Oh Yeah! I have a blog! and Late November Pondering

 My friend Jody sent me a text telling me that my "blog has been so boring. I'm assuming that's great news and you are well."  It's true!  I am well!  I also closed my blog tab on my computer and apparently it's out of sight out of mind!

Let's see... since October 10 I:  attended the Boy Scout Turkey Feed, had some fun eating and crafting with "The Aunties," enjoyed the apple orchard, rowed a bunch, spent a weekend shopping in Minneapolis, attended my first NBA game, went to Jason's uncle's funeral, did Halloween activities, drummed, voted (screamed at the country for how they voted), had some therapy, went to the new Top Golf, attended Nolan's choir concert, enjoyed 3 days of Orff in Des Moines, Exile snow globe, dyed my hair pink, had Thanksgiving with my parents and attended a couple movies.


Truly, I am well.  Since my last post on October 10 I have thrown myself into life as usual WITH extra surgery preparations.  My hysterectomy is Thursday, December 5!  I have been getting ready for Christmas much earlier than usual, and making long term sub preparations at school in addition to normal life "stuff."

Last year I missed 2.5 weeks of school at the end of the year for the lumpectomy.  When Nolan was born I missed 2 weeks of school at the end of the year, so this is really my first foray into longer long term sub plans, and I'll be okay if it's my last!  My binder is (mostly) ready.  Londa, one of my favorite subs, will be in for me Thursday and Friday. Then one of my best friends and a fabulous music educator, Jennifer will be with my kids for the rest of my leave.  (Until January 16.)  I'm afraid they won't want me back!  Jennifer told me long ago not to leave plans...alas, I only kind-of listened...because December is a busy time for everyone!  She came in to "shadow" me last Friday, which is kind of hilarious, but we had a great time!

I am working through some guilt of having this surgery.  It is a choice, granted it will allow me to not have shots of Lupron, and hopefully will help with my chances of cancer recurrence, but I chose to do this, and I chose the date.  I hoped to miss as little school as possible, but also refused to give another summer to cancer!  My team at school showered me with love on Tuesday and I love them for it, but also, I feel like I've exhausted my "well wishes."  I never want people to think "now what's wrong with Ann," or "didn't we JUST do nice things for her?"  I've been trying to pay the love forward, and express gratitude throughout the process, but accepting the love and help gets in my head (especially knowing how bananas December is)!

The freezer is stocked with meals, we've hoarded some gift cards for food, and most of the Christmas shopping is done.  I am hoping I will feel up to doing some baking after the first week of recovery, as well as wrapping presents.  I also know Jason and Nolan are fully capable.  And I would be lying if I said there weren't a part of me who is looking forward to resting and relaxing on the couch with the tree and fireplace blazing, while watching a ridiculous Christmas movie and dozing.

Yesterday we had Thanksgiving with my parents and I was able to avoid a "let's go around the table and tell what we're thankful for," moment.  Because where do I even start?  I'm thankful for my nurses and doctors, science and medicine for catching my cancer early, and getting it taken care of fast!  I'm thankful for my family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances who have shown me love, grace, compassion and kindness.  I'm thankful that I have had the opportunity to make choices for my body, receive so much love and reflect on what I want my life to be.  Pink hair and all....

I would be grateful for some big love, prayers, good juju, and/or positive energy sent to the universe on Thursday.  I'm really at peace with my decision.  I'm nervous about getting in the door and how much it will hurt after.  My friend, Lexi, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a month after me, is having a double mastectomy with reconstruction that same day.  Send her BIG love, too!  

I'm guessing I'll be blogging more as I give you all of the gory hysterectomy details.  Perhaps we all prefer the blog to be boring...bwahahahahhahahah!







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