Day 10
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Today has been hard on a couple of fronts. A new journey begins and another has ended. Morning came with news that my husband's aunt has passed. When I went to bed last night - this was not anticipated. We were receiving updates on her surgery - and the last word was that the valve replacement was taking longer than anticipated, but it was going well. She leaves behind three adult children, grandchildren and two sisters who adored her.
Aunt Jodie's voice and laughter could often be heard above the rest and I know her presence will be greatly missed at future family gatherings. A funny thing about Aunt Jodie, she was known for keeping a blender in her hotel room at family reunions...making it easier and less expensive to keep the "adult beverages" flowing. Perhaps I'll honor her memory at the next family event, by doing the same.
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| "Aunt Jodie" |
Afternoon brought another bit of "less than desirable" news - the biopsy report. The thyroid biopsy from August 3rd revealed "Follicular Neoplasm with suspicion of Malignancy." So, within hours - the surgery to remove the right lobe of my thyroid was arranged. I now know what I'll be doing on August 24th!
A final pathology report after surgery will determine future treatment. Prayerfully - nothing other than recovery, medication and monitoring. However, there is a 30% likelihood that a second surgery will be required within weeks - followed by radioactive iodine treatments. (That sounds worse that what it is - and if correctly understood, there are no needles involved!)
Aside from the initial shock in the first few minutes following the doctor's call, I've experienced a peace about this entire process. A few days ago, I wrote that on the most difficult days of all - the reasons we have to be grateful become most obvious. It's easier to see bright lights against a gray canvas, than to see the same bright lights against a brightly colored one.
Today I'm thankful God orchestrated the following...plus so much more:
- Aunt Jodie is now in Heaven, not in any pain. She's reunited with her parents, her husband, and Aunt Sara. (They probably had a blender waiting for her in the new mansion.)
- When my phone rang this afternoon, I just happened to be standing in the kitchen with one of my closest friends. She knew what was going on as soon as I began scribbling notes on a series of post-its, that just happened to be lying on the counter. She escorted me into my office, closed the door - reviewed the conversation, gave me prayerful assurance, encouragement, a hug and she made me laugh...a few times. (Thank you Sally)
- After wrestling with whether I should even tell my kids what's going on at this point (not wanting to cause them unnecessary concern). The decision was made to let them know...they are all adults and the news is best coming from me, than delayed or accidental. Getting information to all three of them today, given their locations in other states, countries, etc. "same day communication was a gift".
- Hearing from the doctor and seeing (Google, of course) - that in the unlikely diagnosis of Malignancy, there is no impact on mortality and this particular type would be 100% curable...well, that's pretty outstanding information!
- With dear hubby out of town, it was no accident that the ladies from my Community Group already had scheduled a dinner out tonight...it was wonderful to be with close friends who are incredible women of God - who love and encourage well, and who are, of course - incredible prayer warriors.
- Not to be overlooked, when I arrived at home after dinner - Lily and Bella were here to greet and cuddle...just what I needed.
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| (L-R) Aunt Sara, Aunt Jodie, Aunt Ginny, & Sue - my dear Mother-in-law Four Incredible Women - Four tightly knit Sisters Aunt Sara and Aunt Jodie were reunited today Please pray for Aunt Ginny & Sue as they grieve the loss of their second "baby sister" |
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