First off, Kathy - you've been constantly on my prayer list. I hope this new surgery takes care of everything and you don't have to go the mastectomy route, but I completely understand your reasoning if you do. Well, it's been an incredible ride this last few months with me. I'm maintaining about 185 pounds (down from a high of 370), wearing size 12/14 pants, M/L tops and I lost another 1/2 size in my shoe. I was wearing 9W pre-op, then went to just plan 9, then to 8-1/2 and in the last 3 months or so I've gotten to just plain 8. Hmm..and I've become a shoe-hound! LOL! I absolutely love shopping for shoes now. I've got more shoes right now than I've ever had in my life and I still want more. I'm just finishing up my last paper of the semester - on Ancient Egyptian literature. Then I take my final (either tonight or tomorrow) and I will be done with classes until the end of March. At the end of March I'll be taking four more classes and will be 1/2 way through my Junior year. I'm so thrilled!! This past week I finished teaching my Ancient Egypt classes and my Creative Writing class and they were so much fun. I'm glad they're over, but they were fun to do. The kids all had a great time and one girl (who is 13 and was adopted from Ethiopia a year ago) wrote me a note on a paper plate that said she had "much fun". That just warmed my heart. Monday I go pick my mother up from the airport (three hours each way), Tuesday my kids start their new classes at their home school program, Wednesday hubby and I are spending the night in a cabin or hotel (haven't decided which yet) and Thursday - dum dum dum dummmm - I have my tummy tuck done IF I don't get sick again this time!! My pain level is decreasing, but it is very much still there. I'm noticing that cold really affects me. It wasn't quite 30 degrees when I went out this morning and I was in a good deal of pain today. About 1-1/2 weeks ago we got some snow and it stayed below 35 for almost 5 days straight and I was in SO much pain those days. Also, I've got a ?? for all of you. I know we all get gas, but how bad do you guys get it? I get it to the point that it is INCREDIBLY painful not just in my abdomen but in my chest as well and not just sometimes, but almost all the time. I must take 8-10 or more gas-x everyday. Anyway, that is my life right now - busy, busy, busy. I'm almost looking forward to the TT Thursday more so that I can rest without feeling guilty than the actual removal of skin, LOL!! Well, I just wanted to stop in and say hello and I miss you all. Think of me Thursday!! Kathy, keep us posted. Love you guys, Michelle

Kathy, I send you positive thoughts every day and have been thinking about your surgery since you let us know about this and have been very concerned. You are such a positive power and leader for all of us.... (and I know that is a lot of pressure on you!) and I for one really appreciate all you do..... :Please just rest and keep us posted on how you are doing when you can.... I adore you. hugs to you and to rich, also!! J.

Hi Kathy, Just to let you know, I got on the internet right now before work *just for you*. I have been thinking of you the last couple of days, and wanted to know how you are doing. I am glad this second lumpectomy went so well during the procedure, and will pray that the results are all clear. It will be so good to begin your treatment so that it may end all the earlier. I hope the next week flys by quickly. Deep breaths and lots of meditation. My tummy has been very unhappy this week, not wanting to eat or even liking water. Not sure what is going on, as this is unusual for me. Getting in the minimum water and protein, but it's been a struggle. Who would of thought that 20 months out? But the weight keeps dropping slowly, was below 140 today for the first time. If I lose another 5 pounds, I'm going to start to be concerned. Off to work, and I hope I don't freeze!!!!! Debra M.

Awww, thanks, Heather. Honestly, I think you never know the strength you have until you are faced with things and the bottom line is that you do what you have to do. Heck, you know, dear. You've had your own struggles and look at you - you are doing great. Hugs, Kathy

Thanks, Laurie! Only took tylenol yesterday and that was for a headache. Now if I hadn't overeaten last night and sat with my face in the trash can hoping to hurl... it would have been a pretty good day. Ah, self-inflicted pain! Hugs, Kathy