Well, it's almost time. Tomorrow (Friday, March 31, 2017) is surgery day. I've known this day was coming for about 12 years now, but still, I don't know that it has really quite fully hit me that it's actually here.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let me give you a quick(ish) recap. After a long history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family, I was tested for and found to have a genetic mutation called BRCA1, which makes me very prone to breast and ovarian cancer. My mom (a breast cancer survivor) and sister are also carriers of the gene, and we have known about it since 2004. I was 20 at the time. (You can read our full story in this post.)
Two years ago, shortly after I turned 30, I had a preventative double mastectomy to reduce my risk of breast cancer. The plan was then to have another preventative surgery to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer when I turned 35. However, as I wrote in this post, I am monitored pretty carefully since I am high risk, and some of my numbers that my doctors were testing were headed in the wrong direction, so we decided to do surgery now rather than wait another 2 1/2 years.
In all likelihood, I probably do not have ovarian cancer and would probably be fine to wait another few years to have the surgery, but being told that 1) you're extremely high risk for ovarian cancer and 2) your numbers are going in the wrong direction is pretty stressful. So rather than stress out over bad test results for another few years, I made the decision to "nip it in the bud," so to speak.
This week, Donnie has told me that I've gone into nesting mode. It's seriously worse than pregnancy, y'all! I've been trying to get a head start on some projects because I know I won't be able to work on anything for a while. I've been organizing anything I can get my hands on (because that is like therapy for me)!
The current state of our pantry-- fully stocked and organized!
Yesterday I went out and bought just about all of Target because I have this irrational fear that Donnie and the boys will need something and not have it and won't be able to get it for some reason. 🙂
If I could have pushed two carts, I would have!
I've scheduled out blog posts and social media posts and emails so that I can still be a little bit "here" while I'm not actually "here."
I'm ready. Well at least I think I am. 🙂
Emotionally, this week has been an interesting one. I haven't had a nervous pit in my stomach or felt overtly anxious really, but (and this is kind of hard to explain) I do feel like I've been kind of subconsciously anxious. I've been waking up really early in the morning before my alarm (which never happens!), I find myself worrying about things that wouldn't normally bother me, and as you can see from my examples above, I've been trying to exert control over everything I possibly can. Oops. 😉
At the same time though, I keep reminding myself that God has me in the palm of his hand. "All the days ordained for me [including tomorrow!!!] were written in your book before one of them came to be." -Psalm 139:16
So whatever comes in the next few days or weeks or months, I know He's got this, and that I can be confident that He wants His very best for me. I trust in God's promises. I know that He has been faithful in every single circumstance in my past, and He will continue to be faithful in every single circumstance in my future, whatever it may bring. I am confident in that.
As for the blog, things are going to be a little slower around here. I have one post per week scheduled out for the month of April rather than my normal two. I may miss emails and get behind on some comments-- I apologize in advance for that! (Donnie and Brittany will be fielding emails as much as they can. And I will try to post an update on Instagram and/or Facebook about how things go tomorrow or have them do it if I can't!) But I'm hoping that when I'm able to return, I'll be able to come back even stronger than before. Sometimes a break can do so much good!
Thank YOU for all of your incredible support the whole way through this process. I have been moved to tears more than once by your sweet words, your willingness to share your own lives and stories with me, and by all of the encouragement you've shown me over and over and over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for that-- it truly means more than you know! "See" you on the other side!
If you've missed the other parts of my BRCA story, you can catch up in these posts:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: My Story
Final Thoughts Before My (1st) Surgery
Signing Off for Now (2nd Surgery) (You're here!)
I totally can understand your decision and I wish you a successful surgery as well as a fast recovery afterward. I know you are strong and you will handle it all well! It's so sweet how you take care of your family and business and make sure everything is all set before you do this. It's very inspiring!
Please be well and don't stress yourself! We all will be here when you get back!
Lots of Love,
Sandra
Praying that all goes well with your surgery and recovery!
