When the Unexpected and Unlikely Bring Blessings

After Monday’s doctor’s visit I was admitted to the hospital due to an infection. My plastic surgeon has never had a patient develop an infection around or in the area where the surgery was performed when a drain is still in place and functioning.  What seems like an unfortunate event has had some unexpected blessings.

After admission, I was sent to a room in record time.  This isn’t just any room.  It is a room with a view of Tallowood Baptist Church peeking above the trees!  We have enjoyed pointing out the church to our nurses, doctors, and visitors.  Seeing the church has helped keep things in perspective and has reminded me to whom I belong. 

We found out Wednesday morning that I was going to need additional surgery either Friday or Monday and I would not be able to consider going home until the surgery was completed.  After meeting with both doctors that morning, they were able to have me as an add on and perform the surgeries on Wednesday night. 

I quickly began preparing for the surgery.  I washed my hair, and Larry had just finished blowing it dry when there was a knock on the door that the people had arrived to take me to the surgery holding area.  It was 1:50 p.m.  Talk about great timing. 

Right before surgery, an IV caused a second vein to blow.  Since there was not time to install a PICC line before I needed to go for surgery, that meant the nurses in the pre-surgery area would need to do the task.  I have tiny, rolling veins so I am not always an easy stick.  I have learned to drink lots of fluids beforehand, but that was not an option because of the preparation for surgery.  It took 2 nurses 4 sticks, and still no IV.  I asked Larry to pray before they tried again.  The nurses both agreed.  The very next stick, the IV was in place.  There was instantly a vocal, “Thank you Jesus” celebration.  Both nurses were even dancing around. 

There was a miscommunication about getting me early since the surgery did not even occur until after 7:30 p.m.  If we would have arrived later, we would have missed out on the celebration since one of the nurses left to go home after helping insert the IV. 

Last week, when the pathology report was completed, one of the cancer markers was 0.01 mm from the margin.  That is too close to determine that there is no cancer.  Because of the infection, my surgeon had an opportunity to go back in, after the expander was taken out and the area cleaned, and take out an additional layer of tissue to be sent to the pathologist for analysis. 

After surgery, Dr. Lee told Larry that these two+ weeks since the previous surgery allowed the tissue to recover so she could remove what was needed and the remaining tissue survive.  God’s perfect timing once again. 

Both surgeons are pleased with the outcome of the second surgeries.  The infection is clearing up!  This week we have seen teamwork and cooperation at its best.  All four of my doctors are in constant communication about what will be most beneficial for me.  I am most grateful.  The nurses, at shift change, brief the one following them on each of their patients so there is not a gap in care.

 Through these days, we have treasured times with our sons and family.  The boys have made sure we had what was needed, as well as gifting us with their presence and prayers.

 Your prayers, thoughts, encouraging words, gifts, and cards have been and continue to be huge blessings during these days.  I know that the calmness of spirit before surgeries and my healing progress have been greatly enhanced due to your prayers on my behalf.  Thank you, thank you!  We have also shared with the medical personnel that you are praying for them.

God continues to provide and prove Himself faithful. 

 The LORD is my strength and my

             shield;

     my heart trusts in him, and he

             helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
     and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7

I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

     With him at my right hand, I
            will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my
            tongue rejoices;
     my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me
            to the realm of the dead,
     nor will you let your faithful one
            see decay.
You make known to me the path of
            life;
     you will fill me with joy in your
          presence,
     with eternal pleasures at your
           right hand.
Psalm 16:8-11