Surgery Prep...check & heart protected

This morning I was up early for an orthodontist appointment. Spike and I see the same orthodontist, and about 3 weeks ago, just after finding out the diagnosis for both breasts, Spike had an orthodontist appointment. When She arrived, the Dr. sat her back in the chair and as she usually does, asked "How's Ally?" Spike said she uncontrollably burst into tears, and the Dr. sat her up, handed her some Kleenex and asked again "Is she okay?" Spike regained her composure and explained my diagnosis to her. Now, I haven't seen the orthodontist since this happened so today when I went in, I was greeted by several overly concerned technicians, and a very nervous orthodontist who proceeded to tell me all about everyone she knew who had gone through breast cancer and all related resources she could think of, meanwhile stabbing me twice in the mouth and making me bleed. The bleeding stopped, but the awkwardness did not. Soon it was over and I was on my way to St. Mary's hospital for my pre-surgery tests, blood work and x-rays. No time to stop and pee because I was running late, but thank goodness as I checked in to St Mary's and asked where the bathroom was, I was handed a cup and taken right in! Phew!

Quick and painless! Next they ushered me into a hospital room where I met "Ida the vampire." She too was quick and painless. One stick, and 5 viles of blood in less than two minutes! No pain, no bruise, heck, not even a mark was left, but I was feeling a little woozy, and so laid down.

Two procedures down, two more to go and a round of questions and forms to sign. Next up, chest x-rays. A tall, Nordic looking fellow named Van walked me down to the x-ray changing room and gave me...uh-huh, yep, you guessed it, a lovely hospital gown. I quickly changed and thankfully had a mirror, but without my documentarist on hand, it was challenging to get the right shot.

Chest x-rays...check, and Van came back to escort back upstairs to room 321, where I waited for nurse Julia. Manesh, a very energetic, chipper, type-A kind-of guy seemed to be the patient coordinator for hospital admissions. He would pop in periodically and thank me for my patience, offer me coffee, blankets...etc. When there was a problem with the procedure consent forms, Manesh was on it! Apologizing profusely, and on the phone right away with the Dr.'s to verify the correct procedures...Good thing! It would have been a terrible shame to have given consent for the wrong surgery! Good job, Manesh! Way to man-up and take care of business!

This afternoon was a lovely, tear and laughter soaked day in the sunshine of my backyard where I sat and read 100's of letters, cards and notes with paintings from Kindergartners, 3rd and 5th graders at my school! Like a lotus in bloom, my heart opens with every word, with every picture, the videos with their voices and smiles...One letter written by a 5th grader said "Dear Ms. Wray-Kirk, I hope you get well soon. I don't just hope, I know that you'll get better and be back at school soon. We need you here. Just relax and let the Doctors do their work. We will try to enter the Susan G. Koman Walk for the Cure and walk for you. We miss you!" One Kindergartner very poignantly stated "Ms. Wray-Kirk, Kum bakn sun. Pr tet hrt." (translation: Come back soon. Protect your heart.) And so, I take every bit into my heart and let it fill my spirit and transform my soul. I am so honored by their thoughtfulness and grateful to be so loved. Thank you, my teachers. I am doing what I can to learn as much as I can from this experience.