Pathology result & what's next

28/05/14
Dear friends,
Well as the surgeon said: of course it's complicated. Why 'of course'?  That's because complications & difficulties always seem to happen to patients who are Drs!
It's complicated because although the tumor on the L was relatively small (10mm) and low grade malignancy (grade1), there were 2 of the 7 lymph nodes removed that had microscopic cancer. The nodes on the R side were clear.
So what's next?
The result means I will return to surgery next Wednesday to have the remaining lymph nodes in the L axilla removed and examined for cancer. The result will determine further treatment.

Thankfully God is in charge not me. If it was me I'd do things differently which obviously wouldn't be what's best for me & those around me. I have been reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 today & frequently through this ordeal so far: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." In my understanding (& the surgeons) this makes little sense but God  knows what's going on, the way forward and His purposes in all of this.

Thank you all for your continuing care, concern and especially your prayers for us all.
Love Jill

Home today!

21/5
Had a much better night's sleep -broken but 8 hours in total which is amazing as I sleep on my side & both sides are bruised & sore - much better than what felt like none the night before! Don't feel like my eyes are hanging out of my head!
Surgeon's happy for me to go home today which is great. Will see him with results of pathology next Wednesday so will update after that.
A big thank you to all of you for all your care,concern& prayers .
Love Jill

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:7, 8, 11 ESV)

Post-op hiccup

Hi All
Small hiccup post-op. All was going well till about 10pm when swelling & pain developed L side due to haematoma into wound. Morphine worked well to enable me to snooze on& off but not sure I had any real sleep!
Back to theatre this morning at 7 to drain haematoma & feeling very comfortable now. Just exhausted like I've done an all-nighter which I guess I have!
From a human perspective just a small hiccup, from God's perspective He has His purposes in this just as He does in everything in my life - I guess He wanted me in here a bit longer! I'm content with that.

Post-op

Hi all, I'm back on the ward feeling a bit groggy. Surgery went well - no drain required thankfully!
Will be in overnight. Interesting morning pre-op in nuclear medicine -amazing technology!
See surgeon  again in the morning.

Update for family & friends

Monday 12/5/14
I'm not normally a blogger & I think I've only ever read one other blog. I don't even have a Facebook page! However it was suggested this might be a good way of keeping family & friends updated on what's happening & how I am going.
Today we saw the surgeon  again and surgery is planned for Monday. Depending on the surgery I may be in just overnight or it may be a few days.
Thank you to you all for your love & care shown in so many ways.
We have a great God who cares for us and holds on to us in everything we go through. Romans 8:17-39 is such a powerful reminder of this.
Love Jill