Relese Notes > Paola 2.0 > Engage...

Hello?
Anyone there?
Testing 1, 2, 3...

Announcer: After the lovely photographic interlude, we'd like to resume our blog already in progress... Introducing the New, Improved (and still stain resistant) Paola 2.0

Thank you, thank you very much! It's lovely to see all of you again, carefully scanning the words and trying hard not to laugh at a cancer blog. But really, it's ok to laugh; it's much better for you than crying.

Before I get started in earnest I'd like to thank the lovely Allie -- APPLAUSE PLEASE -- for keeping the narrative going with heartfelt honesty and wit. I hope she'll jump in from time to time and share some more of her wisdom with us.

And now, for the main event: The unveiling of Paola 2.0 (no worries people, this will be strictly PG)

Key version improvements:

> Cancer tumors --yes there were TWO--successfully removed (yay!)

> 18 hrs+ of surgery yielded two perfectly healthy new bobbies--the twin girls are thriving alongside their proud new mama.

> Tummy tuck complete...at last flat stomach (bonus!)

Some fun facts:

> When Paola got to the recovery room, after having been on a respirator tube for close to 20 hrs, she wouldn't SHUT UP! How atypical, don't you think?

> Paola lost 14 lbs in the surgery. Who would have thought?

> Paola offered some interesting (and tri-lingual) comedy relief to family, friends and medical personnel with excited (and sometimes angry) morphine-induced hallucinations. I wish someone would have taped the German one :)

> The scar across her belly looks like a perfect smiley face--how cheerful!

> Though close to 19 hrs in length, her surgery DID NOT break the Stanford Hospital record--bummer.

> Most of the nurses and the surgical team were convinced that Allie and Paola were gay partners. We received many compliments on how cute a couple we made and how dedicated and loving Allie was. Though we were both extremely flattered, we had to tell them Allie's husband Mark may not want to share her with me :)

But seriously, it's a miracle of science and a gift of love that I am alive. The entire surgical team worked to exhaustion to construct this new, cancer free body for me. Then, incredibly dedicated nurses, docs and PAs worked tirelessly alongside Mom and Allie to get me through the hospital stay.

Following that, my friends and colleagues have delivered food, gifts, flowers, hope and love to keep me going at home. Mom has been amazingly graceful and strong, and completely dedicated to my care. Even Lucas has pitched in by steering clear of me as instructed by mom.

I am humbled, honored and immensely thankful to have such an incredible network of people looking after me. I can truly say that without your care I may not be here today. So rest assured that version 2.0 will be stronger, and even more kick ass than Paola Classic.

But this is just the beginning--and what a triumphant one! The road ahead is still hard, so let's start walking...shall we?