Update on Michelle's Surgery... And Aiden's Bris

Today is March 4th and I just wanted to give everyone an update on how Michelle and Aiden are doing. As I'm sure all of you know, Michelle had a double mastectomy yesterday and the doctors have told us that the surgery went really well. We have excellent doctors here that have been fantastic to us. We have liked every doctor we have seen. Hopefully we won't have to see any more because I don't think I can remember any more names.

Fortunately, the anesthesiologist came prepared and made sure Michelle was feeling good before the surgery. Before she left for the surgery, Michelle had me laughing so hard I was crying. I don't think many people laugh before delivering a baby or before and after having a major surgery. But Michelle and I do. For some reason before Michelle left for the surgery she starting telling me, "Jimmy crack corn, and I don't care." I have no idea why but I have never laughed so hard listening to my wife joke around before the biggest surgery of her life. Leave it to Michelle to think of others before herself. I know the drugs put her at ease but she wanted me and everyone to know that she would be fine.

And she is fine... When I saw her for the first time in recovery she was very loopy and of course after first asking about Aiden she told me, "Jimmy crack corn, and I don't care." Once again, in her own way, telling me she was okay. I know I am a bit partial, but she looked beautiful after her surgery. She was very tired and drugged up but asked how everyone else was doing before saying she was okay.

She is still on a lot of pain medicine but feeling pretty good, considering what she has been through. It feels very good that this part of the treatment is over and she will have a fast recovery. I surprised Michelle and brought Aiden to the hospital today. It perked her up and she was very delighted to see her little boy. We are hoping to go home tomorrow and be with our miracle baby.

As for Aiden, he too had a rough day yesterday. He was circumcised while Michelle was preparing for her surgery. Although, Michelle and I were not at the house to witness the event, we had a very good scouting report from Marilyn and Marty. Michelle wanted the play-by-play. We were reassured that Aiden let out a little cry and then was fine. Fortunately, we had the best mohel in Chicago that was very flexible with the bris and did a fantastic job with the circumcision.

For those of you who don't know, in the Jewish religion, it is the highest honor and wish of luck to circumcise a baby boy eight days after he is born. In our situation with Michelle having her surgery on Monday, we wanted Michelle to be a part of the ceremony before the operation. The mohel was very kind in doing the ceremony on Sunday and then the actual circumcision on Monday. This was the best of both worlds for us. We enjoyed a joyous and amazing ceremony before Michelle's operation, and did not have to watch the poor boy get his willy trimmed. In all seriousness, Aiden is doing great and we are ready to go home and take care of him. We miss him!

I have never felt so many different emotions over the past three weeks. I was so scared and worried when we first found out Michelle's diagnosis. These are emotions that no one should ever have to go through. I also felt the most amazing emotions of having a baby. It was the coolest experience I have ever had. Everyone should be so lucky to have this opportunity. When Aiden was born we forget about everything bad and focused on how happy we were that this miracle came true. Although, we have had some pretty bad days, the birth of Aiden overcame it all.

Michelle and I have decided that it is okay to be scared, upset, and hurt at times but after we get the bad emotions out then its time to be positive. I am very lucky that I fell in love with such a special person. Although Aiden doesn't know it right now he is going to help get us through the next several months.

Michelle and I also talk about how lucky we are to have such loving and caring friends and family that have been unbelievably supportive. All the cards, emails, text messages, and gifts are very kind and helpful. Thank you everyone for being there for us during both the good and bad over the past three weeks. You have no idea how much it means to us. We will get through this with all your love and support.

With Love,
Mike