Somewhat overwhelmed

So the clock is spinning at record speeds now it seems.  I can not believe we are just a little over three weeks out of the mastectomy.  The march forward continues.  I had my blood work done yesterday and was rather impressed with the efficiency of the process.  I usually go to a labcorb or Quest for blood work but they preferred I went right to a Cooper center so they could access the results directly.  I was there for less than 15 minutes from check in til walking out the door.  Almost a pleasure really, (as much as having a pointy item stuck into your arm can be of course) :-). I have had to sit for well over an hour many times…nice to have something move so quickly!

I am a bit overwhelmed. We have received many offers to help out during my recovery for which I am so grateful! So many of the offers are so sincere, I mean we all know how it is right?  You are standing there and the conversation comes up about someone cutting off part of their body and no one is sure what to say so the offers to help come pouring out. We have all been there ugh..right? Alright, maybe not exactly  that situation but I think we all know what I mean.

We do not have parents who are usually the ones who come running. Frank and I are used to facing things for the most part alone and head on and do not ask for help well.  We also do not quite know what to do with help that is offered sometimes. I think we  may be underestimating the degree of assistance we may need.  I believe that after all of the different biopsies we both expect hope that I will be up and around very quickly.

To all of my friends I thank you and appreciate the offers!  We just might need you all!

30 days….

So dinner was excellent!  We went to DelFrisco’s Double Eagle Steak House and the food was fantastic!  It was originally an old bank built in the 30’s.  Very cool with the huge columns.  A very nice night with my husband.

30 days from today tick tock tick tock. This time next month the surgery should be over or close to it and the recovery stage will begin.  Now we just need to get through the 30 days.

I went to the chiropractor the other day, felt much better after I left.  Seems I am holding a bunch of stress LOL…I was not too surprised to hear that.  I made 2 more appointments for this month.

This week I see Dr. Atabek and need to get my pre-op blood work drawn.  Also have Field day at Megan’s school and a dinner with cousins of my husband’s that I have never met.  And of course the normal karate and softball.  Should be an interesting week I guess.

30 days….after all of this agonizing time, where has the time gone?  I am sure these days will both drag and fly at the same time!

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