successful surgery

View from the hospital room

Since Rachel is still a little groggy, I get to moonlight on the blog. The surgery is complete and we are now quietly beginning the recovery process in our hospital room. The adventure began at 4:50am this morning as we got up to prepare for the day. My Mom and Dad came over to be with the kids for the day and we were off to the hospital at 5:30. A series of preparations began including some plastic surgeon artwork, IVs from the anesthesiologist, encouragement from nurses and the surgeon, and finally off to the OR at around 7:30am.

Waiting... that was the order of the morning. I got to do some work and watch an episode of Chuck while waiting for the initial surgery results from the surgeon. At 10:45 the surgeon came out and reported that the mastectomy and lymph node biopsy had gone well. The lymph nodes checked out clean! That was the primary piece of news that we had been hoping and praying for. This should mean that the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body. It is not release from chemo, but it is a very positive sign.

Erik and Julia came and joined me for the late morning and lunch which certainly helped pass time. However, time kept on ticking... Finally at 3:10pm the plastic surgeon came out and reported that the tissue expander insertion (in preparation for reconstruction) and closing up of the surgery site had all gone smoothly. Rachel was in the recovery room slowly waking up after a very long 7 1/2 hour surgery.

At around 4:00pm Rachel arrived in her room to begin the slow recovery process. She is doing well. A little groggy from the pain medications, but doing well.

As with this entire process, we continue to be blessed with a feeling of peace and comfort. What could have been a very nervous day for me was very peaceful as I waited for Rachel. There is no question that the prayers of many are being answered today and continue to be answered as we go through this trial. We certainly don't relish this sort of trial, but we are grateful for the strength and growth we have felt as a result of it.

We expect to be in the hospital for a couple of days. We are well supported and are very appreciative of all of you who have reached out to help us. The outpouring of love has been humbling and awe inspiring. Thank you!