So when the date of August 25th was given
as my surgery date for my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, I
was a little disappointed. At the same time, I have tried to give every detail
of this journey over to the Lord and trust that He knows what is best for my body.
After all, He created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother's
womb." (Psalm 139:13) I also realized that coordinating the schedule of
three separate surgeons was no small task, and I would happily accept what was
given. Besides, my Nurse Navigator, Amy (if I have failed to mention her yet,
it is a real shame because she is definitely a Godsend to us) confirmed that
instead of me having a birth"day", I was to have a birthday
"month" instead. So as a huge fan of birthdays, how could I complain about
that!
My actual birth"day" started
with a visit from Hurricane Irene who wiped out our power for 3 days (I know
many of you have had it worse) and consisted of being propped up by pillows in
a recliner, popping pain pills, having Blake empty my nasty drains, and eating
birthday cake in the dark. As unappealing as all of that sounds, I can honestly
say that this "lover of birthdays" wasn't even bothered by it. I
wasn't bothered because I realized something in the weeks leading up to the
actual day. My gifts had already been given to me. At birth, God gave me the
two most amazing, supportive parents. Eight years ago, God gave me a husband
who is taking better care of me than I could ever imagine (without a single
complaint by the way). Starting three and a half years ago, God gave me two
little ones that fill my life with so much joy. Last June, He gave me a job
that has surrounded me with amazing friends/co-workers and patients. Two years
ago, He brought us to a neighborhood full of people ready to lend a hand in our
time of need. And throughout the years, He has given us the kind of friends
that are walking each step with us day-to-day. As far the physical gifts
given to me over the last few weeks, I liken myself to Oprah (not that I love
that comparison) because I have literally been showered with all my favorite
things. Although there have been many physical birthday gifts given to me
over the last few weeks for which I am so thankful, the fact that this journey
has surrounded my birthday is certainly no accident because I have felt more
celebrated than I have in all my past 33 birthdays combined.
And apparently my birthday celebration
continues through today...at 10:30 am this morning, we met with Mollie, PA for
our post-op visit and received the very exciting news that all the sentinel
lymph nodes that were taken (3 on the right and 1 on the left) are all clear of
Cancer. The pathology report came back as good as it could have considering
where my tumors were located.
Psalm 139:13-16
"For you created my inmost
being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because
I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know
that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in
the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your
eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in
your book before one of them came to be."
We actually did get to go celebrate my
birthday at the beach a week earlier than expected so I thought I would post a
family pic from that weekend.
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