Getting ready for surgery

littledarlin
littledarlin Member Posts: 102
in Kidney Cancer #1
I have 19 days until my surgery..So I am tying up all the loose ends right now..Pre op appt's and meeting up with my attorney to make sure all my affairs are in order before my surgery.
I am a bit tired with it all and am looking forward to getting the surgery over with at this point. I have made peace with it but am concerned about how others close to me are taking it.
I think this is really harder on them than it is me right now.

LD
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Comments

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #2
    Dont be so grim
    littledarlin,

    This is not an end of life event where you need to get your affairs in order. It is an event which will give you new life and you will be able to tell people afterword that you had cancer, not that you have it. Of course if you want to give to the attorney's widows and orphans fund, who am I to object as I am also an attorney.

    Icemantoo
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #3
    Upcoming op
    LD, you've plainly got all your ducks in a row already and are well set up to sail through the op.

    You're right about those close to you. So you can now turn your attention to helping those who care about you (not 'for' you because you won't need much of that except for the first few days at home post-op. ). It is harder on those who care than on the patient and there's an excellent thread on the topic, "The importance of Caregivers..." started by Gerry White in February. You'll find it at at:

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/234961
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #4
    Texas_wedge said:

    Upcoming op
    LD, you've plainly got all your ducks in a row already and are well set up to sail through the op.

    You're right about those close to you. So you can now turn your attention to helping those who care about you (not 'for' you because you won't need much of that except for the first few days at home post-op. ). It is harder on those who care than on the patient and there's an excellent thread on the topic, "The importance of Caregivers..." started by Gerry White in February. You'll find it at at:

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/234961

    Lawyers!
    Well! That's a revelation iceman - you're an attorney too! I don't recall that emerging when "lawmanmike" came on board.

    Is that because of popular sayings like

    "What do you call 1,000 lawyers in chains and concrete boots at the bottom of the river?"

    "A good start!"
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #5
    Texas_wedge said:

    Upcoming op
    LD, you've plainly got all your ducks in a row already and are well set up to sail through the op.

    You're right about those close to you. So you can now turn your attention to helping those who care about you (not 'for' you because you won't need much of that except for the first few days at home post-op. ). It is harder on those who care than on the patient and there's an excellent thread on the topic, "The importance of Caregivers..." started by Gerry White in February. You'll find it at at:

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/234961

    Upcoming op TW
    Thank you tw for your support this morning..Thats right I have all my ducks in a row and now I can sail through my op without any worries. Thanks for the headsup on the thread on caregivers too..I have been on both side of this fence in my life..I am a retired certified nurses and home health and did a lot of Hospice work plus I took care of my late husband here at home until he passed away from Ptsd and dementia. These type of things are difficult for everyone involved. Especially for the ones who care about us..

    LD
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #6
    icemantoo said:

    Dont be so grim
    littledarlin,

    This is not an end of life event where you need to get your affairs in order. It is an event which will give you new life and you will be able to tell people afterword that you had cancer, not that you have it. Of course if you want to give to the attorney's widows and orphans fund, who am I to object as I am also an attorney.

    Icemantoo

    Icemantoo not so grim really
    Thanks for the advice and support this morning. I am not feeling to grim right now really,so not to worry..I just feel better knowing things are taken care of. Like my medical powers of attorney and I needed to make some changes to my advance directive for health care and of course I want to make sure that my partner is not left out in the cold so to speak if something unforseen happens. I have learned from past experience that it is a good idea to make these things clear in writing. That way I can go into surgery without any worries..

    LD
  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #7
    littledarlin said:

    Upcoming op TW
    Thank you tw for your support this morning..Thats right I have all my ducks in a row and now I can sail through my op without any worries. Thanks for the headsup on the thread on caregivers too..I have been on both side of this fence in my life..I am a retired certified nurses and home health and did a lot of Hospice work plus I took care of my late husband here at home until he passed away from Ptsd and dementia. These type of things are difficult for everyone involved. Especially for the ones who care about us..

    LD

    Post op plans
    Here is what you do. Order your favorite flowers to be delivered to you while you are at the hospital. Get a gift certificate from your favorite restaurant and have them mail it to your home in a get well card so it will be there when you get home. Now you will have a couple surprises to look forward to. Good luck. And enjoy your roses!
    Fox
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #8
    foxhd said:

    Post op plans
    Here is what you do. Order your favorite flowers to be delivered to you while you are at the hospital. Get a gift certificate from your favorite restaurant and have them mail it to your home in a get well card so it will be there when you get home. Now you will have a couple surprises to look forward to. Good luck. And enjoy your roses!
    Fox

    Post op plans in the works Fox
    Thank you Fox for the support and well wishes this morning. Sounds like the perfect plan. A little bird told me that my partner aka as my favorite Redneck has plans for this little Redneckgirrl and will arrive with flowers in hand. As always I can count on him to make me feel special. Not to worry I am in good hands.

    littledarlin
    aka
    LD and
    redneckgirrl...

