Since I’m a “planner,” I planned this surgery over nine months ago. The doctors (who I will get to in later posts) and their staff have been amazing as I prepare for this event. However, I think they thought I was a little nuts when I called in February to schedule a surgical date for November. “We don’t plan that far ahead, why don’t you give us a call in August,” was one of their replies. Well, needless to say, I pushed a little bit and they “penciled me in.” I didn’t want any one else getting the date I had so meticulously picked.
Why November? I’m glad you asked. Having the surgery in November meant that I could have my full season of races. I started with a triathlon in June and will end with a swim in late October. Then, it is my hope that I’ll have many months to recover and start training again in early spring.
The family at a recent Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
Also, it is my goal to disrupt my childrens’ lives as little as possible. They love Halloween. I didn’t want to be “laid up and recovering” while they were out “trick or treating”. So, I scheduled the surgery as soon as possible after Halloween. This way, I thought I’d have six weeks of healing behind me as we head into their Winter Holiday Break.
I planned when my kids were born, so why not this?
All joking aside, I am grateful that I have the luxury of planning this type of surgery. Many breast cancer survivors are not as fortunate.