Journal entry by Terri Mitchell —
Happy Independence Day! Odd thing to write in my Cancer journal but it conveniently fits my journey. Today’s post is written with anticipation and confidence.
I am celebrating my soon found freedom from these “blessed” expanders. I am not going to miss these things. Thank you for serving your purpose and now we need to part ways. I am going in for my DIEP flap surgery at Baylor Plano with Dr. Lemmon and Dr. Potter. My surgery starts at 7:30am and I need to be there at 5:30am. Y’all…you know your girl and you know this does not excite her. LOL. The surgery averages anywhere from 8 - 12 hours and I will be recovering at Baylor for probably four nights.
I am not nervous. I have been praying for a calm spirit and God has abundantly delivered. I am in good hands and I am just ready for this part to be behind me.
I am nervous about the recovery process though since history has shown my body doesn’t respond the best to surgeries. But we will tackle that head on when it comes. I will be hunched over for a while and need assistance standing and sitting. The time table for recovery will be at least 6 - 8 weeks.
I will also have a few more surgeries in my future; but again that concern is for another day.
Praises(no particular order):
- Calm spirit (nervous about the iv though. Needles - aaacccckkkk) MIRACLE!
- Dr. Lemmon was able to move things around and get me in now when his scheduler was saying he was booked for the rest of the year. THIS IS HUGE!!!!
- Family and friends that help throughout this process.
- Sister coming down to assist during the day while Chris is at work.
- A local breast cancer group that understands ALL the emotions.
- So many random women being placed in my path that have had the same procedure with the same surgeons.
- Acquired lift chair to help with mobility
- Sweet neighbors that have other DME that I can borrow if needed.
- Pet sitters we can totally trust to watch over and love on our babies while they are there.
Prayer request:
- Pray over my surgeons and their staff that they are clear headed and steady handed.
- That I am okay and respond well to the anesthesia during and after the surgery.
- Transfer of healthy blood vessels and fat tissue
- No fat necrosis.
- A pain level that is tolerable.
- For great healing and NO infections(abdomen is more at risk after this surgery)
- Chris’ physical and mental health since he is carrying the burden for both of us right now.
- Lush continues to receive new clients to help us through this season.
Not prayer requests but would be helpful to us:
- Meals - I did not go freezer meal crazy this time since they mainly cooked season meals. My sister and brother in law are coming in and a few meals would be so appreciated. I may be slow to respond but you can reach out to Chris via his mobile or Facebook if needed.
- Putting financial assistance details below. Do not feel pressed do donate, but I ask you to share our gofundme if you don’t mind.
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-wont-let-breast-cancer-unravel-her-life
- Zelle: 469-644-4175
- Venmo: @TerriMitchell-LushLC
- Paypal: Paypal.me/CTMitchell14
Thank you for following along my journey. Thank you so much for your prayers, positive thoughts, and support. Sometimes you don’t understand the impact of those things until you are in the middle of something like this and it all helps carry you through.
Love all of you!
Terri
Anything below this line is requests by and benefits CaringBridge; not the Mitchell household.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Terri Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Terri's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
