Oh Hey! Surgery is tomorrow!

Hey Friends!!

As most of you know already, I am having surgery TOMORROW! I can’t believe it’s here. I had little time to prepare as they told me last Thursday my surgery date. So 7 days to get all my ducks in a row. At first I was debating if the surgery was even possible because I have been experiencing edema in my lower legs/feet/ankles and was put on Lasix (a diuretic) for 7 days. My surgeon and I emailed back and forth over the weekend and she said she wanted to still proceed with surgery if I felt up for it. Honestly… I was absolutely terrified and mentally not prepared at all. In my mind I thought I had another 2 weeks to prep!!! BUT the more I thought about it…. I am so happy to say goodbye to Fred (for good this time) and get this over with!

Abdominal CT, Echo and Lab Results:

CT Scan and abdominal vessels look good!! Dr. Nigriny (my reconstructive surgeon) said the vessels are located a little higher than usual. Meaning he will need to make the incision across my belly button versus lower abdomen. The scar will be large going across my entire stomach. He asked if this was OK as it will be more noticeable. I laughed and said “well my bikini and crop top days are over so yes that is absolutely fine” LOL! I had the Echocardiogram today and that looks good too!! YAY for a healthy heart! Lab work was normal meaning the edema isn’t due to kidney or heart issues (thank goodness)! Most likely due to chemo and steroids.

Radiation Update:

I met with my radiation oncologist, Dr. Brower last week. He is part of my OG team and has been with me from the very beginning. I feel like out of all of my providers he knows me the very best and I trust him 100%! I haven’t seen him since being re-diagnosed so I was anxious to pick his genius brain (he is literally the smartest man I know)! He said unless during surgery something pops up… like margins aren’t clear or there is muscle/chest wall involvement he doesn’t want to radiate again. YAYYYY!!! I was so excited and relieved to hear this news! He said he spoke with my surgeon and told her to take as much as possible especially if there is any inkling that the cancer has spread. So removing muscle/etc if needed. He said this will lessen the chance of needing radiation.

Saying Goodbye

My husband and I dropped the kids off at my in-laws tonight. We had a nice taco dinner together! It was nearly impossible to hold the tears back while saying goodbye. I probably gave them 100 hugs and kisses each. I don’t leave them often…. like ever lol… so not only will it be hard to be away for 4 days but thoughts go through your head… ya know?? So scary! Gosh I just love them so so much!!!!

Surgery Prep

I just took a shower and used the antibacterial cleanser. I will do this again tomorrow morning!! My hospital bag is pretty much ready to go! I have to be at the hospital for 6AM… meaning I will need to wake up around 3:30ish… yikes! Should probably go to bed…. like now haha! Surgery will last 8-12 hours and then I will be monitored in the ICU for 3ish days.

Thank you everyone for all your love and support!!! I am the LUCKIEST!!

PEACE OUT FRED!!!

KPOW