Thursday, May 28, 2009

GRRRREAT NEWS!

I had my appointment with my surgeon this morning, and I've been scheduled for my surgery!
I'm really excited (well, as excited as someone facing a bilateral mastectomy can be) that the next phase of recovery can begin. The only downside is that my surgeon said I will need to have radiation after the surgery which will be daily for 6 to 8 weeks! (each session is only 10-15 minutes, Mon-Fri, and I will be able to be back at school in the Fall!)

This is the next time line in my life. My surgery will be Thursday, July 2. I need to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. and the surgery will be 4-6 hours. When the surgeon is finished, the plastic surgeon will then step in and begin the reconstruction. When the plastic surgeon has completed what he needs to do (in about 4 weeks) then I can begin radiation. WHEW!! And I thought showing up at camp chemo once a week for 12 weeks was tough! But a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do...you know?

If all follows the plan, then by the end of September I should be finished. That will be just just about ten weeks short of the day that I was diagnosed. Quite a year. But in the end, worth everything that I've been through to be able to continue on my life's journey :-)

Today, I am a happy camper.

xox
Joanne

8 comments:

  1. I'll admit it feels very strange to be excited about a bilateral mastectomy... but I am so happy to hear the next step is coming up so soon. I'll be here hanging out with you on the internet every step of the way. What a whirlwind of a year!!
    Hugs!

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  2. Think of it this way ... when everyone else's breasts are hanging down around their navels, yours will be perky! There's always a silver lining, you know.

    Hang in there. You are doing great!!

    Leslie

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  3. Irv and i have been following your blog religiously. Carly's video was absolutely amazing and your news is equally wonderful!

    Radiation will be snap compared to what you've been through. You'll just be tired.

    And the good news? Besides the newly sculpted breasts, they take it off your tummy so you get a tummy tuck too! People will be thinking your kids are your sisters!

    Your spirit is inspiring!

    Love,
    Randi

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  4. Great News Joanne!!!
    You are certainly an inspiration!!
    You are in my thoughts and prayers!!
    Love ya,
    Michelle

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  5. Don't forget the highlight of your summer... road trip to LA baby!!

    Love you!!!! XoXoXo

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  6. Wonderful news!!!! LOVE the comments, especially Leslie's...haha....but, she's right. Did I hear? Did you say? YES, you DID! We just CANNOT WAIT to have you back 'missy'...you just make sure you take the time during/after chemo to recover...Lord knows those kids take a lot of energy. Oh, wait...THAT'S what the daily coffee dose does for you...I get it.

    Love,
    Shannon

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  7. I willsay lots of prayers for you! Good luck. You will be back to your self before you know it.

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  8. Hurray! It is scheduled! And you get to be back in school in the Fall! I am sure that the kids are going to be so excited to have you back. Wow! What a year this has been for you! You are simply an incredible woman, Joanne!it!

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