Another good day
Today was good, in part, because I didn’t have to deal with doctors or their offices. In fact, I commented to MaryBeth that we haven’t gotten an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) for at least a couple of days (for a while, we were getting 2-4 EOBs a day).
I am not quite sure how to feel about the upcoming surgery. I know that my surgeon is preeminent in his field and that Johns Hopkins is a great hospital. What bothers me more is not knowing what to expect. I have read accounts of people taking months to recover from this kind of surgery. Maybe that’s how it will be for me and maybe not. In the end, it’s just the not knowing that’s bothersome (I don’t do well with the unknown). As with my rotator cuff surgery, this is another opportunity for me to grow and develop; to build character, so to speak. Of course, if you ask those who know me best, they’d likely say I’m already a pretty big character.
I’ve had several people talk about coming to visit me (either while I’m in Baltimore or when I return to Atlanta) and, while I like the idea that people would like to visit, I do not know if I will be up to having them visit. While he was in the hospital recovering from his Whipple, Randy Pausch basically told folks to stay away. Send cards and notes, but DON’T VISIT. Will that be how I feel? (BTW, I will be posting addresses to which cards and notes can be sent once I find out what is the appropriate mailing address.)
Tonight we celebrated my eldest son’s 13th birthday. Egad, I have a teenager now. He chose where we went to eat (a really good burger place called Red Robin) and he wanted to go see the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie (which I thought was quite good; better than the first one, to be sure). He enjoyed the dinner, the movie, and his presents. I think he felt celebrated (of course, he was more focused on what he was going to do with the cash he got for his birthday.
I truly hope that this weekend is generally uneventful and…typical. I don’t want to make a big deal about my going away next week. Next week will involve a lot of adjustment for my family: beginning of school (yes, we here in Georgia start school on the 2nd Monday in August); MaryBeth and I going away; Grandma Elaine coming to stay with the kids; etc. Please keep us all in your thoughts; I have no doubt we’ll make it through these next several weeks, but they will be…challenging.
Merle
Hi Merle –
Maybe you should read the archives of Randy Pausch’s website where he updated his health status – it does cover the surgery and recovery to some degree – it might be helpful for you!
Best wishes on a speedy recovery – I think you made the right decision to go to JH!
Best of luck with your surgery and a quick recovery! I know the stress of having to make all of these decisions and plans, but your feet are on the path now, so try to relax and enjoy the trip!
Despite how scary this all is, you are very lucky to be able to have surgery and wow, a good shot at a complete cure! You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti (co-experiencer of this nasty cancer stuff)