Another Update & Butterfly Bush Bloom
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203449)
Nashville, Tennessee
July 30, 2022 5:33pm CST
Yesterday marked four weeks since my surgery. I am having good days and bad days. But I knew the recovery would be a rough one.
Walked out to Dustin's garden yesterday and snapped a few photos with my phone. Many butterflies and hummingbirds are visiting. I can't stay outside too long at a time due to the crazy hot weather.
Had some rain today. That was really welcome.
Thanks so much to @GoAskAlice.
Many of you have reached out to me to see how I am doing. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. When you are having down days, it sure helps to know others are thinking of you.
I hope to be back soon. Still a little hard to focus and concentrate, but I am getting there. My doctor is satisfied with my progress. A day at a time he always tells me. I hope you are all doing well. I will catch up with you soon.
Photo is mine. Black Knight Butterly bush bloom. Taken from Dustin's memorial garden.
52 people like this
50 responses
@wolfgirl569 (96528)
• Marion, Ohio
31 Jul 22
happy to hear that you are slowly feeling better. Take your time and rest
4 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (96528)
• Marion, Ohio
31 Jul 22
@CarolDM Patience can be a hard thing to have at times.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
@wolfgirl569 Yes you are so right about that one.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (48686)
• Canada
30 Jul 22
Knowing that you are on the mend and that your doctor is pleased with your progress is such positive news.
I was going to email you a few days ago, but I did not want to interrupt your resting.
You've really made my day today reading this and seeing the pretty bloom on the butterfly bush.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (48686)
• Canada
31 Jul 22
@CarolDM As you always told us, enjoy the little things, don't let them pass you by.
When you think about it, it really is a blessing that you underwent this surgery when you did, as you can slowly get outside to enjoy your beautiful garden.
You'll always have my friendship and support Carol-always. 
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
@Juliaacv I am trying. The heat gives me an instant headache. I spend time in the screen room when I can. And I see all of the yard from the windows. I get out when I can. My balance is still off so I have to be very careful. You know I will get out every chance I can. I am so glad the surgery is over. Thank you my sweet friend.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49294)
• United States
30 Jul 22
It’s so good to see you here. I hope that the bad days will come to an end. That your doctor is satisfied is wonderful.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (74146)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Jul 22
What lovely blooms. You just take care of yourself, and I hope you get better day by day, Just so glad you have gotten so far and are home and with your cats.
3 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (95444)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
30 Jul 22
I am happy to learn that you are making positive strides in making a full recovery.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (95444)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
31 Jul 22
@CarolDM I also missed you as well.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
@Deepizzaguy You are very kind George.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
@LadyDuck It has really slowed me down. My cats have even noticed. My husband is doing everything. Fatigue is crazy. I cannot believe how tired I feel after doing nothing. My doctor told me when you have brain surgery it takes more out of you than most people realize. It takes so long for things to get back to normal. Also, he cut through my neck muscles. All of that has to heal and nerves have to regenerate.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (80205)
• United States
30 Jul 22
Sending you lots of love Carol. I pray you have more good days than bad until you have no bad days at all. Missed you so much
Made my day seeing your post 
Made my day seeing your post 2 people like this
@moffittjc (118827)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Aug 22
We love you and miss you Carol! And you’re doing great in your recovery. Keep thinking positive vibes!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118827)
• Gainesville, Florida
4 Aug 22
@CarolDM I can’t speak for everyone else, but those are my sentiments for sure.
Hope you’re having a good day and a positive week!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Aug 22
@moffittjc Thanks so much again Jeff. Makes my day.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29532)
•
31 Jul 22
I am glad to hear you are doing better. I know that recovery must be really hard, it sounds like you are getting there. Remember slow and steady wins the race. It does help knowing other think of us and care how we are. Beautiful butterfly bush, take care of you, Carol!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Aug 22
@MarieCoyle I am really trying, I have my moments. Today is a hard one.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
It is a long painful recovery. But he told me it would be in the beginning. But with the daily severe headaches, the loss of balance and many other symptoms I was having, I decided after two years of debating that it was time to take the chance. Much appreciated Marie.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29532)
•
1 Aug 22
@CarolDM
You seem to have a strong spirit, which will carry you far in your recovery. I am glad you are on the mend, just sorry that you have had to go through all of this.
1 person likes this
@luisga814 (6913)
• Quezon City, Philippines
31 Jul 22
That's a lovely garden you have. Thanks that you're now okay. I'm praying for your continued recovery.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
@luisga814 You are correct. Gardening can be therapeutic for sure.
1 person likes this
@luisga814 (6913)
• Quezon City, Philippines
31 Jul 22
@CarolDM Keep on enjoying your garden. If I'm not mistaken, looking into a garden will help you in fast recovery. I've read that sometime in one of the articles published here in the Philippines. I forgot the title.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53941)
• Los Angeles, California
31 Jul 22
I am so, so glad to hear you can walk around and take photos again. A stroll through Dustin's garden could do wonders - the blooms are beautiful. Don't even worry about here . . . we'd love to see you, but we want you to get better. Please take care .
.1 person likes this
@much2say (53941)
• Los Angeles, California
31 Jul 22
@CarolDM Stay cool as much as possible - right, too much heat is not a good thing for anyone. Being greeted by the blooms and critters in the great outdoors is good for the soul . . . day by day I hope your healing continues to go well 
.
.1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
31 Jul 22
I am so glad to read this update from you Carol. It is such a relief that you are doing ok. Healing may take time but you are getting there. I'll be continuously praying for you.
You have friends here who care for you. Dustin's garden is looking so beautiful and I'm glad it's cheering you up.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
1 Aug 22
@CarolDM I'm just glad you are able to be here in mylot.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60682)
• Perth, Australia
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM I am so pleased to read that your doctor is happy with your progress! You go girl! You are very much adored and cared for here Carol, no doubt about it.
I'm sorry to say I cannot see your beautiful photo right now. I'm not sure why but I have no doubt it's beautiful!
You are very much adored and cared for here Carol, no doubt about it.
I'm sorry to say I cannot see your beautiful photo right now. I'm not sure why but I have no doubt it's beautiful!1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60682)
• Perth, Australia
15 Aug 22
@CarolDM Very welcome. I wish you nothing but the best to get to where you need to be.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Aug 22
@VivaLaDani13 You are too sweet.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Jul 22
Thanks, good to see you. Still a day at a time. Slow recovery but I will make it. I tried to rush it and that didn't work so well. Baby steps now. The heat is so excessive here, it instantly gives me a headache, I have to be careful. But this too shall pass.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (15804)
• Raurkela, India
31 Jul 22
Glad you are making good progress and the lovely flowers that you have loaded.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (15804)
• Raurkela, India
1 Aug 22
@CarolDM My prayers are always with you. You will regain your normal health. I love such coloured flowers.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Aug 22
@aninditasen Thank you again. Means more than you know.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34515)
•
6 Aug 22
Very nice photo. We have been getting extreme weather the last week and a half. Consistently in the 90's. And my AC unit in the living room broke during that time, ugh! I felt like the guy in the photo trying to stay cool 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34515)
•
10 Aug 22
@CarolDM Yes, lol. AC unit is now repaired just in time as we have had 90's and one day at 100 this week 
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203449)
• Nashville, Tennessee
10 Aug 22
@dgobucks226 That is wonderful news for you.
1 person likes this
