General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTomorrow's the day . . . and it's almost here.
My surgery to remove the cancerous tumor in my right lung happens tomorrow, Monday March 16th. Mine is the first case of the day.
I have to be there between 5 and 5:30 a.m. The surgery is slated to start at 7:30 a.m. PST. It could take 4 hours to accomplish.
All the months of diagnostics, xrays, ct scans, blood work and etc. will culminate tomorrow.
And yes, I'm scared.
The enormity of this surgery is now hitting me. I am working on staying calm throughout the day. My daughter will be here later today so she'll drive me to the hospital.
The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The irony is not lost on me.
I hope that you will keep me in your thoughts! My deep thanks to all who respond. It means a lot.
canetoad
(21,081 posts)Best wishes. I'm sure it's going to go well.
NewHendoLib
(61,916 posts)2naSalit
(103,903 posts)Hang in there and know that you are in good hands. I am always scared whenever I have to have something serious done, it's in our nature.
Got my altar ready!
Let us know how it went when you feel up to it.
Totally Tunsie
(12,082 posts)We'll be praying for you and holding you in our thoughts. You will be missed during your recovery, but take every minute you need to come back to DU in perfect health.
mountain grammy
(29,259 posts)and waiting for the all clear update.. All the best CP see you tomorrow evening.
fuck Ronald Reagan!
Faux pas
(16,556 posts)most spectacular healing and coping vibes CaliforniaPeggy!
lame54
(40,197 posts)May all go better than well
Solly Mack
(97,294 posts)Hope22
(4,908 posts)Youve got this. You will feel so much better when this is behind you! Healing love and light to you! 💗🙏🏼💐🥰
hlthe2b
(114,810 posts)Keep that in mind and derive some power, calm, and positive vibes from all of us!
Be well, CaliforniaPeggy and may you recover quickly. We're here rooting for you!
bif
(27,288 posts)tavernier
(14,531 posts)Add my prayers and good vibes and lots of gold pots at the end of the rainbow straight to your lungs tomorrow!!
dickthegrouch
(4,688 posts)Do everything you can to calm yourself.
I find music (especially guitar or harp) to be very calming. I also listen to a lot of choral music from the 17-18 centuries at volumes that my headphones allow, but my neighbors wouldn't!
Zackzzzz
(398 posts)Good, Good, Good, Good Vibrations.
dalton99a
(95,601 posts)spanone
(142,106 posts)♥️♥️♥️
livetohike
(24,445 posts)surgery team tomorrow morning CalPeggy. You got this my friend.
The Wizard
(13,883 posts)Never ever give up . Stay strong.
surfered
(14,487 posts)InstantGratification
(447 posts)jfz9580m
(17,910 posts)leftstreet
(41,282 posts)littlemissmartypants
(34,627 posts)We love you. Stay strong. ❤️
Grim Chieftain
(2,119 posts)Please know you are in my thoughts now and especially tomorrow. Much love and best wishes are with you.
snacker
(3,659 posts)and keeping you in my thoughts.
irisblue
(37,975 posts)ZDU
(1,428 posts)We look forward to your next round of beautiful photos once you're back! Good thoughts, great vibes!
Kali
(56,922 posts)h2ebits
(1,008 posts)You are in my thoughts and I wish for you the best possible outcome.
Tbear
(744 posts)There is no way a just God would let you die in RR hospital. No way!
erronis
(24,614 posts)intrepidity
(8,599 posts)Getting to UCLA by 5am on a Monday, ugh, that might be the worst part.
All the best vibes heading your way Peggy!
FalloutShelter
(14,665 posts)Sending all the vibes I can send, for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
iamateacher
(1,122 posts)Permanut
(8,612 posts)Updates. We want updates.
iluvtennis
(21,532 posts)malaise
(298,331 posts)nuxvomica
(14,263 posts)According to US News and World Report. That's nothing to sneeze at. You are in good hands.
judesedit
(4,602 posts)We want you back here ASAP. Thank you for all you do.
NNadir
(38,628 posts)MizLibby
(398 posts)I'm originally from Los Angeles and you are going to the finest facility in the city. Sending you love and hugs.
niyad
(134,222 posts)procedure, and swift and complete recovery and healing. Know that you and your surgical team are surrounded by love.
CrispyQ
(41,116 posts)lamp_shade
(15,527 posts)flashman13
(2,584 posts)JMCKUSICK
(6,670 posts)Sending you great healing vibes and prayers CaliforniaPeggy.
