T-Minus 8 Days

For the past month, I haven't thought about my upcoming surgery much as far as the actual surgery and recovery goes. I was too wrapped up in getting my finances in order, making arrangements for school pick-up and drop-off for my daughter, and figuring out work details.

But this morning, I had my pre-op appointment and it suddenly became real again - as well as a tiny bit scary.

My doctor said I'm one step away from endometrial cancer, so I'm very glad we're getting this taken care of now. But on the other end of the spectrum, there is a lot involved. Not being able to get out of bed by myself for a few days. No work. No exercising. No driving. No going up and down stairs. No wearing jeans (though really, that is not a big sacrifice!). No crunches! (Oh, the withdrawal I shall suffer...just kidding.)

And the pain. The last time I had surgery, I hardly had any pain. That was nice. The time before that, however, when they had to remove an ovary was very painful, indeed. I have an inkling this surgery is going to be similar in nature to that pain - and probably worse.

Then there's the pre-surgery stuff. I still have another post-op appointment to go to where they'll check my heart, take x-rays of my chest, take blood, and so on. Then I have to do that nasty bowel prep (gag!) the day before my surgery. Y'know what? After it's all said and done, I'm looking forward to them knocking me out!

Thank goodness my mom is coming to help for a few days. Sometimes, you just need your mom. Since she, too, had a hysterectomy, she'll know what I'm going through.

And thank goodness there is an awesome website online called www.HysterSisters.com that can answer all my questions. There's tips on what to bring to the hospital and how to cope those first few days, as well as lots and lots of other great information. It's been a lifesaver.