I got the green light this week for surgery scheduled on Monday December 5th. Check in is at 5:30am and the Dr. will make his first incision by 8:30am. Surgery is expected to be 6-8 hours followed by a 7-10 day stay at the wonderful Virginia Mason downtown Seattle.
I'll be honest, I have a lot of mixed emotions and the closer the day is the more mixed they get. LOL I'm excited that chemo is behind me and I made it this far and am an actual surgical candidate. If you remember when I started this journey, I wasn't. My biggest concern is the artery that my tumor is attached too. Am praying that it's not too attached to remove since that would be fatal for me. Oh, the Dr. said they would do everything they can to prolong my life........a life of chemo and treatments, no thanks!
I am really optimistic and know that I have the cancer beat! It will shock me if they find any hidden cancer. I'm convinced I nipped that evil disease long ago. Not looking forward to a week in the hospital but hoping I"ll have some visitors along the way to keep me from getting too lonely. My first day will be spent in step down ICU but then the 2nd day I'll get my own room. I assume it will be my own????
This has been a long 7 months but so much good has come from it so far. I've been so deeply torched and moved by the amount of support from not only my family and friends, but total strangers. This journey has allowed me to see the best in everyone. Life is sooooo good! and the people in it are what make this world go round.
I still have most of my chemo side affects. Dr says it takes about 6 weeks before people start seeing them go away so I still have a few more to go...............most excited for the day I wake up and my eyes are not watering profusely.
Please save the date and celebrate with me being cancer free on February 18th at the Browns Point Improvement Club down on the waterfront. It will be a night to remember filled with food folks and lots and lots of fun! You can go to www.CancerDiva.com and order your tickets. They are $50 a piece and that includes dinner, beer and wine. There will be music and karaoke!! You all have been on this journey with me so only fair that we celebrate this victory together!
It's already December so I wanted to take this time to wish you and your family a really wonderful holiday. Please don't get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays so you can enjoy what's really important.....your family and friends. If there's one thing I've learned on this journey it's that PEOPLE make your life magical.
LIVE WITH PASSION and Happy Holidays!
DJ
I'm so happy for you that this journey is coming to an end on a good note...I think we are all holding are breath until we hear something on Monday. You have a huge support group and we are all praying for you Dawn. My spirit will be with you holding your hand:)
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Kim
Dawn,you are a miracle, And all Glory be to God for his faithfulness to you, because of your faithfullness to him. My prayers are still with you. Love,Aunt Ginger
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