There's also the secret recipe for success in your life CP, it's called too many of us need you so your work here isn't done.
I for one, need, not want, but need more bready treat photos to torture me
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Holding you near and Dear CP.
Katcat
(626 posts)And everything that goes with that. Weve never met in person but youve been in my life for years now. Do what the experts say and GET WELL!
True Dough
(27,399 posts)soon you'll be able to breathe a sigh of relief with two healthy lungs.
Take care, Peggy. We'll be eagerly awaiting your return!
denvine
(870 posts)Wishing for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery!
Buddyzbuddy
(2,930 posts)Not in a creepy stalker kind of way but positive thoughts of your outcome.
You'll be in good hands at UCLA.
I'm looking forward to seeing your post surgery post, when your able.
BlueWaveNeverEnd
(15,098 posts)chowder66
(12,560 posts)stage left
(3,358 posts)the best.
Ocelot II
(131,410 posts)barbtries
(31,364 posts)and hoping for the very best!
Diamond_Dog
(41,203 posts)I know youll be just fine!
LA Blue Bengal
(66 posts)good vibes and good thoughts. You got this, Peggy!
cab67
(3,856 posts)NewLarry
(172 posts)best wishes and heartfelt prayers you need and/or want!
bucolic_frolic
(55,979 posts)snowybirdie
(6,755 posts)You have a lot of support. Heal quickly!
bsiebs
(984 posts)... before you go under, turn to the surrounding doctors and nurses and say "I hope you're all Democrats"...
3catwoman3
(29,872 posts)Lots of good vibes headed your way from your extended DU family.
We'll all be waiting to hear from you.
TBF
(37,351 posts)bluestarone
(22,475 posts)A lot of LOVE behind you here!! We are ALL pulling for you.
tinrobot
(12,119 posts)Get well soon!
MIButterfly
(3,188 posts)My dear CaliforniaPeggy, I will be thinking of you. I wish you the best of luck tomorrow and a speedy recovery thereafter. You are such a bright light and are so well-loved here at DU. We're all thinking of you and pulling for you!
My best friend's sister had similar surgery a few weeks ago. She was supposed to be in the hospital for four days and was discharged in two. She's at home now and recuperating very well; I wish the same for you.
Take as much time as you need to recuperate. We'll be here for you when you come back!
Much love,
MIButterfly
Buns_of_Fire
(19,230 posts)ShazzieB
(22,934 posts)I hope the surgery goes as smoothly as possible and is 100% successful -- and I wish you a speedy, smooth, and uneventful recoveryl

mwmisses4289
(4,804 posts)Take care of yourself!
CanonRay
(16,283 posts)murielm99
(33,102 posts)And you have a right to be scared.
LudwigPastorius
(15,068 posts)You'll come through this better than before.
Greywing
(1,194 posts)Initech
(109,360 posts)mnhtnbb
(33,517 posts)BEFORE Ronnie's name was plastered on it, way back in 1973. The name is irrelevant, Peggy, it's a marvelous medical center. You will be in good hands, both during and after the surgery. May the procedure go as planned and your recovery be quick.
I'll be holding good thoughts for you.
montanacowboy
(6,736 posts)and healing thoughts Peggy. It will be ok and you are in good hands.
I prepare for back surgery mid April so I get it!
DelMar dem
(77 posts)It is such a liberating feeling when you realize that the vile invader is gone from your body. You'll be in good hands!
SheltieLover
(81,879 posts)Be well, Peggy, and know how much you are loved and appreciated here. You are a Du treasure!
Spintocat
(20 posts)c-rational
(3,224 posts)1WorldHope
(2,173 posts)I can't wait to read that they got it all.
So many people are praying and wishing and holding you in Love.
GiqueCee
(4,836 posts)... comin' at ya! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. But my path to a cure wasn't quite as intense as what you're about to go through. Hang in there, Peggy. We're all thinking of you.
democrank
(12,685 posts)You can do this, CaliforniaPeggy.
lark
(26,119 posts)I hope this is smooth and as easy as possible and totally effective in geting all of that out of you. Also wishes you a speedy recovery and no relapses. I had breast cancer 28 years ago, went the aggressive route and never had a recurrence. Wishing the same for you!
IndyPepper
(62 posts)I'm thinking of and praying for you as you go into surgery ... that the doctors will be skillful and that the results will be positive. Despite the name of the hospital, you're in good hands. That's where I went when I shattered my leg in a cycling accident, and the doctors were superb. Please keep us posted ... and try not to worry too much.
