|
|
|
|
Last Thursday when I went over to the church to chat with Rev. Mike before Bible Study, I'll be honest, I was getting a bit nervous about my upcoming lumpectomy that's happening this Thursday.
|
|
"I don't know man. This is getting a little too real for me now. Ya know what I mean? I said to Mike.
|
But after meeting with the Surgical Nurse and the Anesthetist this past Friday morning, all my fears were put to rest.
With any surgery, my biggest fear is me, (and my cp - cerebral palsy). I often get "White Coat Syndrome." My muscles get extremely tense & rigid. I worry about ripping or breaking my stitches, hitting & injuring my surgical wounds, popping my IV, (which I've done more than once) etc.; but this time, the Surgical Nurse assured me that my movements will not hurt anything, and actually, it will help with my healing. Normal movements, (even my "normal movements") will aid in my healing.
|
|
The Anesthetist was also very reassuring and made specific notes for my situation; - i.e. saying to me: "Don't move." or "Stay still." actually has the opposite outcome on me. Again, my muscles get tight, I worry about moving, I try not to move, and I end up squirming all over the place.
|
|
So, I'm approaching Thursday with more confidence. After communicating with medical folks, we agreed that using HFX Transit right after surgery might not be the most comfortable experience, so they're letting me stay overnight. Radiation won't start for at least a month or two after surgery. Meantime it's recommended that I do what I feel up to doing, and that's music to my ears.
|
|
In response to the latter part of my "Gratitude" send out last week, I'm absolutely thrilled that some folks have messaged to tell me about steps they have or are taking to look after themselves better. Two friends recently had a mammogram, and they were all good. YAAY! Two more friends are now making efforts to eat better - less McDonalds, less sodas, etc. I applaud each person's act and I pray that each peson will feel satisfied with their individual level of how they define their success.
|
|
I've had a thought or two that if I get more people telling me that they've taken any action - i.e. a mammogram or whatever, that it might be encouraging to make a list on my website. Just first names and maybe location, or not any identifiers at all. Maybe it's just enough to anonymously share one's accomplishments.
|
|
To that end, if you'd like to encourage others by sharing your efforts, just email me any details, and INDICATE WHICH DETAILS YOU WISH TO SHARE, and I'll mention them in future send outs.
|
And don't forget, tthese are a few things anyone can easily do:
|
- Women - BOOK A MAMMOGRAM! and encourage EVERY woman you know to do likewise.
- Men - Encourage EVERY woman you know to book a mammogram.
- Men - Movember is here. Get checked for Colon, Prostate, and Testicular Cancer, and bug all your friends to also do so.
- Women - Remind every man you know about Movember, and strongly encourage each one of the men you know to get tested.
- Beyond that: Your prayers, positive thoughts & energy, visits, jokes, laughs, etc., will all be very much appreciated, by me, and by others.
|
|
|
|
|
