Big, Beautiful Surprise!!!

Tonight, I was blown away by a surprise party given to me by 17 of the ladies from my congregation.  It was fabulous... like a birthday party!!  We called it our "Cancer Schmancer Party".  (Thanks Fran Drescher for the catchy name).  It was at Chili's.  There were food, laughs, gifts, conversations, and lots of love.  I am just so blessed!

This afternoon, Terry asked me out to dinner.  It was funny because I had the same idea.  Nothing seemed out of the ordinary since we were going to Chili's here in Collierville.  I was so un-suspecting that I didn't even notice the familiar faces as we approached the group.  I was awakened to reality when I heard a booming "SURPRIIISSE!!!!"  I received some very nice, practical gifts.  It was like they knew all the things I loved.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I love books, surfing the net, candles, and long baths.  I received gifts that echoed each of those passions.  Some of the ladies even surprised me with tennis goodies.  I've always wanted to play on a tennis league and had just decided this week that I'm going to join a league when I'm all well.

What a wonderful gesture!  I am so humbled by it.  :-)

Just Waiting

One week from today, I'll undergo surgery.  I'm ready, but then again I'm not looking forward to the outcome.  Sometimes, we just do what needs to be done and make the most of it.  Thankfully, today's medical technology is awesome and can make experiences like these less burdensome than in the past.  Thanks again for the prayers. I'm still doing well.

"He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Wig Woes

I got my wig yesterday and tried it on.  I'm not feeling it!  Maybe my stylist can help me thin it out a bit, but for now, no way... and no pictures.  :-)

Reconstruction

Well, there was no divine revelation overnight, so I've decided to wait on the Lord.  I'll have no reconstruction until after my chemo treatments.

Another Decision

My appointment with the plastic surgeon went very well today.  I tell you, I am truly blessed with an awesome medical team!!  Anyway, Dr. Adams and his R.N. were very helpful.  The great news is that I am young and healthy enough to be a candidate for all the options available.  The not so good news is that I have to decide on one by tomorrow.

Here's the short version:

Option 1: (The road less traveled).  More natural and more desirable choice for me, but would mean longer recovery probably two major surgeries.  Little to no infection risk.

Option 2: (Most commonly used method).  Foreign body used, but simpler and quicker.  Can be done the same day of the surgery with minor adjustments in the weeks following.  More infection risk. 

I hope to have a divine revelation before tomorrow morning.  :-) 

After the long consultation with Dr. Adams, I spent a little over an hour at the hospital pre-admitting, having blood drawn, and receiving my pre-op instructions and materials.  I need to arrive at 9:00 the morning of the 4th, and surgery will begin around 1:30pm.  I'll have IV and other injections before surgery, then surgery will take approximately 2 hours (could be more, depending on the reconstruction option I select).  I will then spend an hour or so in recovery before going to my room.  Both surgeons will consult with me before the surgery, and with my family during and after the surgery.  It will be an long and uncomfortable experience, but I'm ready to get on with it.  I just don't like having this tumor inside me, and want it out as soon as possible!

Another Consultation and More Bloodwork

Tomorrow, I will meet my plastic surgeon to discuss my many options.  Funny, I never thought I'd ever see a plastic surgeon for anything.  I made the mistake of googling "breast reconstruction" and viewing a few before and after pictures.  Hmmm... Hard to picture.  But, I hear these surgeons can really do great things. Also, I will go to the hospital for pre-admission paperwork and bloodwork.  I'll update again later tomorrow.

Comments

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Determined Not to "Waste" My Cancer

Thanks Tracy for this fantastic article.  A couple of those points already convicted me.  I love the perspective the author gives.

Subconsciously Stressing

Since the last week of March, I have had to fight the tendency to clinch my back teeth.  My dentist told me I was stressing in my subconscious, but to wait another week or so to see if it stops on its own before seeking any kind of treatment.  I just realized this weekend, I'm not doing it anymore!!  Hurray!!  I guess the peace from the prayers has now tapped into my subconscious as well.

Becoming Real to Me Now

I ordered a wig tonight.  I really like it - on the screen anyway.  It felt weird.

In A Nutshell

After some consideration, I've decided to start a blog that chronicles my breast cancer journey.  Welcome!

I was biopsied on April 1st, diagnosed with Her2+ breast cancer on April 5th, and will begin my treatment with surgery on May 4.  I'm doing so well emotionally and physically that it's hard to believe I'm "sick".  I have felt more sleepy than normal but other than that, I'm pretty normal.  I've decided that my state of mind is due to (a) a stronger faith than I realized, (b) prayers sustaining me, (c) plain 'ol denial, or (d) all of the above.  I think the answer is (d). :-)

At this time, my greatest prayer request is that the cancer will be contained within the right breast until the surgery.  I don't like having to wait 3 weeks for surgery with such an aggressive tumor, so I'm depending on God to stop its progression and keep all bad cells in place until they can be removed from my body.  My surgery will last about 4 hours, and I should remain in the hospital two nights.  I'm braced for the pain and the recovery, but I'm also expecting complete healing.

I thank you so much for your prayers!