Trueblue Texan
(4,643 posts)senseandsensibility
(25,648 posts)I won't tell you not to be scared. But TRY to think positive thoughts and concentrate on how many people are rooting for you!
Deuxcents
(27,816 posts)hamsterjill
(17,805 posts)I will also pray for your doctors and your daughter. Rest, and know that it's all going to be all right.
Stay strong. Let the logical part of your mind take control right now. Know the emotional part of your brain is doing it's job, too. It reminds us to be cautious and to be sure. You've considered all aspects and made the best decision.
Let us know how it all goes when you can, but when you close your eyes as the surgery begins, let your thoughts be on all of the multitude of people who are pulling for you!!!
Sending love and hugs!
mokeyz
(116 posts)Youre going to do just fine - 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Ms. Toad
(38,853 posts)Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with mets to the lungs - but I've had surgery for two cancers. I wish you all the best!
rubbersole
(11,289 posts)Can't wait for farmer's market photos in a few weeks! 🤗
blogslug
(39,231 posts)❤️❤️❤️
NEOH
(359 posts)Sending good vibes your way for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!!
BurnDoubt
(1,913 posts)You are a good part of Us.
Have a Good Day.
And Keep Having Them.
Skittles
(173,096 posts)you'll be updating us soon!
Bristlecone
(11,205 posts)ms liberty
(11,400 posts)maspaha
(750 posts)I travelled from Phoenix to have my reconstruction (after breast cancer) surgery there. They took such good care of me and my family! When I was finally able to walk after four days, my daughter (11 years old at the time) walked the halls with me at midnight dribbling her soccer ball. Its oddly one of my favorite memories.
California Peggy, have you in my thoughts and prayers.
LoisB
(13,567 posts)of The Universe protect our Peggy and guide the hands of her surgeon.
gopiscrap
(24,780 posts)when you can, check in and let us know how you are doing-Peace Mike C
ColoringFool
(1,176 posts)MarineCombatEngineer
(18,187 posts)Know that I and every DU member are sending you thoughts and prayers and don't worry, you've got this.
MLAA
(19,815 posts)❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Easterncedar
(6,511 posts)I don't say this glibly: I love you.
You will be in my thoughts tonight and tomorrow and until you post again.
Tomorrow begins the recovery. Have a restful, hopeful night.
Love and peace, Sarah
Tesha
(21,169 posts)There comes a calm as you put yourself in the hands of those you trust.
Best wishes for a a smooth and drama-less surgery and swift recovery.
City Lights
(26,064 posts)And sending best wishes for a successful surgery. Will be thinking of you and watching for an update.
Evolve Dammit
(21,826 posts)WVreaper
(677 posts)Your surgery is what they have trained for.
LuckyCharms
(23,168 posts)My best wishes to you.
godsentme
(237 posts)Like so many have already said, we'll be there with you. You GOT this! Sending you peace and light. ☮️🙌
quaint
(5,112 posts)Last edited Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:23 PM - Edit history (1)
With all this love, the outcome can only be 100% success.
Pleas to the universe for a painfree, and speedy recovery!
💗💗💗🌷🌷🌷💗💗💗
blue-wave
(5,601 posts)Wishing you a speedy recovery, we'll see you basking in that California sun soon!
AllaN01Bear
(29,843 posts)CurtEastPoint
(20,107 posts)yankee87
(2,866 posts)from Cleveland
Dunc
(477 posts)ShazamIam
(3,187 posts)countingbluecars
(4,772 posts)Sending positive vibes for a speedy recovery.
COL Mustard
(8,421 posts)For all the happiness youve brought to people here
When you are able, please let us know how you are doing.
redstatebluegirl
(12,858 posts)Biophilic
(6,699 posts)Be well.
HeartsCanHope
(1,766 posts)And love and light to you and your family. My thoughts will be with you all.
Saoirse9
(3,970 posts)and a speedy recovery.
Looks like you're getting good care, that will make it a successful outcome.
LetMyPeopleVote
(182,614 posts)FuzzyRabbit
(2,220 posts)I have had good luck with surgeries since growing old and believe you will too.
fierywoman
(8,644 posts)KitFox
(600 posts)blessing: A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you. Love and hugs to you dear heart 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
highplainsdem
(63,271 posts)Wishing you a quick, easy recovery, and wonderful nurses and doctors. And good food in the hospital.
