Wednesday and Thursday were two steps forward, but today started as a step back. Sarah was dealing with a bit of pain last night and this morning.
A doctor removed her turban around 7:00 A.M., so we have full view of Sarah's incision. A few staples are covered by a scab, so we don't have an official count. Preliminary estimate is about 38 staples.
Sarah's surgeon stopped by about an hour ago. Dr. Weinberg has been a huge blessing. Not only did he remove 95% of the tumor, but he has also been very encouraging to Sarah. (His name is Dr. Jeffrey S. Weinberg, and he is the most impressive doctor I have ever met.)
Physically, Sarah is recovering very well. They initially told us that we would be here 3-5 days. Since Sarah is recovering so quickly, he said that we could leave tomorrow morning. We will still be coming back next week to meet with Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist.
The removal of the turban brought with it a wave of emotion. We've had to convince Sarah that she doesn't look like a monster. Dr. Weinberg reminded her (and us), again, t0 expect a long recovery process that includes good and bad days.
Since we learned of Sarah's diagnosis, we have prayed that our lives do not return to "normal". We expect things to be better than before. The old "normal" was just that... "normal".
Our expectation is that this bump in the road propels us into exceptional living.
I want to meet with you both so badly...i know that Sarah will be tired when you guys get home, but I can not tell you how much I can relate and LIVE BY the last 4 sentences you wrote. As much as I love teaching and the families I work with...MY family is my everything now. I could not have done all of this without my husband. I teared up when putting my children in bed the other night because I told them of what you are going through right now. I energetically celebrated my oldest's 11th birthday yesterday, it was WONDERFUL. I firmly believe God puts us in each other's lives for a reason...perhaps this will be the beginning of a great friendship b/t our families. God Bless and be safe in your trip home. I will meet with you guys anytime you need me...I can bring pictures of my scar too! and shaved head:):) It does get better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jennifer Baker
ReplyDeleteGreat news! So wonderful to hear about Sarah's recovery and your faith / resolve to live BIG for God.
ReplyDeletePraying for more good days than bad, continued recovery, and for an "exceptional life".
..Thank you guys for that and for being so open throughout all of this. It's not only inspiring, it's convicting.
I know we've all prayed for life to "return to normal" for you guys. Well not now. We'll be praying for bigger things for you; and for ourselves.
We love you guys.
In Him,
Desty & Travis
Hey Pat and Sarah,
ReplyDeleteSo glad y'all are heading home...so glad the surgery went better than expected....sooo glad!
Pat, please tell Sarah that I know exactly how she feels. I was in a car wreck several years ago, and hit the windshield, among other things. I didn't look so hot, to say the least. I made my parents warn people before they came in the hospital room. I didn't want to startle anyone. But, it seemed that I was the only one that was bothered by my appearance. Everyone was so glad that I was alive and recovering, that they thought I looked pretty amazing. Just like Sarah looks to us! Love to you both! Charlotte King
Always smiling! Sarah, you are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSarah doesn't look like a monster, she looks more like an innocent child. Such beautiful young skin and glow :0) Exceptional living, wonderful :0)
ReplyDeleteSarah, you are beautiful, inside and out. We are so thankful for all that God has done for you.
ReplyDeletePraying her pain will go away & for a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteSarah, you are beautiful!! You are such an inspiration to me... and everyone that knows you. You are so strong and such a fighter!! I will be praying for your pain to subside and for a speedy recovery! You are my hero.
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged EVERY time I read your posts. The strength and gratitude and faith that you have blows me away. I am so thankful for you and your life. I will keep praying for you- Sarah and Pat and your sweet family. And for more extra-ordinary living!
ReplyDeletewith so much love,
Rebekah Havens