ale:Hello everyone----yikes 3 days and counting until abdominoperineal resection surgery. I'm trying to get everything organized. My 9 year-old is struggling with the thought of mom being gone for about a week. My 12 year-old is doing a little beter--maturity helps some. I must say that it is very upsetting. Obviously they will be stressed, and I hate that, but I guess it's miserable knowing there is just nothing I can do about it. I have talked with their teachers and principals. I am going to write funny letters for them to find on each day that I am gone. I am going to let them open 1 Christmas present on Tuesday nite before surgery the next day. They will spend the day on the farm at my grandparents' house on surgery day---but probably go to school the next day. Alllll these things running thru my head, fear of the unknown, the comfort of my kids, the scary surgery, etc. I know you all have been there done that, and it helps reading your advice, etc. I just hope there are no surgical complications, I heal well, and get the heck home to my kiddos! Thanks for "listening!":hug: Snap