Haven't told anyone

You probably won't feel like doing a lot ,and shouldn't, but you can certainly watch. Get as organized now as you can and let your friends and family do the rest. It gets better with each week passing. Best wishes!

I think it would be much better to announce to the float committee, friends, neighbors etc, that you're "having surgery 10/5 and will be unable to do anything until the end of Nov." Some people are interested in details, but most are not - I just came up with a vague line to explain the hysterectomy.

Put it out there and nix those expectations that you are going to be taking care of things - you want other people to be taking care of you and your family! Line other people up to do the float, even if it stays in your yard. You will be tired and sore. You may have complications. You only have one chance to heal right so take care of yourself. Seriously!

Ditto for what the others have said about the float! Don't take on more than you can do!

I haven't told anyone except my husband, my 2 sisters, 2 co-workers (had to one was my boss), and my grandmother. I haven't told extended family yet because.......well, I don't really have a reason. I am not going to tell my children until closer to the surgery date. I don't want them to be worried. My 12 year old son is a worrier if there ever was one, he gets it honest from me My 8 year old daughter is not a worrier, but can be a little dramatic! It will be easier to tell them later!

I just told a few people who I knew could not keep a secret and let them do the hard work for me! To be honest once I got talking to folk it was the good (non-malignant cancer) news so it was easier to be positive. I find the folk feeling sorry for me difficult to handle and have been putting a really positive face on things but underneath the bravado I feel like a jelly. However, I have to share my mirth - most of my co-workers are males and I'm really enjoying making them squirm!

Big hugs, take it easy, invest in some ear plugs, get a manicure when you are done and don't spoil your nails doing stuff for the float
Gem

I too have put on a brave face for everyone, but I am freaking out a little inside

Even in our time of comfort or need, we as woman are still thinking about other people's feelings and downplaying our own!