Met with my surgeon Dr. Rourke today for pre-op. For the past six months surgery has been “sometime in the future.” Now, it’s just around the corner. The day: July 17th. The time: 07:00. I’m her first one of the day, so the upside is I won’t have to go hungry for long. It’s about a 3.5 hour surgical procedure, so I may be in recovery by lunch time. She warned of nausea and vomiting after the procedure, and suggested limiting visitors until the next day.
Today was partly to determine if she needed Dr. Gordley, plastic surgeon, to stand by to help close me up. She’s about 85-90% sure she can do it without his help, thanks to the chemo results. Again I was complimented on my “young skin,” however it unfortunately doesn’t stretch very well, making the closure more difficult. After disclosing some friendly banter she and Dr. Gordley have in the operating room over whether it’s ok to cross certain barriers like the sternum and the natural “God-given fold,” she decided to keep him on stand-by “just in case.”
Two specific prayers are needed during surgery: 1) Close me up without another incision on my back. Please Lord, I would like to keep my back muscle where it currently sits, and avoid any additional incisions. 2) They get it all. Lord, I pray the pathology results will show no active cancer cells, or if there are active cells, she got it all. Pathology results will come back about a week after surgery, so prayers for peace will also be appreciated.
She went over the risks associated. Lymphodema will be a life-long concern. The surgeon takes the entire axillary section, and the pathologist checks how many lymph nodes do or do not have cancer. Apparently there are anywhere from 10-30 lymph nodes in the axillary section.
I forgot about the spot they detected on my lung during my diagnosis testing until she asked for a repeat CT scan before surgery. Tomorrow morning to be exact. It’s just a precaution, but reality is startling at times.
Pre-op with the hospital is Friday afternoon, where labs and other tests will be performed, preparing for the final day. Then we wait.
Admittedly a little scared, but trying to stay positive. The Lord is my Rock and my Refuge. In Him I trust.
Praying for you Cindy. I know this is a big surgery for you and I’m specifically praying for not only healing, but peace as you prepare for the surgery itself. If you need to talk give me a call -sometimes it’s just nice to know the person listening has walked in similar shoes!
So great talking with you today. Wish I was there with you as planned. I love you Sweet Pea. You and your specific prayer requests remain in my prayers!
Your always friend!
Jena
Cindy both Rick and I are always praying for you but extra special prayers for the next few weeks. I am confident I will soon be getting good news that I can change my Facebook picture!
Thank you Carolann! I love you guys and appreciate your support through this whole journey. God is good, and He has it all under control.
Love,
Cindy
Lord, we lift Cindy, Tim and the family up to You now. Prepare them for this upcoming surgery. Calm their hearts and minds with Your peace that passes all understanding. Guide the surgeons with Your hands, Your wisdom and discernment. When the doubts and fears want to crowd in, place a hedge of protection to guard their hearts and minds and we ask that Your healing hand would reach down and touch, as only You can. May Your presence be seen and felt, in and around Cindy, we pray, in Your Holy Name. Amen! Love & prayers, Suetta & Art
Suetta and Art,
Our connection through the years has been a real blessing. Thank you so much for the touching prayer. It means a lot. 🙂 Love you both!
Cindy
We are continuing to pray for you everyday and will add the upcoming surgery to our prayers. In agreement with you they can close you up with one incision and will get all of the cancer, In JesusName believing your lungs are completely healed as well!! And strengthen your daughter as well.physically, mentally, and emotionally abs spiritually!!!
Thank you Erica! God has already answered your prayer for my lungs! We are proceeding as planned (see my blog from today). Peace is is not the opposite of fear, but joy is. I will not let Satan steal my joy. Love you guys. Cindy
Continuing our prayers. Thanks for more info. that will enable more specific prayer on my part. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Det. 31:8 This verse is repeated 5 times in scripture. Maybe God knows we are human and need to be reminded. Praying for triumphant victory!
Kermit, thank you for those wonderful words of encouragement. It does help to pray specifically, so I appreciate your attention to detail! I will put this verse on a card and keep it with me as a reminder. He is with me, and He is not leaving me nor forsaking me. Blessings! Cindy
You are definitely in my prayers. Alot will be going on for the next weeks. I will also pray for peace for you and your family. Blessings, Jaron
Thanks Jaron! Yes, it will be good to be off work just to take it all in. Peace to you as well. 🙂