In an Instant

In early November I had my first ever mammogram. In early December, I was called back for a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound. In the days right before Christmas my doctor’s office called to make an appointment to go over my results. With our busy pre-holiday schedule, I thought to myself, “I can’t possibly make the time to go in,” so they were forced to break the news over the phone – highly suspicious of cancer, would like to schedule a biopsy ASAP.

What?! I felt a rush of panic and fear. I couldn’t deal with this now, we had big plans for the holidays. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and said a prayer. I decided the best thing I could do was to put it out of my mind and try enjoy the holidays. I was hesitant to share the news with many because I wasn’t yet exactly sure what I was dealing with and there was nothing we could do at this time anyway.

My biopsy appointment was early in January and it confirmed their suspicion. Soon afterwards, I was scheduled for a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy for February 20th. In the two weeks leading up to my surgery, with the help of my family and friends, I focused on laughing as much as I could, staying calm, being positive, working on cardio, eating clean (no sugar!), and reading up on standard treatments and alternative therapies.

The day of the surgery we had to arrive at the hospital by 8 am. Barry would be by my side, as well as my mom and my girlfriends Ira and Vickie (with several family and friends checking in via text). I had called the hospital ahead of time to see if it was okay to bring my entourage. The booking clerk had told me I would likely be immediately assigned a bed that would be my base during the different pre-surgical procedures and that my family was welcome to wait with me.

In actuality things turned out quite differently – that morning we all bounced from main floor waiting room to waiting room while I had my pre-surgical ultrasound, sentinel node nuclear imaging, and a guide wire localization. My entourage made quite an impression. I told one nurse that our plan was to drive them so crazy they would never ask us to return. Our final stop was the second-floor day surgery waiting room which was filled with many other patients and family members. We didn’t let all the people interfere with our party – we continued chatting, telling jokes and stories, laughing, hugging…

When the nurse came to check my vital signs before taking me to the pre-operative area he asked, “how many of these people are here with you?” I replied jokingly, “half the waiting room.” “Do you want them all to come in with you?” “Yes.” “Okay, we will make it happen.”

The last hour was very unnerving, after all this was my first ever surgery. With all the construction taking place at the Kootenay Regional Hospital, at times the building vibrated so bad that our teeth rattled. Barry was concerned how they could manage to operate. The nurse tried to reassure him saying, “well, maybe the workers will stop for lunch.”

When they wheeled me away, my entourage went down to the cafeteria to share a packed lunch where they were joined by more of my family members. After an hour-and-a-half it was all over and the surgery was successful. After a brief stay in recovery and my pre-operative bed, the party was over by 4 pm and we headed home. The doctor and the hospital staff were fantastic – great compassion, great care, great sense of humour. It made the day bearable.

We arrived in Grand Forks to a home-made meal lovingly provided for us by my sister-in-law. The fridge was stocked with other delicious goodies made by Nina and Laverne and sent home with us by Mom, to get us through the following week. My kitties (Amiga, Rascal and Hope) as well, have given their mamma extra love and attention.

My heart goes out to all the women who have walked this path before me. Since getting home I am forever different, I cannot really explain. I am ever so grateful for all the warm well wishes and heartfelt prayers I received before, during and after surgery. All the love and support of family, friends and community is truly humbling. I am very appreciative.

If these past couple of months have taught me anything it is to take time to care for yourself – body, mind and spirit. If you don’t do it, no one else will.