[Mary Jo]

Thank you guys.....your prayers and love mean a lot.

Yes, much "consideration" went into this decision. More than any of you will ever know. I prayed about it fervantly (still do), did my research, asked question after question after question after question and I read and read and read and read. On top of that I've talked to 2 of Dr. Hijjawi's patients and other women on message boards who have had the DIEP. I feel in my heart that it is right. For me!!

Yes, Sarah, it sounds as if it will be "tough" BUT I'm TOUGHER! LOL! Negativity, isn't usually the road I go down and I go with what's given to me. I never seem to have much pain or any issues recovering. I usually breeze through whatever it is. BUT, I have prepared myself "mentally" as you said and am setting myself up for the most OUCHEY recovery HENCE it probably will not be too bad. (that's why I think most things thrown at me aren't too bad - I anticipate the worst and it's never as bad as I anticipate it to be)

"Leslie's sister Lisa" from her2 support has been saying prayers like this for me in my decision making process and approaching the surgery......"Lord please close all doors if the surgery shouldn't take place but leave them all wide open if Mary Jo should go ahead with it." I say AMEN to that.

So far the doors are all wide open and things are falling into place...........so I guess it's all systems go UNLESS of course, the Lord starts slamming the doors.

Again, thank you everyone.....you are kind and good.

I love you guys....I really do!!!!

Mary Jo