11 Weeks

On Monday (December 1st) it will be 11 weeks since my cyst eviction surgery. A lot has happened in those 11 weeks and the days that led up to the surgery.

On September 15, it was quite warm and summer like. Now, the seasons have changed & we are currently in a snow storm in Iowa.

This year, I was, gratefully able to travel to Iowa for Thanksgiving. Last year, the cyst was just discovered and my doctor encouraged me to stay home, when most of the family went to California for the first time over Thanksgiving.

Eleven weeks ago, I was pretty oblivious of what I would experience in the hospital and recovering afterwards... Beforehand, the surgeon spoke only of my not lifting much of anything and no driving for the first month and then slowly adding those things back in. I had no idea of the heart arythneas I'd experience in the hospital, the low blood pressure episodes, what having chest tubes were like. I didn't know that after returning home, I'd need to avoid twisting and bending until the end of the year (according to my pulmonologist)... Perhaps the surgeon didn't know himself beforehand how difficult it would be to extract the cyst with all the calcified spots clinging to the vital areas, that some of my heart lining would need to be removed, stitches would be made in two major heart veins & a small part of my lung would be removed.

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know I'd be in the hospital for 8 days, and then be admitted via the ER two more times for 2-3 more days in the hospital each time.

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know what wonderful, kind nurses and staff I would meet during one of the hardest times of my life.

Eleven weeks ago I didn't know the levels of pain I would experience and how I'd need to cling on my Lord to make it through.

Eleven weeks ago I didn't know how famous my surgeon was, that people travel from around the would to see him. I believe God pointed us to the right surgeon for the job. I didn't know until the day after the surgery that the surgeon also feared I'd bleed out from nicking heart veins while removing my cyst. I thank God, his hands were quick and I didn't lose much blood!

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know the level of support and encouragement I'd receive from so many people from near and far, from past and present friendships and family as well.

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know when my grandson's adoption would be finalized (something on my mind and prayers through all this).

Eleven weeks ago I didn't know how I'd grow in faith and trust through the worst of times... The Truth of God's goodness in all things.

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know how much pain I'd still have, And yet, I'm thankful the worst pain now comes and goes, and is still so much better than in the beginning. Yet, some days I still get discouraged and weary of it all. Like today. Tomorrow we head back home. I'd appreciate prayers for the roads to be safe, and it would be a mild day of pain for me!

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know my cough would be gone, and then return... I'm still figuring that out. That is part of my increasing pain, everytime I cough.

Eleven weeks ago, I didn't know the joy of little baby steps of improvement and feeling one step closer to normal.

Eleven weeks ago I didn't think I'd still be giving updates here. I do appreciate the care you all have shown me, and I hope I can be an encouragement right back.

Through all the good and hard things above, one thing that stands out to me, is thankfulness to the Lord for His guidance and love, and providing all of the human support I'd receive... Through uncertainty, fear, and facing unknowns, I (almost) always saw God at work, and even when I didn't, I trust that His plan will always work for the best eventually, even when I don't understand now.