10.25.2010

Surgery update

I am writing this from my official station of the last five days: a comfy recliner in my living room. It has been a whole week since the surgery, and I have to say that the last little while has been a rather special time for me. The doctors took out a tumor that was roughly the size of a softball (what on earth was that doing in there!), and left me with a six inch incision on my belly. Although the tumor showed signs of progressing towards malignancy, it was in a benign state, and because they were able to take everything out in one piece, there is very little chance of it reappearing or coming back in any form. I spent about five days in the hospital, and now I am at home. I say this has been a special time because through everything, though some things have been less than pleasant, I have felt incredibly watched over and cared for. I have felt buoyed up and prayed for by the people around me, and I have felt that Heavenly Father has been close and kind. I don't think I will look back on the experience with sadness. In terms of timing, everything could not have worked better. Surgery of this kind can usually only be done between 18-22ish weeks of being pregnant, and had things not worked out this way, I would have been having the same surgery a month after the baby is born, which would have been sad. I am recovering quite well, though still in a good deal of pain. It's been nice to recognize my body so vividly. I want to give a long shout out/sermon about Carl here, though I know it's not the place. I will suffice it to say that he has hardly left my side, slept on a poorly reclining chair for five nights in the hospital, and wakes up every four hours to give me my medicine. Baby boy is also doing excellent, he wasn't affected at all, and I get the sense that he is just as patient as his dad. I am hoping that he doesn't start to kick and move too much, for another week at least. All in all, this is an update for anyone who hasn't heard from us. Thank you, thank you for your kindness and prayers. This has been a blessed time for us. For the next couple of weeks, if you are bored or need a place to go, I can almost guarantee that I will be right here, and I love visitors.

6 comments:

Little Lisa said...

Ah! I cannot adeptly express through the Interweb how relieved I am!

You could not have a better sidekick than that Carl. What a guy...

Jeff and I love you tons and can't wait to go to Uruguay with you someday with all our kids.

Bonnie said...

Ashley, this is great news! I hope the rest of the healing process goes well for you and the baby!

shelly said...

Yay! This was a wonderful post to read.

mlents said...

I'm so happy you're recovering well and baby boy is just fine. We think of you often and are so excited to see you for Thanksgiving! Much love, megan

Unknown said...

<3 I wish I were closer to give you a real hug, but I hope that one works a little bit. So much love.

olivia said...

a softball ???

my dear ashley, i imagine you are much more recovered by now but i still can hardly believe this whole thing. i guess it is real though, so i'll accept it and be grateful along with you that things are turning out nicely for you and your boys.