WHA...WHA?

First of all, let me begin with this:

Secondly: surgery is currently scheduled for April 24th.

WHA..WHA? 

Yes, in 12 days they will be slicing me open like a bagel and removing, well, what-the-hell-ever they think needs to be removed, I suppose.  All kidding aside?  I am just a LITTLE freaked out by how suddenly this is all coming about.  I guess part of me is relieved as well, I can move past this phase and get on with the being alive part - sans Jeffrey. 

I asked myself if there was anything I wanted to accomplish before the surgery date.  My answer was surprising and simple.  I wanted to go for a bike ride, eat at this amazing Indian restaurant David knows about, sit in the sun and spend as much time with my family as I could.  Weird how you think you have this long list of things you hope to do/accomplish in your life and when it comes down to it, you could probably fit it all on a sticky note.

Looks like I will be in residence at Northwestern for anywhere from 7-14 days.  Most bench-markers have me thrown out after 10 days.  The most important pre-requisite I have to pass before they will let me out is the ability to swallow without internally looking like a spray cheese canister.  Mmmm, bacon flavored.

Recovery time is about two months.  I have never had a surgery as intensive as this one and cannot even imagine a recuperation time of two whole, bloody months.  I guess it's time to take up a hobby or start playing online WOW.  Hobby it is.  I will be posting more frequently between now and the surgery and, hopefully, there will be good documentation during the hospital stay to keep everyone informed. 

I want to dedicate this paragraph to my love, David.  He tirelessly takes care of my needs, my wants and sometimes just extra stuff I didn't even know existed but makes me smile and laugh. He is selfless, funny, optimistic, fun to rant with and an excellent partner for a good old 11:35 p.m. philosophical discussion about life, the universe and everything.  You always hope that just once in your life you can meet someone you would most like to emulate.  I married them.  Lucky fucking me.  I love you, Puntin.

To everyone who has sent letters, cards, well-wishes et al, bless you.  Thank you so very much for taking time out of YOUR life to make a difference in mine.  You all are the reason I am getting through this and I am so deeply grateful to you all.

Lastly, I leave you with a pictorial representation of my attitude: