(my journey through cancer… continued…)
As my doctor finished the colonoscopy he stated that he wanted to talk to us before we went home. Alarms were going off in my somewhat drugged, foggy mind. This can't be good was the most prevalent thought forcing me to try and focus.
"I'm pretty sure it's cancer," he began saying, "but we will biopsy it and make a plan from there. The doctor described the cancer as being black and appearing on the right side of my colon. My "let's just be extra careful, we'll probably not find anything" procedure had resulted in talk of an up-and-coming fourth surgery.
The pathology came back malignant and the surgery date was set. I began to reflect over the past couple of years and realized some warning signs had been there and unfortunately, ignored. When we were in the process of adopting our youngest child, Olivia, two years prior, Eddie and I each had to have a physical and blood tests. I had just arrived home from the lab when the phone rang, and it was the doctor on duty. She began by saying, "You must be exhausted. You are extremely anemic." I thought about that and said, "Why, yes I am. I often have no energy." In fact, moments before, I had said to Ed that I just want to crawl into bed. Mind you, it was only 7:00 p.m.
This caring doctor ordered all kinds of tests to be done immediately. However, when my primary doctor called a few days later, she talked me out of pursuing this. Looking back, I am convinced the cancer was already there and growing, causing the anemia.
Colon surgery is not for wimps- very, very hard. My difficulties began in the recovery room. For whatever reason the epideral failed, leaving me writhing with pain. The anesthesiologist could not get to me for 9 hours! I was suffering and literally crying out. The post-op nurse was beyond kind. She, along with Eddie, did their best to comfort me. What was so amazing was that when the anesthesiologist FINALLY had a minute to deal with me and make the needed adjustment, there was instant relief.
I stayed in the hospital six long, hard days. I got very sick and was extremely sore. They had removed 12" of my colon as well as cleared the margins where the uterine cancer had been. I had stage II cancer that had penetrated the colon walls, but not the lymph nodes.
I was flooded with all kinds of cards, flowers and visitors. There were many blessings during my hospital stay. My friend, Wendy, was even kind enough to help me wash my hair when it got so gross I could hardly stand it. Another friend, Janet, would "babysit" me when Eddie needed to run a few errands. She even became my "bouncer" when visitors were insisting on seeing me and I was SO sick.
On the sixth day, Eddie and I were visiting with my surgeon in the hospital room. He couldn't believe Ed had stayed all those nights with me, sleeping on a little cot. His comment was, "Everyone should have an Eddie." He was thoroughly impressed with my considerably caring husband.
In spite of all the extreme difficulties that came with this surgery, I found myself being very thankful that there had been a reoccurrence of the uterine cancer. If the uterine cancer had not returned with the follow-up catscan ordered, the colon cancer would not have been found, and I could have been in real trouble down the road. This horrible week in my life became an acknowledgment of a profound miracle God had done on my behalf and I was sincerely grateful.
Phil. 1:19 "For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."
(Actual date of this surgery was Feb. 2009).
What a mighty God we serve!! So glad YOU have your Eddie!! 🙂
Thanks, Kelly!! What would I do without Eddie?!! Missed seeing you today. Swim meet??
Wow! I remember thinking "God, this is too much for my dear friend" and yet looking back, God has been there right next to you through every moment of your life! Your faith is something to strive for, your example is inspiring. I love you!!!
Lori,
I love the last sentence. What an amazing realization in your journey! Keep writing, it only gets better!
I've got tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat right now!! Whew, that was HUGE!!!! What a privilege to get to wash your hair! We all wished we could have done more!!! I love you friend! We will continue to journey life together as God continues to give us the breath to do so!!!! :o)
What an AWESOME God we serve! Your story is evidence Psalm 23 is true!
Lori thank you for being so willing to share your story with others. You bless me!
I loveee reading this! Your such an amazing writer…..BOOK! 😉
That's so awesome you had so many people to care for you. What a wonderful Husband and friends you have. I love how you see that the second bout of cancer was needed to detect the colon cancer. God is Good! I am so thankful you are healthy! I'm sure you understand 🙂
I love you, Debbie. So glad you are reading along!! Did I mention… come and see me!!
Thanks, Rhonda! What a special friend you are!
Hi Lori. I've been missing your blog. Am I still getting notices? I'm not sure…I have been behind on emails. Well, I am caught up now. Each journal entry is so rich. You really are a fantastic writer! AND what a great woman of faith!! I'm so glad I'm getting to know a little about you. ~ Blessings ~
Thanks for reading Wendy. And, there's no way YOU could have done more. You walked EVERY step of the way with me.
Thanks for reading, Linda. God IS awesome.
Brookeeee!! Thanks again for following my blog. Have a great debate week!!
So glad you're reading along Daneva. And yes… I definitely understand!
Hi there. I don't think you've missed anything. I've slowed down in posting due to birthdays and baseball. Thank you for reading and ALL the encouragement. My husband and I just spent the weekend with Ron and Cheri. They had amazing things to say about you which was fun for me to hear. Blessings to you.