Surgery and my Birthday!

Well, surgery day came and I don't think I have ever been so ready for or so nervous for something in my life. I have had numerous surgeries in my life, way too many it seems sometimes. But this one had to have been the most nerve racking one to think about. The thought of someone cutting into my head, removing a piece of bone and then cutting something out of there was not a pleasant thought. However, a headache everyday was getting to be quite unbearable.
I was quite certain it was going to be a LONG recovery period and that I would be in tons of pains, especially when I woke up and my neck hurt worse than my head. (Of course, I was thinking what did they do to me?) However, after the initial couple hours and my neck popping loudly on its own, I began to feel better than I had in months. I did not have a "headache" like I had before and the only pain was where my incision was. The days went quickly and with each passing hour I felt better and better. I had numerous visitors including my wonderful husband, my girls, my parents, my in-laws, Janine and Pat, Kurt and Sarah, Pastor Carlisle and Jennifer, my "bestest" friend Marni and her hubby Bryan, my boss (Denny Olhausen), my cousin Becky and her son Jaden, and lots of calls and texts. Everyone made me feel so loved and made the healing go that much faster.
I was pleasantly surprised when Dr. Matanaj said I could go home late Thursday or Friday. Then when his surgical resident said I could go home Thursday morning/early afternoon I was elated. To get to go home on my birthday and spend it with my family was the best gift anyone could give me. It was topped off by a surprise early morning visit with cake and flowers from Janine & Pat, my hubby bringing me a beautiful silver bracelet in the hospital, and my girls getting me a Willow tree figure. Not to mention the birthday wishes on Facebook and the other gifts and cards I received when I got home. I am truly blessed.  Here are some pics of my stay and my birthday.