Bah Humbug

I put my official holiday mat out this week....yes....it says 'Bah Humbug' on it and that's my only decoration. I must confess that I baked gingerbread cookies yesterday. It is my one concession to the season, I love gingerbread! The big family gathering is this Saturday in Florida so I may be a little sad that day but my niece Bethany has promised me lots of photos.

Eggplant Dreams

Mom called today, she was making the traditional G-house holiday Eggplant Parmesan! Wonderful---NOT--- since I'm not going to be there to gorge myself! My fave to be devoured by everyone except me. WAAAHHHAAAA.

OK, child-like fit over for now.

First Day no DRUGS

I made it through the whole day without any pain medication and I walked all the way around NorthPark Center too! I feel better than ever.

Back in the Saddle Again

My first day back at work went very well. I managed to do a whole 8 hours without a nap too! Rock ON!

following the rules

Only ONE more day to get through before I can return to work...YAH! So far I've been a very good little girl and have followed all the of Dr. Salley's rules, but all bets are off tomorrow. Just kidding! I know I will catch the wrath of all my friends and staff if I even think about lifting a box....that's why I'm not divulging the rest of my limitations.....muhahaha.

Back in Big D

Thanks to Lily for picking me up at the airport last night and having a new box of tissues waiting for me! I"m baaaaacccckkkk......

Bitter Sweet

My visit with Dr. Salley today was good and bad. The good news is I will fly back to Dallas tomorrow evening as planned. The bad news is he is sending me back with LOTS of restrictions! I won't list them all but suffice it to say I won't be anywhere close to 'normal' Jo until at least mid-February......he said March and of course I've moved the time-line up a little bit. I return to work on Monday, 12/8 so watch out DPL!

The hardest part at this point is leaving behind my family who have been so incredibly wonderful for the last month. OK--here come the tears.....

Lunching Librarians

Erin drove down from Charlotte today to keep me company; what a sweet treat! We lunched at the Mellow Mushroom with Denise and Pat, so 4 librarians around a table....yes there was talk of books, programming, job duties and a little gossip too. It was good to be out of the house for a few hours. Thanks for being my chauffeur, confidant and head cheerleader today E!

blessings

Once again I hit the sobbing limit today! OY....good thing I have three nurses, Joanna, Madeline and Zoe to look after me. Went to bed around 4pm today when I couldn't control myself any longer and not an hour went by before Madeline and Zoe were coming to check on me. Then Madeline came again, and again bringing soup. Then I heard noise from the bathroom and found Zoe singing while in the tub...now how can that not make you smile? Finally, head nurse Joanna came up to see if I had enough tissues....and to let me know...... well the love was evident and I'll leave it at that.

Black Friday

So who actually braved it and went shopping today? Not me! I beat cancer and ended it up a cold---what luck. So now I'm blowing my nose and looking a lot like Rudolph. But today I got to spend time with Zoe at the play ground and Madeline and I made cookies so I felt pretty special despite the runny nose.

Changes

It's the new me....I got my hair cut today and it feels great. It is about 4.5 inches shorter...I KNOW....Yikes! But I like it. Don't bother looking on the right for a photo, there isn't one, but I'll try to get one up soon.

AHHH Saturday

I've been looking forward to this day all week! Denise is taking me to Charlotte for dinner with Erin and Ian. ROAD TRIP! It is only an hour away but I feel like she is busting me out of jail. (not to mention that we are meeting her at South Park Mall---can you say retail therapy??)
I had a few bad days dealing with pesky migraines this week, thank GOD for good drugs. Otherwise it has been smooth sailing.
I just have to share how I'm taking my 'new' hormones; it is a mist that I spray on my arm! NO kiddin'. I feel so space-age.

Happy Days!

