post-surgical

Friday morning finds me pre-op, sitting in my bear paw suit that has a blower attached to it shooting warm air over me.  Dr. Cristina Tinguely has already come to see me and said momentarily we would begin.  Between my nurses getting me ready, the anesthesiologist, and my friend Suzanne who peeks her head in the room and wishes me well- I feel ready.

I have to say it felt like a "privilege" of sorts to get to do a surgery- because they think I am healthy enough to withstand it, and that will never grow old. 

Each time I meet a new doctor I tell them "I'm healthy with a side of cancer."  And here comes my word into full presence… I truly didn't feel like a cancer patient this day… I got to become just another surgical candidate and that felt good. 

The hardest part of the whole day was signing the paper that acknowledges I will be "sterile," after this procedure.  Staring down the word "sterile," caused me to pause, and yet the signs are all there that this chapter of my life is closing.  So I hastily sign away and throw thankfulness up for the gift of two healthy boys, and how much being a mother means to me.  

Yesterday just seemed to go as smoothly as it could possibly go.  I firmly believe it was all the prayers.  As they came to get me to take me to surgery, I felt little anxiety.  I walked as they asked and laid down on the surgical gurney as asked.  They started attaching and adhering monitors everywhere and then the Anesthesiologist gave me something to put me out.  He complimented me on how I was doing, and I managed my last words, "you have no idea how many people are praying over all of us today.  I'm just resting in that knowledge."  I saw lots of heads nodding in agreement, and I heard several people acknowledge that prayer helps in mighty ways.

After the procedure I was sent to the recovery room and I actually woke up almost right away.  I don't remember precisely what she had to say, but Dr. Tingeuly was standing by my bed talking to me for a bit.  I was groggy, and yet each time I opened my eyes, I was more alert at the same time.

Dr. Tinguely told Rick my uterus looked "big and boggy, and no wonder I had such cramping and bleeding."  She says we'll monitor the uterus closely in case something needs to be done in the future.  

I do so wish I could share a picture of her with you.  Maybe on my follow up visit?  She is cute, kind, smart, and my incisions were so neatly done.  

In no time it seemed, I was being moved to the last recovery room.  My friend Suzanne, was working there.  She got busy right away making me toast and getting me something to drink.  My blood pressure was running low, so I just sat in the recliner resting and they kept a watchful eye over me.  It took awhile to find the right amount of pain meds to squash most of it, but eventually they did.  Plus it was truly a comfort having Suzanne nearby. 

Here I am just hours after surgery.  I was pretty ashen, and yet I felt okay.  

The anesthesiologist came for one last visit.  He was in street clothes and announced he was taking his six year old son to the Monster Truck Jam that night.  He lit up when he talked about his kids, and it was a great way to conclude my stay.

With some help, I shuffled off to the dressing room and put my own street clothes back on.  Superman who hadn't left my side, drove up and helped me inside and then we drove off into the Friday evening sunset.  

So thankful for your prayers- I hope you know what a difference they make in my life.  Blessings and love to you all.