So I went back to work today. It was a bit like ripping off a REALLY big band aid. Some people knew, I wasn’t sure who and I was just NOT ready for a day filled with puppy dog eyes and pats on the back. But it wasn’t like that! I ended up making the decision to share the news with the co-workers who I worked directly with who did not yet know. I received hugs, support, a couple of tears and even a few offers of kidneys! LOL! I told them I should be just fine with one healthy kidney, but that I would keep it in mind just in case. For the first time since last Thursday’s diagnosis I felt like a “normal” person again. Like I was not walking around with a huge mass in my kidney. I call her “Felicia” by the way. We are all excited to say “BYE FELICIA!”

So there I was, working like a regular ole person and my cell phone rang. I answer ALL CALLS now and this was a good one. It was my surgeon. The brilliant man who is going to take “Felicia” far far away! He confirmed what we had learned on Friday evening. He with the consensus of some other brilliant people determined that the mass was quite contained, no impact to those important surrounding tubes and organs. The kidney was coming out!!!!! Not just coming out, but coming out in 10 days! Now THIS was the first time since diagnosis that I felt JOY! Not just happiness, laughter, calm or fun, but real, honest, overwhelming, I can’t believe this, JOY! NOW things are moving! Or as my step-dad would say, “now we’re cookin’ with gas!”

Today I feel hope, gratitude, love and JOY! For a lady with cancer…….not a bad day.