Wishing you all the best Abby! Take care of yourself and here's to a smooth recovery. 🙂
Very best wishes to you Abby. Don't worry about Donnie and your boys, focus on you and your recovery. There are many years ahead of you for worrying and chasing around after them!
Prayers for your upcoming surgery and recovery...
Will be praying for you and for your family. You and God...you got this!!!!!
Hey Abby,
Sending my bestest wishes your way. Stay blessed.
Minakshi
I will pray for you, Abby.
Wow, you've wrote such an organised post, in the light of what you are facing now.
I understand that it gives peace to organize your cupboards.
Peace and prayers for you!
May peace and rejuvenation surround you over the next several weeks. May Donnie have peace during this time too. I'm sure the boys are going to be the biggest help at their sweet age. You got this!
We'll see you soon!
XOXO
Wishing you the best tomorrow, Abby! Praying for a quick and safe surgery.
Praying for you, Abby -- especially tomorrow. Not one detail has caught our awesome God off guard. He is already there, and He will see you (and your family) through. I wish I lived closer so I could be of more help. 🙂 (((HUGS))) from SC.
Praying for you Abby! I hope all goes well with your surgery & that you heal quickly.
Praying for peace and a speedy recovery!
Praying for you and your family during this surgery Abby. Your attitude is always so inspiring. Remember that God's the ultimate surgeon. 🙂
>> Christene
Praying for you.
Wishing you blessings and a speedy recovery.
Abby! You and your family are in my prayers as I wish you a speedy post-surgery recovery!
I'm praying for you friend! I hope everything goes well tomorrow and that you have a swift recovery.
Prayers and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Abby! May God touch you with His healing hand and give you the comfort and peace you need to get through.
Good luck with your surgery! I hope it goes smoothly.
I love your blog and look forward to your return.
I will be praying for you Abby and you are right, God's got this!
Laura
Bless your heart! I will certainly send up prayers for you and your family. Take care and don't overdo it. Praying for God to calm your nerves and give you peace tomorrow and in the coming weeks as you recover. Thank you for all that you do!
Good luck Abby!! You're incredibly strong & have definitely made the right decision on moving up the surgery!!!! With all the love, prayers & healing thoughts being sent your way, there's nothing to worry about 💓
You're going to do great. I've had both surgeries for cancer diagnoses and it was pretty much a walk in the park. But then I am a registered nurse.....now talk about control freak! Anyway, it all went fine. Best of luck to you and to Donnie. You'll be up and around in no time.
God will see you through this. We can, however, thank God that these tests are available to us nowadays. Many blessings and a speedy recovery.
Ps, your organized pantry is gorgeous!
Mary
Praying for you!
Good luck, Abby! Prayers for you and your family. Looking forward to reading all the content your prepared 🙂
I wish you well and as quick of a recovery as humanly possible. My Bestie is going through the same thing you are and is facing her second surgery soonish. Do not push yourself too far when you are in your recovery time. Let your hubby and sons show you what they are made of. I am sure they won't let you down. Just be sure if things need restocking to write down the exact item (name, size/ounces) and if possible the where to find it. It just makes things easier. Looking from forward to seeing you in my inbox again. Get well soon.
Precious Abby! Prayers sent your way for peace and strength for you all, a quick recovery and His hand of blessing on you and the business while you are mending. It'll be OK, you can trust Him sweetie, He is FAITHFUL! There's a wonderful song "He's Been Faithful" by Damaris Carbaugh that so reminds me of that it's on YouTube and has been such a help to me. Love you!!!
Abby,
I went through a similar surgery several years ago because of a large tumor found on my ovary. Although the wait leading up to the surgery date was unbearable, the actual surgery and recovery time was far less taxing than anything I had imagined (and the tumor was benign!). I'm sure it will be for you, too. Rest comfortably in God's hands .
Abby, good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking about you. I may be right there with you in a few months, as I'm pretty sure the cyst on my remaining ovary has come back. One day at a time and don't push yourself too hard. Take care!
Sending prayers for you for a quick recovery! Thank you for sharing GOD word and I have shared as my today positive word. Yes our LORD has us all in the palm of His hands. May our LORD guide all the Drs and nurses in your procedure. You are a blessing to many of us.
Abby, you are just a wonder, keeping us all posted like this. I am sure this surgery will go well, and I hope your recovery smooth. You are a health young woman, with much faith in God, and this will carry you through. But my prayers are with you anyway! Take care!
Wishing you a very fast recovery! I totally understand what you are going through now (our younger son had a heart surgery when he was a 4 months baby), but You Are Strong and you have a lovely family by your side!
Hugs!
Prayers with you and family
Best of luck Abby. Will be thinking of you and offering some prayers. Keep positive thoughts. See you back soon .
PS Just reading your post about What Having Surgery Taught Me About My Marriage, Abby you are so amazing! What a lovely encouragement for us to allow the Lord to work in our hearts. Thank you for reminding me that when I worry most about my own needs, I lose the JOY that comes from serving and giving of myself. Hugs Hugs and more prayers to and for you and Donnie & the little C's too!
Thoughts and prayers are with you for a safe surgery and speedy recovery!
I too am a member of the Braca Gene family...double mastectomy, complete hysterectomy and now have cancer in 7 different body parts...I write this not as a pity party but to cheer you on...knowing we have the gene makes us aware of changes and knowledge is power...
God is our strength and guide..
Praying for you and your journey...hugs
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Praying for you, Abby. Hope the surgery goes perfectly and your recovery is smooth!
Many prayers. Lord, have mercy on your servant Abby.
Good luck Abby, I hope everything goes well. Relax and enjoy your time off. You deserve it. I will have you in my prayers.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Love and prayers! You're so brave - look forward to celebrating with you with it's all said and done! 🙂
Good luck, Abby! Thoughts and prayers headed your way.
Praying for you, Abby! Know that your community loves you, and we're all thinking of you. 🙂 Get lots of rest; we'll still be here when you come back. 🙂
Prayers for a quick recovery
Wishing you a successful surgery and quick recovery Abby! I will pray for you for sure. May you feel God's peace....(Hugs)
Beth
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a blessed life.
Prayers for a quick recovery. There are so many "layers" in this type of situation: anxiety over the surgery itself, mental "mourning" for changes to your body that you would rather not have to decide to make, worries for your boys and hubby, for your business, for your witness. It's good to be strong, proactive, and to plan for what you can. It is also very good to lay back in the arms of the Lord, the loving embrace of your family and friends, and to allow yourself to be taken care of and cherished. There is a goodness and a special joy that encircles both the giver and the recipient in these situations. God bless and keep you and your loved ones and looking forward to reading your posts and updates as you move forward.
Sending prayers and much love your way. I admire your strength, determination, and Faith. I've been dealing with some back issues since the holidays and it's left me pretty broken and defeated. Your words and scripture quotes have comforted me. So while I feel like I should be comforting you, you've actually provided comfort and solace to me. And thank you again for your Instagram post several days ago that led me to the song Thy Will by Hillary Scott. It's been such a comfort and blessing. Love and prayers to you!
May the Lord's healing touch be felt by you, your family, and your medical staff.
Bless you abby! Hope all goes well tomorrow and we will keep you in our prayers.
God be with you sweetie. I'll keep you in my prayers everyday. I'll say some prayers too for your boys and your husband that God will be with them as well. But it looks like you got them more than covered!!!! xox
Good luck Abby! You seem like a lady with a great deal of courage and serenity, and I am sure that you will cope well with the surgery and the recovery time afterwards. You have made a wise choice in deciding to have the surgery now, and you have your family and your faith to sustain you. I have had more than my fair share of surgery over the past fourteen years, and hand on heart, I have not been nervous. One always has the choice, either to back away from an opportunity to have surgery to make things better or not. Pleased to see that you have stocked your pantry. I cannot imagine you being anything less than super organised! You are amazing!
