surgery...check!

I can't tell you how good it feels to have the tuma (pronounced with Arnold accent) out! I went into surgery feeling really positive and strong. It was funny because I walked into the OR with my surgeon, which seemed a bit weird (especially because I was having a Jack Nicholson moment from "Somethings Gotta Give" with the Johnny shirt) but we were chit chatting and it was all very upbeat. Next thing I knew I was in recovery. The anesthesia really knocks you out for a few days, but I am coming around. We took the dressing off on Friday but I was too scared to look until last night and it's not as bad as I imagined. Not the science fair project gone wrong that I feared. Dr. Porter ROX!! I am managing the pain well and am looking forward to getting a bit better everyday.

feeling lucky?

When we told our children that I have cancer, we tried to keep it simple. Jonathan looked me right in the eye and asked me if I was going to be ok. I said "yes, I will be ok" and that is all he needed to know. Kimberly though needed some things answered. She asked a few things and then asked me what kind of cancer I have and when I said "breast cancer" she replied with some relief in her voice "oh, that's the good kind". Good kind?? I went with it and said that she was right, that I am lucky. Maybe if I keep saying it, luck will come my way :-)

To cut or not to cut?

Today we met with Margaret, Dr. Porter's Coordinator, to get the full run through on the surgery. I am scheduled in the OR for 12:45 on Jan 20th. The surgery will take a couple hours and then I will spend time in recovery. If it all goes smoothly, I should be home for around 5:30. Everything is getting more and more real... Margaret gave me a contact name for a wig maker and apparently the trick is to go in before you lose the hair so they can match it. I wasn't going to bother getting my hair done anymore just to have it all fall out, but maybe I will need to rethink that so they can give me a wig to match my hair at it's best. Maybe a little blonder too :-) I am not sure that I really want a wig but who knows what this head will look like bald!!

Getting started

With my recent diagnosis of breast cancer, it has been absolutely amazing the number of wonderful messages I have received from friends and family giving me words of encouragement and wishing me well. I really appreciate them all. Many of you have requested to be kept updated on my progress. To do this as effectively as possible, I think a blog is the answer! My friend Martin will be proud :-). Hopefully this allows you to keep in touch on your terms and will be easier for me to manage.

The countdown is on to my surgery date, Jan 20th. Between now and then I am working hard getting organized. My amazing girlfriends have filled my freezer with meals from What's for Supper so I am all set to feed the family.

Suzanne and I are going to meet with the doctor's nurse tomorrow to get the full rundown on what to expect with the surgery and then to have a couple tests done.

That's all I've got for now.

Be back soon