RELIEF: GOOD NEWS!

Today has been a full one. But, I have to start by sharing the BIG news. :-) The doctor called this afternoon to say that my scans and blood work have shown that there are no other tumors in my body. :-) He said that this is the MOST IMPORTANT thing.

I was dreading this call, and also anticipating it. I wanted to know the news, but only if it was GOOD news. What a relief to receive such a great report!

On Wednesday, April 7th, my cancer and I will be parting company. I think it's hitch-hiked inside my body for long enough. It's time to go. :-) So long, farewell! :-) I think that it's served it's purpose--- it has my caught my attention, and there are lessons to be learned from this experience. God and I will continue this journey minus the tumor.

The doctor said the surgery day is going to be a long one. I'll arrive at first thing in the morning, and 1 1/2 hours later a wire will be placed. An hour after that, dye will be injected to "light up" any areas that will need to be removed during surgery. We need to allow the dye two hours to do it's job, and then the surgery will begin. I'll be "out" for the operation, and I'm very nervous about having the anesthesia. I lost a puppy under anesthesia once time. So, blog followers, please pray specifically for calmed nerves when it's time to be "put out". The surgery will last for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The doctor will do a lumpectomy (my choice) and he'll also remove some nodes. After recovery, I should be home by dinner-time. How wonderful it will be to go home WITHOUT the cancer!

It's strange, because what I'm worrying about MORE than the surgery is how I'm going to pull 0ff my daughter-in-law's baby shower three days later! I asked the doctor if I can still host it. He said I will be sore and tired, and that I can ATTEND AND ENJOY it, but no lifting, etc.

Okay, approximately 40 people have been invited. I have a lot of work to do! I still want to have the shower, and I want Kanaho to really enjoy her special day. I'm feeling overwhelmed about this---

I'll have some help, but there are the things that I do that no one else does...how to do them! Maybe this is one of those "let go" lessons in life? :-D

And, how do I get the baby from her crib, change her diaper, put her in the high chair, wait on the twins for their needs? Lots and lots to think about. It's a good thing there's a week to figure it all out. Ha!

I went to a breast cancer support group today. My first impression was that all the ladies there look good! They're healthy! They are at varying stages... most have recovered, some are still on medications, etc. They were so open and welcoming. Each one offered one piece of helpful advice. I appreciated each and every one of them and what they shared. I'll go back! :-)

One lady said something that really stood out to me. She said she doesn't like to think of "fighting cancer" or "battling cancer". She prefers to look at it like she's got a friend that needs to leave. So, she helps it leave. I LOVE IT! I think that it's exhausting to think of it as a fight. That's got a negative connotation to it. So, I'm adopting her viewpoint. My little hitch-hiker needs to leave and I'm taking steps to escort it out the door. :-)

The doctor is very very helpful. He said that I can call at any time with questions, and if he's busy he'll call back. I told him that when we get to the point of meeting with oncologists, I'll want a second opinion regarding treatment suggestions. He firmly said that he will help me do that, and he'll help me find someone to give me that second opinion. I feel like my doctor is on my side. This gives me confidence!

The day began at 12:00 AM when my little girl decided that it'd be cool to get up and play until well after 3:00 AM. Later in the morning I enjoyed a special time of baby registry creating at a store with my expectant daughter-in-law and my oldest daughter. Having that little grandbaby to look forward to his a real "bright spot" right now. :-)

Well, it's time to bring this very busy day to a close. Chinese food and a movie are on the agenda!