Challenge Boulevard, continued again

So the next morning we return to the hospital to find Mom in the Surgical ICU, once again hooked up to every machine known to man, and IV tubes everywhere. Her breathing is so slight that they decide to leave the breathing tubes in for the duration. She is swollen to the point where she looks like the Michelin Man on steroids. She is pumped so full of pain and anxiety medications that she doesn't even acknowledge us in the room.

We are inconsolable.

But then the roller-coaster ride continues!!!

By noon, she is awake and aware.  They remove the breathing tube and she can talk a little despite her throat being sore.  She smiles at everyone, says she feels pretty good!  We are back at the top of the Hill!!!

But you know what happens once you get to the top???   Start screaming, because it's a long drop.