Category: Pre-op Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

What a beautiful weekend

We are now inside the 45 day window for the prophylactic mastectomy.  ON one hand still a long way off yet on the other when I think about all that has happened the time has flown! I have been scrubbing the house from top to bottom.  I hate spring cleaning but do love to look through a newly cleaned window. Funny how impending surgery can result in the house probably being cleaner than it has been in years!

And what a time to clean windows since the weather this weekend has been awesome!  Blue skies, mid 70’s, sun and birds chirping.  I have been able to open windows to let  the house air out, love it!   I can’t believe that this is the forecast for the entire weekend! We put the heater on the pool on yesterday so today may be the first swim for the girls who of course are totally excited!

One last climate comment, The Bailey’s have finally broken the terrible weather streak!!!!! Megan’s communion was yesterday and it was gorgeous! As I have stated in other posts, we are so known for terrible rains etc it was very nice to be able to break that streak!

The Communion was beautiful.  It was a long day, Megan’s hair appointment at 8am, communion service at 10:30 party at 1 pm then some friends and family back to the house afterward. Megan looked so beautiful!  Like a little angel. The service itself was long.  It was amusing watching the kids in their new dresses and suits dance in the aisles trying hard to sit still. It was equally amusing watching the faces as they had the first taste of the host. They practiced with ice cream cones..not exactly the same  :-).

The party was wonderful! We had a DJ for the kids who seemed to be a big hit.  Lots of smile, no tears or whining so a huge hit in my book!  It was nice to see everyone and hope they all had as nice a time as we did!

I am grateful for so many things but to sum it up:

  • Beautiful weather
  • Beautiful Family
  • Great times with friends and family

Spinning round and round

I remember when I was young wanting to do sports and only being able to run track, not because I really wanted to but because that is what my best friend did and her mother was always willing to take me along . There were many times that her house was like a second home for  me.  Not sure if my mother ever saw me run.

SO now I have my kids and I want them to have opportunities I did not.  I always said I would not over schedule..at least that was what I said but somehow it all went spinning over scheduled.  Karate, Softball, piano, Meg’s communion practice, the actual upcoming communion, birthday parties etc etc…

I worry sometimes but I seem to be the only one.  Both girls are doing great in school.  They are happy and healthy. Really all that matters.  I guess my job is to make sure we stay on track and react quickly if something goes off the track.

Rapid subject change…our garden has produced the first crop of the year! (if you can call 4 strawberries a crop)   We are so excited since the berries were not very successful last year. They were a bit sour but still very tasty!  We expanded the garden this year…attempting cucumbers and corn along with the tomatoes, peppers and strawberries.

I enjoy working in the garden.  Something productive that is good for the entire family both for healthy food  and the quality time spent working it together. Helps keep my mind off the mastectomy which is also good for everyone!

Today I am grateful for:

  • Beautiful strawberries
  • The smile on the girls faces as it was picked

My Upcoming Surgery and Surgical Team

So on July 2 I need to arrive at Cooper University Hospital by 5am for a scheduled 7 am surgery.  The Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and DIEP Flap Reconstruction  is said to last between 10-14 hours.  I am told I will possibly then spend a few days in ICU followed by a few more in normal recovery.  Dr. Umur Atabek is the  surgeon performing the actual mastectomy.He is same surgeon who has performed each of the biopsy surgeries dating back to 1994.  The reconstruction will be performed by Dr. Yuan Y. Liu and assisted by Dr. Joseph Tamburrino.

I guess I should be jotting down some questions about what after looks like.  Rehab? How long before I can drive…sounds funny I am about to remove a large (and they are rather large) part of my body and all I can think about is when I can drive.  I am not a patient person.  I do not like to ask for help.  The recovery could be an interesting time for me.  Guess we will take it day by day like everything else.

Today I am grateful for:

  • Madison’s stomach ache this morning being nothing more than I minor belly ache
  • 4 ducks who landed in our pool last night (it was a sight to be seen!)
  • Hearing I love you Mommy from both as I put them to bed