To sum up my experience over the last two weeks beginning with the surgery, I would have to say that while I was in hospital, I had the best of surgeons, the best of care, the best of intentions and the best of torture...!!! And I'm glad it's over!
I have been home since Monday afternoon and slowly recovering. Each day I get a little stronger, even though it is a major effort just to do the simplest of tasks because of fatigue.
During the surgery, they removed most of my esophagus and pulled up the stomach to meet the remaining few inches just below my neck. It gives a new meaning to having your stomach in your mouth.
They did a biopsy on the portion that they removed and found that there was a very small amount of cancer left. However, all the surrounding lymph nodes in my chest area were clear, for which I thank the Lord. This means that it has not spread to any other organs.
So that's good news! On the other hand the surgeons are recommending that I begin a follow-up course of chemo in about six weeks. Now, you know how I feel about that, so that is our next major point of prayer.
In the meantime, I am learning how to eat again with my new internal set-up. It's not easy, but I am making great progress. It basically means lots of small meals and chew, chew, chew until everything can go down easily.
Letters, cards, emails, calls and support are coming in to the point that I can't keep up with it. I love to reply personally to each one of these. However, please forgive me if you don't hear back from me for a while, but I will respond to you eventually!
Prayer Point: Pray for increased strength and a quick recovery from surgery, and also for wisdom regarding the possible chemo in the future.
