Giving thanks

On this thanksgiving day, I would like to give thanks.

First, I didn't intend to leave anyone hanging after my last post.  I am thankful that the procedure last Friday went smoothly.  As did the anesthesia.  A friend accompanied me at the surgical center, which is a 20-25 minute walk from home.  I had spoken with the anesthesiologist the day before about my anxieties over the sedation, and was able to take my wonder-drug Ativan before leaving to head down (well, she didn't want me to take it if I was walking because "you might fall and break your leg!").  I think my favorite part of getting ready for the procedure was when I started crying out of sheer nervousness, and the anesthesiologist scolded me and said "you stop crying - you'll get all congested and make it hard for me to keep your breathing clear" (or something to that effect).  And my other favorite part - she scribbled something on her hand and my friend and I asked what it was - a reminder to give me the zofran (anti-nausea med) that I had lobbied for.

I was wheeled into the operating area, was there for about 10 seconds, and the next thing I knew I was opening my eyes and the doctor said "you're all done."  I suffered no ill effects from the sedation (had been nervous about the propofol, what with it killing Michael Jackson and all...).  My friend set me up at home, and later that evening, another friend came to check in on me and bring me dinner.

I will find out the results of the biopsy at my follow-up visit which is a week from monday.

Although I was in a wretched mood yesterday, had a good night's sleep (finally, after bad sleep the last several days) and now the sun is shining and I'm feeling pretty mellow.

Back to giving thanks.

I am thankful that my breast cancer was caught early and that it is now gone.

I am thankful that surgery, chemo, radiation and herceptin are over and done with.

I am thankful to have hair again!

I am thankful for my cats.

I am thankful for the enjoyment that photography has given me throughout this whole experience.  (speaking of photography, here is a link to my west virginia photographs from my workshop last month).

I am thankful for having found motivation to exercise, along with supportive new friends, in three different places:  the Cancer-to-5K running program, my cancer fitness spinning class, and the yoga for women cancer survivors class at Circle Yoga (yes, that's me in the picture!).

Finally, I am thankful for having amazingly supportive friends and family in my life to help me get through the tough times, and to help me enjoy the less tough times.