Thanks for the comments! They really gave me the boost I needed this week. Jill---I hear ya! I tore all my clothes off the hangers in my closet Sunday morning because I couldn't find anything to wear...then proceeded to sit on the floor and cry for 15 minutes....maybe that's part of the problem...I need to shop for more clothes! ;)

Thanks for the cards you all have sent via snail-mail too! They always make me smile every day as I have them all on display in my room.

Good news! The pathology report came back all clear!!!!! No more cancer officially verified and signed! WAHOO.

This too shall pass...

OR so says Dr. Salley! I live in hope now...he says give it a few weeks and the hormones will even out again. Give me strength until then my friends!

Hot Fashes and Mood Swings, OH MY

I think the titles says it all.

Fun Friday

I was lucky to be feeling good today so I got to visit Zoe's kindergarten class for Fun Friday. Joanna provided pizza and I got to read to the kiddos. It was so much fun as they were thrilled to have a new face read to them. I'm planning to go back next week too! Of course, I must admit to coming home, swallowing a Davocet and heading to bed for an hour...but it was worth the discomfort.

Roller Coaster

I'm officially on the roller coaster of recovery and I don't like it ONE BIT! I was on the upward swing and feeling SO FINE and all of a sudden things went south and I was back in bed or stuck on the couch. I'm told that is 'normal' and you all know how much I loath being normal! haha!

After spending most of Monday in bed then Tuesday on the couch I managed to go out and see a movie Tuesday evening with the help of Denise (she drove the escape vehicle). We saw 'Secret Life of Bees' and it was good, good to be out and a good flick. Today I ventured out to Target with Joanna, Madeline and Zoe for an hour, then spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch---I actually fell asleep during Oprah---my apologies to 'O'! So much excitement.....hold me back! ;)

Sunday Stop Sign

Went for a walk yesterday afternoon with Madeline and Joanna to the stop sign at the end of the street, it's only 4 houses away but it was as far as Joanna thought I should go. Today I ventured beyond the stop sign on up Kings Grant Road only to get BUSTED! No one told me I wasn't supposed to go beyond the stop sign......it is good to be loved, even when I break the 'rules'.

Was up late last night and ended up buying something on QVC! UH OH....it's a bad habit in the making...me, pain killers, a computer and a credit card!

Breakfast in BED!

This morning two pajama-clad princesses delivered a cinnamon roll and green tea to me! This is the life. Watch out I may get used to this pampering. The rest of the day was quiet, took a short walk to the end of the street and back. Progress in small doses.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity-Jig

My sugery was 'technically challenging' according to Dr. Salley and he had to get Dr. Stands in to assist, so I got a two-fer! The good news is my uterus and cervix are gone and with it, nasty Mr. Cancer! Yesterday and last night at Baptist Hospital were pleasant thanks to Susie, Ever, Leslie, Arlene and Sandy, the three shifts of wonderful nurses who took great care of me. Ever had a morphine pump???? I highly recommend it ;)

I got home around 11am today and have done a little walking but mostly more sleeping. (I know Alei and Denise will be proud!) Had pancakes for dinner....made by my sister-in-law Joanna, a personal favorite when I'm feeling down and got to enjoy them with my nieces Madeline and Zoe. Tom was out-of-town tonight so we had girls night! I'm off to Darvocet-land now and bed again. Thanks for all the good karma....I felt it like a warm blanket over the last 36 hours.

8.5 hours and counting

I'm surprisingly calm and ready to kill cancer tomorrow. I had some nerves earlier this evening but reading my emails, texts and listening to voicemail made me relax!
Hopefully I'll be home mid-day Friday and I'll be chatting with you all then. Many, many thanks to all of you for your support. TTFN

