From Karla, my daughter:
Anyway, she is doing ok. Surgery was on Friday and she went home on Saturday evening. She's not sleeping well because she isn't a back sleeper and right now that's the only way she can sleep. Just saw her tonight. She was emotional. She tried to change her bandages earlier today and after she started peeling the bandage back she said she just lost it. She isn't much of a cryer - kinda stoic, but this got to her. How couldn't it! a few days before she went in for the surgery, I took her to get a PET and a CT to see if there was cancer anywhere else in her body before they did the surgery. There wasn't any, so she felt good about that. Her surgeon told her about a woman who opted for a prosthetic - well actually two sets. A small set to swim in (they velcro to your chest) and her big girl pair for going out in. Virginia thought she might get three sizes depending on her mood! How many men can say that!!! (oops! my bad!! ) So, she is cancer free, in about 6 weeks she will start chemo, and about 6 weeks after that she'll do radiation. She doesn't have to do radiation, but the radiologist told her it would increase her chances by 20% of not getting the cancer again. She says she likes the odds, so for now, she will go ahead with the plan.

From Virginia:
Hi

Wow! What an ordeal! Keep praying. Please pray for pain under arms from first surgery (lymph node dissection). Can't sleep, have a chest of a nine-year-old! Cried my eyes out a few times, but other than that I'm alive and trying to move forward. God has definitely given perfect peace that certainly passes my understanding. Had no fear or anxiety before or after surgery. Ted is hanging in there, taking good care of me. Friends and family have been awesome. The pastor and people of the church where Doug pastored and Steve & Karla atttend have brought us meals and gave us a VERY generous love offering yesterday! I was shocked and blessed. Karla really stepped up to the plate and arranged meals, etc. I am blessed with a wonderful family and great friends. Thank you for all your cards, phone calls, and emails. They really keep me going and they are kisses from heaven - God working through His people to bless me. Love you all.

Gini

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I can sure relate to how Virginia is feeling! Many years ago, I found a lump and the doctor didn't even bother with a biopsy. It was straight to surgery for me. He warned me that I may wake up without a breast.

When the anesthesia started to wear off, I woke myself pinching to see if my breast was still there. It was and the whole world was beautiful and everything was well.

Just wondering why an appendage like that is so important to women? I still used mine for their original intent after my surgery, yet I'd be going through the same thing that Virginia is going through. I'd be mourning the loss of my "womanhood". Strange... My heart goes out to her.

LMBO No matter how strongly she's rejected me, my daughter is still her mother's daughter! Those of you that know me will recognise me in her letter.