Surgery Update

It went beautifully! It couldn't have gone better. I said I would do it again in a heartbeat...and I might very well have to one day. We got there at 6:00 a.m....they changed my surgery time to 7:30. I went right back, got my vitals checked, and got an iv with fluids. Marc had some trouble tying the gown. =) A little while after that my fam got to come back and hang with me for a while. They were surprised at how cheerful I was. So was I..tee hee. Pastor Russ came and prayed with us. =) What an awesome pastor we have. Then the anesthesiologist came back and gave me a "relaxer" in my iv. It was sweet. That's when I started having some gaps in my memory. I went to the OR shortly after and was out before they could start asking questions like they usually do to see if you're out. =)

I woke up in recovery not in pain at all really. I remember having tubes in my nose and not being about to see. The first thing I remember saying is, "They need more social worker in schools." Of course, I would say that first. I'm pretty sure they had said to me prior to that how brave it was to be a teacher. LOL...maybe they didn't, who knows. =) I had only been there 15 minutes when I started becoming lucid. My nurse was SO nice. We talked a lot about school and such. I remember most of it. I got back to my room I had before and got some diet coke and crackers. My family came back and were really shocked at how chipper and awake I was. =) That was my biggest concern/prayer request...that I would handle being put out okay and that I wouldn't be a meanie. =) The surgery was only 45 mins., so that's why I came out pretty quick probably. Mom got scared by all the blood on the back of my gown and on the bed, but it was just leftover from surgery....it sorta scared me too. =)

I was ready to walk outta there, but I had to go in a wheel chair...a little over zealous I think. =) I was home by 10:30. I got pain meds and felt pretty groggy 1/2 the day, but then I read while mom and dad caught up on sleep. Seems backward, eh? They bought us all sorts of groceries and visited most of the afternoon, then Bob and Diana came to visit. WE LOVE OUR FAMILIES SO MUCH! They were so thoughtful and giving as usual. Bob, we'll use the $ for ice cream for sure, thanks for the thoughtfulness! =) I agree Mom and Pops should have gift cards. =)

Right now, I feel great! My pain meds wore off by 2, but I haven't needed another. It's about 8:30. It's basically just a stinging pain at the wound and a stiffness. I'm sure it'll get worse before better, but for now I'm comfy! I can move my arm fine thankfully, since the lump was more central. The doc told the fam that it looked just how he expected when he took it out, so that's a good sign. I'll know the results by Wednesday. I'll talk another day off Monday to go back to the doc. Tomorrow I get to take off the gauze....it'll be scary and painful. Probably more scary for Marc. =) That's when it'll probably hit me cuz I'll see the incision, but I am so incredibly thankful for this whole experience. It really couldn't have gone better.

God is sovereign, He loves me, and we are trusting Him big time. While we are doubtful it's cancer, there is still a chance, so we're prepared for anything. Thank you all for your prayers! We love you!

Steph