Newbie

I wanted to write and give you an update from the newbie position. Mike and I so appreciate your prayers for us this past week.

My surgery went well and pathology came back yesterday, Friday, with good news. The cancer was not evident in the lymph nodes they removed along with a 1.3 centimeter very aggressively growing cancerous spot.

Friday was a very long 7½ hour day not including driving in the doctor’s office and the cancer center with no lunch. After much discussion which included taking out the newly placed balloon and putting a different device in, they decided to proceed with the one in place. They believe there is 1 lumen which sufficiently will carry the radiation seed to the site. I am asking you to pray the radiation goes smoothly this next week.

I will be having radiation at 8:40 AM and 2:40 PM daily at the cancer center in Marietta, GA. The radiation itself is not supposed to tire a person out but most patients report become extremely exhausted by the end of the week. Your sustaining prayers will be appreciated.

Now to the newbie report as I began this letter to you. At the cancer center there is a row of stalls where one changes and prepares for their treatment after which you take your seat as you wait to be called. Lady after lady would come in receive treatment and then depart. Each lady would greet the others and it is obvious some of them have been traveling this road together for a few weeks (regular radiation is about 7 weeks long). Almost every lady commented I must be new and just starting. Like did it show and shout from every pore that I was new to this??? It must have.

So this newbie reports to you that I am doing well.

• Am I moody? Mike would say so. The only cause is being post-operative. Pray for me in this regard :)
• Am I improving and recovering? We both say yes.
• I am reading a book loaned to me by a church friend on fear. Do not think I have been fearful but would not say I haven’t been either so enjoy reading it.
• We were invited out for Easter and I chose not to go. Knowing next week can be exhausting I am choosing to rest in advance and be ready bright and early Monday morning.

Thank you again so much for your prayers and messages which both of us appreciate. Blessings be upon you and your household as you prepare for celebrating the day of resurrection tomorrow. I believe this to be the most important day to celebrate on the Christian calendar and praise God I have a risen savior in Jesus Christ with whom I will spend eternity.

Mary