After Another Surgery

 It's been 10 days since my hysterectomy.  The pain hasn't been that bad.  After kidney surgery, this pain feels like a breeze!  Except for one thing.  Last week, I was totally exhausted.  I would take my heavy pain pill in the evening.  Then, wake up hurting because it has been so long, take more meds and then a morning nap.  Awake for a few hours, then an afternoon nap.  Then, sadly, usually one more nap before bed.  And that was without my heavy pills during the day.  My body is just tired.  I was given meds for spasms and didn't use them at all last week.  But those have started this week.   

I don't necessarily think the exhaustion has to do with this surgery.  I believe that having 3 surgeries in 8 months is finally taking it's toll.  And interesting little tidbit that I found. On average, abdominal surgery takes 2 years to recover microscopely, although a majority of the healing happens in the first 6 months.   It went on to explain that once your abdomen wall is cut open, it takes a lot of time to get back to where you were before.  Its been a little less than 5 months since my kidney cancer surgery before I had to have surgery again.

Next week I go in for my first set of lung X-rays and blood work since my cancer surgery.  I am sure that you've slept since my last post - so... kidney cancer has over a 50% chance of traveling through your blood stream and landing in your lungs.  If it lands in my lungs, it is still kidney cancer which is not treatable by chemo or radiation.  Every 3 months for the first year, I have to go in for X-ray's and bloodwork.  After that - I am not sure.  I know that I am not clear of that +50% for several years.  

Through everything this past year, I know that God is protecting me.  I don't understand why or what His plan is.  However, He is keeping me on this earth for His purpose.  My story could have ended very differently.   I am sure the writer of my story has a few surprises that I cannot see. Until then, I will keep loving those around me.  School starts back in a couple weeks and there will be lots of kids that need some hugs and just to be seen or heard. I get that.  My childhood was not easy and school was my favorite part of the day.  We are called to take care of one another.  I am thankful that God has placed me in place where I can make a difference everyday.  I learned a long time ago that I cannot be something to everyone everyday.  But I can be the right someone for one person that needs me that day.  For the next few weeks I will rest and take naps when I need to.  And I'll keep praying for clean scans next week.