Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Benefit and Surgery

Hello! I haven't written in a while. My last chemo on Aug 19th went well. On the last day they have you read a saying and ring a bell and the nurses cheer. My sister brought me Chick-Fila and Donna brought thank you cards and a cake for the nurses. I am so happy to be done. I do miss the nurses though.

Most of you know that my friends planned a benefit for me and The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition on Fri. Sept 17th in Tampa. It went very well. A lot of people came out. I had some friends from out town that drove a few hours to come. I had one friend and sorority sister, Holly who came down from NC to the benefit. Local Tampa weatherman Denis Phillips was the MC and did a wonderful job. The auction items and casino tables were a big hit. I had a very special surprise too. My niece did a special dance in my honor to a song that I had told her about called That's What Faith can Do. I would sometimes listen to this song to help me get through the day. It was a wonderful surprise. Her dance instructor was at the benefit as well. My friends did such a great job and worked so hard on putting this together. It was the most fun I had in a very long time.

On Sept 20th I had my bladder surgery. I was calmer this time before the surgery. I remember last time in pre-opp I was in tears and very scared. I woke up in a lot of pain pushing my morphine button and crying a lot. My wonderful sister Dara stayed the whole time at the hospital with me. I know she must have gotten very bored. I went in on Mon early in the morning and wasn't released until Thursday night. I don't really remember this, but I guess my sister was watching her favorite show one night when I woke up, oblivious that she may be watching the tv and said this tv has to go off. I pushed my morphine button and went back to sleep.

I then stayed with my sister in law until the following Sun. My dear friend Kim who has done a lot for me took me home with her from Sun until the following Fri to take care of me. My grandma then came in from AZ and is taking care of me now. My friend Kim has done so much for me! She took me to chemo a few times and took me home with her for days at a time to take care of me after chemo. She also, with the help of some other friends and family, planned the benefit. Kim did a lot of work and helped me in so many ways since the whole journey began. I have some wonderful family and friends who have done so much. I will say that going through something like this you really learn who your "TRUE" friends are. From the friends who say "hope you feel better" to the ones who actually stop to help, visit, call, send cards, bring meals, etc without even being asked. I have had some people who I don't even know do more for me than some who I do know. Not complaining, overall I have had some amazing friends and family go above and beyond helping me.

I am still in pain from the surgery, but from what I remember it is not as bad as the last surgery in March. Enough for now, I will write more later.

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