“And now these three
remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1
Corinthians 13:13
Someone posted this
on my mom’s facebook wall. I find it very fitting for today. I am humbled by
everyone’s love, positive thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement for Mom
and for us as a family. Before I get to a recap of today, I want to thank
everyone-it brings me tears of joy (seriously yes I cried J) to know how many of you care and have been
praying/sending positive thoughts our way.
Today was/is surgery
day. I hate hospitals. I realize that a lot of people hate hospitals. They just
smell so blah. Hospitals should pipe in some of that scented air they have in
Vegas Casinos-not the whole place just the doorways that you walk in-how
comforting would that be.
Before surgery we
were all crammed into a small “prep-op room.” Per usual we were having a good
time laughing. Not all of the nurses enjoyed our sense of humor. Here are some
photos of my ridiculous nature on the wheely stool that was in her room.
I had a good time “creeping” on people in the
hallway.
I also had a good time entertaining with this
one. I call it my “nooo don’t take me back there!” others referred to that
photos as the “shhh you can’t see me hiding in the corner.” Regardless we had a
fun time waiting to go back. Well as fun as 5 adults can have crammed in a
small room waiting for your mom/husband/daughter to have a breast amputation.
Before Mom’s surgery
she had to go through Nuclear procedure to see if the cancer had spread to her
nodes. I’m not really sure what any of that meant but it would affect what
needs to happen after surgery (i.e. chemo). Well there were several “Hulk”
jokes begin made, and then I kinda hoped her breast would begin to glow a blue
color so we knew it was working. We were all sadly disappointed.
I kept my queasy
under control until it was time to put in the IV. I stepped out briefly for
this.
We said our tearful
good byes (positive but still tearful) to her, and well her breasts. In that
moment it hit us that it was really happening. There is a certain feeling of
denial until she was getting up to walk into surgery.
Surgery took about
two and a half hours. The waiting room had a like “ticker” of updates so you
could track what stage of surgery she was in-and there were symbols and a little
key. It was pretty neat. At one point all four us were working on the crossword
puzzle. That’s dad “thinking” face J
We didn’t finish
it-or we couldn’t I can’t remember. We got stuck on one of the last clues, but
by that time Mom was ready to roll out.
Mom is currently on
the 6th floor-can’t remember the room number. When I first saw mom
she looked at me (still very drugged) and said “Hey, baby” I know that she was
in the best care, but it was the most comforting part of my day. I’m sure she
won’t remember it, but that’s okay.
She looks great. A
little flatter, but great. We won’t know anything official for about a week.
Mom should be heading home tomorrow. Doesn’t that boggle your mind? I will
leave you all with the face that I greeted Mom with once she was settled in her
room. It may be a little crazy, but the look is pure me J