Hiawatha Pete
(2,091 posts)I always prefer teaching (University) hospitals myself and think you are in good hands.
Best wishes for a successful treatment/surgery and a full recovery!
kairos12
(13,729 posts)HAB911
(10,621 posts)Raine
(31,240 posts)coming your way. 🙏 💞
synni
(788 posts)It's understandable to be scared, when you are fighting a battle of this magnitude. I pray that your surgery is successful.
Nevilledog
(55,164 posts)Sending all the healing vibes your way.
bluescribbler
(2,548 posts)I send hugs and best wishes for a successful outcome and a speedy recovery.
FemDemERA
(919 posts)Hoping the surgery is completely successful and the healing time short.
Bayard
(30,407 posts)You are well loved!

Warpy
(114,722 posts)Last edited Sun Mar 15, 2026, 07:48 PM - Edit history (1)
I hope it is small, calcified, with clean margins, and is totally resectable.
We'll see you on the other side.
debm55
(62,013 posts)debsy
(1,052 posts)Catlady123
(78 posts)herding cats
(20,056 posts)You're going to be top on my thoughts and so very many others here. I know this is a hugely important and more than a little scary moment in your life, but I believe with my heart you've got this!
MiHale
(13,204 posts)MorbidButterflyTat
(4,786 posts)Love, strength and healing for you and your family.
Ialwaysvote
(22 posts)PCIntern
(28,624 posts)Thinking of you and wishing you the best for speedy recovery!!
beveeheart
(1,548 posts)to you.
blueknight73
(345 posts)Send you best wishes and positive vibes!
cate94
(3,128 posts)And hoping for the best outcome.
a kennedy
(36,442 posts)🙏🏻 🥰 ♥️ 🙏🏻 🥰 ♥️ 🙏🏻 🥰 ♥️ and well ALL BE HERE FOR YOU!!!!
harumph
(3,433 posts)Dear_Prudence
(1,196 posts)Take care, CaliforniaPeggy.
Figarosmom
(13,781 posts)Hope for best and be well.
OhioBlue
(5,202 posts)dlilafae
(492 posts)... and all the very best. On your side of the rope, pulling...🩵🩷🩵🫶
sinkingfeeling
(58,099 posts)Grumpy Old Guy
(4,402 posts)We'll be waiting to hear the good news of your successful surgery!
Hey Joe
(839 posts)recovery!!
Javaman
(65,997 posts)womanofthehills
(11,040 posts)And this will be behind you. 💕
Jim__
(15,291 posts)DFW
(60,501 posts)We are all waiting to hear that "better than expected" from the ICU unit when it's done
FakeNoose
(42,585 posts)
area51
(12,762 posts)mcar
(46,394 posts)badhair77
(5,221 posts)Sending my prayers for a successful surgery and thorough recovery. Wishing you, your family and your medical team a smooth day. Please keep us updated.
gademocrat7
(12,039 posts)Praying for a good recovery.💙
virgdem
(2,324 posts)And speedy recovery.🤎
edbermac
(16,491 posts)
markodochartaigh
(5,545 posts)She had surgery for lung cancer in 1995 and had a very active 7 years after that. I pray that you will have a successful surgery and a robust recovery.
💚
oldsoldierfadingfast
(408 posts)I read your post earlier today and have spent the day trying to think of words that would give you the most and best encouragement. However, others have said all the things that have come to my mind and have said it better than I would have. I rec them all.
Just know that you are much loved here on DU and all of us are praying for a good outcome. Keep the faith.
Tree Lady
(13,399 posts)And healing.
Justice matters.
(10,108 posts)From Canada with Love
usonian
(26,698 posts)For successful surgery and recovery.
bamagal62
(4,567 posts)And healing prayers!🙏🏻
Pisces
(6,331 posts)LuckyLib
(7,054 posts)orangecrush
(31,250 posts)oldtime dfl_er
(7,179 posts)It will go great!!!
peggysue2
(12,624 posts)You've got this. See/ read you once this is done.
FM123
(10,386 posts)Swede
(40,198 posts)I can't wait to here from you when this is in the rear view mirror.
regnaD kciN
(27,714 posts)MuirHero
(151 posts)DarthDem
(5,468 posts)You got this! Stay strong. We're all with you!
summer_in_TX
(4,315 posts)Bless you, and may your healing be swift afterwards. 🙏
calimary
(90,987 posts)Just trust your doctors and follow their post-op instructions. Its always amazed me what magic medical science can summon at times like this.
