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Thanks to Dad for recapping what went on at the post-op meeting with Dr. Seigne. I'll only add one note. I definitely chose the right surgeon for the job. Sometimes it is not about how many times the surgeon has done that specific surgery. Sometimes it is more about the person and their skill both with the knife and with their mind/mouth.

In the last couple of days, I've started to feel normal again. The muscular pain in my leg is still there, as is the cutaneous numbness, but I'm not limping around like before. I've figured out that the cutaneous numbness makes it uncomfortable to wear underwear. For some reason, it feels like the area is being rubbed raw. My energy levels have started to return to normal. As is typical for me, I'm still pretty displeased with the size of my abdomen, but such is life. The sensations of moving intestines have begun to subside in a more significant way. So, after a brief plateau period, it appears that my recovery took another step forward. I'm looking forward to being able to exercise again, though I'm dreading that first ride. My legs are weak and so are my lungs. I specifically remember my first ride after the epididymitis. It was a terrible experience. That was less time off of the bike with more activity allowed and no surgeries. This is going to take some time. So, if you're hungry to outsprint me, come ride with me in a month or two. All of that is still a bit of a ways off, though. Dr. Seigne says that I can't resume full activity for six weeks after the surgery, so that's another month or so. In about a week, I'm going to try some light spinning at the club. If nothing else, I can go and stretch out these tight muscles.

On Friday night, Tracy and Zane (Teresa's parents) had all of us up to their house for dinner. Talk about a feast. It was a great time, and my Dad finally got to meet Teresa's family in their native habitat.

Yesterday, Dad and I said goodbye to New England. That wasn't so hard. What was hard was saying goodbye to Teresa, our awesome little apartment, and to Teresa's Grandparents, Jack and Terry Lyons. Teresa has been my best, best friend through all of this. Again, I just can't imagine doing all of this without her. J and T Lyons were amazing hosts: so laidback and supportive. I'm going to miss that apartment. It was so, so perfect for all of this. Anyway, I've included some pictures that Teresa took of us saying goodbye.

The trip home went smoothly except for our Dartmouth Coach breaking down on the highway and us having to wait for a replacement bus. I found it somewhat ironic that the brand-new coach with wifi and all broke down and was replaced with a beatup old one that ran great. We still made it to Boston-Logan airport with plenty of time, though the girl at check-in refused to believe that it was actually me on my driver's license. The Gods shined down upon us, and our United flight was early. Dad dropped me off at Mom's house where the fatigue of the day hit me. My body is sore from sitting in one position so long. Anyway, I'm home now. Surprisingly, I feel much more sorted than last time, though I have far less idea what I'm going to do to stay busy. Maybe part of it is knowing that this trip isn't on a set timeline. Maybe part of it is knowing that my life isn't on a set timeline anymore. I feel pretty good knowing that I'm here to focus on healing.