On the roller coaster

[JDJ925]

My surgeon’s scheduler called today to tell me I’m scheduled for surgery on 03/09/2006. Just 3 weeks from now! I feel like I’m on the part of the roller coaster that slowly takes you up to the pinnacle before the dead drop (click-click-click-click).

Now I’ve got to apply for a leave of absence from work. Get pre-approval for the surgery from Blue Cross. Arrange for disability. Train the guy who’s going to be doing my job while I’m out (and hope he doesn’t do it better than me). And try not to be distracted by that dead drop looming up ahead.

I have the most profound respect to all of you who have taken this ride and are willing to share your stories with us. Thank you. Your words do more than you may realize to help some of us go forward when we would just as soon sit this one out.

JD

[Kathleen_Mc]

JD: I am so glad to be living in Canada, at least in terms of arrangements for health care. And thank heavens I don't have to train someone to cover for me while I'm sick and then have to worry about them taking my job......what a horrible thing....train them right and they might take your job.....set them up to fail and you might loose your job for not training them right! Don't let yourself get run down in the following weeks though, with all your preparing, you might get sick and have your surgery cancelled! Get your rest and eat right. I can clearly remember this time frame, thank heaven for me this past time it was only less than one weeks notice I got, the first time around was a 2 week wait from Dx. to O.R. and I was in shock and it wasn't so bad. Kathleen

[Larry]

Right on Kathleen.

JD, you've made your decision, just get on with life and get the things done that are important to you in the next 3 weeks.

[stein78]

Best of luck JD!

I like the 'click-click-click-click' reference of the roller coaster.  The best thing is, when the clicking stops and the downward plunge of the roller coaster happens, they put you to sleep.    When you wake up, you are back on the upswing with no more of the dreaded 'click-click-click'.  Hang in there, you are on the home stretch.  The waiting for me was the worst part.

[millert]

JDJ Didn't the surgeon's office get your approval before scheduling you for the surgery? Before I can see any of my specialists, they all have either the authorization or referral in hand. One last thing for you to worry about. Good luck!

[ppearl214]

Hi JD,

Well, decision has been made, your putting your ducks all in a row and now, feel good about what you have decided and let's get you well.  Sending wishes that the next few weeks will be as stress-free as you can make it, keep yourself busy and know that you are doing what is best for you.

Sending wishes!
Phyllis

[Sanddollar]

JD,

I LOVED the click-click-click-click reference.  Perfect!

Everything will be just fine - just stay focused on your positive outcome.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sanddollar

[Pembo]

JD, The day after I got my surgery date we spent the day at Cedar Point, an amusement park and as dizzy as I was I rode the roller coasters! I figured if I had a brain tumor a little roller coaster couldn't hurt. LOL I also forced my husband into riding the newest coaster that flings you 100+mph. I wouldn't do it, but I told him I had to endure brain surgery, he had to ride that!

Hang on tight. I think the worst part of the surgery was the days leading up to it.

[matti]

The wait is the hardest part of the AN journey. Please know that you will be fine, you have countless thoughts and prayers coming your way and a ton of support from your AN buddies.

Speaking of roller coasters in a different sense, that is one thing I miss since my AN surgery. I was a huge roller coaster/amusement ride fanatic, but I am a terrified with all the bouncing around that something will come loose inside my head (other than the few screws that are loose already).

Take care and stay positive!

matti