This will make me happy!

Surgery is in 2 weeks from today.  I'm glad the decision making process is over.  I feel pretty good.  I've tried not to think about it too much this last week ...Well at least not the surgery itself. I know there are things I want to get done before then.

One thing I wanted to do during Christmas break was get some family pictures taken...of course we didn't!  But we're going to do it now!  My family (remember, 4 males & myself) is not thrilled about taking pictures!  Its not on their top ten list of things they love to do! Matthew will be home for Spring break on Saturday before my surgery and we will have pictures taken on Monday!  My surgery will be on Wednesday! (Nothing like having a major illness to get people to do what you want!)  So I've lined up the photographer.  Zach and Josh got their hair cut yesterday. ( I still want to get mine cut, but I have time.)  I just pray for nice weather on picture day! This will make me happy!

By the way, the photos to the right are Scott and I trying to take our own picture!  We just couldn't seem to do it! Now you see why we need some professional help!

This is Really Happening!

I had an appointment with a Nurse Navigator today.  I think she is someone who is suppose to help me get thru this whole breast cancer process.  I really didn't know what our appointment was going to be about, but basically she told me what to expect at and after surgery.  She gave me a binder of information and a tote filled with things I might need after a mastectomy-- small pillows, a water bottle, other stuff I haven't look at yet.

She also gave me a camisole with hidden pockets in it.  This is something to wear after the surgery.  The pockets are to hold little bottles that will collect fluid from the drains that are left in.... Yea, this is really happening!  (Just thinking about that kinda made me feel sick.) She assured me, as my doctor also had, that I wouldn't really be in much pain after surgery because the nerves would be gone from my breast area.... Well, I guess that is reassuring.

No more appointments until the surgery!  Did I mention that it happens to be on my birthday?  Yap, March 13th.  Not only is it my birthday, it is also Dr Gulbrandson's birthday!  Can you believe that? My surgeon and I have the same birthday and he will be performing surgery on me on our birthdays!  What a way to celebrate, huh?

Surgery in three weeks

The decision has been made. The date is set.  Surgery is in three weeks -- Wednesday, March 13th.  I can't say that I wasn't emotional when I went to the doctor today.  I shed a few tears.  On one hand, I am relieved; on the other hand, I am scared about surgery.

I think I have made the best decision for my health.  Having a mastectomy will lessen the chances of cancer coming back to my breast and thus lessen the chances of cancer metastasizing to other parts of my body.  There is no guarantee.  

I didn't sleep well last night.  I woke up in the night anxious and fearful. I pray that God will give me peace.

 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,

 whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3

Saturday

I started my blog today.