Surgery Update

Hi everyone! Good news, surgery went great and I even got to come home two days early. I've got gauze wrapped around my head because of the drain I had in my neck and I have got quite a bit of stitches. I still wouldn't expect much out of me for about a week. Between the pain medication and the actual pain, I won't feel like doing much. Not to mention, sitting, staring at screen for too long strains my neck. ^^' Thank you for all of your support.

If anyone cares to see my incision, here it is:
[link]

Some Life Updates

Hey everyone, I wanted to check in here as it has been a bit.

First and foremost, how I've been doing in general? I've been ok I suppose. It's be 4 months since my grandmother's very sudden passing as it's still a struggle. No where near what it was at first, but I still have my hard days. I also lost another very close grandmother figure about a month ago. We knew her death was quickly approaching, in fact the doctors told her she wasn't going to make it into February, but she held on as long as he could. She had been suffering with five different forms of Stage 4 cancers: Brain, Spine, Lungs, Kidney, and Liver. I've been trying to help her granddaughter who has been like a little sister to me and her mother through things as well as I can.

My mom is still really suffering from the loss, so I've had to take care of her, especially with Mother's Day being tomorrow. My 72 year old grandfather has also been struggling. His health has been in decline and he hasn't been keeping in contact with us(he also lives alone now). So my job is taking care of the family.

I also severely sprained my ankle/foot about a month back and it's still in recovery, but it's put me behind on some things. Though I did finally finish all my "Pay What You Can" commissions and now am just working on a few others I have received.

Last, but certainly not least. Many of you may recall that my "Pay What You Can" commissions were going to numerous doctors appointments in recent months, the majority of which were about a tumor I have growing on my salivary gland. It is a benign tumor, but I was told it can turn cancerous. I was given am option of wait and watch or remove. I opted for the latter.

My surgery is scheduled for this upcoming Monday. I have to be there at 5:30 am, surgery is at 7:30 am, and this means I have to leave at around 2 in the morning to get there on time. Fun right? Any way, I am terrified of this surgery more than any I've had before. It's partly because of my Grandma. She went into a hospital and never came out again. My family has also had bad experiences with surgery. My mom almost died from an allergic reaction to anesthesia when I was 16. The last thing that scares me are what if's. Biggest ones are what if it is already cancerous or what if it's more extensive then it originally was.

Any way, any prayers or good vibes or kind thoughts are appreciated.

Assuming all goes well, I will be in the hospital for up to 3 days so don't expect to hear too much from me next week. I may have my phone, but I can't respond too well on that thing. So if you don't hear anything right away, please don't panic. ~west545 will be with me, so maybe he can write an update.

Thank You

Next I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your support. Whether it was financial or emotional it all meant the world to me and I am so very grateful for this wonderful community. You all have been so amazing.

I know I am very quiet and I honestly have a lot of trouble making friends, but I really just want to extend a hand in friendship to all of you.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!
-Bethany aka Tru