    I am well rounded girrl..
  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #9
    littledarlin said:

    Post op plans in the works Fox
    Thank you Fox for the support and well wishes this morning. Sounds like the perfect plan. A little bird told me that my partner aka as my favorite Redneck has plans for this little Redneckgirrl and will arrive with flowers in hand. As always I can count on him to make me feel special. Not to worry I am in good hands.

    littledarlin
    aka
    LD and
    redneckgirrl...

    I am well rounded girrl..

    good hands
    ...Are you going home on a Harley or in the General Lee?...At least a pick up truck I hope.
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #10
    foxhd said:

    good hands
    ...Are you going home on a Harley or in the General Lee?...At least a pick up truck I hope.

    Hey Fox.Good hands my ride awaits. lol lol
    Hey Fox..Enjoy the ride!! My ride used to be a Harley, now I am riding in a Big Fat Dodge Dulley 4x4 long bed with air bags, but I think I will have to settle for a ride in the Buick on this trip..The Dulley and travel trailer will be my chariot when I recover..Than maybe a little trip to the Ozarks to look for rusty farm engine stuff and listen to some live Blue Grass..

    Thats the plan!
    littledarlin....
  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #11
    littledarlin said:

    Hey Fox.Good hands my ride awaits. lol lol
    Hey Fox..Enjoy the ride!! My ride used to be a Harley, now I am riding in a Big Fat Dodge Dulley 4x4 long bed with air bags, but I think I will have to settle for a ride in the Buick on this trip..The Dulley and travel trailer will be my chariot when I recover..Than maybe a little trip to the Ozarks to look for rusty farm engine stuff and listen to some live Blue Grass..

    Thats the plan!
    littledarlin....

    Blue grass
    Love my bluegrass and outlaw country. I play a D-28.
  • j_rod
    j_rod Member Posts: 125
    #12
    littledarlin said:

    Hey Fox.Good hands my ride awaits. lol lol
    Hey Fox..Enjoy the ride!! My ride used to be a Harley, now I am riding in a Big Fat Dodge Dulley 4x4 long bed with air bags, but I think I will have to settle for a ride in the Buick on this trip..The Dulley and travel trailer will be my chariot when I recover..Than maybe a little trip to the Ozarks to look for rusty farm engine stuff and listen to some live Blue Grass..

    Thats the plan!
    littledarlin....

    Definitely the Buick
    I was so glad my sister drove me in her Buick. I have a mini van and sitting down into a vehicle is definitely easier than jumping up into a vehicle. PS - on the ride home, my sister made me wear my seat belt! I told her she would have to give up on that idea! She found two blankets in her car. we folded one into a pillow and put it behind my lower back and folded the other and put it on my ab then put the seat belt over it. It was quite comfortable. Just one of those little details that came to mind when you mentioned the car ride.
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #13
    j_rod said:

    Definitely the Buick
    I was so glad my sister drove me in her Buick. I have a mini van and sitting down into a vehicle is definitely easier than jumping up into a vehicle. PS - on the ride home, my sister made me wear my seat belt! I told her she would have to give up on that idea! She found two blankets in her car. we folded one into a pillow and put it behind my lower back and folded the other and put it on my ab then put the seat belt over it. It was quite comfortable. Just one of those little details that came to mind when you mentioned the car ride.

    Travel tips
    And just one of those "little details" that make these patient forums so valuable. It can make a big difference but it's not the kind of tip you are likely to get from your surgeon.
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #14
    Texas_wedge said:

    Travel tips
    And just one of those "little details" that make these patient forums so valuable. It can make a big difference but it's not the kind of tip you are likely to get from your surgeon.

    Thanks All
    TW so right we help each other here in the forum and ways that no surgeon could do.

    Jan Thanks so much for the travel tips, will do.

    Fox..I listened to some picking of the D28 on line what a beautiful sound it does make. I am thinking of getting a cd. Do you have any recommendations..Something peaceful and quiet is what I need..

    LD...
  • Fishknees
    Fishknees Member Posts: 73
    #15
    littledarlin said:

    Thanks All
    TW so right we help each other here in the forum and ways that no surgeon could do.

    Jan Thanks so much for the travel tips, will do.

    Fox..I listened to some picking of the D28 on line what a beautiful sound it does make. I am thinking of getting a cd. Do you have any recommendations..Something peaceful and quiet is what I need..

    LD...

    Sound great!
    You sound like you are holding up great. The waiting was almost the worst part.

    I hated when people said I sounded great. I might have; but, inside I was a nervous wreak. I just didn't know how to express it. I didn't want to go around screaming and crying I have cancer and have to have surgery. Sounds like you are the same. Just doing what you have to do until the time for surgery comes.