Lots of love to you and your family from Rosalind in Cambridge, UK
Thank you for bravely sharing your journey Abby. I will be praying for you!
I had the same surgery. It's so much less invasive then your first surgery. I'm praying for you. Let yourself heal inside and out. God is good. You're right, He has you in the palm of His hand. I've been so blessed by the Framework course. Even though I don't know you personally, I had to reach out. May you walk in tomorrow confident of God's love for you and His complete sovereignty.
My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family. Godspeed.
Best of luck Abby! Praying for a smooth surgery and easy recovery. Even having this information being strong enough to make the decision to move forward is huge. Obviously you are a strong woman with a great support system.
Lots of prayers Abby...I'm sure everything will be fine! I'll be thinking about you this weekend sweet girl. Stay strong!
I'll be praying for all to go as well as they possibly can for you tomorrow and for a speedy recovery Abby! I'm sure things will go great and you'll be back on your feet in no time. I have Lupus and have been through so much from a medical perspective and one thing I've truly learned is that you are stronger than you know. It's a hard thing to go through but with the love and support of your family and friends you can get through it all. Best of luck to you Abby! I look forward to seeing you back here soon!
All the best Abby! Have a good recovery and come back stronger! You've got this!!
Abby, I think you are doing a good thing. I had my uterus removed when I was 30 because I had unusual cell growth. When I was 45 I had endometreosis which resulted in 2 seperate surgeries. Recovery today is pretty fast so you should be up and about in no time. Best of luck and thanks for all your information!
Looks like you have your family all fixed up! 🙂 Prayers for a speedy recovery!
Prayers for you Abbey! May he lay his healing get hands on you, may He guide the surgeons for a successful surgery and may He comfort you during your recovery! We will all be here when you return!!! Good luck and God's Blessings!
Best of luck to you, Abby!! I pray that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and perfectly tomorrow and that you have a swift and speedy recovery. I will be thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Prayers for you and for all three of your boys!! I am praying for your surgical team and that your recovery is smooth.! Although you will be missed, don't rush back to blog land. We will all be here when you get back and you have some many great printables and organzing ideas that will keep everyone busy while you have reduced posts!
You are such a sweet child of God - always keeping your priorities straight....even while in Target! You're a good Mama and good wife. Now, take care of yourself and know that God and your loved ones have the harness for now....let go, Abby, let go! Love and hugs.
Good luck tomorrow! I'll be thinking about you and your family. XoXo
Hey Abby--we'll be thinking of you and praying for you! You will do great, your strength and being a proactive warrior is inspiring. All will go great 🙂 We wish you all the best and here's to an easy recovery and putting this behind you! XO, Amy & Christy
Praying for you Abby and God bless.
Sending prayers for a successful surgery and a recovery that is fast with no complications.
Wishing you luck and sending prayers that everything goes well and for a quick recovery!
Praying for a speedy recovery.....I'm very fortunate to have found this blog about 3 years back and want to thank you for your positive inspirational posts as well as your organizational ones which brought me here in the first place..Looking forward to hearing from you again soon...God Bless
Good luck! <3
And since the comment admin says that that is too short, thank you for sharing your story. It is truly inspirational! I wish you a safe surgery and a speedy recovery!
Sending love and holding you and your family in my prayers! Rest in the knowledge that God is in control.
I've never read a "Happy Thought" post before and just "randomly" clicked on it and saw the post. I will be thinking and praying for you. Much strength and courage your way.
God bless,
Lisiane
Praying for you, Abby!
Just know this as you head into your time of surgery and rest, your blog has been a blessing to ME and I have learned so much! May I , now, be a blessing to YOU as I uphold you in prayer for you the next few days ahead!
Abby Hope your surgery goes well & that you recover quickly. Take it easy when you get home & delegate!
Praying for successful surgery and recovery and for your family during this stressful time.
