ONE WEEK AND COUNTING ….

Well, the surgery date is coming quickly. But given the speed that this summer has flown past, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised! Can you believe that September is half over already? The surprising thing here on the east coast of Canada is that the leaves have just started turning to the wondrous shades of rust, orange, yellow, burgundy, and a few lingering greens over the past week or so. Normally, the fall colours start providing wonderful fodder for photos by the end of August. I’m not complaining … just hoping that I will improve quickly from surgery in time for my annual fall colour cruise somewhere in our beautiful province!! Perhaps I won’t get as far this year, but we do not have to travel great distances to enjoy the vibrant art creations of Mother Nature. I’m hoping she takes her good old time getting her brushes ready this year.

I’m starting to get a bit antsy, but more about the travel down to Halifax on Sunday morning and making sure we get there in time for check in. It will be an early morning departure, for sure since check in time is 1 o’clock and the drive is 4 ½ hours. Surprisingly, I’m looking forward to having surgery this time. Well, I’m pretty sure you know what I mean when I say that. I would definitely rather be doing something else altogether! lol But this recurrence is different – more frightening – than the other three and the thought of going through another painful episode has me totally paranoid.

There is a great deal of difference in the type of discomfort I am experiencing. The tumour is located in a higher position – just under the rib – and it is making it more difficult for me to forget that I actually have cancer … something I was almost able to do in previous recurrences. This guy is definitely making certain that I don’t forget, especially if I sit up for too long! That’s when the discomfort – and sometimes a sharp feeling – radiates around to the back, much like a muscle ache.

So, bring it on, I say. But make this last week long enough that I get all of those little things done that I have on my list!! And hopefully grab a few more of those grandkid cuddles before the weekend. ;-)

Until next time …..

~ B-Optimistic ~

TWO WEEKS … THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

Well, the countdown is on. I got THE call from Halifax this afternoon and I am scheduled for surgery at 2 o’clock on Monday, September 24^th. I’m very grateful to my Oncologist for working things out so that I don’t have to make two trips to Halifax and instead will check into my ‘suite’ at the VG on Sunday afternoon and have all of the pre-op tests done that day. Feeling as I am, it would have been a very rough journey to undertake twice!

So now the planning begins. The reservations are made at the Lodge for Willie and the boys, who are coming along for moral support.  I’ve booked a whole week for Willie’s stay since that seems to be the usual length of time that I remain in hospital, but hopefully it will be a speedier recovery this time. I sure wish I was booking a room for that vacation we planned on taking this fall instead ….. But, it is what it is. Maybe we'll still get a couple of nights away somewhere once these hurricanes have passed. :-)

Am I nervous? As long as I don’t REALLY think about it, I am OK. I expect that I will be scared out of my britches by the time Friday before surgery rolls around, so I’ll enjoy this naivety while I can. But having trust in my Oncologist/Surgeon makes all the difference in the world with regard to my mental state and he has a wonderful team close at hand to take care of any little surprises that might arise. So I guess it’s all good.

Meanwhile, keep those prayers and positive vibes coming my way! I’ve got to go make a list of priorities!!

Until next time …..

~B-Optimistic~