I've Got This

We wake up.  I shower with Dial and wash my hair.  We let the boy wear pj's to the hospital.  We're there so early, and I really just wanted a cup of coffee. My surgery was scheduled for 8 a.m.  I remember being warm and soft.  My family was with me until they had to kiss me goodbye, and then it all goes blank.  I remember my guys walking out of my room, and then it's curtains. I woke up around 3:30.  My lymph nodes were clear, and Dr. Rimmer only had to remove three. I got my morphine PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump, and my nurse was a sweetheart.  She had to divide her time between me and a man next to me whom I would have smothered with a pillow if I had been able to get up.  I did not wake up in pain.  I was uncomfortable, yes.  I was unable to take deep breaths.  My lips were incredibly dry, and I was so thirsty. Dr. Rimmer had performed a complete bilateral mastectomy, with right sentinel node biopsy. ...

In September of 2013, I called to make an appointment with my gynecologist for the dreaded yearly exam.  I have the most fabulous gynecologist.  No, I won't give you her name, because it's already ridiculously hard enough to make an appointment with her, and I don't need any more patient competition.  I was on hold for what seemed like FOREVER, and I was able to finally make an appointment for JANUARY 10 of the following year.  Really?  (And yes, she's that awesome that I'm willing to get in line months and months in advance just to see her.) While I was on hold, the same recording played over and over.  The recorded lady's silky smooth voice offers a variety of other add-on services:  digital mammography, laser hair removal, botox and fillers.  She sounds more Saks Fifth Avenue than OBGYN Specialists, and she just makes everything sounds so damn appealing. I decided to tack on a mammogram to my visit.  I know I'm only 39, and I haven't r...