Abby, Sending precious healing light to you. Just take care of yourself. God and your
Family have your back..
Good luck Abby! Having you in my thoughts and wishing you a speedy revovery.
God Bless you Abby!
Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery!! I have followed your blog for a few months now and have even been inspired to start my own blog because of you. You are an amazingly helpful and giving person and you will do great with this step in your life.
Good luck tomorrow and take time for yourself. Your boys will do just fine!! ☺️
I'll will be praying for you and the boys and all of your extended family. Speedy recovery and God's blessings on you always. Thanks for all your inspiration.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.....you've got this...and He has you! xox
Keeping you and your family in my prayers, Abby.
Abby, Just wanted to say I'll be keeping you in my prayers that all will go well with the surgery and your recovery.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way lovely! You've got this!
That's an impressive Target haul!!
Good luck tomorrow, and I hope you have a speedy and uncomplicated recovery.
I will be praying for you and your family during this time of surgery and healing. You are 100% correct in the fact that God is holing you in the palm of his hands. Hold on to your faith.
Dear Abby, Following your blog for a few months. I will be praying for you in South Carolina, also your precious family.Sending hugs and love! God bless you. Karen
Hi Abby
Thank you for sharing your story with us! I am quite confident that all will go well tomorrow and I do know God has you in the palm of His hand forsure. God Bless you and your family during your time of healing xo
Praying for you and your beautiful family, Abby!
Sending prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery! You got this!
Goodluck tomorrow! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. You got this!! 👊🏼
Abby, I just started following your blog this week and am thoroughly enjoying my time here. Thank you to you and your family for sharing yourselves with us. I said a special prayer for all of you a few moments ago in regards to this post. I hope you all are already experiencing God's grace and encouragement as a result. I know all will be well. With a God like ours, how can it not be? All my love, One of your Sisters In Christ, Lisa
Sending love and prayers your way for surgery and healing after. You got this, girl!
You are strong, you've got this! Praying for you and your family. See you on the flip side! =)
Good luck with your recovery time. "See" you when you get back on board.
Good luck today, Abby! Thinking about you here in Texas!
My little prayer for you is that you are surprised by how good you feel after and in the following weeks, how quick you are back to your self, and how you won't even miss those girl parts. Those things were truth for me 😘.
Oh my I had no idea! I just found this on fb this morning. I will definitely be praying for you and your sweet family! This verse has helped me Exodus 14:13&14. Have a blessed day and know God holds you in His hands!
Joshua 1:9
Dear Abby,
I pray for your swift recovery and peace of mind that all will go well. I’ve been reading you blog for over a year now and you are a true inspiration to me. You’ve inspired me to start my own blog that is a work in progress right now. Good luck and I look forward to your return.
Jessi
Thinking about you today...wishing you have a quick and painless recovery! xo
Praying for you, Abby. Yes, He has you in the palm of His hand, and He will never let you go.
Sending good thoughts your way.
Hoping all goes well for you--I'm sure it will! And don't worry, we'll all be here when you get well!
You continue to be in my prayers Abby, I know God will hold you in his protective and healing hands. I pray that you have an easy and speedy recovery from your surgery. You are truly an inspiration to many for sharing your story and being brave enough to be so proactive.
God Bless
Praying for you and your family while you recover from surgery. The Lord bless you with healing and strength and your family with grace and blessing!
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Proverbs 3:5-6
Praying everything went well, my sweet friend! You are amazing...and yes, let the blog go...it will be there whenever you are ready!! XOXO
God Bless you Abby.You are so strong.I will Pray for you.Everything will be alright.All the best to you and your family.
I hope surgery went well! Praying for a healthy and quick recovery!
Sandra (of Wundertastisch) said it so well.
I hope everything went smoothly and that you're on your restful way to a full recovery, with no future issues.
(I don't have Facebook so can't see if Donnie or Brittany posted anything.)
