It has been a long time since my last post, and so much has changed. Physically, my incision has healed, and I have an impressive scar. I have been going to therapy three times a week and it has really helped. I have moved from wheelchair to walker to cane, and plan to ditch the cane as soon as possible. My back muscles have been really weak because they had to cut through them to get to my spine. Standing long enough to make dinner was painful. Yesterday was Easter, and it was very very busy. By the end of the day, my back was tired, but I was able to handle it, which is major progress. My leg is still stiff and weak, but improving. I am working on building stamina and strength, but it looks like the tone is something that I will just have to wait out. Hopefully it will lessen with time, although I really don't like that I can't just force my way through it. Oh, and one of the best parts of recovery is that I am driving again. It is with my left leg, but it sure feels good to have a little freedom and capability again.

I had a three month follow up MRI a couple weeks ago, and it wasn't as positive as I was hoping. There are two areas of tumor about half an inch by a fourth of an inch each. The surgeon is relatively certain that they are left over from before. I will have another MRI in six months to make sure there is no growth. It was a blow knowing that there is still tumor in my spine, but I am believing that it won't show any growth on the next MRI. I can't even begin to think about another surgery.

We so appreciate everyone that has helped us over these last few months. We were in such desperate shape trying to juggle it all, and really couldn't have gotten through without all the people that have helped with our kids, cleaned my house and brought us food. Thank you all so much! On a side note, I have lots of dishes that I don't know who they belong to. If you brought us food and left dishes, let me know and I'll try to get it back to you. We have come through this with a deep appreciation of those around us.

The bills have started flooding in, but the good news is that our insurance is covering the surgery at in network rates, without a fight! This is such a blessing, and my brothers are organizing an auction to help cover expenses. I'll post the details as soon as I have them. We have also relieved some generous gifts from some of my family, that have helped us pay along the way. God has provided for us throughout this whole thing, and He does that through people. It has been a humbling few months needing and receiving all the help we have. It is good to have been on this end of it all though, and I pray we can bless others the way we have been blessed.

Sorry for the delay in posting this update. I have really tried to get back to regular life as much as possible. It has been really hard to make myself sit down and think about recovery. I just want it to be over and be done with this part of my life. I am not done yet though, and I appreciate all of those that have been walking through this with me.

Love,

Hannah