Hi Earnest,

What I found very helpful in preparing for the surgery was talking to a patient who had received the same surgery from the same doctor. My doctor gave me the contact information for a patient willing to share her experiences. She said what she found most helpful was sessions with a hypnotherapist, believe it or not. So I contacted the person she used and she prepared an audio tape for me to listen to repeatedly. It was personalized and I listened to it often and I was extremely calm going into the surgery -- quite unlike me really.

She had me visualize recovering from the surgery and what I would say, which was, "Yay, we did it!" She had me think about what the surgeon would say, "It was very successful." So instead of worrying I focused on anticipating the positive outcome and that actually worked very well for me.

I also had my two minor daughters by my side and friends who were a great help. My friend even made personalized shirts with "Team (my name)" on them which my loved ones and even the doctor wore, so I felt lots of positive energy.

The night before the surgery we had a gathering with friends and family.

I will pray for you and wish you luck!!!

My friend also brought me pink stuffed cat at the hospital-- whatever little details can make you smile!!!

P.S. On the flip side, I also got all my affairs in order, calmly, just in case... and knowing everything was organized gave me a peace as well.

YOU GOT THIS!!!!