Monday, February 04, 2008

This is ground control to Major Tom...

I am having a hard time keeping my feet on the ground...

...I officially have 71 hours left until I am on the operating table. I have to say that I think I am handling it beautifully. Now you ask my friends and family and they might tell you that I am full of it and am a complete basketcase...but what do they know! ;)

Starting today I am focusing on packing everything I will need for my time in the hospital. For those of you who have your surgeries in the coming days and months, I hope this proves to be as helpful as the lists I have stumbled upon while preparing for this day.

1. Baggy pants - comfy pj's from the Tinevez family and some yoga pants from Lu Lu Lemon










2. A t-shirt to sleep in that smells of a certain individuals cologne. An additional shirt to wear during the day that reminds the nurses that yeah...I'm kind of a big deal. ;)









3. I-pod with all the music in the world...thanks to Sara for the additions last night. I also have two playlists stored...one with a bit of 'feel sorry for myself' music and another with 'suck it up and get better...worse things could happen' music









4. Non slip socks - and some bright new white ones care of Ray and Marion this Christmas! :








5. Toiletries: Incuding Bath and body works sweet pea lotion, Wet wipes and no-wash shampoo

6. Feather Pillow given to me from Yvonne and Dad about 15 years ago...still my favorite! I'm also bringing the shopping in Macao book to plan for my trip to visit you both in China this year...get your walking/shopping shoes on! :)













7. Beautiful quilt made for me by my granny and given to me this Christmas












8. Candy for the nurses...anything to get that private room and additional morphine... ;)
9. Comfy shoes. More specifically a pair of crocs from Auntie Fran!








10. Sodoku puzzle books, magazines and GMAT preps care of Richard's "thank God you are finally leaving us in peace" present and The Secret (Positive thinking book recommended by Bernie)













11. Netflix movies to watch on my latop thanks to the Accenture crew in Raleigh

12. Beautiful scarf and leather gloves from Terra, Rob, Craig and Jos to keep warm on the way to the airport after the surgery













13. Painting to remind me to always live, laugh and love...You are a bright shining star Jill!












14. My support crew: Mom and Josh













It is quite obvious, I hope, when reading this blog that I have amazing support from my friends and family. I can't thank all of you enough for your patience, advice, comfort and light hearted humor that has prepared me for this day. I'd also like to thank Lauren, Denise and Jennifer...individuals who had never met me prior to this operation but have provided unlimited amounts of support and encouragement...thank you SO much!

11 comments:

Joshua said...

Sami,
As the clock ticks, I know your stomach gets tighter. I wish there was something I could say or do to help relieve the knot in your stomach right now. In an effort to try and not sound like a broken record (although I know I will), you will do great. This will be over before you know it and you'll be back on your feet in no time. Stay strong as I know you will. Always by your side, J

Barnold said...

you are going to do great. you shouldn't fret. Inappropriate suxual humor always makes me laugh - maybe it will loosen you up a bit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhZTR6w-FTM

Rachel said...

Sam, great to meet you yesterday with Lauren. I'm routing for you gal! You'll be just fine and bouncing around before you know it!
I booked my follow up appointment with Dr. Schrader on Thursday and then I'm going to book the MRI/DYE..I'll keep you posted too!

Good luck for Thursday, I'll be thinking about you.
-Rachel

MAbdalla said...

Sam,
Your such a dork! :)But I love the blog!!!!!
Make sure and ask for as many sponge baths and pain pills as possible. Watch as many movies as you can and eat as much Gassy food as you can. My Great aunty would say "there is more room on the outside than the inside." haha
Good luck baby, xoxo Abdalla

Traveling Hoya said...

Sam,

You are absolutely right - you have a wonferful family and so many friends to will help you get through this. You are one of the mentally and physically toughest people I know and if anyone can do this, it's you.

I know you'll be back in action in no time and I look forward to seeing you on the other side of the world one day soon!

All is the best,
Chanda

LH said...

Hi Sam,

I found your blog through Lauren's blog, which I found through Sarah's blog. I'm having a femoral derotation osteotomy on Valentines' Day.

I wish you all the best this week. It sounds like you're ready to do it - geared up, support team in place, and game face on. Be strong - I'll be checking back in on you later.

Laura - a.k.a. Hipchicknyc

Denise said...

Dear Sam,
Hang in there girl! The worst will soon be behind you. Just think - this time next week you will be well on your way towards a perfect hip.
The PAO community is here for you. Be sure your Mom knows that she can call anytime she needs a shoulder to lean on.
You are in our hearts
Hugs
Denise

Anonymous said...

Sam
As an English major I have always liked to start off writings with a quote. I thought this one was pretty hip to the situation.

Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is - H. Jackson Browne.

The adventure you are about to embark on will teach you more about yourself than you knew and reconfirm for you your own strength. Your "limb" is where the fruit lies. I hope that little bit of cheese made you smile even for a brief moment.

I will be thinking of you all day Thursday. Keep us posted. You will do fabulously and the best part is that soon all the pain of now will be behind you. We'll speak soon. It was lovely meeting you on Monday and get your ass back to Atlanta so we can go drinking.
Lauren

Unknown said...

Good Luck Sam. I'm sure it will go great. It'll be a nice morphine induced vacation. We'll be thinking about you. When are you getting to fly back to Atlanta?

Cassie said...

Just wanted to say best of luck tomorrow, Sam. Even though I don't know you, your posts have led me to believe that you are a strong woman and will make it through the surgery and recovery with flying colors.
All of us "hip sisters" are pulling for you!
Cassie

Jordan said...

The good thing is that anything is possible when your wearing that shirt I gave you. I'm not saying it has super powers or anything... but it did make me a ham sandwich once. True story. It even cut off the crust. I mean I wasn't even hungry but I wasn't about to turn down a ham sandwich made by a t-shirt, you know? But I digress, the point is keep the shirt close and everything will work out. You got the love and faith of your family and friends to do the rest. And those kick-@ss surgeons will probably help too. See you on the outside!

Aarff Aarff!