Tomorrow the Fun Begins
Well, I managed to get through the work day, keeping myself busy with mindless tasks around the office (it’s amazing how well distraction can work). I spent a lot of time, not consoling people, but explaining what was going to happen (and re-assuring them that my wife WOULD post an update to this blog on Thursday evening). 
Tonight I completed my second Wood Badge ticket item as I presented an informational session about cancer to the boy scouts of Troop 549. Some of the boys knew I had cancer, others did not. We talked about what cancer was; what it looks like (can you tell if someone has cancer); what causes it; how to treat it; etc. I asked lots of questions and kept most of the boys engaged (I think). It went quite well; my only concern was that someone might have brought up my chances of dying. Luckily, when someone mentioned that some people die from cancer, I was ready with examples of people who received treatment for their cancer and survived.
Tomorrow the fun begins! Thank you to MaryBeth F. who posted on my blog. MaryBeth had her Whipple procedure 3 weeks ago, so her input has been incredibly helpful in beginning to understand what is coming up on Thursday. She didn’t paint a rosy picture (did I mention that my cousin, Martin, said he thought things were going to go so well that I would be able to join my family at the beach on Saturday?). She was forthright, honest, and I have a better of what to expect (of course, MaryBeth parroted what my oncologist said…my surgery is more complicated than a typical Whipple because of the portal vein involvement).
The outpouring of emotion, caring, and love over the past couple of days has been overwhelming. It helps so much to know there are so many people pulling for me and thinking about me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Merle