First up!

Today was my pre-admissions stuff. I tried to talk Bob out of going with me today and last Monday too since I was just having tests, and he would be sitting around for 4 hours. but he insisted on coming. What a good guy! I was surprised that even though I had a chest CT scan on Monday and a heart echo test, they still made me have a lung xray and ekg today. I learned that you do look at some different things in each.
After all the tests and a quick lunch, we went to Dr. Miller's office. We met with his Physician's Assistant Jim, who we knew from the last surgery. Jim took my chest tubes out last time after they'd removed the epidural. Everyone who had ever had a chest tube before told me getting them out, although quick, was really painful. I told Jim today I never wanted anyone but him taking out my chest tubes. It was quick and easy, so that is one thing I am no longer fearful of.
Jim was basically just reviewing the procedure and checking me out a bit. I was disappointed that he had not looked at my CT scan because I wanted to know if it had changed -either grown or gotten smaller (fat chance). Jim agreed this would be an easier surgery than before, and was certain I would come through it just fine. He said I would "not like them for a few weeks", so I am pretty sure that means, I am going to be pretty uncomfortable for a while. I am not reluctant to take pain medication, so I know we can keep it under control. He thought if I healed normally, I may be able to play tennis in 6 weeks or so; back to work in 3 to 4.
Everything today was pretty much as expected. I have a couple of work things I want to wrap up that should not take more than an hour or two, and a couple of errands to run, and I am ready to go. I am the first patient on Monday. We have to be there at 5:30 a.m. and surgery will not start till around 7:30. I am glad to be first, but I hate that my great cheering squad has to get up so early. The brochure said you should only have a couple of family members in the waiting aream but I think I am up to about 6 right now - Bob, sister Cindy, Aunt Rhoda, Cousins Gladys and Nan, and friend Mitzi. Last time the group screamed in the waiting area when they found out the spots were benign, and security came up to check things out. I hope they hear good news and want to scream, but hopefully we can make it through this whole thing without anyone getting kicked out of the hospital.
We have dinner plans with family and friends all weekend. I have my Sat morning tennis match, getting my hair taken care of, and trying to cook a couple of more things to freeze. So it is a pretty normal weekend, and we are off bright and early Monday morning. I am having problems with my Blackberry and am having it replaced. That means my cell phone will be out of order for a couple of days Monday and Tuesday, so if you are emailing me or trying to call, you may not be able to get me unless you call the hospital. That is probably a good thing, so it means I really will rest. Bob will blog sometime after I am out of surgery and wake up, so you should have an update after lunch. Keep those prayers and good wishes coming. I am counting on them and you to get me through!
Love,
Geri