 | 24 Jan 12 |
This weekend it will be 18 months since the event that changed my life forever. I’ve talked about this many times and you guys know the deal. This will be my very last update on the subject. The other day I had my absolute final appointment with the hand specialist. It was a bit emotional. I sort of knew how it was going down but there was this tiny kernel of hope deep inside that just wouldn’t die. More than an hour after signing in at the doc’s office, my name was finally called. A thorough evaluation later and he gave my husband and me his final analysis: This is as good as it gets. Not what I wanted to hear despite the fact that it was what I expected to hear.
I will never again be right-handed. I am now officially a leftie. The right hand and fingers will never “feel” textures and temperatures the way it is supposed to. I will never be able to properly grip things, turn my hand palm up or rotate my wrist conveniently. I will never be able to make a good fist or spread my fingers apart or do anything at all the way I once did with my right hand. There are surgeries that might help. Tendon transfers and the like. But the potential for making things worse is far too great to take the risk. So, as much as it sucks, this is as good as it gets as far as the docs are concerned.
Remember that little kernel of hope I mentioned before, it just won’t say die. It won’t. I asked the doc if there was ANY possibility whatsoever the situation could change. His answer was vague and noncommittal. His advice was, however, to the point: Do not get your hopes up. Bottom line, I can keep trying. Placing my hand on the keyboard and trying to make the fingers type. Picking up the fork and attempting to actually use it rather than drop it. I can preserve in my endeavors to use my hand and MAYBE, big, fat maybe, it will work a little better someday. MAYBE if I keep fighting my brain and forcing it to acknowledge that this right forearm and hand really are there (it feels like a prosthetic), it will one day admit defeat and recognize the limb I was born with more than half a century ago actually belongs to me! Meanwhile, we must continue to do the stretching and strengthening exercises three to four times each day to prevent further tissue loss and stiffening. I am incredibly thankful that I have a left hand! Thank you, God, for recognizing we would need a pair.
So, what’s a girl to do when defeat is staring back at her with a triumphant look? KICK BUTT! So what if I have to use my left hand for EVERYTHING I do? So what if I can’t write my stories the way I used to? So what if my hand and arm look weird? This is who I am now and until I can do differently: THIS IS THE WAY I WILL DO IT!
And just so you know, my new series is kicking butt, too. Both OBSESSION and IMPULSE have remained in the top ten bestselling romantic 
suspense books on Amazon for seven straight weeks. OBSESSION has been in the top 100 bestsellers on Kindle for fourteen days! I am so proud! Late next month the third book in the series, POWER, will be available. Today I am thrilled to announce that OBSESSION is now available in print! One of today’s commenters will receive an autographed copy of the trade paper edition! So be sure to comment! That little pink and white logo you see on the spine is the logo for my very own publishing company — Pink House Press!
fBesides writing the next story, I have lots of plans for spring this year. We’re finally moving into the “dress up” stage of our renovations on this old house. Lots of stacked stone and shrubs and roses! Lots of mulch! And other fun things. I’ll be posting pics and talking about the work so be sure to stay tuned! Two weeks from today I’ll give you a sneak peek at the cover for POWER and some insights into the coming titles in the series (RAGE, REVENGE and REDEMPTION are up next and they’re going to be red!).
Be sure to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for the trade paper edition of OBSESSION. And please say a prayer for the folks in Alabama, especially in the Birmingham area, who suffered so much on Sunday night during the storms. We’re still healing from the horrors of last April.
Until next time!
© 2012, Debra Webb. All rights reserved.
Debra Webb, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set.
Subscribe to Posts 
I do not know what unfortunate incident happened to you but I am so sorry. Although I use my left hand alot, I am right handed and cannot imagine not having its use.
by Marijane Diodati January 24th, 2012 at 6:01 amYou clearly have been, and continue to be tenacious about your Rehab. Never give up. I have defended a number of personal injury cases and seen people do much better than their doctors expected. This occurred after the case was over, of course!
Please do not take this as diminishing the extent of the use of your hand but my typing is pathetic. I primarily have dictated everything for years. I usually dictate my posts, texts and emails on my DROIDX. I know it would be a big adjustment, but Dragon may help you. You probably are using it now since I cannot imagine how else you can write such books.
I am so excited to read Power. Before I received my kindle, I bought the book version of Dirty and it was great!
