I've Got This

I hope you don't find this blog too wordy...  I am chronically verbose.  If I can dispel fear or panic by any degree for even one person, then I will consider myself successful. Unfortunately, I have several friends who have had similar surgeries.  Some less major, some much more complex.  I picked their brains so thoroughly before my surgery, I swear it fortified my strength and confidence. Should you or someone you know find themselves in a similar boat, I can tell you that I was prepared.  Feel free to extract any amount of information from my list.  I'm here to share. This is what you will need for the hospital : Cute and comfortable pajamas that button up the front. A few more big button up shirts TWO fanny packs.  These are for your drains.  One to use, and a spare for when it gets wet/dirty/washed. Lip Moisturizer (Vasaline Lip Therapy is the best.)  You will want this as soon as you wake up. Phone/ipad charger (Extra long...

Okay, so I have to have a stereotactic biopsy.  What in the world is that?  And where do I go for that?  And I have to bring my films with me?  Do I just pick up a CD?  How does this all work? The first thing I had to do was GET ORGANIZED.  I urge anyone who is every given this kind of news to go to Staples or Office Depot or wherever, and buy a large three ring binder.  And some paper, a whole bunch of dividers with tabby things, and clear plastic protector sleeves.   If you are organized, you know where you are going, why you're going there, what you will need for your visit, and more importantly, WHAT COMES NEXT. I was instructed by a friend who had a similar experience to write down the name of every person you talk to, their phone number (in case you are transferred), what you discussed, and what you (or they) need to do next.  The phone conversations are numerous and detailed, and you need to know at the end of the day exactly who i...