5

 Hello dear Family & Friends . . . .

Thanks to you all for your messages and concerns. We finally have a plan and it’s all happening fast. Thanks be to GOD!

With the last biopsy (2 weeks ago) the results were nonconclusive for malignancy but also nonconclusive that it is not. So that means a change in the plan and for that I am glad. 

Duane and I have a Friday date night for an MRI at 8:30pm on the 27th. This is to see if the tumor is simply pressing into a vessel or attached to the vessel. Clearly, we are praying it is NOT attached as that adds surgery difficulty, time, and an additional surgeon in the operating room.

We will then head to surgery - Whipple Procedure,  JUNE 30th at 7:30 am . . . . be there at 5:30 . . . . So glad that Duane is used to this early rising because I’m definitely not. He will have me there on time! I would never think I would be glad for the upcoming surgery and really I’m not. I’m terrified as this is a biggie. However, I’m also looking forward to having this tumor out of me! Mama always said “healing pain isn’t as bad” and I’m here to find out.

The surgery is expected to last between 6-8 hours, potentially more but again, we are praying for less. Our stay in the hospital will be between 8-10 days and they will have me up and walking the following day after surgery. I will probably be out of work for 4-6 weeks with hopes/plans to work from home after 2 weeks.

Specific Prayer Requests:

~ we are still claiming NON cancerous tumor! OR . . . . that it’s GONE!!

~ that the tumor is NOT attached to the vein

~ recovery is much easier on me than predicted, or the stats say, and maybe even easier on me than the first procedure!

~ the week leading up to the surgery, I can no longer take the pain meds that have kept my pains mostly at bay. I hope to hear Monday of an alternative.

~ speaking of things at bay . . . . . Asking the Lord to keep my fear at bay! I know WHO & WHERE to on lean but fear does creep in. 

~ that my new situation of diabetes (bc my pancreas isn’t working properly) will be healed shortly following this procedure

~ my friends Neena, Rebecca, & Logan fighting their own cancer battles

~ that we can/will be a witness to all those we encounter in this journey; that we represent God well in this

Praises:

  ~ after a little more waiting, the process is now speeding back up

~ our work teams and their support of us in this season

~ Our God, Great Physician, Redeemer, He goes before me and He Hems me in.

Many of you know my preference of no visitors while I’m in the hospital. (at some point I may make an exception for this long bout). However, I would love to know there are people praying from 7am on throughout the day! We will do our best to update post surgery as well. 

Please know we are grateful for you all for joining us on this journey. 

So much LOVE,

Regina & Duane