Surgery is tomorrow. It’s been a whirlwind these last few weeks, getting things together, talking to doctors and nurses and random hospital employees to get things set up. I think I’ve said “I have cancer” about a million times, and still not sure it’s totally sunk in. The things is… I feel fine! Really, I do. It’s so hard to wrap my mind around the idea that I have to put myself through losing my hair and months of chemo because of a tiny tumor the size of a pencil eraser. But, as the song says, Whoops! There it is!
Speaking of the hair, I did a thing earlier this week. Cut all my hair off! Yep, if chemo is going to make it all fall out, I would rather just have wisps falling out than shoulder length locks. Well, it’s not like I had luxurious locks; let’s be real. But I’ve had some variation of the same hairstyle for many, many years and I’ve become attached. No more! Pictures are below. Big shout out to one of my office peeps, Colleen, who went with me to make sure I didn’t have a panic attack and stood menacingly behind the stylist while she cut to make sure she did a good job. And flashed thumbs up signs at me throughout to keep me from sobbing hysterically. Ha! In the end, the stylist did a great job on the cut and I’m getting used to short hair. And in the end, it’s just hair, right? It’s a renewable resource and it will grow back.
This morning was spent in a cleaning frenzy to make sure the apartment is going to be care free when I get back. Put some mushroom tarts in the freezer for later, and just some discs of dough I can fill with goat cheese or something similar. Watered all the plants, and I’m praying my little herb garden hangs in there. Picked up plenty of books at the school Library before I left work Wednesday, so hoping that’s all the bases covered.
Not sure what kind of drugs they’ll send me home with tomorrow, but as soon as I come down off them enough to write an complete sentence I’ll check in on Facebook. Very happy that I’m going to be able — if all goes according to plan — to get the radiation portion of my treatment out of the way during surgery tomorrow. We’re doing IORT (look it up, if you want; very interesting) along with the lumpectomy and getting the port installed for chemo. We’re also going to go ahead and do a little breast reduction, just so the “girls” will match post-lumpectomy. Really don’t want to walk around, listing to one side, with mismatched boobies. Ha! So I got that going for me: I may have cancer, but I’ll be 60 years old with 40 year old boobs 🙂
I am blessed to be able to spend my first week of convalesce with my dear friend, Kathy. You know you have a real friend when she gives you her guest room for a week and you won’t even be able to cook or be particularly pleasant company. Please pray for her; I live alone for a reason. Ha!
So, gentle reader, please keep me in your prayers tomorrow, if you are so inclined. I trust my doctors and all my health care team, but I trust God a whole lot more.
In order below: Before, during, and after the big cut!
That Sassy Age 
Your hair is darling and actually makes you look younger!! You are taking this like such a trooper. I have been keeping you in my prayers and will continue to do so. ❤️❤️❤️
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I am loving that haircut on you. When it comes back you should keep the cut. I will be praying for you my friend. Our God is stronger. You got this.
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I absolutely love it!!
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I’m am praying for sweet lady and ashamed to say but I had no idea that you gave begun this journey.. .but I have faith in the Lord and know he s gonna be with you every step…..I really like the short cut on you ! It fits your sassy personality…Love it! I will pray for you and love you..Keep us updated……❤❤❤❤❤😘
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I, too, love the cut!!! Adorable. You’re brave….but I’d expect nothing less. I know emotions are all over the place. Prayers continue!
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I love the haircut!!! And will be praying for you. Lots of love coming your way!!
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Sweet Sassy sister, you’re beautiful inside and out! The ” new DO” looks like the 40 year boobs you’re about to greet— young! You’ve got GOD’S strength in your soul, mind and heart to be an inspirational survivor of breast cancer. My prayers are with you and I’m wrapping my arms around you with hugs of love while you go on this journey. Drop the mic….. you’ve got this! I love you sweet sassy!
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Terri, you look great! I will keep you in my prayers this week. Your faith is powerful!! You friend will be blessed for her love and ministering during this time. Big hugs🤗
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Love your hair! Will be praying for you tomorrow! You’re going to do great!
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I love the hair cut!! Many prayers for you, your doctors and care team!!
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I love your cut. Just remember you will have the Great Physician in the room and all the love that can fill the room. You are healthy and in good physical shape. Love you.
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I love your hair cut! I love that you are taking control of what you can control! I love your strength and I love you friend! You got this! Hugs, prayers and love to you!!
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Hey Terri, Love the new hair. I had BC in 2004, had a lumpectomy, radiation and chemo…It’s not fun, but it is doable and it will be over in no time. I don’t want to downplay it, because it is not fun, but you will look back and it will be just a bump in the road….I will be praying for you.
Cecile McNeel Martin
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T Sassed, that cut is everything and you look maav-valous dahling!! Glad you have friend to keep an eye on you the first week; go easy on her, lol. Sending love and Moscow mules…
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Terri, I’m so ashamed to say I had no idea you were going thru this! No excuses, just in my world, out of touch with reality most days. Please know, you are in my thoughts and prayers and after reading your article and knowing the courageous woman you are, you and God have this, no doubt whatsoever!! Love the hair cut!!! So Sassy!! 🤗💐 The 40 year old girls will be a well deserved reward and 2 less burdens to live with! 💞👍
Much love and prayers for calm nerves and a speedy recovery‼️
🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
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Terri, you got this, girl!! My sister went through it about 2 years ago and her hair now is gorgeous!! Wish I lived closer and could help out a little. Sending love and prayers! 🌺🌼🌹🙏
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Prayers ascending for you sweetie! I really love the attitude. You are a strong, independent women. But I can tell you’ve softened with all these changes. While Cancer sucks, you got a really cute hairstyle, updating the girls and have so many to walk with you. No one fights alone. Always remember to keep smiling, even on the worst day! Love Ya!
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