Thanksgiving is Coming and I'm Thankful I Can Have Surgery!

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and I am not prepared! No surprise! Maybe it counts a little that I bought the big box of bread crumbs for stuffing at Costco last week. Now for a turkey and a few other necessities so that the family can make our Thanksgiving Dinner. That's right, I'll probably be watching or maybe even sleeping on the couch because I will be having surgery the day before!

Art and I went to see my Plastic Surgeon on Monday to discuss having the implant relocated and removing the other small lump. As he is assessing the situation and leaving no room for modesty, he asked about the remaining tissue under my arms. I quickly said, "well I would love to have it removed but you said that would be an out-of-pocket expense and we can't afford it". His response shocked me! He said that recently they have been able to do such surgeries as a covered procedure following mastectomy surgery, especially for women like myself that were large busted prior to cancer. I was speechless for a second and then responded, "sign me up". Seriously, you have no idea how uncomfortable this issue (or tissue) has been for me and how often I've wished (and prayed) that it could be done. This is a huge blessing!!

He asked when I wanted to have the surgery and Art and I had already discussed some options. We definitely want it done before the end of the year because I've met my deductible for 2010. Then, the doctor said he could do it next week. Are you serious? He was and I agreed to it! So the plan was to have it done Tuesday, which would give me Wednesday to recover a bit before Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday I receive the call saying that the hospital doesn't have any availability for Tuesday but they could do it Wednesday...ugh...deep breath...the day before Thanksgiving, are you serious? Well, that's the plan now and seemed like the best solution for several reasons. The following week is Sherry's birthday and the kids are planning to go to Disneyland. I knew they would cancel if I was having surgery. The week after that is my mom's 80th birthday and we are planning a little party. I also have "clients" closing on their home that week. Then we get closer to Christmas and all the festivities! So it's settled, next Wednesday, unless they have a cancellation for Tuesday.

I text Art this morning and asked him if I was crazy. Fortunately for me, I have a hubby that loves to cook and be in the kitchen, accompanied by two wonderful daughters that are great cooks, as well. Of course I can't forget Josh, my 9 year old grandson who aspires to be a chef someday and is always excited about helping in the kitchen.

God is good and His provisions always come at the right time!

If It's Not One Thing...

My goal was to schedule the recommended surgery to remove the lump and move the implant before the end of the year but I was determined to pay off the surgeon for previous services before I would schedule any more. I also found out that I needed to have some hand surgery to release a couple of trigger joints. I had it all planned out. I would have the breast surgery and then about a month later I would take care of my hand....that was until my fingers became so painful and locked up more frequently. The doctor was unable to give me any more cortisone injections and surgery was inevitable.

I had the hand surgery in October and I'm almost completely healed. My middle finger still has slight swelling and lack of range of motion. Sometimes it feels as though it's broken but hopefully in time it will heal completely. I am thankful that I can open and close my fingers now without them getting stuck. Now I can play that little finger game with the kids, "open shut them, open shut them, give a little clap, clap, clap". Before surgery it was a little more delayed and pretty comical.

Mystery Rash Returns

The middle of June, I began not feeling well and although I couldn't really pin point why I didn't feel good, I just knew something didn't seem right. I started having chills and fever and feeling weak. One day, about a week after Jordan had arrived, Sherry said, "mom your face is flush, have you checked your breast area". She said this because in December I had developed some type of mysterious skin infection that set into my chest area and was bright red. I hadn't even thought about the fact that it could be a similar problem again, after all, that was so strange when it happened the first time. Sherry followed me to the bathroom mirror and as I lifted my shirt we saw the familiar redness and it was warm to the touch.

I knew I would probably be accompanied to the hospital once again but I didn't want to think about it. As you can guess, I didn't have a say in the matter! Art promptly took me and Sherry to the hospital and dropped us off while he ran to his own doctor appointment. A few hours later I was being admitted to hospital and pumped full of strong antibiotics that I can't even pronounce. Fortunately, this time they were able to catch it before it spread as much as the first time around. I was seen by the same Infectious Disease Doctor and she was just as puzzled about it this time as last. After a few days of care in the hospital, I was released and I continued the medications at home. The only explanation they can give is that my immune system is compromised and infections hit the weakest area. Hopefully this is the last time!!

Bundle of Joy...Little Jordan Arrives!

The biggest bright spot in my summer was the arrival of my 4th grandson! Jordan Alexandar made his grand entrance into this world on June 18th! He tried to make his appearance several times but the doctors were able to hold mommy's contractions off long enough for him to be healthy and strong, even though he insisted on still coming a bit early! What an awesome experience to witness his birth, as I have with the other three boys. My emotions were raw, as I realized how blessed I was to be here, alive, and to hold him in my arms.

The days around his birth were busy and exciting as we helped with the other boys and spent time getting to know our newest addition. There is nothing like being a grandma. There is nothing like being a cancer survivor and soaking up the precious moments of life! I realize how blessed I am!

It's Been a Rough Year!

I haven't been very deligent about updating my blog this year...in fact, I realize now that I haven't blogged since February. I don't think I can fully explain my state of mind this last year and especially the summer months, so suffice it to say, I was in a bit of a funk and a little depressed perhaps.

Honestly, I feel like maybe everything finally caught up with me and my emotions. I was physically and emotionally tired of dealing with medical issues. It seems as though it's been one issue after another without any time to get my head above water for a deep breath.

Actually, I guess it started in the spring with the discovery of a lump in the same breast that had cancer. I did all the right things, I went to the doctor but was hoping he would say he didn't feel it and I was being paranoid. Unfortunately, he did feel it, as well, and sent me for an ultra sound. The report was reassuring, in that the radiologist believed it to be benign. However, shortly after my visit, my doctor called and suggested that I still consult with my surgeon for another opinion. I saw the surgeon and his opinion was that with my history, the lump should be removed or at the very least biopsied, although it wasn't urgent. I will be the first to admit that I want the lump out of there but his words brought mixed emotions. The good news was that he suggested it could be done at the same time that the implant is relocated to it intended position. He was afraid that if he just tried to biopsy or remove the lump he may rupture the implant. Now, I would need to meet with the Plastic Surgeon to schedule it.

On top of the medical issues I was facing, business was slow and finances were tight! Then I found out I needed a lot of dental work done which was going to cost more than I could afford! I just wanted off the merry-go-round because it wasn't very "merry"!