11/05/2010 – 8:00 AM CST
Shawn is now in surgery. They took her to the OR about 15 minutes ago, did some more pre-op work and the status on the screen is now showing that they have begun. The surgery should last about 2-3 hours, with time in recovery about 1-2 hours, depending on how well Shawn does. In the past she has had a hard time waking up, so I am going with the upper limit on that.
It never gets easier, no matter how often we have been through this now. Yes, all this is more familiar, but it still requires relying on the Lord to make it through the emotional parts. After all, there is so much to consider. It is in moments like these that we are reminded of how short life can really be. What if there are complications during surgery, or afterwards? What if, by some unexpected event, having said our good-byes this morning is the last time we see each other? We talked about it this morning, that without being able to trust God, the only thing we are left with are fearful questions that we don’t receive any answers.
The wonderful aspect about any of this is that we DO indeed have a loving and caring Father who delights in watching over His children. This is not just make-believe, but a real every day experiencing His love and devotion.
So, we are encouraged in multiple ways. There are friends and family who pray for us and genuinely care for how Shawn is doing. There are those who encourage us in the Lord with words of kindness and support. And most of all, there is this deep knowing that we have God walking with us, giving us peace and an understand that cannot be explained. That is what this short life is all about.
11/05/2010 – 10:00 AM CST
Just got a call from the OR. Everything is going well at the moment, although the surgery is taking longer than I (we) anticipated. The nurse said that they are looking at another two hours before Shawn will be moved into recovery. I assume that there was more prep work required once they started the actual procedure. Shawn is undergoing a hysterectomy, all due to the same extremely high possibility of developing ovarian cancer as with the breast cancer. The problem with ovarian cancer is that there is no real good test for it. Many cases are not caught until it is showing symptoms, which obviously causes significant issues. A complete hysterectomy was decided on after many hours of studying up on the subject, and getting wise counsel.
So, like before, this little heart of mine has to cling to our Lord a little while longer, as He continues to provide all that is needed in this time. Have you ever watched a really intense movie, where you are at the edge of your seat the whole time through? Well, this is very similar, except this is real and all emotions and bodily reactions carry on beyond the short jolt you receive when watching the film. I am so thankful to the Lord for supplying the peace that settles when returning thoughts back on His love and grace.
11/05/2010 – 01:30 PM CST
Shawn is out of surgery and in her room. She is doing well. The surgeon came to talk to me right after the surgery and said that everything went very well during the surgery. Now it is simply a matter of a smooth recovery and dealing with the effects of medically induced menopause due to the complete hysterectomy. Since Shawn can’t take any hormone replacements (the breast cancer she was diagnosed with feeds of estrogen) it is going cold turkey. We hope for none to mild symptoms and trust the Lord for a smooth recovery.
Shawn will be at the hospital at least until tomorrow afternoon. It will be great to have her back home with the whole family.
One concern will be the pain management after the surgery. We discovered that she has an allergy to morphine, which is the more common way pain is being treated. She has been given alternative medication and we hope that this will be an area of little to no concern.
11/05/2010 – 10:00 PM CST
We are so amazed at how well Shawn has been doing since surgery concluded. Time in the recovery room was very short and she’s been actually up and about a couple of times late afternoon and tonight. I had to hold her back from racing through the ward. 
I’m sure a good portion is the pain meds talking, but nonetheless this is truly amazing. If all goes well and no complications arise I should be able to bring her home around lunch time tomorrow. We are hopeful.
Shawn’s parents will also bring Annie home to be with us. Our little family will be complete again. A truly wonderful and soothing thought. While Shawn has some weeks to fully recover, we are hopeful that it will go fast, as the next surgery will take place in four weeks.
Again, thank you so much for all who have spent time today praying for her and us as a family. We appreciate you so much! Many of you have sent us personal notes of encouragement and just to check in. We are so extremely blessed with wonderful friends and family! Thank you!
Dear Jurgen,
Oh my, I did not realize she was going in to surgery till I just saw on Facebook! My heart and prayers go out to her, to you, to your daughter. Thank you for exhibiting trust and love as opposed to fear. This is a lesson for us each to face, to learn, by His grace. May the God of all comfort draw very near and protect and bring peace to the Becks today.
Humbly yours in Christ,
Paul
Lieber Juergen,
sei getrost: Gott wacht gerade jetzt in besonderem Masse ueber Shawn.
Für Euch: “Gnaedig ist der Herr und gerecht, und unser Gott ist barmherzig. Der Herr behuetet die Einfaeltigen. Ich war schwach, doch er hat mich gerettet. Kehre zurueck, meine Seele, zu diener Ruhe! Denn der Herr hat dir Gutes erwiesen.”
Psalm 116. 5-7
Unsere Gebete und Gedanken begleiten Euch.
Von Herzen
Petra und Hans
You guys are continually in our prayers! Y’all were on my mind last night as I fell asleep AND first thing when I woke up. ^_^ Thanks, Jurgen, for the updates. Your words are poignant and encouraging. Amazing how the Holy Spirit works even while under stress! Tell Shawn we love her!!!!
You guys are in my prayer! Praying for God’s hand to be upon Shawn and you also with peace, grace and strength along with His healing power. We love you guys!
Praying!
Thank you for update! Glad surgery went well. Hang in there….will continue to keep y’all in prayer.
Praying for a truely miraculous recovery for Shawn and continued strength for Jurgen. Thank you so much for the updates. Sending all my love for your whole family!!
Heather
Jurgen, wife, Michelle, and I are just now informed of this. We will be praying for Shawn’s speedy recovery and for LOTS of grace! God bless you, brother.