Thursday, August 30, 2007

lucky number seven

Sept. 7 — a week from tomorrow. That's my surgery date. It gives me enough time to complete two freelance articles I'm working on, which is good. I just hope I can keep from worrying myself sick over the next eight days. Maybe we can make it to the State Fair and the Picasso exhibit at the Walker before then, too.

I am overwhelmed and heart-warmed by all the generosity people are showing right now: offers of food, childcare, hugs, prayers and support. It means so much to me, and to Steve. We will try to take you up on whatever we can.

Now that I know this tumor is inside me, I notice it all the time. It's not irritating or painful or anything, just a presence that bumps against my rib or down in my pelvic area. I probably would have chalked some of it up to pregnancy, my growing uterus, but now I know what it really is. Last night, every time I turned over, I kept wondering, am I putting too much pressure on it? Am I squishing it? Is that bad? I am glad that this tumor is, from what they can tell, fairly freestanding. At least it has not encroached into any my organs, or my bloodstream. At least not yet. I'm having a CT scan this afternoon to make sure it's not in my lungs.

Daniel just woke up. Gotta go.

15 comments:

Kir said...

Emilie, I found out through the MSN boards. Oh sweetie I am so sorry, and I promise that I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers through all of this. My heart is breaking with your news, but I know that God is going to take care of you. I will ask Him to keep you close to Him and safe.

with love
Kirsten (Piccinigirl)

Unknown said...

Just checking up on you!!! I am glad you have a date. Need a sitter? I will be available! And Eva misses Daniel!

Anonymous said...

Emilie,
As these few days have gone by, I've realized something: your mature approach to all this is helping ME. I still get bitter over my own health problems, and I feel blessed to witness someone else close to me, who has the same trauma just thrown on her, deal with this in such as mature, classy way. It really puts things in perspective for me, and for what it's worth, thank you.

I have Sept 7 on my calendar.

- Susanne

kristine said...

I know it seems like it is such a long time away. I hope you can sneak in things to do...maybe it will help keep your mind off of it. Thanks for the updates. I am also chiming in on the offer - if you need anything.....

Anonymous said...

I have the 7th marked on my calendar now. I hope you get a chance to get out and have some fun this weekend/week, you need it. I'm here for anything you need - and I'm a pretty good cook if your hubby wants a hotdish :)

Jamie W-B

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness Emelie. I can't even imagine all that you are dealing with. You, your baby, Daniel and your husband are in my prayers during all this. I'm so sorry to hear this news.

LutherLiz said...

I've got it on my calendar. It's my day off on the 7th so please let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

Monkeymama said...

Thanks for keeping us posted. Things sound more hopeful after your meeting with the U of M doctor? It seems that way reading it. Of course we'll continue to pray - for your safety and health, for your doctor, your family, and the baby.

Courtney said...

Emilie I too just found out about this from the MSN boards. I am sos orry this is happening to you. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Court (Punken13)

Kerry said...

You know I will do anything that will help make this a bit easier for you all. You just keep fighting this, knowing that we are all praying and thinking about you.

I am completely serious when I say that you can have one of my kidneys, should you happen to lose yours. Not sure about your blood type or such (I am A neg) but I would gladly donate mine.

Jenni said...

Emilie, my heart goes out to you. I'm not usually one to pray, but I am praying for peace and a rapid recovery for you. Cancer is an awful, rotten, scary thing and it seems to pick the brightest souls. I'm so sorry.

Jenni (Jennik1135 from MSN)

EDH said...

Em, you have been so generous to update us so often - thank you for doing that. You continue to be in our constant thoughts and prayers, and I hope it's okay that our church in NM and a whole bunch of other people are praying for you, too.

Hope you can have a fun, busy weekend. Call anytime!

bz said...

Em.....Can't tell you how heartsick I was to hear your news, nor can I imagine how you are able to write about it with such poise. Keep that strong faith and hope, and know you've got lots of friends in your prayer corner.
Peace...bz

Anonymous said...

Emilie,

I just saw this when going to catch up on your blog.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do - anything.
Even if you need someone to see Picasso with you before your surgery - I'd love to see you.

I'm thinking about you and also praying for you, Steve, Daniel and the baby.

I'll definitely be checking your blog much more regularly. You are such an incredible and strong person!

Amy

Anonymous said...

Emilie, I am so sorry to hear this news. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, and I've got the date marked on my calendar.
Stacey