Preparing for Sugery

Today, I picked up a copy of this book. A new friend told me about it. The idea is to connect mind and body to enhance healing. Since I will be cut from hip to hip as well as having  both breasts removed I think I could use as much enhanced healing as possible. I am actually very excited to read it.

I did make an Amazon book list (see sidebar on left) of all the books that I have read and that have been helpful. I love books. They have gotten me through lots of different events in my life, from career changes, to international adoption to exploring options in breast cancer reconstruction. So, I thought I would share these resources with you. There are hundreds of others, but these are the ones that have helped me so far. If you have any suggestions I would love to read them.

At this point I am looking for all the positive reading materials I can get!!!

Who Needs to Know?

Who needs to know? I have a few close friends and a few family members who know what I am dealing with. They have offered to help and I know they mean it. Some friends have fallen by the wayside, while others have stepped up to offer support. This is truly a period of great change, not only for my body, but also my life. This is a time when you realize who and what are most important to you and put your time and energy into them. It is time to shed the relationships that don't work and cherish the ones that do.

I recently read (and couldn't put down) a book called, Between Me and the River, in which the author, Carrie Host, tells the story of her cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. She discusses everything you can possibly imagine related to cancer, relationships, quality of care, medical mistakes, telling children, miracles, etc. I only hope that I can face all the challenges ahead of me with the same courage as Carrie.

What I am reading today...

Today I am reading the best book in print on breast cancer reconstruction. It is full of very detailed descriptions of the procedures, the pain, the process, etc. Since I am meeting with the plastic surgeon who will most likely perform my reconstruction I need to know as much as I can going into our meeting as possible. I highly recommend this book for anyone facing breast surgery and reconstruction AND for anyone who will be caring for someone who is facing surgery. A MUST READ.