The Power of Prayer and Major Praises!!!

Wow, what an incredible 3 days it has been.

We arrived in Cleveland on Sunday night and had a nice dinner and watched the second half of the Super Bowl. On Monday we had two appointments. First one was with a training nurse who explained what would happen on surgery day and how to tend to my surgical incisions after.

The second appointment of the day was at the Nuclear Medicine office for a Molecular Imaging exam.  Basically, they had to inject dye via 3 shots into the nipple. I was glad when that was over.  

Then that night we had a very nice dinner at a place called Lola's. Rumor has it we had an awesome dessert (hint hint, bacon ice cream on French toast!!).

 

We reported to the Cleveland Clinic at 4:45 on Tuesday morning.

 

Thankfully we got there early because we went to the wrong place! By 5:15, I was getting prepped and ready for surgery. Jon was given a pager so they could communicate with him.

At about 7:00 a.m. they wheeled me into the operating room for surgery.  They started out with what they call a huddle.  There were 10 doctors and nurses. They actually got into a circle, around my bed, and explained what each one of their roles was. After, they asked if I had any questions or concerns.  I asked if I could say a prayer.  Doctor Valente, the surgeon, asked if I wanted to pray to my self or pray with them. I said, "with them" and proceeded to pray.  Three of them were pregnant and I prayed for their pregnancies. I prayed for their precision, I prayed that the cancer had not spread into the lymph nodes, I prayed that the cancer had stayed contained, I prayed that they would all have safe travels on their way home as we were expecting a snow storm, and I prayed thanks for being in such good care and for so many blessings, support and love.  I was in complete peace and that was the last thing I remembered before they put me to sleep.

The surgery took about 6 1/2 hours. It went quicker than expected with no complications. Major praises and prayers answered as the cancer did not spread, it stayed contained and did not enter the lymph nodes. 

Later, they checked me into my room. Shortly after I was blessed with family members arriving: daughters McCulla and Macie, my dad, my sister Jody, Aunt Tammie, Jamie and Laura. I am so thankful they all braved the snow storm and arrived safely.  After a short visit everyone left, except McCulla, who wanted to stay with me. They set up a makeshift bed for her. She was incredibly helpful and sweet and helped me when I needed to unplug everything to get up and use the bathroom.  I'm so thankful she was there.

 

The next morning everyone came back for another visit. They were all sporting their cool Gi-Jen shirts that Jody designed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Shortly after, Dr. Valente, the surgeon, stopped by to check up on me and inform me that I could check out that day. She is about 5 months along in her pregnancy. She is so incredibly beautiful, smart and kind.

 



I checked out at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and we went back to the hotel.  With a 5 1/2 hour drive, we decided it would be best to wait one more day to heal and let the roads get cleaned up after the snow storm. 

All the pictures, kinds words, support, love and prayers are completely blowing me away.  I'm overwhelmed with joy!!!!  Thank you!

 

Snap Fitness Zumba Class ROCKS!  LOVE YOU!

 

 

Will and Jonathan (Heidi's sons)

 

 

Love these group of ladies!!!!!

 

 

 

I can't thank Jon enough for doing such an awesome job with keeping everyone updated.  He is so loving, kind and patient...my other rock!

Headed home tomorrow to recover and get lots of rest.  I'll be heading back to Cleveland for my post-op appt. on Friday, February 14th (leaving the 13th).  I will be meeting with the medical oncologist to get a plan on when chemo treatments begin and for how long.  I'll also find out whether or not I'll need radiation and then receive my first "saline fill" from the plastic surgeon.

Giving God the glory for the victories in this battle. 

Thank you again...I'm deeply moved by all the love and support/prayers!

We love you, GI Jen and GI Jon