Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Day After

My lumpectomy surgery was yesterday. Today I'm feeling great! No pain whatsoever! It's almost like it was a non-event. That's how well God, and my praying friends and family took care of me. At least 30 text messages and emails came my way the day before and the morning of surgery, and I'm most grateful for all of them. Thank you for prayers and the peace that poured over me.

Pre-surgery testing (EKG and Xray); pre-surgery prep (radioactive dye uptake, and wire placement - to pinpoint the tumor for the surgeon); surgery; and recovery all went as smoothly as possible. And it was all accomplished without pain - not even nausea from anesthesia! Being the wimp I am, and this being the first time I've ever been in the hospital, except to deliver our daughter and son, I am relieved it's over. God heard my prayers - and those of many of you - asking for strength and protection. He gave me both.

The surgeon removed the tumor and got "clear margins" - a good thing. The tumor was expected to be 9 mm and was in fact 15 mm. It seems an ultrasound biopsy does a good job showing tumors, but only two-dimensionally. Still, the tumor was small enough that doctors believe I am now cancer-free. The only thing that will make it certain is learning that the two sentinel lymph nodes that were biopsied during surgery are clear. Those results will arrive next Monday, April 1, when the pathology report is phoned to me. If indeed everything is clear, then, for "insurance" purposes, I'll have partial breast radiation that will likely begin April 8. That won't be an easy road either, but prayers will get me through it too.

My sister, Susan, in Kansas sent me a gift that sure lifts my spirits. I can't wait to proudly wear this t-shirt.

Ah yes. I'd say my sister knows me!

This 12" X 16" pillow was sent to me by my Iowa friend, Kim, a breast cancer survivor herself. It's a "Booby Pillow," the official name given it by another friend and breast cancer survivor, Andrea. It makes me smile.

In the note Kim sent with the pillow, she reminds me that I was the person who taught her how to stash fabric and sew a pillow case! Admirable talents to teach her? I wonder. This particular print is a design of the Lutheran Church of Hope logo that we had made by Spoonflower. Now both Kim's stashed fabric and her pillow case sewing skills have come full circle. What a lesson God teaches us! When we bless others, we are indeed blessing ourselves. Thank you Kim.

For the next few days, I'm taking it easy. This will be my vantage point while I do a little bit of hand embroidery.
 Linda

25 comments:

  1. Linda, it's so great to read this news. We'll keep praying that the rest goes well.

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  2. I'm so glad to hear it has all gone well so far. I'm sure the wait for the news on the first will seem long - at least you know how to occupy yourself in the meantime! I hope the news remains good.

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  3. So good to hear that everything is going well! I heartily approve of your viewing choice - may we all be as strong yet tender-hearted as Ziva!
    A speedy recovery to you!

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  4. So glad to hear that the OP went well and the surgeon got everything out. Although it turned out bigger than anticipated, it's still very small and you are lucky to have found it when you did. Praying that the lymph nodes will be clear as well. I'm sure you'll do well with radiation. xx

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  5. I just knew it would go well!

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  6. Clear margins is good news indeed! Thanks for the update - been thinking about you. I definitely hope that the news continues to be good. Take care and keep taking it easy, my dear!

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  7. I have had you in my prayers and am relieved that the news is positive at this point. Good luck with your recovery, and I look forward to seeing the finished embroidery. Hugs S

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  8. So glad everything went well, Linda.

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  9. I'm so glad to hear that everything went well. I've been praying and will continue!

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  10. It is so good to hear your news. You sound very upbeat and am so glad you are not in pain. Be good to yourself, enjoy your stitching and know I'm keeping your in my prayers.

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  11. Sorry to hear of your recent challenges. You're in my good thoughts and hopes for a quick recovery! Now you just have to sit still for a bit...can't be all bad! jill

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  12. Oh!! I am *delighted* that it came back with clean margins. :D Yay!! Here's praying for those nodes, too. And how wonderful that the procedure was painless/sickless for you.

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  13. That's great news! I've had 3 breast surgeries and I found that none of them were any big event except the first one when I had problems with the anesthesia. I had the last 2 with only local anesthesia and was able to go shopping after surgery!

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  14. So glad it's over and good news so far. You've been on my heart often and I've prayed for you. God is good - all the time.

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  15. God is faithful. We will continue to remember you in prayer.

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  16. Good to hear that all went well. Positive thoughts and lots of rest.

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  17. So glad to hear that everything went well. Rest up and enjoy your stitching. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  18. Good news, Linda, about the margins. :) Fingers ctossed (and prayers) that the lymph nodes are clear. Glad all went well. My goodness, first time in hospital (apart from babes)? I think I must be using your share. lol

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  19. Linda, I just saw you won a giveaway - I'm sure you already know - what perfect timing, a little pick-me-up for you! Keeping you in prayer xo

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  20. Oh Linda, I am so glad to hear your surgery went well. I saw you won on FQS...awesome!!! I pray you will have more good news on Monday.

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  21. Soak up the relaxing and good luck on Monday!

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  22. So Glad to hear all went well. I pray the results will come back all good too. Take it easy and be good to yourself.
    I just saw that you are a winner on Jolly Jabber. Congrats!

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  23. Praying for good biopsy results. Many prayers coming your way, along with lots of hugs as well.

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  24. Hope you are feeling lighter n brighter. Best wishes for tomorrow's results.

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  25. So glad you are feeling well, and the cancer is out of your body. I have been thinking of you. I saw that you won some lovelies on another blog the other day! Well done. That would lift my spirits. My husband is Lutheran, so obviously German settlers went to Australia and central USA too. I can't believe the US doesn't have Good Friday public holiday! That is considered a really sacred rest day in Australia, not only for Christians.

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