And the Good News is...

The past few days have been getting tougher. My belly started swelling and has been more tender. There have been more frequent pains and they are spreading across my lower abdomen to the right. However...

I have my surgery date; the beginning of the end is in sight. On October 29, at 7:30am I will have two surgeons working on me. They will take out the bad stuff, fix the defective stuff, and check out the questionable stuff. They say it will take about 3 1/2 hours. After talking with them both, I feel I will be in good hands. One even offered to snip off the big mole I have on my belly button. Sure, why not? I'll be asleep and numb anyway. While he is at it, he can trim out the excess belly fat too. Might as well get all I can out of this experience, or get rid of all I can...whatever.

I get the added bonus of taking 4-6 weeks off work during the busiest time of the year. Lucky, lucky me! Sorry Tammy, you get to do my job and yours (pray she survives). She was hired just in time to get cross-trained and cover for me, poor gal.

My CA125 ovarian cancer blood test came back as normal. That is one less thing to think about.

My surgery is scheduled on the last day of my deductible period for my insurance. That will reduce my out-of-pocket considerably. I have a 30% copay for hospitalization; and I could be in for as much as seven days. If I was scheduled in November, I could be on the hook for $3,500. Ouch!

I got to buy new pants too. I needed some soft waisted slacks to wear to work for the next couple of weeks to ease the pressure on my tender tummy. Regular pants, even loose ones, press too much against my waist. While shopping, I found a bunch of gluten free food at really good prices. Unexpected bargains are always cause for a happy dance.

Best news of all...the surgeon is not going to make me drink the nasty prep solution prior to surgery. He said they have found solid poop is easier to deal with than what is left in the bowels after the cleanse process. Guess that makes sense. Solids are easier to control than liquids. Either way, I am so, so glad I don't have to drink that icky stuff.

So, it's all good. I even got a refund check in the mail today for a dental bill I overpaid in 2007. It's funny, but I just see it all as good news. If it weren't for these medical issues, everything would be great! If I could just work out a time to go see the new grandbaby before the surgery, everything would be perfect!