Going to Get Fixed

As I prepare for hysterectomy surgery tomorrow afternoon, I suddenly realized that Millie is up in doggie heaven today laughing herself silly.  It's payback time-- finally my turn to go to the vet to "get fixed"!

Well surprisingly, I've actually been quite calm leading up to this day.  Ignorance is sweet bliss when you've never been a hospital patient before.  No doubt, the next trip will find me kicking and screaming all the way into the O.R!

Time will soon tell if delaying this surgery 3 weeks (to switch insurance plans to Blue Cross) was the right call or not, but I sure have enjoyed the extra prep time immensely.

The first week, I headed down to Starved Rock State Park to let nature do some healing on me.  I'll post more pics of this amazing week as soon as I'm able, but here's one that I shared with WinnieViews Facebook readers recently (along with a favorite John Muir quote):

Last week, I returned to Chicago for jam-packed reunions with friends.  All those calories I'd burned hiking the week before were now lost as I headed to eat a different yummy restaurant meal every day.  But what a great time each meet-up was!  One of those friends was someone I'd not seen in over 30 years, and yet, we seemed to pick right up where we left off.  I am so blessed to have such dear, old friends to surround and support me as I head into this cancer battle. 

My family have been super heros as well-- reaching out on nearly a daily basis this past month to check in on me and show their love.  My sister Holley and her husband Mike have prepared their comfy, cozy guest room for me (the RV is now parked in storage for a month or two), cooked me delicious meals, and given me far more than I feel worthy to accept.  All I can do is give my thanks and hope to return this monumental favor down the line someday in their day of need.

Friends of this blog have been reaching out to me as well.  I've been deeply touched by other women sharing their hysterectomy and cancer stories with me to give me strength and encouragement.   So many times in years past, I had wondered if this little blog was connecting with anyone and whether it was worthwhile to continue.   I now have my answer.  You're there, and it's worth it!

I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to do a blog post after surgery, but I'll try to get a quick update posted in a few days as soon as I can.  In the meantime, I'll leave you with one more Starved Rock photo, and a well-worn quote that has sure proven to be timely and true, be they friends or family--

My bag is now packed, body is prepped, and iPod is loaded up with an inspired, kick-butt playlist.  Thank you all for getting me ready for this day.  

I'm ready to roll!