Countdown

One week from this morning we will be in Houston for Judy's second lumpectomy. She'll do a quick trip for her pre-op appointment Thursday, then we'll return Sunday night. Her bruising is nearly gone and she's ready to get on with surgery.

This has been an interesting waiting time for us. On the one hand, we're so ready to get on with her procedures so we can get this whole episode behind us. On the other hand, this interim time has allowed us to focus on things needing to be done now. Once the surgery comes we're one step closer to radiation and possibly chemo. Judy is aware that the radiation will be an interruption for us as she'll have to be in Houston for an extended period. She's also aware that, if she takes chemo, it will be a major disruption. Chemo has the potential for so many bad things, not to mention delaying the time we're planning to spend with our Asian kids over Christmas. But then, I jump ahead--as is the temptation when one deals with cancer--and borrow trouble we don't need to borrow.

This week we countdown the time until she is officially cancer free. That will come with the lumpectomy. What we'll be working on is increasing her odds of remaining cancer free for the rest of her life. Now that I think about it, that's not such a bad position to be in. As I write it is 7:20 A.M. and next Monday at this time--IF things go as scheduled--we'll be arriving at the check-in desk at M.D. Anderson to begin the day of deliverance from this invader.

Thank you for your love, concern and, most of all, your prayers. They are working. We're in the tumbler--AND IT'S ALL RIGHT.