10•24•2019

 One of the best days of my life? October 24th, the day CANcer was removed from my  body.

  We woke up super early so I could shower with the hibicleanse before my surgery and braid my hair all in enough time to get to the hospital by 530am.

  When we got to the hospital I had some nerves but really just wanted to get this behind me.
They took us back, got me changed to a gown and some stockings to prevent blood clots, got an IV going and several visits from nurses, anesthesiologists, my surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon.
 He said I was diep flap 8500 something, I thought he was cracking a joke but later learned that it was a real number.

Before I knew it I was kissing my husband good bye and being wheeled out of the room,I remember feeling instantly sad/scared when I kissed him good bye, here it goes..no turning back now. Once in the OR
I vaguely remember some stainless steel lights maybe and what felt like A LOT of people talking and prepping. 

9 hours later, I am waking up, no eyes open but feeling a small amount of stomach pain and hearing someone say "Precious girl, how are you? Hello precious girl" and I could hear other people talking, other people being wheeled into the same area.
I could barely talk but asked "Did I have surgery? Is it over?" I don't remember an answer but then asked "Where is my husband?" , honestly makes me tear up just writing this but him being by my side brings me so much peace and I cant imagine doing any of this without him. The nurse told me he was waiting for me in my room. Next, was being wheeled into an elevator and then waking up being wheeled into my room and seeing Austin in the corner.

He walked over to me and said "Did they tell you? Your lymph nodes were clear, no chemo." In the state I was in I can't believe I remember this moment but I was so happy. I had prayed so hard for no chemo. I do not remember much of this night other than seeing Austin sleeping on the couch, a cup of beef broth and the nurses checking all the parts of me through out the night.

The next day and I got up and went for a walk, further than they thought I could go. Sleep,more sleep.
Real food.
 Visits from some of my favorite people and more sleep.
I got to video chat with my babies that night and slept in a recliner at the hospital. 

Saturday the oncologist came in, checked on me and I was able to thank him for making me CANcer free. The plastic surgeons PA came in, undid all my stuff and a said "I have nothing to say but wow, everything looks great."

Shortly after my mom and husband came up to visit, I was so happy to see them come in.

Later they got me up for a shower, I felt good until they undid my stomach binder and compression bra, immediately saw stars and my head got so hot. They said I lost my color. My nurse had me sit for about another hour and we tried again, quick shower. It was a very surreal feeling to be in a shower with my husband and nurse watching to make sure I was ok and having to wash myself, my completely numb body with drains. But I made it. Got on my gown and we started the process of getting me discharged. The nurse went over everything with Austin, my pain regimen, drain cleaning, binder wrapping, compression bra , checking the transplant spots and incisions.

Before I knew it I was hugging my sweet nurse goodbye and being wheeled down the hallway with my mom by my side out to meet my husband at the truck.

The ride home wasn't bad, but getting home and being able to walk in and see my kids was wonderful. They kept rubbing my hands and kissing my hands. My 5 year old told me "Im sorry you had to have surgery, mom." They don't know I HAD CANcer but we tried to explain as best we could that he didn't need to be sorry, it is a good thing I had surgery.

Being at home was good, it was healing to be in our home continually being loved on and surrounded by my family. 

 

More updates soon but I wanted to get my surgery day story posted for now.

God is good, the prayers of hundreds that were praying for me were heard. Our family is beyond grateful for those who petitioned our God for me, for those who stood for me in prayer at their churches, for those who got on their knees for me, for those who lifted me up in their own trials, for those who wrote my name out on prayer lists, for those who used their voice for me, may God Bless you and may we never forget how GOOD, FAITHFUL and MERCIFUL our God is in ALL THINGS. We love yall and again, words can not show just how grateful we are.