'm thinking of adding some basil pesto tonight!) and looking forward to my nightly treat of chocolate pudding - does life really get any better than this? (Haha)
I continue to progress more quickly than expected. I ditched the crutches Friday (I had been using them sparingly since Wednesday anyhow) and while I still don't have full range of motion in my leg, I did go for a little walk around my neighborhood Saturday (trying to stay away from dogs and small children so as not to frighten them with the scars and metal!). I also had a doctor visit Thursday with the oral/maxillofacial surgeon - he didn't remove the braces, but did take out one of the rubber bands so I'm able to open my mouth a little bit more (maybe now it won't take me 45 minutes to finish a bowl of oatmeal). We also discussed what happens next - removal of the braces on the 17th (expected) and extraction of my two front teeth on the bottom (not expected, but necessary before radiation because they are loose). I was a little disconcerted about the extraction, mostly because they won't be able to do anything permanent for a couple of months and I am of course worried about what it will look like, but...again, they said it would be 3-6 months before EVERYTHING is done and it is all progressing as planned. Friday I will see the plastic surgeon for a check-up...I plan on begging him to let me have a McNugget. Just one. That's all I ask. For now.
I've done a little bit of visiting with friends, although I find I have to limit the time I spend with anybody (too much talking makes my jaw a little tired and my mouth dry). Our friends Mark and Cindy paid me a short visit on Saturday. They brought some homemade chicken noodle soup which I made for lunch for Chris and I (yes, you read that correctly - I made lunch for Chris and I, so glad he came up to help with my convalescence!). Then today, Chris and Warren took me over to Chris's parents house, where I had a blast sharing stories with his mom, Julie (who is a wonderful writer in her own right and a terrific, fun lady) and his dad Jim (who has a great sense of humor, and thought nothing of teasing me right off - wonder where those Sempey boys get it?). I wouldn't say I'm ready for a lot of visitors - but I really enjoyed this weekend.
Of course, the visitors I've been seeing most often this week are the UPS drivers and the local florists because you have all been amazingly generous and thoughtful. And did I mention my poor overburdened mail carrier - your cards have made me tear up, laugh out loud, and look forward to good times in the future. All have made me very appreciative of how much everyone wants me to get well, and it makes me realize how much we are in this recovery process together. Without you - I'm not sure I'd be doing as well as I am!
Silly little things make me feel good - putting mascara on (yes, the eyelashes are growing back); doing laundry; surprising someone with a short phone call. Don't get me wrong, there is no shortage of depressing moments - this surgery was HARD and the recovery is oftentimes overwhelming, especially when I find myself longing for something I can't have (yoga...a bagel...high heels...a cure...). But most of the time I find myself at peace, joyful, thankful, and smiling quite a bit.
Pastina time - any suggestions out there?
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2 comments:
how about with some ricotta and sauce... have you tried mashed potatoes and gravy? maybe something a little healthier like mashed sweet potatoes? Am I reaching here?
How about sauteeing garlic in olive oil and tossing the pastina in it with Parmesan cheese? You can sautee on moderate to low heat for a few minutes, then take the garlic slivers out. The oil will maintain the garlic flavor. I'm sorry about the extractions to come!
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