A Spring of Joy

Behold another health update with probably more information than y’all want to know, but for those of you who do… here’s the scoop.

My surgery is tomorrow morning at 7:30. I go in at 6:00 for prep. They told me at my pre-op interview that they should be able to use my port, which means no IV’s, which would be wonderful! Please pray that this works out… I would just as soon skip the panic attacks that come with vein searches.

The surgery itself should take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and I am first on the docket, so I should be on time. Then I’ll be in recovery for a while.

Some of the risk factors? Because this is the second time they’ve had to do surgery on my neck, there is an increased risk of nerve damage and damage to my vocal cords. Believe me, the thought of not being able to sing again terrifies me. So please pray for a steady hand on the part of the surgeon and for protection.

They told me that if I am feeling up to it, they can send me home that night; however, I find it hard to believe that they are slicing my neck open and I’ll feel up to going home! I plan to just keep telling them that my pain level is at an 8 (all you Brian Regan fans are laughing right now) so I can stay.

My wonderful geek hubby will be updating from his iPhone throughout the day tomorrow… on twitter, facebook and the blog. So, if you’re not his or my friend on facebook, you’d better act fast, because, well, you know, I want to be certain we’re all friends.

Full recovery is expected to be 2 1/2 to 3 weeks, and the surgeon told me I should be well enough to travel by Christmas, which is good. We are planning a trip out to St. Louis because my Bethy is due to have her baby on Christmas Day… and I get to be in the delivery room with her if it all works out (y’all can just add that to your prayer lists if you’d like).

As for how I’m doing… well, it comes and goes. I cried most of the day yesterday. Today I am in “to-do list” mode. Last night I was fearful to the point it was almost overwhelming. And I just keep going back to Jesus, sometimes it’s a heavy sigh and a quick prayer. Other times it’s chanting Bible verses over and over. I sing, I cry, I pray, and I cling.

I am humbled that so many of you are sharing in this journey with me. Thank you for your prayers.