It Takes Others

In February I saw Dr. Hill my oncologist and the report of the mass caused a prognosis of implementing stents in ureter and colon, There are not words to describe how uncomfortable this month with those two stents has been. But, they are there for a reason and so far have done what they were created to do. But, I have often thought about the person who came up with the solution. Oh well, I won't write much about it, but if we ever talk face to face I can go on and on!

Early March I saw Dr. Hill again. Even though I had understood not to have chemo treatment until after surgery, he ordered me a round for the next day. So one down 11 to go. I will see him weeks after surgery and he will set me up a routine of chemo again.

Exodus 17:12
When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady til sunset.

I am two nights away from waking up to surgery. My surgery will be sometime on Wednesday, March 14. This has been such a time of struggle, fear, and surrender. A time of dependence on others to do for me. I realize I do have or should I say DID have trouble asking others for help. But God has taken this circumstance to teach me how. Many times I don't have to ask, someone shows up with food or fingernail polish or a telephone call or a text or a hug and I am able to make it through the day.

Just creating an agenda for days before and after surgery included so many people: here is the run down and heartfelt appreciation to them all.

Monday evening - my friend Sondra will get me, take me to her house where I will spend the night. She will then take me to Birmingham, AL to UAB for a 1:00 pm preop appointment. She will hand me off to Kacy (my daughter) and I will be with her and family Tuesday night doing all the fun prep drink activity.

 Back on the home front, Charles' son Brian will stay with him Monday night. His daughter, Brooke will pick him up and bring him to Birmingham for surgery. They will stay several nights and days, and Brooke will bring Charles back home and Brian will take over.

I am still not sure what time on Wednesday the surgery will commence, but I am trusting God it will be the right time.  Nor am I sure how long I will be in the hospital post surgery - but again my trust is in God alone.

Upon hospital dismissal, I will go back to Kacy's house for several days. We felt it would help to be in Birmingham in case a situation arises.

Hopefully around March 21-22 I will be again picked up by my friend Sondra and transported home. Charles' sister, Pat, will be staying with us for several days. As a retired nurse, she is so gracious to be here when questions, fears, and or pain arises.

So, as you can readily see...this adventure is going to be less stressful to me with all the help of others. I feel like Moses. Others are holding me up, caring for me, and seeing me through. Please stop and pray for those who are giving of themselves and for those who are not as blessed as I am to have help in times of need. When I return to better heath I pray God will use me to help others in need.

How fortunate I am. I have so many people who contact me daily with declaration of praying for me. What peace I receive with the reality that God is hearing all those prayers and continues to work toward my healing. Here are a few requests to add:

1. Jerry Riley, has moved to another facility for rehab. Still having trouble with eating. Pray that the stomach cramps will not plague him anymore.

2. My son Brandon, has mono. Pray for his health and strength,

3. Lily Baker who has 83 more weeks to go in her treatment. She is four.