Long time, no post

I apologize to those of you actually following this blog - it's been a busy week with work and school picking up pace. Here's the scoop: I decided on Monday to move forward with a lumpectomy. I learned yesterday that the surgery is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th. I'm a little disappointed to wait so long, but at the same time I have a lot I want to do to prepare (mentally, physically, and emotionally) for the surgery. My spirits are high - I'm truly feeling very positive about things. I feel extraordinarily lucky and I remind myself of this several times a day. In particular, I am lucky to have the love and support of so many precious friends and family members. I feel your support and I am very, very appreciative of it. Some of the things I am doing to prepare are improving my overall health (through exercise and nutrition - and I've cut out herbal supplements that might have blood thinning properties), reducing stress levels (through biofeedback, breathing exercises, and yoga), and learning as much as I can about the surgery and recovery process and ways to speed healing. If all goes as planned, I will likely begin radiation treatments about 2 weeks after surgery. Radiation has come a long way, but is a bit arduous: 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks. I understand that you are in and out in about a half an hour, and there is a radiology unit nearby in Escondido, so I'll be able to go over during my workday. There may or may not be some fatigue and some skin damage ("tanning") from the treatment. The radiation is directed in such a way that it does not damage any underlying tissues or organs, so I don't need to worry about that aspect. Nonetheless, if I have radiation I will plan to do whatever I can to mitigate its possible effects, expected or otherwise. I will try to do a better job of posting, so you'll know how I'm faring. But know that I am confident in my care providers, confident in myself and my ability to cope with what lies ahead, and confident in your love of support. The most important things I've learned these past few weeks is that I am surrounded by angels, and that I am a lucky, lucky woman!