Faithfully Fighting

Yesterday was a busy day.  But the big news is:  I’M A GRANDMA!!  My beautiful daughter with the assistance of her very good husband worked all day yesterday and at 10:16 last night delivered their first child, a girl.  Ella Brooke came into the world a wonderful size; 8lbs 3 oz and 20-3/4” long.  For any of you who may not know that is a good size (but not huge) baby.  I was disappointed not to be there, but prayed at home all evening and was overjoyed to receive the news from my daughter herself about 11:00!  I cannot wait for introductions!

I had stopped in to see my girl yesterday afternoon, after my doctor’s appointment, but my energy level wouldn’t let me stay too long.  It broke my heart to leave her, but I think it affected me more than Jess.  She was concentrating on the job at hand and only really insisted that her husband be by her side (as it should be).

The doctor I saw yesterday was the surgeon.  She was her usual strongly assertive self, but seemed pleased at my progress so far.  I asked her how long I was going to feel like I had rubber bands around my chest and she just looked at me and said “a while”.  Tomorrow I see the plastic surgeon.  I was thinking about catching a ride to the hospital today to see the baby, but I supposed I should rest today.  I wouldn’t want to overdue it and face the wrath of the stern plastic surgeon.  He is very picky about his work and leaves strict instructions for his patient.  Of course, he has been right on everything so far, so I should probably not stir him up.  I will get his approval tomorrow for more activity and just have to settle for pictures from my parents today. 

My surgeon did tell me, yesterday, that the pathology report showed the cancer within the breast tissue was mostly DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ: a non-invasive cancer that stays inside the milk pipes and usually doesn't spread) which was not invasive.  It was the lymph nodes (7 out of the 18 taken) that showed invasive cancer.  I’m not exactly sure what all that means except it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.  I think it also means I should have chosen chemo two years ago to catch those few tiny stray cells that clandestinely traveled to the lymph nodes to breed.  Maybe that’s why my oncologist has been calling me so much.  He helped me make the decision two years ago and at the time, with the information and research available, we made the correct decision.  It was wrong, but it was my decision.  That will be the last time you see me second guessing the past (I hope).  Isaiah 43:18-19 Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing.  Moving forward!!

I’m hoping for a day of rest today.  I want to thank EVERYONE for all the cards and emails and well wishes and especially Suzie’s hard work with Rich’s Sunday school class for the TERRIFIC meals that a rolling in here!!  A Big Special thank you to Mom and Dad and Pete, you have been amazing!!  Dad, I didn’t even know you knew how to do laundry (your secret is out now!).  I’m hoping this time next week to be up and about and ready for the fight (oncology appt on 2/14).  Today I’m planning on basking in the Lord’s blessings that are overwhelming me.  I don’t think that is sinful, Psalm 116:7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

I’m happy to report I’m a little more lucid today.  I will not make any promises for tomorrow, but right now I’m doing ok.  Must be Patty’s chicken soup for lunch, yummy! 

I forgot to report one very important detail yesterday.  It appears I’m going to be a Grandma in the next couple of days.  Jessica had been having some issues with her blood pressure and when she went on Weds and she was 1 cm dilated so doctor decided it is time.  She goes into the hospital Sunday night and they are going to try to get the ball rolling.  So I figure within the next 2-3 days I’m going to have my new grandbaby.  Jessica has been on bed rest since Weds, so I’ve only talked to her (since both of us are in bed most of the day).  She’s feeling that nervous, oh no it’s time, feeling, but is very excited.  I am too, except I’m going to miss it.  God’s timing is being truly merciful to my daughter, I think.  She won’t have to worry about a hovering mommy while she’s cranky.  I will have to recruit family to bring me lots of pictures of the baby when it arrives. 

Pray for my sweet girl as she brings life into this world.  It is a blessed moment that I know she will cherish.

Thanks for all the well wishes and comments!  You guys are great.  Folks I don’t even know are praying and writing!  Thank you so much.  God is Good!!  All the time!

I’m home.  I’m really shaky.  I can’t focus too well, probably has something to do with the Vicaden.  I am surprised to say that it has been as much an emotional battle for me so far as a physical one.  I thought the emotional battle would come later, but apparently I was wrong.

I feel like I have those tiny rubber bands under my arms and around chest right now.  You know the ones that only stretch one inch.  Only they are stretched all the way around.  The doctors office says the tightness is normal.  Can I say there is nothing normal about what is going on right now. 

I’m really glad to be home.  I hate that Mom and Dad and Pete are doing all the work around here and I mostly cry and whine.  I should be truly grateful and feel blessed for all the prayers that have allowed me to get home earlier than expected and will see me through the pain and having the blessing of them to help me .  And I am, I really am, but sometimes I’m very selfish and for that I hope you and the Lord will forgive me.  It’s only a couple of weeks and it’ll get better.  An FYI, I’m supposed to start Chemo in 3 weeks.

"...you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." -Genesis 50:20 

This is Pete, Lynn's guy. Lynn asked me to fill you in on the updates of her surgery, so here it is: The surgery went well although it was a very long day.
Originally Lynn's surgeon and reconstruct doctors were approximating a 6-6.5 hour time frame and she was actually under for about 8 hours. The mastectomy
was still within Dr. Boyd's (2 hours) estimate but Dr. Lambert - the reconstruction
doctor worked an additional 2 hours, originally est. 4 hours actually around six. We're grateful for both doctors and appreciate the extra care time Dr. Lambert spent in making everything just right.

Lynn looked great when the medical team wheeled her from recovery into her room albeit a bit groggy. Yes it's real good news that Lynn made it over this surgical hurdle and we're so thankful to The Lord, who cares for her and guides
those in the medical field. I want to briefly share with you the "Great news" that happened prior to Lynn even going into surgery, as it really blessed me and will bless you all as well-

On Sunday my Sunday school class sent around a signup list in a card for Lynn
having people commit for a time to lift Lynn up in prayer on her day of surgery.
There were people praying for her from 7:00 am - 11:00 pm yesterday. Of course when my classmate, Suzy gave me the card to give to her, Lynn busted up crying in joy for the love these folks were demonstrating. It gets better -
So I'm with Lynn in the Pre Op admission room early yesterday (surgery day.)
She's holding the card from my Sunday school class with the sign up for comfort. As the time approaches I can sense Lynn is starting to get anxious about what's going to take place soon and I'm feeling it as well. When the various nurses, doctors and anaesthegeologist make there way to check on her before starting Lynn steps out in faith, here it is - She proceeds to tell the medical team,one by one as they enter, "Hey I have good news!" Lynn shows them the card and adds,  "These people signed up to pray for us all day." What a testimony, it not only touched me deeply but the anaesthesiologist becomes visibly moved and holds back some tears. It's a comfort to know God's people show up everywhere, yes?

It edifies me to observe that although we live in a world affected by curses such as cancer as a result of our sin, God uses believers like Lynn, you and me to share with others how a relationship made possible by Jesus' sacrifice made in our place make it possible to "Turn the tables" on evil and use it glorify His Son. It also makes me think that I need not just observe what others like Lynn are testifying to in Jesus name but also question "how can i share my own testimony with others , i.e. what "cancers", large or small are each of us overcoming that we can share with others and demonstrate God's power in our own lives?". 

I am so blessed to have a wonderful, lovely, Godly woman which Lynn is and I thank The Lord for her courage to "Fight Faithfully."

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