(((Gentle Hugs)))
Praying for a successful surgery and the end to the fears. Yes, He has this and I pray that His strength comforts you and your family!
Praying for you Abby....for a quick recovery and sending love and hugs! God Bless! 🙂
Praying for you and your family.
Dear Courageous Abbey,
Hope all went well yesterday and that you'll have an easy road to recovery. Keeping you in my prayers. Blessings to you & your family.
Genevieve C.
Dear Abby. Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending healing thoughts. Bless you
Sending you all best wishes for a smooth recovery!
Wow. May the Great Physician continue to watch over you...and your husband. My wife was unexpectedly diagnosed with a very rare stage 4 lymphoma, not to mention I have MS. From a husband's perspective, this is hard for us because we are helpless and guys are "fixers." After crazy intense chemo and chemo in her spine for months, she is cancer free. When we are most helpless it seems we rely more on the healing Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. His grace is sufficient for you. my life verse may bring you comfort also: Isaiah 43:3 A bruised reed He will not break; a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. I am honored to pray for you both from now on. (yes, I just ended with a preposition!)
Praying you feel His undeniable peace. Know that our family will be praying for you!
In Him,
Shari
Sweet Girl, I just read this (after your surgery and Donnie's report that all is well). God is Good! And you are very wise to be proactive. Take as much time as you need and your faithful readers, and bloggy friends will all be here when you're back on your feet. Much love to you, Donnie and the C's! Be wellK
I totally understand. I have a surgery June 1. We'll be praying for a speedy recovery for you!
Prayers for you and a rapid recovery... xo
Hello and I hope everything went well with the surgery! Sending good thoughts and best wishes for a smooth recovery 🙂 I'm sure your strong, sweet and positive spirit (and support from your family / friends) will help a ton!
All the best 🙂
All the very best for the surgery, Abby...I know you will nail it! Being a survivor myself, I know that all steps taken to prevent cancer will be important. And look at your pantry...beautifully organized indeed! cheers from NYC..
Hello Abby,
I had the same dealio. Will not give unsolicited advice...except...ask for what you need. Warm vibes heading your way!
As a survivor, I can tell you that God WI:LL be there for you every step of the way...if you let Him. Be Blessed andget well soon. You are so Blessed and such an inspiration. Thank you!
Warm Regards
Sending prayers your way Abby! Psalm 91:16 "With a long life He will satisfy you"
Prayers for a successful and quick recovery, Abby!
Thank you for sharing your journey. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Melinda
Hi Abby
Thank you for being one of my very favourite bloggers. You are such a strong and inspiring woman. I wish you the best with everything and am sending you loving thoughts and prayers. Take care Abby.
Love Ellen ❤️
Love to you and your family. Prayers for a speedy recovery!
I've been thinking about you the last few weeks. Can't wait for your return and your smooth recovery. You will be stronger and more secure and it will be a nice feeling after the healing. The weight off your shoulders will take you to new heights. Here's to a smooth recovery.
Thanks for sharing your life with us. Praying for your speedy recovery and as little pain(if any) as possible.
Abby,
You are such an inspiration! I admire your talent and your commitment to taking care of yourself.
I'm sending loving and healing thoughts your way.
Take care,
Leah
I'm visualizing a very healthy and happy Abby. You're young, strong, and walking with God, so I expect nothing less than full health for you. I'm adding my prayers to everyone else's. Relax and heal.
Good luck Abby. Sending prayers that you're having a smooth recovery.
Praying for you.
Praying for you and your family. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you during this time. Hugs!
Prayers for a quick recovery!! Oh, and I think you are brave and courageous to make the decisions you've made.
I'm a little behind on my internet world too as my Mom has been having some health issues. Just getting caught up on my blog reading so this message is a little late, but prayers for a speedy recovery and successful surgery! You are very brave to so openly share your story!
Abby, I have been thinking of you since I first read your post. I see that you are back "at work." I will take that as a good sign. Much love and many blessings! Donna Naquin