Surgery Planning

We are busy planning for my first of several breast cancer-related surgeries.   For those of you who are interested and for those who are praying specifically, here is the outlook for the next week or so:

Thursday, 2/21, 9am:  Pre-op with Plastic Surgeon (Dr. Haydon)
Friday, 2/22, 11:30: Pre-op with Breast Surgeon (Dr. Martinez)
Friday, 2/22, 4:30pm: Labwork at my oncologist's office
Wednesday, 2/27, 10am-ish: Surgery (bilateral mastectomy (left, modified radical and right mastectomy), with expanders.)

I believe the surgery will take 4-6 hours from start to finish.  I have never been under anesthesia for that long.  The plastic surgeon (which I met on Monday) said I will stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights.  He said that I won't be able to lift Abbey for 3-4 weeks, which should make life around our household quite interesting.  I was just thinking today about how frequently I lift her--it is quite a bit.  I lift her in and out of her crib for two naps daily.  I lift her out of bed in the morning.  I lift her into and out of her high chair several times per day.  Also, I lift her into her car seat (apparently, I won't be driving for a while anyway, so this probably isn't an issue).  Lastly, I carry her up the stairs (which she can climb, so I won't be doing that during my recovery period).  But, she hasn't attempted going down the stairs yet (nor do I think it is a great idea for her to try right now).  So, I currently have to carry her down the stairs as well.  I am not worried about the recovery, but I am trying to plan for it.  :-)

Following my two pre-op appointments, I will write a blog post that has more details about the surgery itself.  But, I wanted to give everyone an update this week on what lies ahead.  Thanks again for continuing to lift us up in prayer!  We're praying for miraculous healing--a complete pathological response!  We're also praying for a great surgery, with no complications, as well as speedy healing from that.  Thanks again!