Congratulations on your publishing company and I love the name!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marijane Diodati mjdiodati@yahoo
Thanks, Marijane, and I do use Dragon a good bit! I named my publishing company Pink House Press because I grew up in an old farm house that my mother painted pink! That’s where I first put pen to paper!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:14 amThis is such an inspiration! Can I just say I’m in awe of your attitude right now! Switching hands to do every day tasks is extremely great for the brain. I try to write with my left all the time to stimulate those brain connections, but to have to…well that would be oh so difficult. I will tell my leftie six-year-old (she was born that way) that another brilliant person has joined her ranks. Take care!
by Barb Han January 24th, 2012 at 6:25 amThanks, Barb! You’re a sweetie!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:46 amNever say never with your hand, miracles do happen. I’ve been witness to several in my lifetime. And down the road, who knows what medical marvels will come along. I’m happy for you that you have your own publishing company, love the logo. As far as the damage in Alabama, I think everyone here in Joplin Missouri can totally empathize with them. We are still trying to recover from our EF5 last May. There is a whole area in the heart of the city that is just a vast wasteland, especially the area where my apartment complex once stood. It’s a horrific experience to go through, my heart goes out to them.
by Linda Henderson January 24th, 2012 at 6:31 amLinda, Bless you and the folks in your community! Last April was so horrible for so many in Alabama and Missouri. Whew! Hoping for a calmer spring!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:47 amI’m sorry the news wasn’t better, but we’ve all read miraculous things that have happened to people, so hopefully it will become more useful with time.
At least you have your Amazon success to brighten your week. Congrats!
by Anne January 24th, 2012 at 6:37 amYes, ma’am! I am so thankful for the self-pubbing opportunity! Amazon has allowed me to do the things I want to do in my career in my own time and my own way!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:48 amDebra you are awesome! Your new series is fabulous and being printed. Add to that, your own pub house!!!!
by Catherine January 24th, 2012 at 6:37 amRock on and run through those obstacles. You are an inspiration!
xoxo =)
Thanks, Catherine! You are a dear!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:49 amHow cool to have your own publishing company. That would be exciting, lots of work, but exhilarating.
by Carol Shenold January 24th, 2012 at 6:41 amIt’s a blast, Carol!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:50 amDeb,
by Laura Griffin January 24th, 2012 at 6:44 amYou never cease to inspire me! I love your refusal to give up. Congratulations on all your recent publishing successes. No one deserves it more than you do!
Thanks, Laura! We are writers and determination is the first and most important asset we must have!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:51 amDebbie, you are one brave and determined woman. I know that you will triumph over all. Your attitude and outlook is always positive and upbeat. best wishes and hope is always there.
by Pearl January 24th, 2012 at 6:50 amI don’t know about brave, Pearl, but I try. My husband is the brave one. He has been a miracle worker through all of this!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 6:52 amI admire you more than you can possibly know…and if anyone can beat the odds through sheer will — and the loving help and support of your husband — it’ll be you.
Congrats on the great successes of your books! Well deserved
by Lori Armstrong January 24th, 2012 at 7:11 amThanks, Lori!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:51 amWhen we first met at the RWA conference in Atlanta, back in 2006, I considered you a friend, and that friendship has only gotten stronger over the years. I’m blessed to know you. I am so happy and proud that your new series is a success.
by Allison Brennan January 24th, 2012 at 7:18 amThank you, Allison! You are a very dear friend and a hugely talented author!!!!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:53 amyou’re such an inspiration, Deb. I will kick butt in honor of you today. And I have to say one more thing – whenever someone tells me “don’t get your hopes up” I secretly ratchet my hopes sky high just to spite them. NO ONE gets to tell you how to vision the future – and I like the version that *you* have come up with, the one that says that nothing and no one will stop you.
by Sophie Littlefield January 24th, 2012 at 7:21 amThanks, Sophie! You and I will kick butt together!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:54 amoh and I can’t wait for the pictures. I love roses – please send lots of pix! I’m going shopping for a few bare-root shrubs myself in the next week or so.
by Sophie Littlefield January 24th, 2012 at 7:22 amRoses and tulips are my favorites!!!!!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:54 amDebra, you are SUCH an inspiration. I can’t imagine being able to deal with what you’ve gone through with such grace and dignity. And I, for one, am so glad you didn’t simply throw in the towel (I have a feeling I probably would have) so that we can keep enjoying your books. I do so love my Nook because I can read 1-handed, but the thought of HAVING to …
Terry
by Terry Odell January 24th, 2012 at 7:25 amTerry’s Place
Terry, thank you! I love my Kindle! My hubby loves his Nook!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:56 amDeb, Sorry to hear about your hand. You are such an inspiration to me. I truly believe in miracles and hopefully you’ll see one in the use of your hand.
I haven’t been able to get your two books yet, (Obsession and Impulse). I am looking forward to the day that I am able to download them on my kindle and lose myself in them!!!
Take care and God Bless!!!
by Candy Patterson January 24th, 2012 at 7:27 amCandy
Thanks, Candy! I hope you’ll love OBSESSION and IMPULSE!!!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:57 amYou are one awesome female. We can never just give up. You know the saying, if given a lemon, make lemonaide. Just keep on writing, your imagination and talent are without limitations. You go girl!
by TrishJ January 24th, 2012 at 7:55 amThanks, Trish! I love lemonade!!!! And I don’t mind making it!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:58 amKeep kicking, Deb. You are one strong woman. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
by LSUReader January 24th, 2012 at 8:45 amThanks, LSUReader! Kicking it is what I do best!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 8:59 amWowow, Deb. Your determination to kick butt with your hand is yet ANOTHER way in which you inspire me (the first being your Amazon ranking, LOL!)
