An Important Lesson Learned

As I promised at the beginning of writing this blog, I will continue to update my followers on my progress throughout the healing process! It has been a week since my last update and not much has changed. I have noticed the biggest increase in feeling better within the past two weeks. Although I am feeling more and more like myself with each passing day, there are still days that are not so great. But the good news about the bad days? They are not near as bad as they were before or right after surgery. A bad day usually results from too much stimulation and pushing myself a bit too hard. My strength is something that I have to challenge myself to work towards each day. Around 4:00 P.M. each day I feel as if I have hit a brick wall and become physically exhausted. It is important to listen to my body and rest while also making sure I am still walking even when I am exhausted.

My next major goal is to attend an Alabama football game in two weeks! I cannot wait to be back inside Bryant Denny Stadium cheering on the #1 football team in the nation. As I have said in the past, the best way to motivate yourself during recovery is to set goals!

The healing process is tedious and requires a lot of patience. Let me tell you, God has most certainly taught me a long lesson of patience during this journey.

If someone following my story can gain anything, I hope that they learn the importance of trusting God and his timing. God changed my life forever within a matter of seconds and has reminded me, in a powerful way, to trust His plans, His timing, and His promises. He will never give us anything that we cannot conquer. Be thankful for each day you have been blessed with. Some people would give anything to do the simple things we all take for granted. J

Much love,
Anna

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ that you are serving.

-Colossians 3:23-24

Here is the final product from my recent photo shoot, just eight weeks post op, with Frank Carnaggio!

Instagram: @annaelizmonTwitter: @annaelizabeth12

TWO WEEKS POST OP!

Today felt like one of those major improvement days, although I did not do much of anything different from what I usually do.

I started off the day at Dr. Wade’s office where I had my staples taken out. I had a total of six. It went smoothly with the exception that hair and scabs had grown over each staple but ten minutes later I was staple free!

I spent the day working to make progress. I took a much-needed nap (the lack of sleep at night is catching up with me and I am exhausted), did three rounds of physical therapy, drank an Ensure (not my favorite, but helps put on some of the weight I have lost), and lots of ice compressions.

This afternoon came good news that gave me a peace of mind. Although my doctor was 99% positive that my pineal gland cystic tumor was benign, out of routine they sent the tumor to pathology to be tested. Today, we got the letter confirming that the tumor is indeed cancer free and was definitely a “pineal cyst.”  Praise God!

I am feeling better with each passing day! I pray that this continues and that I grow stronger.

Much love,
Anna

P.S. I keep flashing back to this time last week when I laid in ICU just praying that I could catch a minute of relief from the pain. Now, I sit on my couch two weeks post op sipping on a cherry icee! God is so good! 🙂

I have had weird cravings since surgery and not many days have passed since being home from California without having one or two icees a day! Yum!

Power of prayer

“Never under estimate the power of prayer.”

This saying could have never been so accurate for me over the past 24 hours. After a rough day yesterday, I woke up this morning feeling much better.

Today was overall a better day! Started off the day having blood work drawn (yuck!) for surgery preparations then, mom and I took a short trip to Tuscaloosa.

We had a few things to get from my apartment for my stay in California. While in Tuscaloosa, we had my hair colored. It is amazing how much just having your hair done can make you feel like a new person.

Minimal pain with a nice day of errands! Praying tomorrow is just as good, more pre op testing as I prepare to leave in 7 days.  Each prayer means the world to me.

Much love,
Anna

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
-Philippians 4:6

P.S. Look at this amazing rainbow my mom and I passed on the way home from Tuscaloosa! Just another reminder of the all sufficient God that we serve.

 

Countdown

11 days. Just 11 days until surgery. That’s what I keep reminding myself on days like today when things get so tough.

The night was long and the symptoms continued throughout the day. Filled with nausea, fainting episodes, and head pain. 

I am beyond thankful to have such amazing family by my side every moment. I have no idea what I would do without them.

Please keep the prayers coming. They give me to much strength.

Much love,
Anna

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
–Joshua 1:9