Wed. March 24th ... 23 days and counting!

This morning I got THE phone call... so happy to finally have a surgery date! It's 3 weeks from this Friday... April 16th, at 1:00pm. After much research and a lot of soul-searching and mind-changing, I’ve finally decided to have a bi-lateral mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction (implants). I decided against the DIEP flap procedure (the 15-hour surgery with tissue transfer/tummy-tuck). I'll be going into the breast diagnostic center earlier that morning for the pre-mastectomy injection of radioactive dye for them to determine during surgery if the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes, before going to Torrance Memorial. My surgery is supposed to take 6 hours, with a 1-or 2-night stay in the hospital.

I've been asked if I want visitors that evening. The answer is yes! I'm definitely a visitor person! The more the merrier. It'll be harder on YOU seeing me without makeup and looking half dead, than it will be on me! I may not be very sociable, but you'll understand. I'll know you're there, and that's all that matters.

Much of my day today was spent on the phone with other doctors making pre-op appointments. I made a special calendar designated for all my doctor's appointments... there are many in the next 3 weeks! I'm going to be inquiring soon about genetic testing for the BRCA gene for breast cancer, to see if I'm a carrier. This cancer thing has turned into a full time job.

Today I received a long e-mail from Kelly, my Endocrinologist's Physician's Assistant (the girl I see every time I go, instead of the doc). She's so wonderful! She wears an insulin pump like me. She did some research and wrote out a detailed description of how my diabetes will be handled in the hospital, before, during and after surgery. She's very positive, upbeat, and encouraging. She thinks I'll do great.

It is such a relief to have everything in motion now. I can start the countdown, make my many "to-do lists", get strong, work out, dance alot, get things in order at home. I just ordered the book, "Why I wore red lipstick to my mastectomy". I plan on buying some pretty pajamas for the hospital. I'm getting my hair colored and highlighted the day before my surgery, by Celina, (since I won't be able to wash it for a week afterwards). I'm collecting cute tops that button up the front since I won't be able to raise my arms for a while, yet I still want to look nice. I'm taking my herbs and supplements, cooking and freezing meals, and eating healthy.

I truly feel that I'm in very good hands. My surgeons are excellent, highly skilled & experienced, kind, and compassionate. My nurses are thorough, caring and concerned. My support group ladies are fabulous, positive and encouraging. I feel very loved and empowered.

…and now, the countdown begins. 23 days….

Are you with me? :)

Love,
Rhonda