Preparing for surgery

For time sake, I have just copied my caring bridge entry...

These last few weeks have found me really busy trying to balance doctor appointments, working fulltime, being a mom and a wife, implementing new health routines (walking two miles a day—yippee!!) and …..exploring a whole new world—blogging!! To think, a few months ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was, now I find myself not only writing a blog but enjoying the discovery of some really awesome people in blog world.


I am excited to share that my doctor appointments were all great! If all goes as planned, my second stage reconstruction surgery will be on Wednesday morning at 10 am. The surgery will last between 2-4 hours long with one overnight at the hospital. My chest will be wrapped tightly for a few weeks along with those yucky drains. I will be on a 5 lb weight restriction for lifting and no “jiggling” for 6 weeks, so I will have to wait before I can start training for a 5K. (Bummer) We are really hoping that this surgery will relieve the back pain that continues to plague me throughout my days.

With second stage breast reconstruction the expanders that are currently under my chest muscles will be removed and replaced with the softer implant. “Good bye turtles, hello new girls!” As I anticipate this next step, I am filled with fear and anxiety, excitement and joy. The mastectomy was extremely painful and the memory of that surgery fills my mind with dread and fear, not to mention I am not anticipating recovery that I will once again have to endure. Yet, there is great excitement knowing that I am one step closer to finishing this segment of the journey. What joy that I have experienced a very living and vibrant God who has walked with me every step! I am so blessed knowing that God will be in the surgery room, guiding the physician’s hands, providing comfort and the strength to me to continue this race. (I will admit that lately, it has been a bit of a struggle to not feel a bit weary, my body is physically tired from the different cancer treatments and surgery.)

As I reach this stage of my journey, I find myself meditating on the experience of these past 15 months, trying to put the cancer experience into a proper place in my life. Today at church, the scripture that was shared really touched my heart….

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will find true life.” Luke 9: 23-24

I am humbled knowing that for the next few weeks my cross will be simply just getting dressed in the morning…I am excited though, as I do believe my healing is preparing me to carry a new and exciting cross for Him. As I continue to trust that true life is in Christ, I am encouraged by Paul’s words to the Philippians, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (can I add whether in sickness or health?) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Blessings to you all for a great and prosperious week! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!