Another week done. I received a call with a possible surgery date last Friday but haven't shared as it was not set in stone. Wednesday the 19th at Rockyview- soon which is superb in terms of getting at the tumour ASAP. That will include a full bilaterial masectomy and lymph biopsy/surgery - reconstruction surgery would be later. My surgeon is still working on a (very slim) possibility of doing both at once this month but there are some complicated factors as well as logistical considerations to navigate. Mostly likely I'll be going in this Tuesday for node marking and then the next day for the masectomy/node surgery. Remarkably, I would be out by Thursday, albeit to manage my wounds and drains on my own! Fries with that? type of drive-thru surgery these days!
In the midst of all of this cancer nonsense, I am also moving out of my condo this month. Yes, movers are booked for November 26 (possession date of buyer is Dec 1) to move the majority of my stuff into storage until my new condo in Currie Barracks is completed in the summer of 2015. I am moving in with a girlfriend of mine who has extra space in the interim, so my mind has not been able to wander to the "what ifs" of my health right now as I need to pack everything I own and sort into several categories: what goes in storage, what I need post-surgery (staying with mom and dad for that), what I need at my friend's place for next 7 months, what needs to be donated, what I need for Maui (assuming I still get to go in January depending on a lot). As many of you know, I am a spreadsheet girl - spreadsheets calm me down to control lots of things ;) You should see my spreadsheet for my move! Sortable columns, colour coding, all which may seem OCD but now that I will not be able to lift 5 lbs for several weeks, will have to "move out" by Tuesday, and maybe not be able to monitor the move, this spreadsheet is truly of major value :) Mom and I have been sorting/packing every chance we have, which has been tiring but mentally a good thing to focus on during the wait/wait/wait phase.
My leukemia docs, including those in NY, have been updated on everything as well, and after surgery will be ready and waiting to assist the breast oncology team post-surgery to navigate what if any chemo I can tolerate if that's required. I'm not thinking about that as have to get through surgery first, but at least I know my treatment team will be collaborating with those that know me so well. That, combined with a certainty of a good surgical team, and the hundreds of wishes, notes, texts, messages etc. from so many people, has allowed me to move into a zone of strength to fight. It's an oddly familiar feeling, having been there too many times before, the survival type of focus, and one that I hope will not be required once this chapter is done. But it is good to be in it rather than the quicksand feeling I had two weeks ago.
So thanks again to everyone for the constant amazing energy....if you can send a bunch to my surgeon (and some to me) on Wednesday that would be wonderful. Cheers.
4 comments:
Dear Tricia,
We are hoping that the surgery will take place very soon and that all will go according to plan. In the meantime your mental and emotional states are an inspiration and comfort to all of us. We are sending love, prayers and energy to all involved--parents, family, friends, doctors and your health team.
Love, BJ
Dear Tricia,
Our calendar is marked. The 19th is your day and we will be with you in spirit, sending energy to you, your surgeon and your entire treatment team. We can hardly believe that you'll be discharged the very next day. Thank God you're going to be staying with your mom and dad following your operation. Their names are surely at the top of your treatment-team list. Talk about TLC!
We went on line to check out Rockeyview Hospital. There are lots of good reviews regarding patient care. Then we searched for Currie Barracks to get a feel for your new neighborhood, come next summer. That looks like an ideal urban community and we can see why you have chosen to move there.
We didn't know about your being a spreadsheet girl but we can see how useful such a plan would be under these circumstances. Life doesn't get much more complicated or hectic than it is for you right now. In spite of all that, we can actually feel your movement into a "zone of strength". Somehow you've taken us there with you as ever before. Thank you!
Love you lots,
Louise and David
Sending lots of love and prayers for you, your surgery and recovery team, your Mom and Dad, and all who will be helping you. I still can't believe they'll send you home the next day. Your "Fries with that?"sure describes that crazy in and out of hospital as fast as we can system! You're in our hearts Tricia.
Lots of love,
Bob & Mary Ellen
xoxo
Good Morning, Tricia
We are just sending an extra shot of energy on "moving day". We hope the packing of your personal stuff went as planned.
Besides that, the wait, wait, wait phase is drawing to a close as you have node-marking done in preparation for tomorrow's surgery. We are here on the sidelines cheering you on with lots of love.
Post a Comment