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The Package

In the mail yesterday was a package from Dr. Griffin's office containing all of my pre op info. I always get excited when packages come in the mail, and this one was no different. I opened it immediately and was awed with all of the information inside.

I have to arrive at the hospital at 6:30 am on D Day. Surgery is scheduled to begin at 7:30. Dr. Griffin already told me it should last about 8 hours. For a second I was thinking how 8 hours may be the most sleep I've had in one stretch since September 2006 when Reagan was born! Unfortunately, he said I won't wake up feeling rested. Bummer.

The next several pages were full of all of the "do's" and "don't's" in the 2 weeks leading up to surgery. At first it was just lists of what medicines I can't take, which is everything except for Tylenol. Good thing I'm not a pill popper anyway! But then I got into the list of foods and beverages I'm not supposed to eat. Included on the list are garlic, tomatoes, and wine. HELLO!!?!?! I'm Italian. Asking an Italian to part with garlic, tomatoes and wine for 2 weeks, is equivalent to asking the Pope not to pray for a day.

After I recovered from that shock, I kept reading. Starting one week prior to surgery, I have to start using an anti bacterial soap (Dial or Lever2000 were recommended). Do they realize that those soaps don't just remove the bacteria, but pretty much the first 4 layers of skin as well?! I guess they'll just have less skin to cut through that day...

I have to shower the night before D Day, and the morning of as well. I am supposed to use shampoo on my hair only, along with the skin removing soap. I'm not allowed to use any deodorant, lotion, gel, hair product, makeup, etc. This should ensure me showing up looking like a hot mess.

But even with all my new rules and regulations, I'm excited. Which is a weird thing to say probably. But I am. It's time to get the show on the road. Let's do this!

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Meliss,

    You are quite a trooper. I am amazed and in awe of your wonderful attitude. You are a role model. You are in my prayers for as easy a recovery as possible. I love you so much and I am so proud of you.

    Your loving cousin - Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  2. MamaJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    So, I guess I'm not bringing lasagna for the night before surgery. You are always beautiful to me, inside and out. Stay strong. Love Mama

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sanchez FamilyJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Melissa-we are sending our love and prayers. I am ABSOLUTELY AMAZED at your positive outlook through all of this. -Tim

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    If they we're reading this blog they would have included a biology textbook...

    ReplyDelete
  5. MdgFebruary 7, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    I am LMAO at the Italian thing....me too - I am 100% Italian. How can I have ER/PR+ BC and have to give up cheeses? Are you kidding me? Garlic....no one mentioned that to me so I have been eating it like normal. I have been off the wine for weeks....that's a bummer! Now I feel like I can't even enjoy a glass...I feel like it is slowly killing me with every sip! How can Italians give up wine and cheese anyway?

    ReplyDelete

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