Yesterday was a long day, but successful.
- I checked into the hospital at 8:45 am (10 degrees) and was released around 5:45 pm (-25 degrees).
- Before surgery I was injected with a radioactive dye, which would travel to my lymph nodes, and a radioactive chip was inserted by the tumor to guide the surgeon in locating the tumor during surgery. Dr. Fowler said some women experience pain and lots of discomfort with the injection of dye, but, thankfully, I only felt a little sting and no discomfort at all. And I'm not glowing.
- While waiting for surgery I enjoyed the visits of family and friends and many of them waited with Dave while I was in surgery. Thank you Geoff and Nicole, Jami and Matt, Joan and Kaiden. Of course, Dave was with me the whole time. I received many encouraging texts that morning and Nancy prayed over me via the Marco Polo app. The prayers, love and support helped keep me calm and at peace.
- About an hour and a half later than scheduled, I was wisked back to surgery. One lady assisting with the surgery team asked me what kind of music I would like to hear. My first thought was "no jazz, please." Then I asked for Christmas music. She said, "Christmas music it is," but I was out and never heard any music at all.
- Surgery went well. The lump was removed along with a couple of lymph nodes. Everything looked as expected (no obvious signs of cancer migration). The lump and nodes will be sent off for testing, with results in possibly a week. If all is clear, which we're expecting, I'll begin 5 weeks of radiation in about a month. Thankful to be on this side of surgery.
- We were on my way home around 5:45 pm. We hadn't left the parking lot when I got a call saying they had forgotten to take out my IV. I went back in and they met me at the door and removed. Now we could go home.
- I was hungry for mashed potatoes and gravy, so Kaiden stopped by KFC and brought dinner home for the 3 of us. Later the family stopped by and we recounted the events of the day. I feel so blessed to have my family close by. I never want to take them for granted and I need to say "I Love You" much more than I do.
- After the kids left, Dave and I settled down for the evening. I crawled into bed and he was next to me watching a Hallmark movie (😊). I fell asleep but Dave woke me up at midnight to take meds. I was awake and started talking about the day:
- how everyone at the hospital treated me with such care and respect
- Remembering people by name and specific things they had done to help me.
- I laughed and cried (good tears) talking about how blessed I am.
- I'm sure Dave was thankful I finally fell asleep....around 1:30 a.m.
- Today I am up and about and feeling good. Looking forward to movie night with the kids this evening. I am taking the advice of many to rest, rest, rest.
A faith moment:
I recently read a book "He Called me Rhea" by Rhea Zakich (my 2nd cousin's wife). She talks about picturing Jesus in specific circumstances in our lives.
Before surgery when I was having the radioactive stuff done (as I explained above), I was waiting in the room all by myself for 15 or so minutes. I was very nervous because the Doctor had already told me this could be very painful. I thought about Rhea's book and tried picturing Jesus in the room with me. My IV was already in and I was trying to get my left arm comfortable. In my mind I tried to picture Jesus holding my left hand, but I could not get a picture of it in my mind. The doctor returned and as he started the injection his nurse, not saying anything, took my left hand and held it while the injection took place. (As I described above, I experienced no pain or discomfort). I told the nurse how much I appreciated her holding my hand. So when the doctor started to insert the radioactive chip, the nurse came over and asked if I wanted her to hold my hand again. We both smiled and I said, "yes, please." You may see this as simply the nurse holding my hand. I see (and feel) that it was Jesus, through this nurse, who was holding my hand. It was such a strong spiritual moment that I cannot even think about it without tearing up. I'll always remember Jesus holding my hand.
I've received so many texts, private messages, cards, phone calls, flowers, gifts, visits.
How will I ever pass on these blessings?
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