Debbi Bifulco Update

[Kaybo]

Debbi~

From 1st hand experience, I can say that it seemed FOREVER when it was happening, but now it seems like a tiny speck in the realm of things.  I know that doesn't help now...but think about how it will be to look back and think of everything you have had to conquer and what a STRONG woman you are!!  At least you aren't trying to fit in ball games and end of the school activities around the IV's - I would RUN home so I could stay on schedule.  Oh, I forgot, the time we had to fly to Houston with all my IV stuff and Dave rigged up a "pole" with a guitar stand and the curtain rod thingy!!     Good memories (that I'd rather keep in the past!)...Getting the PICC out is VERY simple and non-invasive, but if you need something to relax you - go for it!!  Hope you get to be PICC-less soon!

K

[lori67]

A guitar stand - curtain rod IV pole?  I think we might have to hire Dave to work in the surgical garage.  Tell him to send a resume.   

Debbi - I think coloring one half of your head would be very trendy!  Remember the 80's hairstyles with the ponytails on one half, or half of your hair long and the other half a buzz cut?  All you need is some leg warmers and Lee press on nails!

Lori

[Kaybo]

Lori~
As I was typing that I thought that he might go good in the garage business - I'll let him know.  He is always looking for another job and would LOVE to move!!

Debbi~
I agree with Lori on the hairstyle!!


K

[leapyrtwins]

Debbi -

I'm with Lori and K on the hair thing - do something wild.  I shouldn't be the only rebellious one 

Although I haven't been through nearly as much as K has, I agree that one day this will all seem like a distant memory.  I know that my experience of the room spinning around me the first time I opened my eyes post op has pretty much left me.  Although all I'd have to do is drink a little too much to reinact that one LOL

Seriously, you have been through a lot and your positive attitude has been a blessing.  Sooner or later Dr. Louie will give you permission to "lose the lemon", so hang in there - that day is coming!

Lori -

I'm thinking Dave shouldn't have to send a resume - IMO, he's in already.  Just helping K with her IV and packing her face warrants a spot in the garage - the guitar stand/curtain rod thing just solidifies his place 

Jan

[lori67]

Jan, what kind of organization do you think I'm running here?  We must at least pretend we are professionals.  I didn't say I was going to read his resume.  I just think it would look impressive if we stick in in a frame and duct tape it to the garage wall.

I hope you don't mind - I'm going to print off some pictures of your BAHA, your BAHA hat and your latest "artwork" to hang up too.  Let people know we are a full service garage.  Now we just need to hire someone with some coloring skills to do the tattoos.  My 5 year old is pretty good at staying in the lines, but she's not allowed to play with sharp objects yet.

So, Kay, tell Dave he'll be in charge of stuffing faces and miscellaneous hardware assembly.

Lori

[wendysig]

HI Debbi -
You are a riiot!!  Glad to hear Dr. Louie has left you with a good feeling.  I'm praying you get rid of the PICC line his weekend.  It must seem like a ball and chain by now.  I can understand your aprehension and don't blame you one bit for feeling anxious about having it removed.  You're right too, no need to always put on a brave face.  I'm crossing everything croissable, hopefully it will happen for you!

Wendy

[Debbi]

HA HA!!  You all have me spittig stitches - oh, I mean you HAVE me in stitches!  Thanks, Wendy, Jan, Kay, Lori for making me laugh, as always.

I had another successful outing today - no one ran screaming at the sight of me, which I take as a good sign.  I also managed to keep all food and beverages in my mouth at all times - again, a good sign.

Progress on my face is still numbingly (pun intended) slow.  Hey, has anyone heard of "Facercise"?  I just got the ANA newsletter in the mail today and there was a reference to it in there. 

Off to see my PC in a few...

Debbi - in stitches ... and spitting them, too...

[leapyrtwins]

Haven't gotten my ANA newsletter yet.  For some reason I always seem to get mine later than everybody else    Maybe I need to do more kissing up to the moderators  LOL

Facercise?  Sounds like an interesting concept.

Jan - not spitting, but thinking of charging Lori royalties for using my pictures 

[Debbi]

Jan, would you like one of my stitches?  It wouldn't be quite the same as spitting your own stitches, but close... 

I'm a giver, you know...

[leapyrtwins]

Thanks for the very generous offer, Debbi, but after much consideration, I think I'll have to pass 

[lori67]

Oh, Jan, if I had known you collect these type things (spat out stitches and the like) I would have saved you my staples!

Debbi - I was at the gas station yesterday - pumping my own gas, which is unheard of for a Jersey girl, I know, but as the tank was filling, I decided to try some of the juice I had just bought - without a straw.  Poured it all down the front of me - which I'm sure provided much entertainment on the security cameras that are all over the place.  Didn't do much to quench my thirst, but sure cooled me off.   

I got my newsletter, but it was so mangled, I had to tape it back together before I could attempt to read it!  Ugh.

Lori

[Debbi]

Good morning, people!

First of all - Lori, what kind of Jersey Girl ARE you??? We don't pump out own gas!!  Ever.   Now the juice sloshing thing is another story...

And, Jan, I'm wounded (literally) that you don't want my own personally spat out sutures...     Okay, over it now!

I had a littel pity party for myself last night - not sure why, but I started to feel sorry for myself.  Fortunately, Willie was there to hold my hand, let me whine, and tell me he still loves me, crooked smile and all.  I guess it's normal to get some occasional "downer" times.  Feeling much better today.  HHC nurse was here this morning to draw blood and change the PICC dressing - pathetic when that's the highlight of my day...

I am embarking on a new client project, which is good for me mentally and financially.  I do behavioral assessments (along with coaching) and am doing a fairly big project for a company out in California (all via phone and internet, so no travel).  So, that will keep me busy for a couple of weeks, which is good (less time to feel sorry for myself...)

More later...

Debbi (keeping FedEx going with my blood shipments...)

[lori67]

Debbi -  I know - it makes no sense to me - down here you can drive through EVERYTHING because is seems everyone is too lazy to get out of their cars (sorry, native southerners, but I call it like I see it!  )  But they have no problem pumping their own gas!  It's crazy, I tell you.

I usually make my husband go fill up the tank for me, but sometimes when you're running on fumes, ya' just gotta do it yourself.  And see what happens - you spill your juice.

Lori

[Kaybo]

Lori~
I honestly do not even know of a station around here where they still pump your gas for you!!

K

[lori67]

I know - there aren't any here - or I would have found them!  When I lived in NY, I knew exactly where the full service stations were and I only went to those.  Then when I got to Virginia I had to get a lesson from James on how to actually pump gas, since I'd never done it before.  That's why you just have to love NJ!!  And it's cheaper there than anywhere else I've ever lived.

Ah, feeling homesick today....I need to get back to a coastal state soon.  I'm having Atlantic Ocean withdrawal.

Lori (dehydrated in Nashville)