Thanksgiving - Choosing Blessings in the Unexpected

Sorry it took me so long to update, but these surgeries have kicked my butt.  Note that I said "surgeries", as in more than one.  So, the quick laparoscopic, probably 3 days in the hospital surgery was done on October 18th.  My ascending colon (and that pesky cancer) was removed, and later found out the fantastic, awesome, amazing, terrific news that out of 25 lymph nodes removed, NOT ONE had any cancer involvement.

For the twist, I was told this news to cheer me up as I had to go back into the operating room on the 22nd to figure out what ultimately was a small leak in the join and required a midline incision and ileostomy.  Finally, that wound became infected, so is taking a bit longer to heal.

So, after two weeks in the hospital, I have been home for 15 days.  I am still majorly down for the count, but recovering more each day and so grateful for victory over cancer.  God has said yes, no, maybe, wait, and watch, and I am both patient and intensely frustrated with those answers.  But, overall, I am in a good place and forever aware and grateful for the abundance of love and support I continue to be shown.

So, I know that we don't always get what we expect, don't know what to expect or get what we want. And quite frankly, we aren't always guaranteed to want what we thought we wanted.  So, I encourage you this week to think about what it must have been like for two groups of people, the Pilgrims and the Indians (Native Americans), to have their lives interrupted by each other in a big way.  Some of the Colonists and Indians chose to help and befriend each other, to come together each bringing their own strengths and helping the other overcome his weaknesses.  Other settlers warred with those they encountered, demanding their own way and fighting for what they wanted.

What will be your choice for the unexpected situations in your life?  Decide now, because you never know what is going to happen next.

Hugs and many thanks for the surrounding of your prayers.  It has been clearly evident to me that I am lifted up, and it makes all the difference.

Good News and Bad News

Well, I can't say that the last month has been boring.  It has, in fact, been filled with mostly really good news.


For instance, Justin made World Class for Infinity.  That was his goal and is the highest level in Indoor Percussion.  We are so happy for him.  Stay tuned for more news as the season starts in January.



We're also super excited about the Christmas 2019 tour that the Hagerty Band announced.  Rachel has been doing a stellar job learning the marimba part for the marching show.  As a Freshman, it is a real honor to already have the opportunity of playing this instrument.  She (and I) are adjusting well to this thing called high school.  (Ok, I'll admit it....you already know it was me that needed all the help adjusting, lol).


Steve got a great promotion and is already traveling and being challenged and recognized as a valuable member of his team.  The extra money is never a bad thing either :-).


The only bad thing (aside from the inconvenience of Steve getting his wallet stolen from the latest round of car break-ins in our neighborhood) has been my cancer diagnosis.  Even that has been riddled with great news and extremely evident of God's perfect placement of many previous events.  Long story short, I have been undergoing treatment and monitoring for anemia for almost the last three years.  It has been frustrating, because I am a puzzling case with borderline problems and unknown findings.  First, I had an iron deficiency, then abscesses and a fistula, and now in continuing to search for a cause have found colorectal cancer.  Fortunately, the doctor seems to think that it is a small and slow-growing tumor and very treatable.  It is possible that tomorrow's surgery will be the only inconvenience beside closer continued monitoring.  However, the final staging won't be for a couple of more weeks when lymph node involvement can be determined/ruled out.  Even then, chemotherapy is not supposed to be riddled with side effects and is likely time in a comfortable chair with an iv, something that I am used to and comfortable with because of my previous iron infusions.


Here are just some of the God Things I am noticing:


1.  My sister was a physician recruiter at her old job and recruited my surgeon.  He is top-notch.
2.  I have already had numerous procedures under anesthesia, including 4 in the last 16-17 months which required similar recovery periods.  Truthfully, I am anxious to see how hard this will hit me, and the not knowing is one of the most aggravating things to me right now.  Guess I get to learn some more patience and letting go.
3.  I already have been going to an oncologist (because he is also my hematologist) and am used to being poked and prodded and given infusions.
4.  I wasn't supposed to have a colonoscopy for at least another 2 1/2 years.  It was gentle nudging from two of my doctors and my speaking up to a third that allowed this to be found so early.
5.  I had an identical CT with contrast almost exactly 2 years ago which has allowed my doctors to have comparison data.
6.  My husband works at home and already is very involved with taking care of our family.
7.  My children are older and more capable of taking care of things like cooking and laundry.  Justin is in college now and home at 11 am Monday through Thursday and off on Friday.  This will help a lot when he is able to pick up his sisters or run to the store. 
8.  I have an incredibly loving and supportive network of family and friends which has already made this a lot less stressful and helped me to focus on the positive.
9.  Because of my many doctors' appointments especially with the hematologist/oncologist, I understand how much worse this could be and have also made friends and realize what an opportunity this is to spread the joy of the Lord.
10.  All of this is possible because of my faith in Jesus which was nurtured from a very early age.
11.  In high school, I helped with a student Bible study on the book of Job.  That is where I get much of my inspiration for his situation.
12.  Sadly, many others have gone before me in tragedy.  Many have been much less "lucky", yet their families continue to stay faithful.  They endured the loss but chose to lean in to God rather than isolate Him.  What a wonderful example.

Honestly, I'm scared and not scared.  I know who goes before me, but I also know that I want His will to be done and not my own.  I beg Him to say yes to me, just as Jesus asked the Father to spare him death on a cross.  But.....Your will be done.

I'm planning for my future, but I have learned to enjoy the moment.

Thanks for praying for me.

Jenny

P.S.  I am vulnerable in hopes that it might be an encouragement to someone someday.  Please share.