Amazing...Grace

It's 4 days after surgery (left only mastectomy- the other side will come out later)...Would you believe that I dress myself, bathe myself, put my make up on, ditched the pain meds a couple of days ago, sleep decently well, eat great, and can actually drink coffee again?  Life after surgery is much easier than anticipated, physically, even just 3 weeks out from chemo.  It's a bit challenging, emotionally (I'll explain that in a sec).

On Tuesday, prior to surgery, there were probably 20 people in the waiting room over the course of this, from prayers to laughs to conversation.  I love them so!  I am overwhelmed with it!  Pastors, friends, family, just flat out love!  Warning- I digress here.....Before all of this I have always wanted to be the person to send cards timely, send nice notes, or make a phone call when someone was going through something rough.  My other priorities always got in the way.  I, now, will see to it that I NEVER miss an opportunity to send a timely card, note, text, phone call, or visit with someone who is going through something difficult.  Its not any easier for anyone to endure life's difficult times.  Everyone can use encouragement.  When you think, "I don't want to bother them"---why the heck not?  Bother them with a phone call, some chocolate, flowers on their doorstep!  Absolutely!

So....back to surgery...I was in surgery for about an hour. With prep, recovery, etc., they called my name at about 12:30pm and I was in a room by 3:30pm.  I felt amazingly well, very sleepy.  I went home on Wednesday at about Noon.  Just sat down and rested.  

On Thursday and Friday, I still sat rested.  And today, Saturday, just resting.  BUT, I can do a lot for myself.  I can reach above my head with my left arm.  Amazing!  I don't even need Advil.  I am enjoying my flowers, my cards, the love!  My family came to help clean and as usual, I ask for big chores to be done- like clean out Jack's toys.  :)  Well, they ask if they can help, so I politely accept and let them know what would be great! Haha! :):)  Thank you Shirley, Clyde and Momma. :) 

Day 4 after surgery.  Sat-1/28/12 4:22pm

The biggest thing for me is the emotional journey at this point.  I am not emotional about any one thing in particular and in fact, I am not exactly in tears at all.  When I say emotional, I mean that I am just taking it all in.  My body is going through a lot physically with a lot of changes.  Its a lot to reflect on, so I dont do it often.  I feel like this is the hardest part in the short term of this treatment process.  I am 3 weeks out of chemo, surgery done, and now 2 weeks from my next chemo.  Overall, long term, it will be fine! 

I just have to muddle through this and enjoy the grace and family provided by our Heavenly Father!  I am ENJOYING things in this much more than I am sulking about anything at all.  That is encouraging to me.  I could not do this without my friends, family and the grace of God!

Dear Heavenly Father- I pray for my friends and family to are enduring difficult times in their lives.  May You show them your light, your way, your grace for them!  May they find the words to speak out to their family and friends about it.  May they be blessed with love and support from their loved ones and may they receive it.  I pray that they RISE ABOVE the difficulty and receive a perspective of thanks, a soft heart, blessings, Your purpose.  May they be encouraged and find a place of refuge and protection in You!  Amen!