((loonlakelaborcamp)) I'm so sorry you will lose your sisters--I don't know what to say. Burst pipes, while an aggravation, are nothing compared to family, but that's a lot to have happen all at once. Best wishes for a speedy, easy, recovery from your surgery.

Loonlake, it sounds like a most challenging year ahead. You are so smart to be making food in preparation for the time when you will be recovering from your surgery. I hope you have a restorative period of recuperation when it is over.

I am so sorry to hear about your situation and your sisters health. You have a lot ahead of you. You are doing great preparing and prepping as much as possible. The house will wait you will get it beautiful in time.

I can't agree more about having insurance and trying to have a backup fund because you never know when tragedy can strike and what it may be but with out a doubt it will be costly.

Trying to stay positive can become a challenge but it is essential. There are many positive affirmation apps that you can use daily, journals can be helpful just writing gets it out and always lets you look back at how much you accomplished.

And seriously try the adult coloring books! I have found it to be an excellent release.

Best of luck to you and your family.

ravencajun pretty well summed up my thoughts, so I will just say this. Wishing you only blue sky days, and positive energy. I know it isn't easy. 2016 was not a bad year, but not great . Tobey had open heart surgery, plus skin cancer biopsies. I go on the 5th of January for skin cancer biopsies. However, I feel very positive about every other aspect of our lives especially after January. Praying for you.

Sending you positive energy for the year ahead.

Oh my, you got your plate full for next year, loonlakelaborcamp. I am glad, you have someone at home to be of support, during your recovery time. Wishing you a GREAT visit with the first sister, and then after recovery with the second sister. So sorry about the double cancer problems. I have two sisters, and am so thankful to have them, even if one is in Germany and the other in Australia. Skype helps us a lot.

Maybe you can do some skyping with your sisters during your recovery time? Good luck all around. You sound very prepared. I hope, all goes like clockwork, and goes well.

Moni

Hmm...coloring books...hadn't thought of them!

I have pulled out all my beading equipment and set it up on my dining room shelves. I should be able to lay out what I want to work on and string things up as I heal up. Projects that can take just a few minutes here and there are what have been recommended. I've been told reading may be too fuzzy for the 1st week or so, so DVDs will be my friend.

It's major abdominal surgery, so lifting anything over 5 pounds is out. (That's half a gallon of milk!) Due to food allergies, I have to cook things from scratch, so the freezer will be full of single serving meals for hubby and I. My microwave will be my best friend! We really can't order in food, and I can not eat what others have prepared -- so bringing me meals only feeds hubby! (I even have to bring my own food to the hospital for the 2-3 day stay...)

I've been training my dogs not to jump on my lap -- they now just jump up on the footrest of my chair for their loving! I may be able to drive at 4 weeks, but definitely can not work until after 6.

I'm sorry for all these troubles rising up at once. Wishing you well with the surgery and your recovery. Wishing your *surgeons* well!

Do not put yourself at risk with the dogs; they'll get over it! Stop and Think before you go to do something -- then ask your DH to do it! LOL Do not agree to discharge until YOU are comfortable with it.

I can commiserate a bit. I had a colon resection in October; removal of a foot of colon for a 'carpet' polyp. Not fun, then a 'bleed'. But it had to be done, and the polyp was benign. Like you, my DH was here for me in recovery. I hope your result will be positive, too. Can your 'alterations' be done with arthroscopic surgery? (Mine are still a bit red, but healing well.)

You have a Good Plan and a Good DH. BIG help!

Loonlake, I'm sorry to know your challenges for 2017, they are heartbreaking news and I will keep you in my prayers. I really do hope you're able to see your sisters in time. In addition to the airlines making conscessions for situations like this, there may be some charitible organizations that can help financially. The Cancer Center in your area may be able to help point you in the right direction.

So sorry for your situation but know that your sisters would understand completely. Keep in touch via phone, cards and thoughts. You are equally important and take good care to follow drs. orders. I wish for you an understanding calmness that will carry you through your ordeals. God bless all of you.

So sorry to hear about your sisters. You do have a rough year ahead, but you are doing what you can to prepare for it.

Sending my positive thoughts and healing prayers. (((((HUGS, too)))))

Just a word of warning, the following may be too much information...

Chisue - I wish the surgery could be done more conservatively, but all three surgeons consulted agreed that the most prudent bet was to have a full vertical abdominal incision with no dissection of any of the organs to be removed. This will also allow them to check other organs to see if there are any "hidden" irregularities.

Basically, I am BRCA2 gene mutation positive. This means I don't have an important "shut off valve" for cell division - therefore some cancers can run rampant. Prior to being tested, I was having a horrible time getting yearly paps/mammograms authorized under my insurance plan. They kept recommending longer time periods. No way were they going to pay for "investigational" ultrasounds or other tests unless I had active symptoms --but that could be too late.

Once I was declared BRCA2 positive, I was finally allowed to have a covered abdominal ultrasound -- and they found uterine masses. Biopsy showed them to be benign at this time, but just those irregularities alone would recommend a hysterectomy. Coupled with being BRCA2 positive, it is a recipe for disaster (about 80% chance of cancer in the next 10 years...)

BRCA2 is one of the "faulty" breast cancer genes out there, and there is a horribly high rate of cancers in the immediate family. Even my insurance company now recommends prophylactic removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix. These need to be taken out in total - not dissected so no cells can migrate and grow into future cancers. Also, they will have to check the entire abdominal cavity for any evidence of other cancers/changes such as pancreatic, colon, endometrial, or ovarian - all associated cancers. The only thing I don't have to worry about is prostate cancer! Most are "hidden" cancers that are not detected until well advanced. Couple this with a recent hernia tear, and it will be a large opening (diaphragm to pubic bone) and a lot of rummaging around in there. Oh joy.

