Looking Up!

I am sewing a new ceiling. Photos to follow.

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Jimmiewhipple@gmail.com

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Scheduled for Scheduling

I have an appointment with my surgeon, Dr Holliman on Monday, Jan 28. We will discuss my options and schedule the surgery at that time.

Since my diagnosis of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma on Dec 19, I've been living in a bit of a fog, knowing what was coming but not when. So now the fog is lifting and on Monday I will know where I'm at and post whatever map I end up with.

I have been trying to come up with a word that best describes my take on this cancerous experience.
Cathartic, transition, change, new beginning, crap, destiny..

Transformation is my choice.

I will emerge cancer free, stronger, with blessings I never imagined for myself.
My life will be jump-started towards the direction it needs to go.
And I will live in gratitude the rest of my years.

Magnets

Yesterday I got such a lovely surprise! John arranged for me to meet one of my friends at the Gruene River Grill, but it was really a gathering of wonderful women who have proclaimed themselves my "Magnets". We had great food and wine and uplifting empowering words were thrown about like confetti.
I now have an address book with names and numbers of some sisters I can call whatever needs arise. And each gave me a magnet so I don't forget that they are sticking with me through this tough time.
Thanks to Marilyn Baxter (organizer extrodinaire), Susan Angleton, Pam Center, Mickey Craddock, Sheryl Frantz, Kathy Henry, Cindy Peyton, Amber Roybal, Darla Wright, and Sunshine (who could not attend but sent flowers).

It was a few hours of laughter and love that will help carry me through the lows.
I feel so grateful for my friends, and am amazed that they did me such a kindness.
If you wish to be added to the "Magnets" list, just message me you info at jimmiewhipple@gmail.com.

We all need each other, all the time. Hug your friends and thank HP* for your blessings.

*HP - Higher Power, AKA God

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Good luck, bad luck

I have been feeling very down today so I went to see my doc who put me on antibiotics for UTI and a yucky chest cough. She's been my gyno for years and was concerned about why I'm not getting treatment yet. She made a few calls.
Then John called my surgeon and was reassured that there is not such a rush really.Then Alice just called from wings to say that I am approved. With them and medicaire.
So we should have no worries financially throughout this illness, and it's retroactive so will cover expenses already incurred. Being covered by these programs is very important. I still get to have the same oncologist (Dr Sharron Wilks) and surgeon (Dr Holliman).
The next step will be scheduling my bilateral mastectomy. They will stage and identify the cancer more specifically at that time and see if chemo or radiation is needed.
Other than occasionally falling apart into a blubbering mass of Jimmie Jello, I have been working on organizing my room so it feels like a good place for healing. I put a birdfeeder outside the window and hung prayer flags in the trees. I think I'm going to cover the ceiling with LED Christmas lights draped with sheer fabric.

FYI Jimmie Jello tastes like fear and death so I do not recommed ordering it in even he finest of eateries.

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Hmmm, when did I wear that last?

I'm organizing my clothes today. Donating those things that I never wear, putting the things I've "overgrown" away for later. (When you have cancer it's very difficult to say no to the little girl in your head who thinks you deserve ice cream.) I haven't decided if I want reconstrution or not after my double mastctomy. I've always been so natural. Almost never wore makeup or even a bra. I was really flat chested til 5-10 years ago so I know what to wear to make that work. I'm leaning toward saying no right now. Less chance of infection and I can always get fake boobs later. So it's weird to do this work when I don't know how things will turn out. But hey, most things are just a best guess anyway. I'm want to reduce clutter in the bedroom cause I'll be stuck in here a while. I want to fucus on comfort that is condusive to healing. Might move the bird feeders so I can watch from in here.

And more delay

Looks like I won't find out my status with Wings til Monday at the soonest. It is difficult to wait, so we will visit some friends in Austin tonight and stay over to see Winona and Gavin in the morning. Then we'll come back Sunday and play at Augie's.

Delay

No word today from Wings. I'm sure some of thier people are still on vacation. I will call tommorrow. I kept busy aking a giant pot of potato soup. Yum.

Progress

I has been difficult to receive my diagnosis just before the holidays, because all offices were closed til today. Finally I am able to take action towards treatment for my cancer. John and I drove into San Antonio and met with the Wings organisation this afternoon. Wonderful people. I should know tomorrow if they will be able to accept me into their program. Then the physical healing will begin. I already feel myself being lifted up by your love, and it fills me with gratitude.