September 18, 2008
Just wanted to post a quick update to let everyone know that I am home already!! I was released from the hospital yesterday to go back to our hotel. I had a follow up visit this morning and was told I could go home! I am so thankful for all of your prayers, as I know that it was only because of that that I am home now. My surgery went well, lasting about 3 1/2 hours. They removed the swollen lymph node from my neck and a cluster of lymph nodes under my arm, as well as my entire left breast. I should know the biopsy results either tomorrow or early next week. From there, they will send the tumor to California to do resistance testing on it to see what chemo will work and which will not. I am praying that this will not show any cancer, but I know that God has a plan no matter what the results.
Emotionally, I am doing really well. I thought I would cry at the sight of this incision, but I have not. God has given me so much peace about all of this, even relief knowing that this feels like the end to a chapter in my life. My incision is about 12 inches long, wrapping from the middle of my chest all the way under my left arm. I have two drains stitched in place to prevent fluid from building up. I also have a local anesthetic device stitched into me to give constant medicine to numb the whole area. I will have this in place for a few more days. Because of this, I have not needed any additional pain medication. Showering is tricky, as well as being comfortable enough to sleep, so I could use continued prayer for this. Also for continued speedy healing.
All in all God has been so good to me through this. I have recovered faster than expected so far, and I am so thankful for all of the prayers!