The Second Down...(Migrated from PostHope)

 Jason Here giving an update on how Dawn is doing after her surgery.

The Walk

Dawn got up this morning around 4:30 to get herself ready for surgery. We left the house we are staying at just a little bit before 5:30 and we walked the approximate 15 blocks to the hospital. Walking there and knowing that I'd have to leave her was bittersweet. Bitter in the fact that I would not be by her side when she woke up and entered the recovery process, and it was sweet knowing that she would be rid of this parasite that was sucking away her energy and appetite. The walk was quiet between us and at times it seemed like my feet were slogging in mud. Fighting to keep my mind focused and my emotions at bay, I had to be intentional in my words and thoughts. I reached for her hand to hold and as we walked down the street I wondered who was being comforted more, me or her? Walking up the steps to the hospital doors was emotionally taxing because the last time I left someone at this hospital, they didn't make it out of surgery. I had to fight hard to keep those type of thoughts out of my mind. So once we arrived at the doors, I kissed her and embraced her. Then we prayed. I committed her into the hands of God and asked Him to take care of her and that regardless of what the outcome was that He receive the glory. I stood there and watched as she walked into the building and I stayed there until I couldn't see her anymore then I walked back to the house. As I walked back, Brian Doerksen's song You Shine came to mind:

Why should I fear man?
When You made the heavens
Why should I be afraid?
When You put the stars in place

Why should I lose heart?
When I know how great you are
Why should I give up?
When Your plans are full of love

The Wait

After arriving back at the house, this quote from Helen Roseveare came to mind:

"Can you thank Me (God) for trusting you with this experience even though I may never tell you why"?

"Yes, Lord. You can trust me. I may not know what's in front of me at the moment, but as long as I'm in Your shadow then I know I'm safe".

So many times we talk about trusting God, but we rarely ask the question, "Can God trust us"? Knowing that my world could potentially go into a tale spin, I choose to be trustworthy with whatever the outcome is.

I then put on my headphones and spent some time in worship. I then did some scripture reading and talked a good friend on the phone while I ate a hamburger from my favorite hamburger joint, Whizburger.

The News

At last the phone rang with the update:

The Doctor said that he's pleased with the outcome and that Dawn is doing well. He stated that they did remove the left kidney, the spleen, a small part of the colon and part of her diaphragm but that they were able to remove all the cancer. He stated that she didn't have nor need a colostomy bag and that the bleeding was minimal so she shouldn't need to much blood to replace what was lost. That was the extent of the entire conversation.

I rejoice in knowing that all the cancer was able to be removed. It's going to be an interesting road to recovery but I'm confident that Dawn will walk that road faithfully and with determination. information from earlier conversations with her doctor state that she will be spending around 10 days in the hospital before she'll be released to return home.

Getting to the next down

We're moving down the field towards recovery (Endzone). I now have to return to our home and prepare for her arrival. I appreciate those who have reached out to me. You kind words will be remembered. Thank you.

I will update again when I have pertinent information. Until that time....