March 8, 2023 - Sticks and Stones

For those wondering how I have been doing since my nifty gallbladder removal, rest assured, I’m doing great. That surgery and recovery has been easy peasy. I was only mildly uncomfortable for a day or so. I am restricted from lifting any heavy objects, but who would be mad at that?

The surgery itself left me with 5 very small incisions on my belly. It looks like I was in a knife fight, but I assure you, I won! I’m just adding this to my war chest of medical miracles. In speaking with my hubby and other friends, we all feel that women can withstand pain and recover much more quickly than men. I suppose this sentiment is appropriate to mention on International Women’s Day!

I do have an important announcement to make! I have been busy. I joined a new club. I am officially a member of the Boy Moms Broken Bones Club. Yep, you read it correctly. Mason had a “situation” yesterday playing basketball in PE, and it resulted in a broken arm. We all know football is a full-on contact support, but basketball? Oh my gravy!

Mason and his poor arm.

We are thankful that his fracture does not require surgery. He is currently in a splint as we await the swelling to lessen. Then on Friday, we will take him to his Ortho for a more permanent cast. We think this will be a six week duration. We are hopeful. Mason feels great, but is bummed that he is going into Spring Break with a cast. It’s another rite of passage as he transitions from a 12-year old to a teenager. I’m sure I will write more about that as his birthday month is coming in April.

In cancer news, I met my new oncologist. I really like her a lot. She is an expert in breast cancer research. Her pedigree is quite impressive. I am lucky that I am able to fall under her care. My next PET is in April, so until then, there is not much to do except “keep on keeping on”.

Our family is also facing major changes regarding Jamie. The technology sector has been in the news quite a bit this year. Many companies are laying off employees and restructuring their companies. SAP wasn’t immune. Neither was Jamie.

Unfortunately, his job has been impacted. We heard those dreadful words, “You have 30 days to find a new job at SAP”. This news hit us hard. No, it really hit me hard. As a cancer patient, it’s not his salary or job that I care about, it’s the health insurance. I have been blessed with SAP’s health coverage throughout this cancer nightmare. The uncertainty of my healthcare is what weighs on me the most. As you can imagine, medical bills for cancer patients are astronomically high. I must add, our SAP internal friends have been phenomenal.

But, I know in my heart that we will be just fine. We will figure it out - together. Whatever path Jamie chooses to take, it will be the right one for us. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but the words will never hurt us. We will be just fine.