Cath,
Thanks for writing ... It's good to hear from someone who's going through it. I'm still getting psyched for the surgery on Wednesday. I'm planning to lie low for about a week ... then gradually add things ... I have a conference to speak at (if I can) on the 15-16 ... I'm just a panelist, so it's not like I have to do a bunch of preparation, or talk for hours ... I plan to lead worship on Ash Wednesday ... only a week after surgery, but the service is only an hour and my speaking will be minimal.
I do plan to be back to a more normal schedule by the following weekend, Feb. 15-17.
The congregation will understand that I will do what I can ... the rest, well, we'll have to make do with what we've got.
Did you feel your nodule? Was it pressing enough to give you noticable symptoms? Mine is quite large on the left side ... I don't notice any pressure or problems, though ... just the large lump on my neck ... but, then, I notice I am careful to sleep with my head tilted backwards, I think to get a clear passageway ...
I wonder if I'll notice any differences with breathing of swallowing once that large (5cm x 7cm) nodule is removed.
Regarding this woe ... I'm going to eat what I want for the first week or so ... I am already craving ice cream ...
But I intend to get back to the Atkins plan soon after, in a few days to a week after the surgery.
I still wonder if I'm too ambitious and just not realistic about the recovery period ... but I guess I'd rather plan on a very quick recovery, and then take on a little at a time as I feel able ... that will keep me motivated and involved.
I'm glad you feel like preaching today! I will have a free pulpit here next week, are you interested?