The clock is ticking down for my long-awaited, final surgery.  This is my reward (and early birthday present) for getting through chemo, and I am quite relieved to reach this milestone! It will be tomorrow, Oct. 5 (birthday on 6^th).  Time is 12:30 p.m. It will involve reconstruction, repair and the port coming out! All that is supposed to take 3 hours plus recovery.  Then I’ll be allowed to return home to recuperate.

Thank you for the prayers that have already begun. I admit, I was anxious earlier due to the myriad of details including having to take a Covid “deep brain” test.  I swear the nurse reached it and let that swab settle in for a while!  Now that I’ve cleared all the hurdles, I feel the Lord’s peace that it’s "go" time.

Mary Anne, one of my “chemo sisters” (and Dr. Lemmon’s mother-in-law), was having her port flushed about the same time as my pre-op tests next door.  I drove there early to spend a few minutes outside with her (yes, wearing our masks).  She looks fantastic and her beautiful, silky hair is once again growing down her back (her type chemo doesn’t cause baldness, though thins).  She is no longer in pain which is a big praise, except she is only half-way through her extensive treatment.  Soon it will resume for the next phase.  She asked me to pray for her, and also for President Trump and others affected by Covid.  We stood on the busy sidewalk of the medical facility and prayed together before going our separate ways. One day we’re going out to lunch to celebrate both of us being done.

Just got a visit from our nephew and our adorable “grandkids”– Carter, Mason (who turns 8 tomorrow) and Maddie.  We are missing tonight’s family birthday party because I must still quarantine through the surgery period, but not for much longer!  Still, the doctor warned I must make wise choices like no big crowds when I do begin to venture out.  Chemo can stay in your body for six months – that’s January for me.

The Lord commissioned us for this mission trip a year ago on October 25, 2019 (my diagnosis).  How we thank Him for all the comfort, hope and supply He’s provided during sickness, and eagerly await His next assignment.