Monday, December 10, 2012

Heidi Mills Update

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Laozi

Monday, December 10, 2012
6:00 AM

Heidi is still asleep.  Comfortably, I think.  She got behind on her pain meds yesterday and we might have pushed the limits of what she can handle with exercise.  We didn't do much but walk around the hotel.  At the time she wanted to push on.  Odd little aches are creeping up now, too.  Her ear hurt, her jaw was sore when she ate - her skull felt funny.

Before we left the hospital this sage little guy named Richard came in to go over the many medications and routines we'd have to follow.  He reviewed the doses and times for meds and answered all of our questions.

Before Richard headed out of the room, he paused to tell us about the effects of this kind of brain surgery and general anesthesia.  He spoke from his own personal experience as well as many years of working with patients.  "You'll feel like you were hit by a Mack truck.  That's the best way I can put it.  You'll wake up sore in places where you were fine the day before and wonder, where did that come from?"  After going over all of the prescriptions he said, "The best medicine you can take is the tincture of time.  And it's absolutely free.  You'll be fine."  That's when I wrote down the Laozi quote above.  It was on the wall in the hospital room.  Fitting.

Heidi's journey to recovery will not be a straight line.  There will be bumps and dips.  But... considering that the surgery was only five days ago, that she has a large piece of titanium mesh where part of her skull used to be and that a 2.8 cm tumor was removed - considering all of that she is doing brilliantly.  

On one of our short walks yesterday we ate at a nearly empty restaurant.  The waiter was super friendly and Heidi engaged him in conversation (who DOESN'T she engage?).  Heidi said that she was coming back from brain surgery.  The waiter responded  with, "You are doing great.  That smile tells it all!  I can see the glow."  The concierge appreciated her smile this morning too.

And it's true, you guys.  There are minor setbacks - mysterious aches,  low energy (although you wouldn't know it to talk to her) and lots of long naps.  When we walk it is slow and careful; arm in arm like oldsters.  And it is a privilege.  We still haven't taken any outside walks.

But she is optimistic and feels really good about how it's going.  She beamed as she read the comments on the blog and all of the face book posts.  She can't respond to them all - it would be a full time job for a while.  But know that she feels all of your good wishes.  Before turning out the lights last night she said, "Another good day in the recovery zone."

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for continuing to allow us to be a part of your journey, Tim and Heidi. Continuing to pray for you daily! Love you both!

Peggy said...

It's wonderful to see that Heidi's lovely personality continues to shine through!

MV said...

I was thinking while reading these posts how ironic it is that Heidi is the one making us all feel better through the ways in which she has taken on this life challenge. Thank you for constantly inspiring us all...we love you Heidi!

It's time to go said...

Heidi, The best smile I remember was at a conference. You had 3 month old Devon in your arms and when you saw me you pointed at him and kept pointing, and oh, that smile. You've been 'very grateful' about that one ever since, that's for sure. Love, Bobbi

Roselyne Thomas said...

Years ago, Heidi gifted each of the coaches in her first SCRI cohort with an angel whose name represented a personal quality she treasured in us. My "angel of serenity" has always been part of a special display in my living room, an inspiration to me in my too frequent less than serene moments. But it came to me, reading these entries and knowing so well how many lives Heidi has enriched through example, not just words, that she is indeed our angel of serenity....

Julie Niehaus said...

Tim, please let Heidi know that the Niehaus family is along for the ride.
Please convey our love and support and also...we have a CFI kid (Erik) graduating from Georgia Tech on Saturday - a new Mechanical Engineer is entering the world, still thinking like a mathematician, a scientist, a writer....all our love.

Jennifer said...

Everyday when Tommy gets home he gives me an update. He recounts what you have written like it is a story out of Readers Digest. The facts first, and then HOW she is feeling, how you are both coping. We are blog stalking you and if possible thinking and praying for this recovery even more frequent. You have never left our thoughts. Team Heidi all the way. Thank you for documenting this journey so that we can all feel like we are walking with you.

Love The ENTIRE Hodges Family

Nic said...

:)

Janet said...

Tim and Heidi--I too feel privileged to feel so near to you as you share your journey of a thousand steps. Smiled at how well crafted your blog is Tim..wonder when your next book will appear. Rest is a balm and allows all that healing. I have been gathering info from my gifted Chinese Doctor on great food supplements you might find helpful--and easy to manage--just a powder in your juice, if it might help. Love and hugs, Janet

Krissy said...

Always the teacher, the positive, the caring, the loving Heidi. Her circumstances seem irrevelant to who she is, who she will always be. That is pure love. Pure joy. Pure faith. We too are blessed to be a part of your lives. Prayers continue.

bluebirdwoman said...

Thanks so much for keeping us all in the loop through your wonderful blog! Hugs and good vibes to you and Heidi. You are both amazing!
Mitzi

Coachrandle said...

I am so happy that you have shared so much with us. The Randles are sending love and prayers your way.