Well, this is it. They called this afternoon and I have to be at the hospital at 6:30am. I am glad it is early so hopefully I don't have to spend all day waiting. My hope is they take me back and the surgery is done by 10. If things go well I actually hope I can come home tomorrow but I seriously doubt that will happen. I just keep wondering what it will feel like. I mean, it is a foreign body in me so there must be some sensation. I can't believe the day is actually here! I am excited and scared at the same time. But, I know God is in control and will see me through it. So, here we go. I'm not sure I will be able to blog tomorrow but we will see. If not, I will try to do so Saturday. Oh, tomorrow is the GAmecocks first game and I do intend to watch no matter where I am. GOOOO GAMECOCKS!!

Today started out pretty good but as the day went on I noticed a bit more pain than I expected. I guess I tried to do more than I should have. I did bleed a bit on the wound but nothing major. It is a weird sensation in my leg. It feels like a deep cut kind of numb feeling. I have also had a bit of a headache but that is probably not related to the filter. I made myself stay up today instead of going back to bed even though I wanted to. I have made a decision to get my insurance license while I am out so I ordered the materials for the online course and started my studies. My first chapter did not go too well but I am able to take the quiz more than once and the second time I passed. The second chapter went much better and I passed the second chapter quiz the first time. There are 16 chapters. My plan is to try to do 2 a day while I am out so hopefully that will help with boredom. Now, I need to schedule my exam so if anyone is in need of insurance keep me in mind! Well, they tell me they will call with my appointment time tomorrow. They meet at 1 and the calls start after 2 so I won't know for sure when I have to be at the hospital until sometime in the afternoon. My mother in law is coming and we could use the help. It will be good to see her. Emily and the girls are all doing well. Cottia is full of questions so we have decided not to hide anything from her including the current pain I am in. She is so wonderful and I love her so much. Eva just wants to play so I have to take it easy with her. But, she is worth any pain I may have to go through. Well, tomorrow is another of those very important days. Thank you all again for your prayers.

The filter is in and I am so glad it is over. I am tired. More than I expected to be. I had some great sleep this afternoon and am looking forward to a gret night's rest. I did experience a heart palpation during the procedure but it was nothing to be concerned about. I was awake for the procedure just very relaxed. Today was a day or rest and tomorrow I can wash just cannot take off the bandage. They had some issues finding a vein to start the IV so I am bruised a bit but nothing I cannot handle. My concern there is what will happen Thursday? Will they try to use the same hole or will I have to go through all that again. All, in all, the filter is not a very difficult procedure and it is worth it in the end. I continue to appreciate folks prayers and look forward to the next few days and what God will do.

I'm not sure why but today I have been a bit apprehensive today. Just a feeling things are not going to go as planned. But, I can't put my finger on it. I'm just ready to put this behind me. I think it may have been because I had some difficulty breathing this afternoon. Plus, my heart was acting up a bit just not too bad. I just need some rest and to get my thoughts together. Filter is only 2 days away. I think I will feel better once that is in.

ON another note, according to my mom's scales I have lost another 3 lbs.

Well, the time is getting near. Only 8 more days. The cloths I am currently wearing are beginning to fall off which is an incredible feeling. People are really noticing as well. I need to get a robe and some flip flops so I can get up and walk after the procedure. Thank you Father for giving me the strength to get through.

Today, I confirmed everything with my disability. Now, it is a waiting game. Just a few more days until the filter. Less than a week actually. I am feeling so good and am ready to get this behind. The pants I am currently wearing are getting really lose and it won't be long until I have to buy new cloths. That will be a great moment. I am not looking forward to the first week as it is mainly a liquid diet. But, gradually, I will move back to food. I am so looking forward to buying a new wardrob. I am thankful for the support of my wife and family.

Today was the final meeting with the surgeon before the procedure. I think we finally have everything set. The scales indicate I have lost another 7lbs. Depending on the scales, I have lost between 45-50lbs. I honestly think I will be below 300lbs before the surgery. My expected recover is 2-3 weeks. My last day of work is this Friday. I am so ready to get this over. I still have doubts as to if I need this but in the end it will help me get the rest of the weight off. the best thing is how so many folks are supporting me. I am looking forward to my life ahead.

On another note, tonight during her prayers, Cottia prayed that God would allow Nana to come back for 1 hour so she could see her. It was a very special prayer from a very special little girl.