Where's Jimmie Bell?

Saturday
After the last not-so-good visit to find a plastic surgeon, we decided to find our own doctor.
The first challenge was that we were being told that I have to have a referral from my primary care physician. It took a lot of time on the phone with Medicaide to get that straightened out. No referrals are needed and I can choose any doctor who accepts Medicaide.
Called people on the list and found someone who I went to on Wednesday, Feb 5. He has a fairly new practice and was very attentive and kind, explaining reconstruction options. But in the end he said he was not the best person for this situation and referred me to Dr Gina Fearmonti. She is very well trained, specializes in breast reconstruction and recently moved to San Antonio from Houston where she worked at MD Anderson. (I love when a young doctor says, "If you were my Mother this is what I would recommend." )
I saw her Thursday, Feb 7. She has gained my complete confidence. My surgeon, Dr Holliman, will consult with her and the date for my double mastectomy will be set early next week. She thought it would probably be 1-2 weeks. I am very anxious to have the cancer removed.
Of course, being Whipples, we don't prepare for this by taking it easy. No, we decide to remodel the house.
So we boxed up all the books and old radios and electronics and knick knacks that live in the living room, and almost everything in the bedroom and either stored it in the spare trailer house (where Casey and Taylor lived), or it is piled up in the dining area of the kitchen.
John fixed the wombly, holey floors in the bedroom and living room. And now we will paint them and use area rugs. It's going to be wonderful.
I covered the ceiling of my bedroom with fabric which I sewed together and stapled in place. And yesterday we bought french doors at the ReStore to replace the falling apart permanently fogged sliding door that doesn't let me see my birds good enough.
Painting the floors is tricky because they need lots of prep, then it takes at least 2 coats of paint and 2 days to dry. We may be camping or sleeping in the kitchen. Evan will have to access the outside world via his bedroom window, which he says is no problem.
Then we have gigs and parties and a funeral for John's cousin (in Houston) on Monday. So we are keeping very busy.
Thanks to all of you for your love and support, cards and gifts. And the prayers.
I still have panicky fear episodes, but not as often. And I bought an ugly doll who is happy to take all my fear and hold it for me. He finds it tasty.

Posted with Blogsy