The Journey - Part 8

This week brought back some normalcy. I was able to get back in the saddle at FBC for a few half days during the week and even take a weekend road trip to Stillwater, OK to visit family. It felt SO good! And thanks to Frankie for filling in for me all these weeks at FBC. She has been an absolute jewel for taking care of everything—and doing a great job!

I’ll be starting a “loading” day of chemo this coming Wednesday—and the following Wednesday my seven weeks of radiation will begin—in addition to chemo once a week.

A lot of unknowns with this next round of treatment…but I do know…
He knows the plans
He knows my sorrows
He carries me
He rescued my soul
He is faithful
He is…and so much more.

Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for you.

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News…

Well, the day for surgery, October 17, 2012 had arrived. My bags were packed and ready to go. I was prayed up and knew without a doubt my intercessors were along side of me. I felt the peace that so many experienced and testified about. Pastors Dave and Steve met us at the hospital in Wichita for prayer right before they wheeled me into the pre-op room. The “operating team” individually came in, explained procedures and asked if I had any questions. I had a few before they gave me my “cocktail”, as the nurse called it—and then I was out. The next thing I remember, I was in my hospital bed surrounded by smiling family. Someone told me I woke up talking—with my first words: “I love you” and “God is good.” Although I don’t remember saying anything, I was relieved it wasn’t something crazy or embarrassing like some stories you hear. And actually, I wasn’t even guaranteed I would be able to talk. So that was a definite praise!

I was told the surgery went well. The doctor was able to remove the entire tumor (about the size of a penny), but did cut through some of the margins. After the tests revealed the margin was not in the “clear range”, he went back and removed a little more. During the surgery process, they were able to “re-shape” my tongue, so besides the stitches and swelling, it actually looked quite normal. All-in-all, the doctor reported to my family he felt very confident with the surgery outcome and everything went well.

The next couple of days were a blur. I was told a retired priest stopped by my room playing “The Theme of the Godfather” on his accordion for my enjoyment. At that point I was on morphine, and sorry to report, I don’t recall any of it—although, it would’ve been a hoot to hear. Just the thought made me giggle. Eating was somewhat of a challenge with a swollen tongue, but on day four they finally decided they’d had enough of me and gave me the boot. Still heavily medicated, I vaguely remember the ride home. But thankfully, I was in no pain.

A couple of days, later my doctor called with good news. All of the lymph nodes they removed from my neck dissection—all 48 of them—were cancer free. In other words, the cancer that was removed was contained and did not spread. We were elated, to say the least.

During my post-op visit, Doctor further explained the “safe margins rule” in removing the tumor and its significance. Because the margins were cut into, he wanted me to get second opinions from radiation and chemotherapy doctors—to see if they felt further treatments were necessary. So…more doctor appointments and visits were made. Finally after seeing the last doctor, they all three conferred: no further treatments would be necessary. The weight lifted from my entire body at that moment was indescribable. We celebrated at Longhorn’s Steakhouse where I was able to eat a delicious bowl of macaroni and cheese. It never tasted so good!

To be continued…