January - a big month ahead!

2010 is starting with a real bang for me already with January being chock full of milestone events in this journey. Tomorrow I will have blood work done to determine if my levels are adequate to proceed with my scheduled swap-out surgery on the 14th (to replace the tissue expanders for implants). I feel MUCH better this past week - only have had a few minor incidents where I've been short of breath in spite of going on walks that I wasn't able to do for weeks because of the anemia effects. I take that as a sign that my numbers are on their way up :). But we'll find out for sure in the morning. I will also need to get an EKG and an exam and have Dr. B provide pre-op sign-off - all within the next couple of days. My awesome mom, Janet, is flying in from Connecticut on Friday to spend a month with us. Besides the obvious bonus of having my mommy here for the same moral support she provided when I had my major surgery in June, but she'll be helping me out with Cooper at night when Bob is away since I won't be able to lift Cooper into/out of his crib or anywhere for that matter for 2+ weeks. I'm excited for her to be here. On the 10th, I am rededicating myself to God at my church, and we are dedicating Cooper as well. I was baptized as a baby but I want to rededicate my life to Him now as an adult. Bob, me, Cooper, my mom, my sister- and brother-in-law, and my mother-in-law will be joining us for the dedication. I'm really looking forward to this important event and I know it will help me ensure I stay focused throughout the year on God's will and purpose for me. Surgery is on the 14th and then two weeks later, if the swelling is gone enough, I'll have my radiation simulation appointment the last week of January to finish out the month of January. The first week of February brings the next and final big chapter of my treatment - I will begin my 7 weeks of daily radiation treatments from Monday through Friday each week. I start back to work this week following the holiday break with increased hours so I'll be working half-time through the rest of my treatment. Getting closer and closer to my "new normal" :). Oh, and my hair is growing back! I look like a chia-pet haha. I'll post some pics later. I'm working on a slide show of pics of me during this journey and hope to have it up soon. It will be a great month, and I know it will be a great year too. Bring it on, 2010! Thank you, so very much, for your love, support and kindness toward me and my family through 2009 and going forward. The encouragement and hope you offer me every day is priceless and I consider myself incredibly blessed to have you in my life.