Pre-op and Wellness House

So we went to Loyola by 11 a.m. yesterday and hoping to be out of there in like an hour or so. But I have to say, they are very thorough, so 2 1/2 hours later, we were finally done. More blood tests to check my thyroid (I guess this is in my record that my PCP had been monitoring this for 2 years; they'll have to talk doctor to doctor), blood typing to get blood ready for surgery and pregnancy test. Then we met with the team who will work with me during surgery: anesthesiologist, the assistant to the surgeon/plastic surgeon and the nurse. It was pretty neat. They answered all of our questions. Frendell had to leave the room when they took my blood. I hate that part the most.. no matter what they do, it hurts. They couldn't find my vein anywhere.. so ended up doing it in my hand. Double ouch. My temp was 99.9, so they're cautioning me to make sure I do not get sick or come down with a cold. They were very re-assuring and everyone told me that I'm in good hands; their doctors are very good. And so far, they have been as far as bedside manners and answering our questions. The procedure will be 12 hours (like taking a very  long nap); Frendell will be allowed to leave the hospital after the first surgery (about 2 hours) and he'll need to leave a contact number. 

After the pre-op stuff, we went to the Wellness House in Hinsdale for their orientation. It is an organization that provides support and education to families affected by cancer. They have about 50 different classes that they run every month. The psychologist, Cheryl, was so very nice and gave us a tour of the place. They have a library, a gym, a kitchen and meditation room and meeting rooms. So, they have exercise classes, cooking demonstrations, stress management classes, meditation classes and all sorts of other things. It's so amazing. They have support classes for the patient, the spouses and children as well. Any family or friends who wants to provide support is welcome. The classes are free for everyone.. they also have massages and healing touch massages (using your field of energy). Can't wait to try that one :-)  No touching done, even though it's called the healing touch massage.  We met a couple of their staff members. Everyone's so kind and re-assuring. They have a 5K walk in October as well. When we lived in Hinsdale, I used to walk right by the Wellness House everytime I exercised. I never imagined I would use their services one day. I'm glad they're there though. They have so many resources available to people who want to learn more about any cancer. They even have a class called "Circle of Hope". Neat. You can visit their website if you want more information:

www.wellnesshouse.org

I hope you'll do the 5K walk with me in October :-)

Got home and Sharon & Jason came by for a visit. It was so nice to just be able to sit down and talk and catch up. The guys went to get food from Five Guys (I'd never heard of this place). I got a vegetable sandwich. It was pretty good. thanks for your love and support. We will also keep you in our prayers, Sharon.

I'm pretty tired after a full day of excitement. My throat is sore and I'm diffusing oils like crazy. I'm not allowed to drink any more supplemental drinks or take herbal supplements or aspirin anymore. Please pray this cold does not go full blown. I'd hate to re-schedule. Anyways, I'm just gonna take it easy for the next several days. If you're coming to see me, you'll have to excuse the mess. The unpacking will have to wait for now...