Friday, February 29, 2008

One step down, one step forward...

Yesterday's surgery went well. Dr. Koeplin removed the lump and the one sentinel lymph node. The lymph node contained only benign cells, so they didn't have to remove any more than just that one. That was the good news! Mike, my mom, sister, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law were all there during the surgery as a great support team. My sister, Sonja, stayed over night with me, which was extremely helpful. The spiritual support provided by all your prayers was, again, invaluable during this first scary step.

Mike brought Alec & Kevin to visit me last night as well. They were very happy to take turns snuggling beside me (on my right side!) in the hospital bed watching some TV. I think it was very reassuring to them that I was still just "Mom."

I was home by 10:00 this morning. One major step is done & overwith. Now I just keep stepping forward, one day at a time. I'm scheduled for a follow-up with the surgeon on Friday the 7th, and then the oncologist again on the 11th.

We are so thankful for your thoughts, prayers, cards, sincere offers to help our family, and notes of encouragement on this blog!

16 comments:

Charlee Frederixon said...

Hi Wendee! I am so glad to hear your surgery went well. I was thinking of you all day yesterday. . .keep your positive attitude and know I am thinking of you and your family.

Hugs
Charlee

Pam Belair said...

Wendee - I'm happy to hear you have met and succeeded at one of your first challenges. I am sure you will continue to meet every challenge with strength and courage. I remember well the crushing fear I felt when my husband came home one day and told me he had a melanoma on his chest that had been misdiagnosed for a year. It's now been 7 years and so far so good.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Pam

Tammy Erickson said...

Hi Wendee,

I have been reading your blog and am so happy to hear that the surgery went well. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I got your note on the 12th. A verse that stays with me often is Mark 10:27 "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

Keep your spirits up and know that you are in the prayers of many.

Tammy Erickson

Cindy Martin said...

Hi Wendee -

I'm so happy that everything went so well - you so deserve good news! I ran into Sonja at the hospital. Sonja and your mom appeared to have been called and were heading down a hall as I was entering for my mammaogram. Sonja said, "I know you - I just don't know from where." Of course, I told her and asked her to wish you well. Keep up the positive attitude and keep up the Faith. With God, all things are possible.

Love ya, Cindy

Sue said...

Hi, Wendee,
I was so happy when I heard from Jenny that your lymph nodes were clear. That is such good news. I'll keep praying for your quick recovery.
Love & hugs -
Sue

Teresa M said...

Wonderful news on Thursday! Our prayers are working. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Look forward to more positive steps forward. XOXOX and slugs in the arm.

nicole said...

Wendee - I am so thrilled to hear that things went well with your surgery. I am truly inspired by your positive attitude. I will be thinking of you and praying for you everyday.

God bless!

Nicole Charboneau

Brenda said...

Wendee, Praise the Lord that your surgery on Thursday went well!! You have amazing courage and spirit. May the Lord continue to provide strength, healing, and blessings to you as you travel this "unexpected" journey. You're in my constant thoughts and prayers.

Brenda

Molly said...

Hi Wendee! You have been on my mind everyday. It sounds like each step is going as it should. You are such a strong person. Anything you guys need... anything, anytime. We're here. Warmly, Molly L.

Jill said...

Hey Wendee,

Talked to Mike and I was very glad to hear your surgery went well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout all of this. Stay strong and keep that positive attitude! If you need anything I am there for you all.
Love, Jill, Mark, Samantha & Roxanne Veldman

Sue said...

Hi, Wendee,
Here's the URL for the article I mentioned
http://www.twincities.com/ci_8373932
Hope you had a good healing weekend.

Hugs -
Sue

Coreen said...

Hi Wendee! Glad we had a chance to talk last week. Get plenty of rest and take it easy during your recovery:)) I am so thankful that the surgery went well.

Coreen

stefano said...

Hey!!!!
How are you???
I am back from Vegas and I thought you would be at your desk asking me for S&D data. I am not doing this on my own you know?
Get well soon. I am praying as hard as I can, and with my Italian Catholic connections it is pretty hard you know? Rest-up, get stronger, get better and don't loose your positive attitude. There is no way I am doing this S&D stuff with Lynn all by myself. I am stalling this as long as I can, and you know she is not going to put up with me for too long... soooo, please, pretty please.
I am glad everything is going well and your family is all around you to support you and give strength. I hope to see you soon. I (honestly) miss your phone calls to check on me (and the S&D data). Ciao. Take care of yourself. Stefano

Linda Ash said...

Hi Wendee, I was so happy to hear that the lymph node that they took was negative. That is one big step toward your returning to great health. You seem to have a wonderful and positive attitude, very good medical care and lots of friends and family praying for you- a second big step. Thanks for setting up the blog- I'll continue to monitor to see how you are doing. Meanwhile, you take care.
Best wishes, Linda Ash

Julie Robinson said...

Wendee - both Dave and I were just tickled to read the happy news after your surgery! We will continue to think of you and your family!

Dave & Julie

Michele said...

YEA!!! Prayers are being answered! That's right, God; you take good care of our Wendee!
Love ya, girlfriend!
Mich(ele)
:)