Cancer - The Countdown to Surgery

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Well, this is definitely the countdown. I go in this afternoon for my pre-op appointments and then my surgery is tomorrow.

I got home just last Tuesday from my three-week trip for speaking engagements in Indonesia, Santa Barbara, Madison, WI, and Chicago (quite the range!). So I only had five days at home, after being gone three weeks, before I left again.

I could feel my brain going into the overload mode. That tells me NOT to multi-task and try to take things slow and be very specific about what I do.

I was trying to set up for EmpowHer.com to be able to do some filming of my journey. But after much back and forth, Stanford University Medical Center wouldn’t allow it. That was very frustrating.

On Wednesday, I had three meltdowns. That was my worst day. What changed things as the date got closer?

My friends. My support network. People reaching out and giving me hugs in person or physically. People checking in to see how I’m doing. Friends setting up to take care of me when I get out of the hospital, and then back home.

It has been another amazing lesson in the power of friendship—to help me heal physically, mentally and emotionally.

And of course there was the tragic news of Natasha Richardson’s death. Its stories like that which put everything into perspective. And then one of my best friends and neighbors from Sedona called me this morning. Her nephew was flying in last night from Seattle to spend a week visiting. He passed out on the plane and they took him to a Phoenix hospital upon landing. They found a brain tumor and he is being rushed into surgery today.

Perspective.

However, I do know it is still important to honor what I am going through. You can always find a story of something worse going on. Having a broader perspective definitely helps and makes a difference, but we need to recognize our own stress, our own crisis, and honor our emotions and what we are going through. Its important not to just stuff them by saying “oh, it could be worse.”

So I’m off to be poked and prodded. I’m really looking forward to next week and having this all behind me!

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Mary Schnack View Profile

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.