I have had 2 sisters with breast cancer, one with ovarian, one with brain cancer. My mom died of uterine cancer, and my grandfather died of pancreatic. 8 blood related aunts/uncles died of the cancers above. I've also got over a dozen more 1st cousins that have the BRCA 2 associated cancers. My geneticist is blown away by our familial cluster (trends really show up in huge families). Somehow it's disconcerting when a geneticist gets excited with your profile!

I guess the good news is that monitoring for breast cancer is a breeze now that I have been declared BRCA2 positive. Although I am not opting for prophylactic removal of them at this time, if anything does show up there, they are going too!

Sorry if my 1st post seemed a bit down -- it can get overwhelming, and this is new territory for me. I do feel fortunate to have the ability to communicate with distant family, have a hubby who can help me recover, and an employer who is providing help via insurance and disability plans. This is a big firm that really treats us like family.

Certainly NOT too much information! Who knows when one of us or one of our dear ones will face something similar.

A friend who has survived pancreatic cancer (surgical removal of one part) said that she was most sore from all the rummaging around. Ack! You, too!

Nobody wants to be such an 'interesting case', nor to have such a family history. OTOH, you should be the object of intense interest and care!

I thought your first post was very positive. You are making plans, that work BEST for you. I admire you for that.

Moni

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers

I agree with Moni. You are facing the year with courage. I'm especially sorry about your dear sisters.

Prayers and positive thoughts for you and both your sisters. I second the use of Skype as a way to keep in touch with your sisters if it is possible to be done.

And yes, the majority of the post-surgical pain will be from the moving around of internal organs in order to remove the already designated ones and to also check others for abnormalities. One of the first two things you will be taught is how to "deep breathe and cough" and use the Incentive Spirometer.. It is vital you do these as frequently as suggested by your nurse(s) as it will help keep you from developing pneumonia. Ask the nursing staff to show you how to "brace or splint" your abdomen with a pillow when doing the DBC routine if you are not familiar with it.

Mary

I'll say prayers for you and your family.

Good thoughts being sent your way. There is that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. I just experienced a horrible year ending with the death of my sister in December so I can understand your feelings. The sale of my rental house was supposed to go through in December but it has been delayed until the middle of January because the buyer could not secure house insurance. My house repairs from the storm won't be finished until spring sometime now but I see that light. I am happy to see the last of 2016. Finding a little bit of joy each day does help a lot in keeping things positive. Wishing you good health and happiness. It will come. Hugs

So sorry for all your troubles and about your sisters, Loon. I have two sisters so I know the bond. I will be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.

It is so hard to deal with the unravelling of the ties that bind, especially with beloved family ... and deep concern for the continuing integrity of one's self, including body and mind are very close to home, as well.

I'm sending good thoughts and hopes for the best possible future for yourself and sisters ... and offering some prayers on your behalf.

I hope that all of you can see this journey through while enjoying the great privilege of peace within your heart(s).

ole joyful

So sorry for any and all of us having a hard year. Our daughter was diagnosed with MS a little over a week ago. She had us sell our house and move close to her years back when she was with her live in boyfriend. Our families lived like close relatives and we honestly DH and I can only remember about two disagreements with our daughter in our whole lives. Then she cheated on him and dumped him. Within a year she married another guy who is not nice and moved away. She sends a text or phone call once in awhile. She is busy with her new family and we get to see tons of FB posts on their new happy life. We wish her well but it is an adjustment. Would like to have the previous close relationship and be there for her while she is dealing with her MS but for now she seems immersed with her in-laws. We will be there though if she needs us.

Well, one sister died before I could visit her. She was not the one we thought would go first...but had many good phone calls with her. I was able to visit the other. Full family wants to get together in a month or two for a full memorial for the sister who died. Unfortunately, I'll be in the middle of my recovery time for my surgery, so I may not be able to make it out of state to be there. (3 planes to get from Fargo to that area of Florida.)

My surgery is in one week, and I am busy trying to ready the house (and me) for recovery. So much to do -- just have to bite off one thing at a time. Hopefully I'll be able to return to work (at least part time) by March.

A comfort in my sister's passing is that she was not in pain due to the brain cancer. Her body functions just began malfunctioning and that was it. The other sister with ovarian cancer is not having that easy of a time, therefore the visit with her was not pleasant -- she is very bitter and surly. I'm hoping it is only her meds talking. It is draining to be around her. I'm making a mental note to be kind to all my nurses and doctors - no matter how I feel.

I'm just glad I'll be in good hands. I'll keep you all posted.

Oh my, your head must be spinning. I am very sorry you lost your sister. What a terrible loss. As for your other sister, I would imagine the pain and fear are huge factors in her bitterness. Especially since she just lost a sister to that horrible disease. What a sad situation.

I wish you luck with your upcoming surgery. You have my prayers for the best possible outcome and fast recovery. Hang in there. Please post often with updates when you can.

but had many good phone calls with her. I was able to visit the other.

and for that I am so, so glad for you.

I'm glad you posted. I was thinking your surgery was scheduled soon. (See, we are *thinking* of you!)

I'm sorry for all this coming at once, along with your sisters' illnesses -- and now one is gone.

Brain cancer usually takes people fast. My first friend from age 3 died of a gioblastoma after agreeing to rounds of futile surgery and 'therapy'. She was bitter that her grandchildren's last memories of her would be of that destroyed person. At least your sister didn't suffer that.

Of course you other sister is bitter. Anger is a one of the first defenses against death -- your own or another's.