Hello from Houston, where our stellar MD Anderson team has me totally handled. I left the hospital yesterday after just 2-1/2 days, which is a testament to how they run this show – you will get up and walk on the day of major abdominal surgery thank you very much, and you will not just do it once, but TEN TIMES.
I am actually doing very well (see note about walking ten times). I will first attribute this fact to the unbelievable power of prayer and our daily, moment by moment faith that God is with us, God will never leave us nor forsake us, and miracles still abound. All of my fears, doubts and tears notwithstanding, I have never wavered in knowing that God can and does work all things together for good. Period.
There were three surgeons in the OR (all women by the way; represent). One of them saw me during rounds on Day 2 and said, “I knew you’d do great. I could tell just from meeting you in the pre-op area and I was right.” So apparently I exude positivity and strength when I’m anxious and terrified. Bless me. She also said the entire team was so pleased that they “were able to get everything.” Let me tell you, those are precious words to hear a surgeon say and they don’t toss them around lightly!
I can confidently say that five months of chemotherapy melted away several hot spots and a six-hour surgery took care of the rest. I am in awe of my oncology team, both in Glenwood Springs and Houston, not to mention the RNs and CNAs who took care of me afterward…amazing. Truly angels. I never encountered one person who wasn’t just the most caring, compassionate, kind human, housekeeping staff and kitchen help included.
Tim and I will be home next week after a few more days of recuperation. I know there will be some follow-up treatment but I’m enjoying this day right now.
God bless you for being on the journey with me!
Thanks to sweet 3 year-old Lennon Dodge for “The Medicine Picture” which she painted for me. It traveled to MD Anderson and hung on my wall — I mean it’s rainbows, unicorns and shooting stars, people. How can that NOT be healing?
Kick it with Charla 
Leave a comment