Lucky Boots

I wore my lucky boots to work today--for those who have not seen me lately I'm a cowboy-boot-wearing Texan and I have one pair of boots that make me feel lucky....good things happen when I wear these boots....they are Brighton (of course) two-tone brown and black with a heart on the shin (of course again). I plan to wear them on the plane tomorrow AND to my pre-op appointments with Dr. Salley and the hospital in the afternoon. I'd wear them on Thursday if I thought they could be sterilized without being ruined!
Point in case....I could not sleep much last night so I was up at 4am, by 6am I was at Wal-Mart wandering around chatting with my new friends (the employees), I know no strangers---just new friends I haven't met yet! Anyway, a t-shirt caught my eye....it is black with a happy face on the front, the kicker is the eyes of the face are little hearts, that's right, more hearts.....AND the best part is Elmo is peeking over the top off the smiley face. Yes, Sesame Street Elmo, what do you expect? I AM a children's librarian.....these little things make me happy. (and it only cost $7, gotta love it) SEE??? Very Lucky Boots!

Most Important!

The two most important things I needed to complete by today are done! They were to paint my toenails and dye my roots...you know I have an image to uphold and all that. I'm ready to go now.

Warm Fuzzies

Last night after work I met a group of cohorts at our regular watering hole for one last happy hour before my departure from DFW. Today my Bookmarks staff honored me at our staff meeting. This afternoon I got a call from Jolly Green, my best bud since she was born (I'm a whole 7 months older) Warm Fuzzies have surrounded me for 24 hours. Drinks that say you care, hugs abounded, strength in good wishes, roses via email, a Hannah Montana sticker and Godiva chocolates, all hand prints on my heart. If love could heal I wouldn't need any surgery. Thank you my friends!

Happy Halloweenie

Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, 100 Grand, Nestle Crunch, Skittles, Starburst---and that was just lunch! I love Halloween.

Bat Girl

The countdown officially begins. By this time next week I'll have been spayed and will be hopefully eating oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in bed. ;) I'm easy to please most of the time. I was informed that I may have to spend one night at the hospital instead of being an out-patient.....WHAT....not Bat Girl! You all remember that Bat Girl was a librarian, right???? She would never have put up with this nonsense. Call Commissioner Gordon, this is an outrage! I protest!

Well, OK, maybe for one night but that's all!

Gunnyr Micah

Tya---are you sure that's how you want to spell 'Gunnyr'??? That poor kid will never be able to find a mug with his name on it at Disney World! Let me introduce you all to my great-nephew due to arrive April 13. He will join his sister Hayden Annabelle who belongs to my #2 niece Tya and her hubby Andy in Tampa. By #2 I mean chronological order, not a ranking! Although I KNOW at one point in time I've told each of my 6 nieces and 3 nephews that they are my 'favorite' because they ARE all my favorites.

dizzy

I've been dizzy for 4 days off and on and I'm tired of it. I think it is a side effect from the 'flu shot I got Saturday evening.....it was a little better today so I'm looking for major improvements tomorrow.

One week from today I fly to Columbia, SC for my surgery. I pre-registered with Baptist Hospital this afternoon and Diane, the nurse who called me was a hoot. Gotta love those southern girls because she was full of grits and goodwill. Actually everyone I spoke with today was uplifting in their own way. Lots of positive energy floating on the 2nd floor today.

Had my performance evaluation today and it was good, I was worried even though I know I've been working hard. You just never know if anyone else notices how hard you work.

Hugs

There are some days when you just need a hug. Today was one of those days. But luckily for me hugs can happen in the most unexpected locations at the Dallas Public Library! Within 1 hour this morning I got a hug in the staff elevator and 30 minutes later another in the staff ladies room and I needed them both. It is always a comfort to know your colleagues are there for you when you need a little lift. Lily, I know you would have hugged me too if I'd have let you.....but at my desk I needed to be Wonder Woman and it wasn't coming easy, as you noticed!

