Hello friends and family! All things considered, I'd call this a good week. George and I spent Thanksgiving with dear friends (thank you Kathy, Steve, Adam and Sarah). George's boss at Wildacre Rotisserie was kind enough to make me a batch of gluten free gravy so that I could enjoy a little turkey. My doctor's office said it was ok as long as I made it as soft as possible... thus the gravy. I cut it into small pieces, smothered it in gravy, and savored every single, tiny, bite. It took a long time to eat it but, oh my goodness, was that a wonderful meal! The gravy and the turkey were both delicious and I cheered when it was done simply because I was able to eat it. I felt so grateful for the friends around that table, my continued progress, and the ways that friends and family have and are still carrying me through this season. God has been so generous with the people He's placed in my life! 

George began to feel unwell on Sunday night and was diagnosed with the flu on Tuesday. I'm walking around our apartment in a mask and washing my hands like it's my job. Hopefully, I can avoid getting sick. So far, so good!

I am eating a little more soft food but am also continuing to make morning smoothies and eat the soups that people have generously provided. We used a gift card to order sushi Monday night. It was manageable when cut into small pieces and was such a treat. My mouth continues to feel tender and I'm reluctant to do anything that might do harm so I'm in no hurry to shift my diet too drastically. I'm down to 2-3 doses of ibuprofen/tylenol each day and am seeing slow but steady progress as far as swelling is concerned. A colleague shared a podcast the other day that discussed our brain's need to update after physical or emotional trauma. It really resonated with me and I'm working on helping my brain accept my new mouth. I'm noticing less regurgitation and am praying that it may be evidence of healing. I still notice the nasally rattle and other ways that air is escaping into my nasal cavity. I'm waiting to hear back from my surgeon as to whether I can begin intraoral myofascial release therapy. Either way, I'll see the speech therapist next week to continue other therapies. I'm scheduled to see my surgeon again on December 22nd. During that visit, he'll see whether the hole in my soft palate is closing at all. I've been visualising it closing on its own and using the Insight Timer app to do cancer specific meditations which I've found calming and helpful. 

My energy level is improving although I still very much feel like I'm building my strength back. I saw three clients (virtually) yesterday and will see a couple in person (masked) today. Easing back into work gradually definitely feels right and necessary. I'm so thankful for everyone who has donated to the Carelines fund. You have made returning gradually possible so that I can fully heal while preparing for whatever is to come next. Meal delivery has also been so helpful! George and I have appreciated every meal. I know that this is a busy season for all. Friends have suggested that meal delivery would be helpful for at least another couple of weeks and I agree. If you can help here is the link: http://www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409044ea5a72da5fe3-susan

As far as visiting is concerned, please feel free to text or email me directly if you'd like to get together. My time with every friend has been a healing gift, one that I would love to keep going.