Step 5

Wow!! That was a big step:). The surgery went well. I had a bi-lateral (both) mastectomy. There was concern with the aggression of cancer once the surgeons were in the procedure. A new tumor had indeed grown back since the first surgery in December and was twice the size. More lymph's were involved than anticipated. At one point during the surgery, the decision to continue with the reconstruction was debated (due to the aggression of the cancer) but the surgeons decided to continue with the reconstruction as well. During the surgery, the primary surgeon completely stopped the surgery and felt compelled to pray. At that time both surgeons then prayed. The Lord truly guided the surgeons hands. IT WAS THE POWER OF PRAYER!!! Our news directly after surgery was worse than we were anticipating (hence the delay of any updates). However, we have now received the pathology report (still stage 3) and feel once again the power of prayer has changed things for the better:). I was up and moving both arms within 4 hours from being transferred from the recovery room. Wow!! Yes, 4 hours - that is amazing:). My ROM (range of motion) in both arms is truly incredible and where I am now as far as mobility is where I thought I would be in approx. 4-6 weeks. Once again, there is only one explanation - THE POWER OF PRAYER :). And I have ALL of YOU to thank for that. We know because there is an unexplainable feeling that came over us, multiple prayers were being said. Although we know the cancer is in the lymph system and had the potential to spread, I stand on FAITH the cancer was contained within the breast area and removed. I returned to one surgeon this past Monday and was able to remove 2 JP (drain tubes). I still have 2 JP (drain tubes) in. I will meet with the reconstruction surgeon this coming Monday and the primary surgeon this coming Tuesday. My first appointment with my Oncologist is this coming Tuesday as well. I am grateful for all the prayers! My recovery would not be this advanced without you prayer warriors:). The oncologist will be able to advise as to when the bone scans, MRI's, etc... will be performed and when chemo will begin and now it looks as if radiation as well. But, keep praying...prayer does change things. One Step at a time TOGETHER we will climb!!!!!