Ladybug bracelet

Today we celebrated Halloween at Bookmarks with the help of NorthPark Center. They had entertainment for the kids from noon to 6pm and the families were out with their kiddies in costumes. We were swamped with families reading, doing puzzles, crafts and just being together. I was hanging near the door as "Ambassador Jo" when a little girl about 4 years old shot out of the face painting line in the hall and barreled into me. She is a storytime regular and she just had to show me her ladybug bracelet made out of balloons. Her name is Maygen and while her poor mom waited in line we had a lively conversation. She loves butterflies and will be a bumble bee for Halloween. It was the most amazing afternoon, so full of love and happiness. I also played balloon-bounce on and off all afternoon. You know, you blow up a balloon and simply keep bouncing it into the air. Insert shrieks of laughter, jumping and smiling into the equation and you have some good old fashion fun. Did I mention I get paid to do this???? Life is very good!

Lindsey and I had lunch before we opened today at the newest merchant on our hallway, Cibus. I had butternut squash soup and it was wonderful. It is a nice Italian-style cafe with a full service restaurant in the back (which won't open until next week). Did I mention the desserts yet? WELL, they only opened a couple of days ago but we were in there 'testing' the desserts on day one and I'm happy to report they passed a rigorous inspection. So come on out and take me to lunch!

On my way home tonight I got a flu shot. I am armed with Lysol and hand sanitizer so I feel that it will be a happy winter in Dallas, at least for me!

Can you tell how great I'm feeling today? I just wish I could bottle this up and save it to drink on 11/7--the day after I become cancer-free. I'm also practicing the art of breathing now too, have you ever done that? Stop, hold your breath, then inhale. Doesn't it feel good? Do it four times in the morning and at night and you will most certainly have renewed energy---guaranteed. By who? By ME of course! Dr. Jo! ;)

$16.21!!!

It was a great day in Dallas today! Tuesdays are my day off so I treated myself to a hunting expedition at DSW. For those of you who may not be familiar with DSW it is a huge discount shoe store. I didn't go in looking for anything special and I got the deal of the century, ok maybe the year, well at least the week! Unlisted brown leather platform pumps for $16.21, regularly $89! I'm feeling the glow of victory tonight! Now.....what to wear tomorrow to showcase the newest member of my closet? Hmmmmm....

Getting Spayed

Hysterectomy is such a long word---I'm going with 'spay' from now on!

Before today the life-changing permanence of this procedure had not effected me. I was never a 'my biological clock is ticking' type of woman and never felt that urge to procreate. But today a little boy grabbed my hand after storytime and I felt a deep sense of loss. Not my usual reaction as I'm around these tiny beasts daily and I usually 'oooh and ahhh' and happily wave good-bye. I think the reason I never felt a sense of missing out was that my brothers and sisters generously included me in the raising of their children, even if my job was only the fun-babysitting-aunt role BUT I got to teach them it is really OK to eat dessert before dinner once in a while!

There are many fond memories for me here......of trouncing Drew in putt-putt golf(no I did not let him win), having Michael drive us to the movie theater on his learner's permit (scary), sitting in Brittany's room talking about boys, going to dance rehearsal with Bethany, taking Neil and Isabel for professional photos and jumping into the picture too, meeting Tya at Wildwood and talking about life for hours in the car on the way to stay with Grandma, carrying Madeline in the baby bjorn in NYC into Saks and getting free gifts at the Chanel cosmetics counter because she was so cute, teaching Madeline and Zoe how to do a flip over the bar at the playground, these are the moments I cherish in my heart that make me smile at moments like this in my life.

The Beginning

Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the cervix and uterus, the same cancer my father had in his lungs despite the fact that he never smoked. Genetics or just bad luck? Who knows for sure but one thing I do know is I'm going to knock it out with smile on my face and in a very cute sweatsuit! Yes, I'm looking for the perfect post-surgery lounging outfit and am seeking an unrivaled sweatsuit---no velour here people! So keep and eye out for me when you head off to the mall or department store and let me know if you find something outstanding, unusual, with bling or animal prints or something fun and uplifting.

I will have a hysterectomy on November 6th at Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC then spend the following 4 weeks with my brother Tom and his family recuperating. Bets are being taken on how long I will actually stay in SC....I'm shooting for 2.5 weeks but Dr. Salley may have something to say about that! We shall see......