Whipple Fest 2003

Well the surgery is scheduled. April 1, 2003 will be day one of Whipple Fest-Digestive Organs Gone Wild.

So how do I feel about that?

Nervous.

Freaked.

Scared.

Relieved.

Excited.

Curious.

I have a lot of questions that I don't have answered. I always go to the doctor with a bunch of questions and get one or two out, usually the main ones, and then forget the rest. I tried writing them down but then I forget to read it. I'm seriously NOT a flake. I think this is all just so new to me that I'm not sure how to handle everything that's going through my head.

I met my new Doctor, Dr. Michael Hart. Here's a bio on him. He is very very nice and extremely competent. I have been told that he is the best. I sure hope so. I don't doubt him, it isn't that. It's just that this is such a major procedure that I am praying every day that he's feeling good, not coming down with a cold, not in beginning stages of alzheimer's, and not prone to April Fool's jokes.

So here's what he said.

• The surgery is the most extensive surgery they do on the digestive organs.
• I will maybe be back to work in May. (However when later asked for how long I should take off he said five weeks should do it, so that was a HUGE relief.)
• I shouldn't have any long term problems after the surgery.
• There is no reason to believe that there are any other tumors anywhere else, or that this one would return once they take it out.
• This could be one of three types of tumors. One is benign, two are usually benign but could be pre-cancerous. I just hate that word, cancer. I hope to only hear it associated with the words "It isn't...".
  
  The tumors he mentioned were:
  • Serous Cystadenomas--Rare and usually benign, fast growing tumors.
  • Mucinous Cystadenoma--Most common benign tumor, however if left alone will usually become cancerous. *shudder*
  • Pseudocystic Cystadenoma (or something like that)
• He believes in long recoveries and agreed I went back to work too early last time.

So anyhow, I know it's going to be fine. I'm trying not to worry and most of the time I do good on that front. Roy told me that he'd make this the best birthday month ever so that I can make up for April. Isn't he a great guy?

I actually put up a website about it, just because I'm silly like that. You can find it at this link.

Prayers and good thoughts are very much appreciated at this time. I know it's all in God's hands and that His will will be done, but it still freaks me out a little.