    I hate to say I do not have the same taste in music that you and Fox do. I can appreciate it but I am just an old rocker. Did I say "old". I am only 39. Bonnie Raitt was just on GMA and she sure was good. Sorry but I will take Cher or Ozzy. I bet you would never have guessed that.

    Hang in there. I send you a PM. I just figured out how to do so.

    Yes, definitely take the Buick home. You feel every bump. It is that sitting up that gets you. I did put the seat to recline a little bit and had my seat belt on.

    Have a great day!
    Fishie
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #16
    Fishknees said:

    Sound great!
    You sound like you are holding up great. The waiting was almost the worst part.

    I hated when people said I sounded great. I might have; but, inside I was a nervous wreak. I just didn't know how to express it. I didn't want to go around screaming and crying I have cancer and have to have surgery. Sounds like you are the same. Just doing what you have to do until the time for surgery comes.

    I hate to say I do not have the same taste in music that you and Fox do. I can appreciate it but I am just an old rocker. Did I say "old". I am only 39. Bonnie Raitt was just on GMA and she sure was good. Sorry but I will take Cher or Ozzy. I bet you would never have guessed that.

    Hang in there. I send you a PM. I just figured out how to do so.

    Yes, definitely take the Buick home. You feel every bump. It is that sitting up that gets you. I did put the seat to recline a little bit and had my seat belt on.

    Have a great day!
    Fishie

    Sound great Fishie
    You got that right..I feel about the same way you did before surgery..I seem ok on the outside most of the time but than I get to thinking to much about it all and it does get to me. So I have been trying to keep busy just like you did..I am almost there now and this will be behind me..It has helped me so much to hear about how well you are doing after your surgery..Thanks for posting about it..

    Well got to go for now..Get ready to do a little cooking. Talk to you later..

    LD
  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #17
    littledarlin said:

    Sound great Fishie
    You got that right..I feel about the same way you did before surgery..I seem ok on the outside most of the time but than I get to thinking to much about it all and it does get to me. So I have been trying to keep busy just like you did..I am almost there now and this will be behind me..It has helped me so much to hear about how well you are doing after your surgery..Thanks for posting about it..

    Well got to go for now..Get ready to do a little cooking. Talk to you later..

    LD

    Quiet bluegrass
    I have to admit, I don't know any quiet bluegrass music. But give me acoustic music any day over electric....Re: Bonnie Rait, Used to see her often in the early 70's before she became big. And Fishknees, 60 is getting to be an "older " rocker. Not 39. My guitar is one of my top hobbies. I play almost everyday.
  • Fishknees
    Fishknees Member Posts: 73
    #18
    foxhd said:

    Quiet bluegrass
    I have to admit, I don't know any quiet bluegrass music. But give me acoustic music any day over electric....Re: Bonnie Rait, Used to see her often in the early 70's before she became big. And Fishknees, 60 is getting to be an "older " rocker. Not 39. My guitar is one of my top hobbies. I play almost everyday.

    Thanks Fox
    I am 62, I just say I am 39. And I am sticking to it. Can you play me a little Crazy Train?
  • Fishknees
    Fishknees Member Posts: 73
    #19
    littledarlin said:

    Sound great Fishie
    You got that right..I feel about the same way you did before surgery..I seem ok on the outside most of the time but than I get to thinking to much about it all and it does get to me. So I have been trying to keep busy just like you did..I am almost there now and this will be behind me..It has helped me so much to hear about how well you are doing after your surgery..Thanks for posting about it..

    Well got to go for now..Get ready to do a little cooking. Talk to you later..

    LD

    Stay busy.
    This is the hardest part, the waiting. Two days of pain are not good; but, I think I would rather do the two days of pain with pain meds than wait an extra two days for the surgery. You are almost there. Just hold on. The last day I didn't think I was going to make it but the time goes by so you will.
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #20
    foxhd said:

    Quiet bluegrass
    I have to admit, I don't know any quiet bluegrass music. But give me acoustic music any day over electric....Re: Bonnie Rait, Used to see her often in the early 70's before she became big. And Fishknees, 60 is getting to be an "older " rocker. Not 39. My guitar is one of my top hobbies. I play almost everyday.

    Quiet bluegrass??
    Fox maybe you could do a little recording and put it on YouTube for us to hear and see. Acoustic is the way to go. I really don't like electric guitar..As for blue grass well maybe not so quite bluegrass. I do love the fiddle electric or not. I love Gospel bluegrass the most of all and jazz of course mostly on the saxophone.

    LD
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #21
    Fishknees said:

    Stay busy.
    This is the hardest part, the waiting. Two days of pain are not good; but, I think I would rather do the two days of pain with pain meds than wait an extra two days for the surgery. You are almost there. Just hold on. The last day I didn't think I was going to make it but the time goes by so you will.

    True age??
    Fishie, sure glad you got honest with your true age..you had me thinging I was a old lady..
    This not so old lady plans on staying busy.

    LD

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