Ciao

Ciao is Italian for goodbye and hello.  Ciao was the theme for a party some great gals threw for me to say goodbye to these old, cancer boobs and hello to hopefully a good set of cancer free, man-made boobs.  This group of girls have been so supportive whether it be through meals, a shoulder to cry on, a laugh, or prayers.  It has meant everything to have such a great support system!

(missing are 2 gals)

I was so surprised when to honor the Italian theme of Ciao, we were going for a gondola ride.  I wanted to share some pictures with you of me and these wonderful gals. 

During the ride, the gentleman steering the gondola asked what we were celebrating. My friends' faces had an awkward what should we say look. I turned and told him "why a double mastectomy." It took him only a couple of seconds to say, "so, we are celebrating life, or shedding a few pounds." It was so funny. I was very impressed with his quick, witty comment.  As we enjoyed the ride and each other, we also enjoyed the singing from the gentleman.  It was just what the doctor ordered.  I am so blessed to have great friends and family.  They rock!

Monday is the surgery day.  Yikes!!  Can you say nervous?!  They say it takes 4-6 weeks to recover.  Crazy to think that removing breasts is considered an outpatient surgery.  I am hoping to be one of those freakish women that recovers quickly and beautifully.  Crossing my fingers! 

So, I will be saying goodbye for a little while and hello later.  Wish me luck! 

Ciao!!