This will be the post for updates on today’s surgery.
8:15 AM – We’ve been at the surgery center since 7:00 AM this morning. We have the routine down by now. There is always some prep work the nurses and staff have to perform, followed by a visit from the surgeon, and the ‘I love you! See you in a little bit.’ Then the waiting and trying to keep yourself busy, while Shawn is in surgery. Mixed in with all that is prayer. Prayer before we head out of the house, at the hospital/surgery center, before leaving the prep area, and of course in the waiting room. God is good! That is not just make-believe, but a statement and testimony to His taking care of us. It is also the truth, an experience that no one can deny us. This is ours, and He is our God.
Just needed to get that expressed in case anyone doubts that after five surgeries, countless opportunities to rely on Him, with all the pain and complications Shawn had to endure, that there would be any wavering on our reliance on and trust in our wonderful Lord. If you are ever in a tough spot, let us encourage you to draw closer to Him.
So, what will be on the schedule for today? Shawn should be in surgery right around 8:45 AM CST, with the surgery itself estimated to last around 2 hours. Then there is recovery time and waking up. The last time we were here at the surgery center she was doing really well and came out of anesthesia really quickly. We are hoping the same will be the case today.
The plan at the moment is to take her home this afternoon. So, we will see how things progress.
This is also the last big surgery, with a very minor procedure following in the Feb./March time frame in the new year. We are definitely thankful how the Lord has led, despite the physical marks left on Shawn’s body. In a way, this is our personal memorial to the goodness and kindness of our Lord. Shawn is alive today, as far as we know it cancer free, and is doing very well with recovery.
10:20 AM – The OR just called and said that it took them a bit longer than expected with the first set of procedures, so we are now about half way through the surgery. Everything is going well though.
11:20 AM – The surgeon just came out and said that Shawn was doing well and is currently in recovery. I should be able to see her in about 20-30 minutes.
1:55 PM – Shawn was released from the surgery center and we have arrived safely at home. She is currently resting and we’ll see how the pain management is going to turn out this time. We’re not expecting any big surprises. We’ll have Annie home for just a little bit before she will be picked up by Aunt Rachel. We are always considering how all of this is affecting her, and while on the surface she seems to be doing alright, we do know that it does weigh on her little soul, too. We cover her in prayers, of course, so our request from the Lord is that He surrounds her with His satisfying peace.
Dear Jurgen & Shawn,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as this journey continues. I am in awe as I read your living testimony of how God has strengthened you through all the trials of multiple surgeries. God alone is faithful as He guides you through the twists and turns of life’s journey.
Blessings,
LeAnn
Oh, Praise the Lord!!