Upcoming Surgery

It's been a while since I've updated my blog.

Surgery is just around the corner--- number three! On Monday, Sept. 27th, I'll have more tissue removed with the hope of getting clean margins this time. It wasn't an easy decision to make--- mastectomy or tissue --- but I made the best one I could for this point in time. My life is so busy with three small children that I just don't feel I can be off my feet for two major surgeries (mastectomy and reconstruction). I just want to get this overwith and move forward--- and my surgeon feels that I AM a good candidate for the type of surgery I've chosen. We know that there may very well be nothing left at the margin anyway.

After surgery, there will be a recovery period, and then--- radiation five days per week for six weeks. I've been told by several people that this leaves one feeling exhausted. Oh boy!

My hair is finally "filling in". It's very very short and I still look bald from a distance, but it's coming in quite well. It's fuzzy and soft. It appears to be a mix of light and dark hair. My eyebrows are growing back in (I'd lost at least 50% of them) dark --- a smokey color. Normally, they're blonde. And, my eyelashes are coming back (also lost 50% of those after the final chemo). Realizing that I'm going to need to wear head coverings for a few months yet, I recently ordered more colors. I had expected that once chemo ended my hair would grow like crazy. NOT. It's a VERY slow process. A survivor told me that it takes four to five months to get what looks like a "buzz cut". :-( I really miss having long hair, but It'd better not expect it anytime soon--- MAYBE a year from now? MAYBE.

I've been having some pressure and discomfort in my lower abdomen for nearly a week now. I went for an ultrasound today but won't have results for 3-5 days.

So much has happened since I last blogged. Last week, I went for a dental cleaning---six months check-up. On the last day of chemo I'd asked my oncologist if I could go to the dentist now. She smiled and said "yes". OOOPS! She forgot about my port, I guess, and I didn't know it mattered. The dentist sent me home. Apparently, if one has a port-a-cath in the chest one has to take a high dose of antibiotics one hour prior to having dental work done.

Well, two hours after arriving home I was munching on a salad when my TOOTH BROKE! How ironic! So, I called the dentist, he ordered an antibiotic and ... back to his office the next day for repair work--- $314. I hope and pray insurance will cover it, or at least a good chunk.

Also, during the past few weeks my father has continued to gain strength at the rehab facility. He's hoping to go home next week. Stephen, Kaylee, the kids and I attended an anniversary party activity at the rehab center. The married patients got to tell about their wedding day, how long they've been married, how many children, etc. It was nice. They had a wedding cake which my parents were invited to cut. :-)

My sister and her husband were "home" in Maine for two weeks. They were a tremendous help to my parents, as well as an encouragement. They are two of the most giving people I know, along with my parents. We were happy to see them a few times while they were here.

We enjoyed participating as a family in the local Komen Race for the Cure last weekend. A few friends joined us and that meant a lot to us. We definitely want to walk/run annually now! :) While at the race, Stephen and I were interviewed for the news. THAT was unexpected!

Kaylee's friend Whitney, from Bible school, was here for about 10 days and went back to Michigan this week. She's a really nice girl and we enjoyed spending time with her. Sadly, it was a really stressful and hectic time... so we didn't get to just relax much during her stay. I wish we could have a "re-do" at a less busy time.

We've had sooo much going on... Dad's heart attack and rehab stay, Mom's need to stay here some nights, Whitney's visit, the boys in school and our getting used to such early mornings and busy evenings, my health, a family matter that requires us to be support people to others right now, my husband's two jobs, Kathryn being a super active toddler, car repair, roof repair needs, juggle, juggle, juggle... some days, it just feels like complete OVERLOAD.

I really feel that I desperately need some "down time" (REST) for a good hour EVERY SINGLE afternoon, but it seems IMPOSSIBLE to get that. It would make such a huge difference. I fear the toll that "rush, rush, rush" and "push, push, push" will take on my health.

Right now, Kaylee and I are trying to babysit my grandson a lot (almost daily) while my son and his wife work multiple jobs. It's a LOT with the other three kids. I don't think either one of us could do it without the other's help. I'm worried about next week when I'm "laid up" from surgery--- I don't want Kaylee to be burried in responsbilities--- the house, the kids, the grandbaby, the meals... I hope I won't be out of commission for long.

We're looking forward for some family time away in a couple of weeks. I think all of the kids will be able to go--- including my grown ones and hte grandbaby. :-) It's TIME for some fun again. Stephen's birthday is on Sunday--- we're planning to cook with teh fondu pot and maybe go to the orchard. :-) YAY!

Well, it's time to get some rest. The kids get up early.

Prayer Requests:

Dad's health

Mom's need for strength as she looks after Dad and herself

My surgery and health concerns (the pressure/discomfort)

Sara's health (still having weekly chemos)

The couple I've shared about (HUGE answers to prayer these days regarding them)

Finances for auto repair (Stephen's van is overheating and leaking water) and somewhat small garage roof repair needs (the roof leak is over our bedroom and caused a mold problem last winter--- we HAVE to get it fixed. Thsi will involve finding someone to cut down a tree that shadows the garage roof on the side that's a concern.)