Nate and Mitchell having smoothies. He brought me one too.
Things are going okay. It’s been a week since the surgery and the doctors are pleased with the results. They were able to remove most of the tumor. They will get the rest through radaiation therapy once I heal (in a few weeeks). I am able to talk and eat and see. I am really grateful for these simple but important things. Counting my blessings.
Thank you all for sending positive thoughts, beautiful flowers, delicious foods and kind-hearted gifts. You lift my spirits.
Mitchell has been amazing (no surprise!), shuttling back and forth between home and the hospital. He brings me lots of photos of Nate. I haven’t been able to see Nate since the surgery. Although I am able to walk a little with a walker, the doctors would like for me to be a little stronger and more independent before heading home. So, I am working with a physiotherapist to build strength. The bandage is off now and I’m told that the scar doesn’t look too bad, and will hopefully be covered with hair as it grows back. The sutures are visible now so it looks a little intense (an understatement). It’s like built-in bling.
Speech has come back pretty easily so far. Luckily, I’m not floundering too much to find words. My mom has beeen visiting too so we go back and forth betweeen English and Japanese. I am lucky to know love in more than one language. Once in a while I am able to crack a joke and I’m sure my face must look so surprised by the fact that I can formulate a joke that the punchline is diminished by my own shock. (JB, that one is for you!)
With Thanksgiving coming up and some time on my hands, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude. Thank goodness for family and friends, a medical system that works, and for Mitchell and Nate. As much as I’ve been thinking about the big questions (life, love, marriage, motherhood, work) I’ve also been preoccupied with all the very visceral aspects of healing (bones, blood, flesh, muscle etc.) In addition to my poor head, my right arm looks a little like it’s been mauled by a bear. I have tiny veins so it’s hard to get an IV or drip going. It always takes multiple tries and results in lots of bruising and blood. But I’m happy to report that I no longer neeed an IV. (My body is able to regulate its own water and food intake. Boom!)
I did a cognitive test yesterday and I passed with flying colors.
Me: “so, we’ve established that I’m a genius, right?”
Doctor: “Um, you’re doing fine.” (I’m pretty sure I was just insulted.)
Otherwise, I’m a little bored. I spend a fair amount of time thinking about what delicious food I might get to eat next.(My appetite is unstoppable. I’m no quitter!) FYI: We are fully and almost painfully stocked, so this is not a call for people to suddenly send baskets of sweets or treats, please.
How does this cuteness even exist? (Life is worth living!)
Seriously, thank you for all your kind words and actions. Each one is appreciated!
Everybody Hearts 
Dear Naomi – just wanted to say that David, Sherman and I are wishing you all the very best and we’re thinking of you. Stay strong Fierce Lady!!
So excited and grateful to see this post! I’ve literally been dreaming that I wake up and you’ve written a new update! Sending lots of love. Rest and heal! XOXOXO
Dearest Naomi, its so wonderful to read your blog and hear from Mitch about all the crazy-impressive progress you’re making! Katy, James (who’s visiting), and I all send our love. All our best, Sarah L.
Naomi, so awesome to see this update this morning. VG and FI have been keeping me updated, but its great to hear from you directly! Much love and positivity to you, Mitch and young Nate. You are a warrior! Love and blessings,
Dillon.
Nothing to say but I love you…and can’t wait to see you (hopefully) in a few weeks.
Yay! I want to send you a care package from here, but I’m not sure cacti and hot peppers really scream “caring” in quite the way I’d want them to… And not to worry, because I’m pretty sure you ARE a genius. If that doctor gives you any lip, just ask how many of their other patients got a PhD right before their surgery?! PROOF. Love ya- hugs to all of you, can’t wait to see your sweet faces soon.
Hi Naomi, we don’t personally know each other, but we have a number of mutual friends. I just wanted to express my wishes for you for a full a recovery. May you continue to remain strong and positive and heal with the comfort of all the love that surrounds you.
Ahhhh I’m so glad you updated and that you’re sounding like your amazing – and hilarious – self.
And, for the record, I’m pretty sure you are a genius – at least in all the ways that count.
Big hugs and kisses to you, Mitch & Nate.
We are so glad that the surgery went well and that you are blogging again. May you go from strength to strength!
Lots of love,
Naomi and David
Your jokes have been diminished by your facial expressions? Are you kidding me – the shock on your face must make it a million times funnier, and I am laughing right now just imagining it! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH NAOMI! You make my world a much brighter and richer place, and I feel so much joy and gratitude in reading this post, and in seeing your spirit come through in your words.
You are a genius, blah blah blah – that fact has been established. Can we also talk about Nate’s amazing and full set of teeth?! He looks so much like his mama in that last pic! Loving you, and your expressions, as always and for all times. And your family too!
Can’t tell you how excited I was to see your post – you continue to amaze us all, bring smiles, giggles, more happy tears. Thank you for sharing your crazy good gift of writing with us (whaaat, one week after surgery!) and bringing us into your life – especially for those of us who aren’t able to visit with you right now, miss and love you!
YAY! This is an excellent post, good going. I was telling Jacob about how cute you looked last night while chewing on your corn and how Mitchell was drinking a beer, and he thought it sounded like a pretty fun party. F cancer. Can’t wait till you break free from the hospital… soon! xo
Remember that time just after telling Jacob that I drank a beer in the hospital, that you told everyone else in my world that I was drinking beer in the hospital?
Busted!
😀
So happy to hear you’re feeling much better, I love your blog. You write so beautifully. I’m sure you have a great future writing books and I look forward to reading all of them. Much love to you and Mitchell and Nate. xoxo Arlene Hubscher
I’m so happy to hear that your surgery went well and that you’re doing well and getting stronger. I love reading your blogs. I am amazed by your continued strength, charisma and wonderful sense of humor through this ordeal. Wishing you a speedy recovery and take baby steps! Nate is so very cute!! God bless and take care hugs xo
Dear Naomi,
So glad and grateful to hear about your progress and your returning sense of humour. Genius, yes (what is he thinking?!). We are carrying you in our hearts and wishing you well all the time. Please also convey our love and admiration to Mitch, and our love to Nate. And will you also give our love to Seiko?
Love and Blessings,
Susan and John.
We are in japan and i was so glad to see this post. Sending you light and love. Every day i say a prayer for your health at a shrine or temple. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Dear Naomi, Mitchell and Nate,
We have been following your journey on your blog as well as through Eric and Zahra. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your strength and upbeat attitudes are inspirational. May the love surrounding you make each day bright. Bless you all. May this Thanksgiving be the first of many celebrations in your future.
Eileen and Len Gold Eric’s parents
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I love you so much – have been thinking about you so often these last few weeks, you are seriously such an amazing person and your strength and courage in this absolute chaos has been so awesome. wishing you such a great thanksgiving weekend with your guys xoxoxo
Naomi, You are a very courageous and inspiring woman! We were overjoyed to read that you are now back home with Mitchell and Nate. That is the best place to gain your strength back and recuperate. We wish you a very speedy recovery. xoxoxo Lillian and Bob
You are inspiring and amazing, Nuff said.
Literally tearing up reading your blog. To see you cracking jokes and spirits high so soon after surgery is inspiring. You’re the most amazing person I know… Not sure about the “genius” part though…
Lots of love Yoni & Shannon