Well, it's been quite a journey lately.

Yes, we did go to Canada even though the doctors said it was dangerous and I needed the cancer surgery quickly because the tumor was almost completely obstructing the top of my colon. (Zim and I never post about leaving on trips until after we get home so as not to advertise our absence to potential criminals.) My surgeon would not wait any longer and scheduled the surgery for this past Monday, the day after we were coming home. Two days of liquids and prep on the road! I had the surgery on Monday and came home from the hospital Wednesday. I caused enough trouble at the hospital and I am grateful for the fantastic people who took care of me.

These beautiful things showed up at my door...

This amazing vase of flowers that light up a room, and a pail of get well cookies that are already missing the first two (soft, gooey sugar cookies I stole from the bucket)!



Flowers are such miraculous things. I stare at them in complete disbelief every time I see them. Roses, gerbera daisies and those fancy mums that open up and remind me of fireworks. The colors are wild! When I see flowers, I am amazed by the fact that things as beautiful as that can spring forth right out of the soil. Proof there is a God. Wow.

The notes included in the flowers and cookies were wonderful. Thank you to all of you who were part of this. Thanks to everyone who sent cards or called or thought of me and sent thoughts or prayers here. I love you all.

During the surgery, they removed a section of colon just below my stomach that contained the cancerous tumor. I had a ripping ventral hernia on my stomach and they used that tear for their main entry, plus about five other small laparoscopic incisions. They had two surgeons there, probably because they needed more hands! They also removed a bunch of lymph nodes and other tissue samples for biopsy to see if the cancer had spread. (Ironically, their biopsies are read in Marshfield.) I have a post-op appointment with my surgeon next Wednesday, and that is when the biopsy results are expected. Marshfield Clinic has been running a bit behind lately with test results, but in a surprising turn, my surgeon called Thursday evening and said all of my results are in and except for the original tumor, all are negative. No cancer spread. No chemo and no radiation! Great news!!!

I am still anemic and building strength and blood, but I've got this. I am so thankful!

Thanks again, you guys!!!
Patrice

I'll post a Canada thread as soon as I get a chance to get my photos together.

That is the best news you could have hoped for.

That's great news Patrice !! Now you'll have to sign your posts with a semi-colon !!

We have such witty bratwursts here ...

All good news. See how things go when one doesn't delay going in to be seen.

It isn't just about the individual. It's about those who love them more than life. Who's world would be torn asunder without them.

You are making your loved ones happy, yourself, and all your friends, who love you too, relieved and exuberant.

Love the flowers and eat those cookies

Thank you Jesus!

God is good. Thanks for the update.

Prayers answered and God is good!

Chris

Fantastic news. Heal and stay happy

Thanks, everyone!

Chris, your gifts were really thoughtful. I now need to dive further into my study of mycology and do a little extra reading. THANK YOU for everything. Zim brought your letter in to the hospital and I read it while I was there, although I was a bit looped at the time!

Time for some tea!

Thanks again!
Patrice

Great News.

I'll say this, I think you're one tough Lady and so glad to hear how things are going for you. Also, I'm glad Zim is doing good as well. Y'all been through a rough patch, The Creator is good, all the time!

Its about time for some good news--and now its here.--Go Girl.
Tom

GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE ON THE MEND Hope that you get better quickly and this medical issue is in the past ..

Good news. I am glad to hear it.

Our prayers have been answered. No doubt your strong convictions help make for positive outcomes. So happy for you and Zim both.

I’ve been praying for both of you. Good to hear from you. God is good all the time.

Sure glad to hear that you are on the mend and had no further complications. I hope everything goes well for you and Zim from this day forward.

Did you catch any fish?

Great news for sure! You two get busy healing up.

Praise God.

So happy to hear everything went well and you are on the mend. Prayers continue here.




Charlie

P.S. Still waiting on the adoption papers, though I don't know what you'd do with a smelly ol' 70 year old to feed those pretty meals you make.