ellen wanted a shower this morning.
actually, she wanted a shower the second she got that tube removed from her ribcage. she was pretty exhausted and had to settle for this morning. not only did she get a shower, which is quite the feat after more than a week in a hospital bed, she practically bounded out of bed to do it. she is happy to be rid of the bed-head but was infinitely disappointed to find out that she wasn't allowed to shave. her platelets are still a bit low and the nurse advised against using a razor. no matter, that's what long pants are for.
after her shower and a short nap she had another trick up her sleeve. they call it a swiss walker - some kind of contraption that allows her to lean her elbows on a shelf and helps her walk around. it would be more accurate to report that she helped IT go for a walk. it's 310 feet around the 9100 unit here on the 9th floor. she handled it with a smile.
the rest of the day she spent visiting with everyone and catching a few naps... much deserved naps.
22 comments:
Ellen and Ryan!
Great news that Ellen has finally bathed! I am sure you are all relieved. I think I have seen that swiss walker you speak of - at Acme they call them grocery carts - all the tired people lean on the cart and walk it through the store! Ellen - you must feel infinitely more free now tht you can get out of that bed and be mobile. Good news two days in a row....
I wish you knew just how many people are saying prayers for you - prayer groups, friends, friends of friends, colleagues, our mail carrier...etc.etc.
Jan K.
ALL RIGHT ELLEN!!! SOUNDS LIKE THINGS ARE ON THE UPSWING. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO EVERYONE. STAY STRONG AND KNOW WE ARE ALL PULLING FOR YOU BACK HERE. PLEASE GIVE SUZ AND YOUR DAD OUR LOVE.
THE LUKENS FAMILY
Good going girl, you get all ready for our visit and we can go out on the town......OK hospital hall will be just fine. Glad to know things are on the up-swing. Ryan, keep on taking such great care of her and with doing such a great job with the blog. Can't wait to see you both on Wednesday!!!!!
Have a great weekend.
Love ya both,
Jo Ann
PS Tom said Hey!!!!
It's ok, El! I go for days at a time without shaving my legs sometimes. My boyfriend loves it and actually thinks smooth legs "feel weird"...ha ha ha!
He is trained so well. HA HA;) Enjoy the weekend.
Hugs from San Deigo!
Great News Ellen, You probably feel so much better. Hope you both get lots of rest this week-end. Glad the news is so positive. We'll keep praying and your keep persevering. We'll climb this mountain one step at a time. Can't wait to get you to the top. Much Love to you both, Anna Turner
Hi Ellen and Ryan!
Sounds like you had a great day! I am glad El that you were able to shower and get refreshed! Your strength and courage amazes me!
Love ya,
Amy
Ellen,
That is great news!! I actually look forward to fall/winter so I don't have to shave so often. Have a good weekend. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Krickett
Ell and Ryan,
You really are a trooper ell and you are bouncing back like no other. you are showing you really are a fighter and will beat this. glad to hear you are moving around some and just remember to get your rest and still take it easy. miss you and love you,
kelly dragoiu
U GOT ER DONE.
Whay to go Ellen, the shower must have felt great. The weather here is very hot and humid.
Stay strong.
Jim
You are both amazing. Keep up the positive attitude. I will keep up with the prayers. I am glad that you have a great support system. It is obvious through the blog responses that you have touched many people including myself.
Have a great night.
Jacque
Ellen & Ryan-
Way to go Ellen-A shower and laps around the halls! You are so strong. I'm the one leaning on the groacery cart! Keep up the great spirits and the drive.
Hi Ellen and Ryan, Chuck was quite impressed with your walk, Ellen. Says he heard you passed three old men, too. I was inspired to walk Heidi down the street in the nasty heat this evening because of you. Ryan, I guess you get to play host to the visitors and give regrets about being unable to whip up something tasty. In due time. Enjoy your visits with family and friends. Love, Aunt Connie
Hi Ryan and Ellen,
It sure sounds like a pretty amazing day!!!!! Nothing feels better than a shower ANY day, let alone after this ordeal. Shaving is not at all what it is cracked up to be. You can tell by reading Ryan's writings that he is not the least bit worried about a little thing like hairy legs!!!!! Continue to improve, and get some rest, both of you. The prayers continue.
Love, Fredda
GREAT STRIDES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work.
Here's more positive thoughts.......and mostly
prayers!!!!!!
Love ya,
Patty
Hey Ellen & Ryan,
I am so excited everyday to read
your update! I can feel how good
it must feel to finally get a shower. I can picture Ellen moving
down the hall with a determined
look on her face. It felt great to read about it. Again, and Again
you guys are amazing!!!! Keep up
the hard and (great) work. We all
will keep up our very positive
thoughts and prayers. I love you
guys and give Suze a hug, too.
Love ya,
JoAnn Grisak
Good morning Ellen and Ryan,
Ellen, its Emily Rafi (Candage now)from Wooster tennis camp/Amina's cousin. Yes, I married Ray Candage, but thats a whole other story we will have to discuss later.. (heeheh). Well Ray, I and Aly (my sister) are all rooting you on daily. We know that you are one tough little cookie and will get through all of this. We are staying updated on your daily events through the blog so remember.. we are watching you....
Lots of Love and support,
Emily,Ray and Aly XOXO
Hey Ellen and Ryan,
Great news about the shower and walking around the hospital! Things are looking up a little at a time, but definitely are improving with each day. I'm so proud of you Ellen!
Continuous prayers and positives to you each and every day. We will never give up the fight.....stay strong, "little Ellen, watermellon"
Peace and love,
Marcia
Wow!!!!! You sure are making great progress. So glad to hear all is going well and that you are rid of the tube.Thinking of you and wishing you a day filled with God's grace!!!!! Love you Aunt Nancy
Hi Ellen and Ryan,
Hey, I kinda like that "little Ellen, watermelon" thing from Marcia! Ryan, really great job on all blogs and yesterday's was especially appealing. You are an articulate communicator able to give us not only the facts, but also the very important feel of things.
Ellen, the shower and walk lifted us all up; we can only imagine what it did for you. Nice work! You're our girl!
Much love and hugs,
Margie Blake
Wait it go Ellen... keep up the good work!! Nice to hear you finally got to shower... we are in St. Lucia right now and they reallllllly dont shower here :) We love you both and your in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
Love Kristin & Zac
Hi Ellen,
Tracy Young here. Your mom introduced us at the cycling class at the Y. You were telling me about your wedding pics and how the photographer left town, along with your pics. Kristi Revoldt has kept me up on your progress. She said you are so strong and positive. That truly does help. I can relate to your BATH. Its better than chocolate, really. I guess that is where the saying comes from; cleanlyness is next to godlyness. My family will keep you in our daily thoughts and prayers. Don't worry about not shaving. Swim teams do it all the time. Just think that you are getting ready to taper. Tell your mom I said hi and keep that spirit high. Good thoughts translate into good feelings. You are a beautiful young lady with an infectious smile!!
So Very Fondly,
Tracy Young and Family
Hi Ellen and Ryan,
So glad to read that there are positive things happening. That is so exciting. Thinking of you and praying for continued progress. Stay strong and positive. Our prayers are with you.
Barb Deuble
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