Truly, you are an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing the bitter with the sweet. It’s why we love you.
xoxo
by Josie Brown, author, THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN'S HANDBOOK January 24th, 2012 at 9:13 amJosie
Thanks, Josie! You and my other MSW sisters are MY inspiration!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 10:17 amDebra, you just keep thinking great thoughts. Medicine changes by leaps and bounds every day. Someday soon they may have just what you need for that hand.
I will keep Alabama in my thoughts and prayers. My son, my baby is in Texas at Ft. Hood and I now dread every time tornado season returns.
by Jill James January 24th, 2012 at 9:22 amThanks, Jill! My husband and I were stationed at Ft. Hood in the early 80′s!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 10:19 amI love all of your one word titles! Sounds to me like you deserve to write one called “Persevere!” I read Obsession and loved it! It was a page turner for me and I can’t wait to continue to follow Jess with the rest of the series. Congrats on all of your success and I wish you more in the future!
Tornadoes terrify me! Will take an earthquake any day over a tornado! I have family in Joplin, so of course my prayers are with everyone in that region of the country.
by Heather E January 24th, 2012 at 9:57 amThanks, Heather! We were stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood back in the mid 80′s!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 10:20 amI admire your courage and perseverance. Am sorry that the news was not what you wanted to hear.
by Little Lamb Lost January 24th, 2012 at 10:14 amThank you, Little Lamb Lost. The support and prayers from all of you has been so very helpful to me!
by Debra Webb January 24th, 2012 at 10:22 amHang in there Debra you may still get more use of your hand. Both of my parents were left handed so I use both hands a lot but am right handed. I have had my right arm broke and had to use the left for writing. At one time I had my left arm broke and right shoulder dislocated and that was rough if I have to say so myself. My left arm was broken really bad and they didn’t think I would get the use back in it. But guess what I got most of the use back out of it and surpised the doctors, it just takes time and a strong will. Hang in there girl you may even surprise yourself.
by Quilt Lady January 24th, 2012 at 2:14 pmThanks for the pep talk, Quilt Lady! You rock!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 7:59 amIt’s amazing how life can change from one minute to the next and the challenges that ensue. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
by Joyce January 24th, 2012 at 4:20 pmThanks, Joyce!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 7:59 amFirst of all, don’t ever lose that kernel of hope. It’s what keeps us all going forward. Second, just because you have to do everything left handed doesn’t mean you aren’t the same great author you have always been. It just means that now you are writing with your right mind (sorry, I just had to go there as a lifetime leftie who has heard that joke at least a million times). I just got released by my physical therapist while I wait to see my doctor again. I understand holding on to the kernel of hope because that’s where I am right now, too. Thanks for the giveaway. I am looking forward to reading Obsession.
by Jen B. January 24th, 2012 at 6:03 pmThanks, Jen! And good luck to you, too!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 8:00 amCongratulations on your books! Good luck with everything!
by bn100 January 24th, 2012 at 8:20 pmThanks, bn100!!!!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 8:01 amYour story is so inspiring and I hope you never lose hope. Whichever hand you use, the words you put on paper touches many lives. That is a gift
by Na S. January 24th, 2012 at 10:30 pmNa, you are too sweet! Thank you!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 8:01 amDeb, you amaze me. I know I’ve said that before, and I meant it. I mean it now more. xo
by Karin* Tabke aka Harlow! January 24th, 2012 at 11:19 pmThank you, Karin Goddess!!!!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 8:01 amMy daughter is left handed. She claims super intelligence because of it. She is clever, so who knows!!
by Mary Preston January 24th, 2012 at 11:46 pmThanks, Mary! I shall take your daughter’s attitude!!!!
by Debra Webb January 25th, 2012 at 8:02 amYour story touches my heart Debra…
Life sometimes throws curve balls in our plans. I am very sorry to hear that you have to go through such pain.
Perhaps we have something in common here, in that suddenly my life did a switch too and I ended up in a wheelchair and like you have no recourse to surgery to make it “better”. And like you I continue to write!
I very much look forward to reading all your books….particularly your “faces of evil” series… given your resilient spirit.
And, Congratulations on your books Debra!!
Jan
by Janet Kerr January 29th, 2012 at 12:16 pmI think it was Viktor Frankl who wrote, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. I’ve found this is true, but at the time something is happening, that’s not easy to believe. I admire your courage and your ability to work at getting beyong this painful event. You will be in my prayers because they make you stronger, too!
by Mary Jeanne Hoover February 6th, 2012 at 9:18 am