The lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy was scheduled for December 14. I would go in for the radioactive seed placement the day before. As I understood it this was the placement of a small radioactive device so the surgeon could see the edges of the tumor and would come out during surgery.

Saxophones in the Jazz Band concert at CCC.

John had a Plainsmen Singers concert on December 4, a Jazz Band concert at Colby Community College on December 7, and his high school band concert on December 19. I was able to make all of those with no problems.

We drove to Lawrence on December 12. I had a Touched By A Horse class call and student practice coaching follow up call so shortly before I needed to be on the phone I pulled over and let Mike drive. The calls took about 1 ½ hours and then I was ready to stop to get something to eat and take over driving once again.

We needed to be at the surgical center early in the morning but had been bumped to a later time than originally thought. I drove over to Kansas City because I don’t like to drive with Mike (or maybe anyone) in the city and checked in.

I had a procedure done in 2010 and was so apprehensive when they did my pre-op work up that the woman said she would get me some valium when I hit the door to ease my anxiety. I had none of those feelings this time. I just wanted to get the cancer out of my body. I attribute this to my Equine Gestalt Coaching Method® training.

You see, part of the training is clearing your own issues, so you can help others clear their issues. I’ve felt a lot of anxiety in my life and it has lessened in the last two years. It was a very interesting feeling for me to be able to step back, live in the moment, and not have anxiety about surgery or any of the things that can go along with it.

One of the Gypsy Vaners at Little Bit North Ranch in Colorado where a lot of the EGCM training takes place.

Surgery went well. She removed the tumor and three sentinel lymph nodes. They woke me, and Mike drove back to Lawrence where I wanted to go for breakfast/lunch even though it was about 3:00 in the afternoon. I enjoyed coffee, blueberry pancakes, and bacon at IHOP and we went back to Roderick’s apartment. I was pretty groggy while we were at IHOP and asked for a quiet place. I think they thought something was wrong with me so they sat us in a section that was closed.

I told Roderick’s girlfriend that I probably wouldn’t want to go out for dinner but would spring for some kind of take out. Then at 8:00, when he gets his break we decided to go out. I had a small steak with the fixin’s and we split a dessert. I felt great.

I think I took a painkiller that night to make sure I could sleep but I think I only had three total after surgery. The next (late) morning I drove Mike to an appointment in Kansas City then I drove home. I do believe I slept most of the weekend after we got home though.

The surgery left me a little Footloose, but it was an easy recovery.

Onward! Now we wait for more pathology results.

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