Blood, x-rays, good stories and a nice hairdo!

Patti was able to get out a bit today and get some of her pre-op work done in preparation for next Friday's surgery.  She had a chest x-ray and blood drawn today.  This is done as a standard protocol to be sure they have all of the details they need in preparation for the BIG day!

Patti has experienced many sleepless nights as she gets closer to the date.  Naturally, her mind is wandering about everything associated with this cancer.  The surgery, what they will discover when they go into the lymph nodes, the recovery, chemo (or not?), radiation, hair loss, etc.  Lots going on inside that head of hers right now - hard to imagine what that must be like and wondering if she asks herself, "is that a migraine or my overload of thoughts!!??"

We continue to remind her to take it one day at a time, focusing on the best possible outcome, and keep a positive attitude - her health will come to depend on this!  Easier written here than done :-/

Good stories to tell:
1)  Her blood work was done and no bruising - YEA!  Patti was concerned about this, as she is now back to normal and wants her good arm to be in ship-shape for them to use next Friday.

2)  Patti was chatting with some of the personnel in the lab during her pre-op tests and discovered a few new things about this cancer that seem to put her at ease:

• Some people don't lose their hair (or much of it) if given the chemo pill.
• One person that the nurse mentioned thought they were not giving her the real chemo fluids, as she felt so good and the rumors were that she should expect to feel miserable while going through the chemo.
• One cancer patient had a "head-shaving" party with friends, in which several joined in and shaved their heads as well! 

So......if Patti has to go this route........are there any volunteers out there? 

3)  Looking good sista!  Our long-time hairdresser Kristy was very kind in offering to help Patti during this difficult time in taking care of her hair for her.  They got together on Friday so Patti can look maaarvellous when she goes into surgery and the weeks afterwards.  She needs to take care of her hair, as it will be there for weeks or months before chemo (if needed). or not lose it at all!  Always a nice feeling for us gals to get our hair done, right?  Kristy has also offered to take care of Patti's hair throughout this ordeal and if needed, has access to special shampoo that will help Patti's hair during treatment.

These are GREAT stories and moments of kindness that Patti needs to continue to listen to, reflect on, and to keep close to her, as they will certainly help her to keep calm and carry on :-)
 
On behalf of Patti, thanks to all of you who have extended a hand, a well wish, a puzzle, or a prayer to help make the difference.......she feels truly blessed :-)