I leave tomorrow!

Hello Cali Crew,

I am leaving tomorrow to go down to San Diego for my pre-op. My DH and I are spending the night as I am the first one up for surgery, on Friday. I have to be to the hospital by 5 or 5:15 am! I'm not nervous (if I tell myself that enough times, do you think I will start to believe it), I have faith that the surgery will go fine.

I just want to take the time out to thank all of you that have helped me out on my journey so far. I first came to this board in Dec, just 2 weeks after starting my Kaiser classes. I lurked for a while, then I was drawn into this community of caring, support, and love. The friendships, that I now share with a lot of you are the pillars that hold me afloat sometimes. I have posted many topics these last few months and all of you have been gracious to respond, with what ever knowledge you had to share. Oh, I got tough love, too sometimes, but it was always with a hug or a smile. 7 months later, I am ready to join those of you on the loser's bench and inspire those of you that haven't had surgery.

You knew the path I was walking, the dangers that lurked beneath the surface. I am so lucky to have people who look out for me, as I wish to look out for them and the newbies that come aboard, I hope one day to pay forward this love, support and friendship that you have all offered me. As I have told all of you numerous times, the life I led before was a chosen sheltered life. I had only 1 close friend for close to 17 1/2 years, she is now all but basically gone from my life. She chose to not support me in my life saving gift. I pray that if it is to be that one day she will return to my life, but alas, if not then I ask for healing of my heart. Because most certainly a piece was broken off the day she made that decision. I will continue to keep her in my prayers.

I now have many that I can call friend. I am also lucky enough to have a few that I can call great close friends. I could have never made it this far without all of you. Thank You!!!

Get ready to scooch on over on Friday, cause here I come! I won't be able to post past maybe Thursday's morning post, until I return home. I hope to be home by Sunday! We shall see. Love all you!

Many hugs, Much love, Always friendship, & Support,

Hey Michelle!
Whoo hoo.. the time has come and it's your turn and Im SOOOOO excited for you!  I know you have had your moments of doubt but you know you are doing this for all the right reasons and it's going to go wonderfully for you!

You have been such a support to me and many others without even having your surgery yet and I can't tell you how much I personally appreciate all your posts and then finally getting to meet you was exceptionally awesome!

Go with a positive attitude, stay positive and know that you have many people sending positive vibes and many prayers for all to go smooth!

There is definitely room for you on the losers bench, you've waited long enough.. now you will have your special spot!  Hopefully right next to me :)

Hugs and Love!

Jackie

Hey Michelle,
Go get'm girl. You have come a long way to get to your new journey in life. You have worked hard and your positive energy has shown that.
You know you are in everybodys thought s and prayers. I wish you a successful surgery, speedy recovery, I am moving on over on the losers bench and Oh, did I mention you have a wonderful Angel in Ms Rhonda.
Good luck my friend, you will be fine.
Just remember this, sip,sip,sip,walk,walk,walk, and listen to your Doc, Doc, Doc.
Hugs & Love,
Karen

I am so excited for you Michelle.  I know you have waited so long for this.  You will stay in my thoughts and prayers for an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery.  I won't get to know how you are doing until I get back to work (and my computer) on Monday but keep us up to date. 

Hey little Munchkin . . . the best of everything to you . . . you have been a trooper and you are going to go through this with flying colors!  I'm so happy for you . . . not only for the "right now" . . . but a year from now you are going to look back and go "Holy Crap Batman" with all the wonders you will have experienced and feeling so great!

Hugs to you . . . and I'll see you Friday after I get off work!  That is one way to meet you . .. you won't be able to run away from me!

Luv ya
Chris

I am sure you will do great  , but please don't keep us all waiting  until you get home to hear--have your hubby call  one of us who can post updates.   

Never fear sweetie, she forgot to say that Rhonda or I will be posting for her!!!!  
Praying for Crystal's new meds to help with the pain!!!!
bigg huggs, Becky

Thanks, Becky!

Michelle!!!  Congrats!!!  You will be a great "Loser."

I will keep you in my prayers!  Jeni

Michelle, I am so excited for you to start this part of your journey.  You are in great hands.  And you have the love and support of your husband by your side.  We are all here polishing your spot on this here ol' bench.