Ten, nine, eight, sev...

Ok, making like a tumor and heading on out.

Thank you all so much for your notes and phone calls over these past few days! I am lucky to have so many well wishers. I just want you all to know that I appreciate your support, friendship, love, humor - or just plain morbid curiosity - with all of my heart. I am going into tomorrow feeling completely supported.

Many of you have asked, "How are you feeling?" I know this sounds strange, but I actually feel positive excitement - tinged with fear - but mostly excitement. I am tired of feeling anxious and am looking forward to having this behind me. Within 24 hours, it will be. So that's relieving, and I'm ready.

I'll talk to you all soon, and look forward to hearing about all the funny things I did and said while on morphine. Please keep both Terence and Brendan in line - don't let them mess with me too much.

xxxoo,

jv

Surgicus Interruptus

We found out that instead of reporting to the hospital at 6:00 am tomorrow (as originally planned), we now have to show up at 12:00 noon. I am not happy about this - especially since I can't eat after midnight. I suppose I have to look at the bright side. Whomever is going before me is in a more emergency situation.

So don't panic when you don't see the "Joan is out of surgery" post until tomorrow evening.

Thanks for all the comments. I know people are only being nice about the perm because I have a brain tumor. I'll take whatever leeway I can get.....

Movie Review: Zodiac

We decided to spend my last day of freedom watching "Zodiac". We're trying to appease the karma gods: the star, Mark Ruffalo, had an acoustic neuroma and had it removed by the same surgical team that will be removing mine. (Interesting trivia: Mark was supposed to have had Joaquin Phoenix's role in "Signs," but had to give up the part when he was diagnosed with what I have.)

Anyway, I spent the whole movie watching for signs of facial paralysis instead of paying attention to the plot. Mark had no signs of facial disturbance, so I enjoyed the movie very much. Terry reports the movie itself was also very good.

Chanel: The Ultimate Surgical Accessory

Problem:

How do I clue my rock-star surgeons into the fact that I am (or aspire to be - depending on the day) a stylish fashionista? I am not allowed to wear any accessories into the OR and I will be sporting the worst haircut of my life (even worse than the disastrous perm I had in the 10th grade).

Solution:

Now that they have lifted the surgical nail-polish ban, there can be only one answer: Chanel Black Satin. Just spent the day at Sava (my favorite neighborhood spa) wrapped in a cashmere blanket, drinking a delightful cappuccino, getting my surgical game on.

That is how I roll.....

PS: Update - Some have asked, how disastrous could the perm have been? This is how you can tell I have a brain tumor. I think it's funny to publish this for all the world to see:

Sláinte!

Pre-surgical preparation has included some very practical measures:

• Spent over $500 on pajamas


• Used 17 coupons at Bed, Bath & Beyond buying a ridiculous number of pillows and other nesting tools. (Tip for all: BB&B will accept expired coupons as well as coupons for competitors)


• Spent St. Patrick's Day raising a few pints of Guinness to fortify my blood. Here's a pic of my brother, Brendan, and I at the Fitzpatrick Hotel (on East 44th Street) wearing our Irish finery.