And while I dont claim to speak for everybody here, Im certain that all of DU is sending you strength and power for a quick and uneventful recovery.
You WILL get through this. And were solidly with you! Please do keep us updated - when you can.
misanthrope
(9,643 posts)Here's a quick recovery!
applegrove
(133,255 posts)We care about you a great deal. Don't know when I've seen a post rec'd almost 400 times. Be strong. And when you are going through hell - KEEP GOING!.
blue_jay
(295 posts)and prayers tomorrow for a successful outcome plus a few deep, calming breaths and healing prayers.
mahina
(20,752 posts)I will be definitely thinking of you and seeing you happy and well CP!
oasis
(54,081 posts)speedy recovery.👍
Chemical Bill
(3,211 posts)Health and happiness!
AllyCat
(19,013 posts)Listen to your nurses
mercuryblues
(16,519 posts)JoseBalow
(9,788 posts)Vinca
(54,404 posts)WiVoter
(1,691 posts)All my best to you my dear Peggy. ❤️🙏🏻
bigtree
(94,693 posts)...
femmedem
(8,566 posts)I hope that seeing all these messages of love and care will help as you recover.
And of course, of course, I hope this surgery is a success.
planetc
(8,983 posts)If it doesn't make any sense, get a second opinion. Do everything the nurses say, period, because they are running the hospital. You, yourself are as tough as they come, and will be almost ready to be released on the First Day of Spring, which is coming right up. Don't go anywhere except back to us. We need you!
Nittersing
(8,523 posts)Lots of hugs!!
Solly Mack
(97,294 posts)Hoping for the very best. As soon as you all can, let us know how it is going.
blm
(114,780 posts)💐💐🫶🏽💐💐
onethatcares
(17,017 posts)OldBaldy1701E
(11,639 posts)I can only wish that you had been in my shoes.
Back in 2020, I went in for a second stress test because the chest tightness that had brought me to the doctor in the first place happened during that first one. It was scheduled for 9:30 a.m.. I went it, but they did not do a stress test. They did an EKG. Then, they told me that they were checking me into the hospital that day for an angiogram. That happened first thing the next morning. Then, they came in and said that they had scheduled a quadruple bypass for 7:00 a.m. in the morning. In forty-six hours, I went from a simple doctor visit to a quad bypass.
There was no time to think about it. There was no time to consider it. It all happened in the space of three days. This pretty much much made it impossible for me to dwell on the situation.
I hope that your time will be as simple and as fast. You will be back at it before you know it and we will be waiting to celebrate with you!
Ilsa
(64,623 posts)I hope your recovery goes easy.
ABC123Easy
(361 posts)Good luck and best wishes Peggy. Hope it goes well and you're back home ASAP.
Greybnk48
(10,757 posts)I'm thing about you today, and wishing for a sucessful result and prognosis!
popsdenver
(2,687 posts)We are all pulling for you, girl......
Clouds Passing
(8,214 posts)Good luck with the surgery and recovery 🍀🙏🏼
markie
(24,076 posts)for the next few hours...
SpankMe
(3,770 posts)Methinks Miss Peggy is in good hands. All my best to you!
lostnfound
(17,654 posts)Major pillar of DU that you are! 💕
Snackshack
(2,603 posts)I can!
Stay strong!
LNM
(1,264 posts)I'm wishing you a speedy recovery.
The_REAL_Ecumenist
(964 posts)thought it was squamous. You will be in our daily prayers or your recovery and happiness. Ole Ronnie Raygun, huh? Well, about time he was associated something good even if it's just the name on the building.
From One Native Angelena to another California Girl,
You're strong & have a beautiful soul., (been a member here since 2004) and your DU family are pulling for you & coutless others are sending you healing thoughts and praying for you.
Love & Light, CaliforniaPeggy
benfranklin1776
(7,026 posts)Wishing you strength, healing, ❤️🩹 and the very best outcome! ✊🏼💙💙
TexasTowelie
(128,150 posts)I hope that the operation went well and they were able to excise the malignant cells. I'll keep you in my thoughts today as you recover. Please let us know how things went when you feel comfortable enough to interact with us.
electric_blue68
(27,418 posts)evolves
(5,875 posts)All good wishes for a good outcome and a speedy recovery!
annabanana
(52,805 posts)Coming back just to make sure you know that you are very much in my thoughts.
Most speed and comfort in your recovery.