I’m happy to report I had successful surgery at NIH.

Big picture:

1.     They did not have to touch my liver, rectum or anything above my pelvis which was extremely positive

2.     They removed:

a.     Part of my small intestine where the primary tumor was

b.     Meckel’s diverticulum which was a birth defect in my intestines

c.      My appendix which had some growth on it

d.     The large tumor in my pelvis which the surgeon nicknamed “Medusa” due to its horrible appearance

e.     Over 80, yes 80, smaller tumors in my peritoneal sac.  This was a shocking number as the CT scan had only shown 1 or possibly a few more. “Medusa” likely started as one of these, so they were all ticking time bombs

It is now clear to me I needed this surgery to live.  Just like Dr. Marvin Henson saved my mind in Florida after the meditation retreat, Dr. Andrew Blakely and his team saved my body. I’m calling him my “Angel in Maryland” and so grateful he was willing to do the surgery.

Small picture:

The recovery has been the most exhausting and physically painful experience of my life.  I would not wish this on my worst enemy.  I will spare you the gruesome details but even weeks after surgery, pain is a daily companion.  I am still in basic survival/recovery mode.  Everyday feels a little like Groundhog Day but if I look week over week I can see and feel small improvements.  I just need to keep doing my part and let my body heal.  I have a lot of deep thoughts after this but will save those for another time.

Thank you all for the constant messages of PEP!  They have been invaluable to me during this time.

Track in the rotation, “Just be Held” Casting Crowns

Here is a picture of me post surgery warming up after I got the stomach pump removed the 1st time…