Friday, March 13, 2009

Post-Surgery Update

Just wanted to fill everyone in...

This past week was a rough week for me as I had to manage pain without Ibuprofen in preparation for surgery. However, the surgery went well today. The doctor was able to implant the port with no complications. He also did a thorough exam and found out that my reproductive organs are full with cancer (not that this is new news really, but it certainly explains the amount of pain I've been dealing with). The good news is that he also checked my colon and bladder and found no signs of cancer there. Finally, I feel like I've gotten one "yes" to my prayers!

I have to admit that I've been hesitant to be hopeful for any positive answers to prayer because I seemed to keep getting so many "no's" all along. Yet, today, we finally got a bit of good news officially confirmed. I'm not a superstitious person by any stretch of the imagination, but I can't help but think that maybe my willingness to stare superstition in the face and have surgery done on Friday the 13th was good for my morale. Hopefully this one little "yes" will be the beginning of an onslaught of "yeses" as I proceed forward through treatment!

The doctor is eager to get my treatments started, so Monday is the big day. I'll be in the hospital from Monday morning until Tuesday evening and then I just have to see how the medicines affect me physically throughout the week. Please pray that my symptoms aren't too bad. Also, pray that I am able to manage my pain with reasonable measures - without having to take stronger medications. Finally, please pray that the chemotherapy is very affective and we begin to make some great progress on getting rid of the cancer in my body. Thanks so much for all your support! As I've said before, it's carrying me through!

On another note, I'm looking forward to sharing a bunch of devotional thoughts that have blessed me through this crazy journey so far... but for tonight, I'm still a bit groggy from the cocktail of drugs they gave me for surgery, so I'll leave you with this promise:

"How priceless is [God's] unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of [his] wings.... For with [him] is the fountain of life; in [his] light we see light." ~ Psalm 36:7, 9

Isn't it great to know that no matter how good or bad we feel about our circumstances, God is always there for us to love, protect, and guide us?

5 comments:

  1. Praise God for a much needed "YES"!!!
    We serve a loving and wonderful God.
    Glad the surgery went well and hope you are feeling well in the morning when your "cocktail" wears off.
    Don't forget to check out those fabric options when you get a chance.

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  2. Heather, I am the aunt of Warren from your youth group. His grandmother sent me your blog and I just want to let you know what an encouragement it was to me! To see the Lord moving in your life during such a difficult period through His Word and music gives hope to others. I have already passed on Psalm 36:7-9 to some friends to encourage them! Thank you for allowing Him to touch others through you! I am praying for strength for you and that He will continue to bless others through you!

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  3. You will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers on Monday for sure - stay strong and fight this battle with all you've got...you've got a mighty army behind you ready and willing to help. Love you Heather!

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  4. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I found you through an LTM prayer request.

    Theresa

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  5. Be Still and Know I am LORD....you are in His hands...what a beautiful thought...praying for you. Keep strong and let me know if you need anything. bluebearmom@verizon.net...love ya kiddo
    Donna Hartman

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