Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Lumps and Bumps

Sometimes in life we hit a bump in the road. Last week I got one.

In December I had a chest x-ray to see if I had pneumonia. I didn't. What I did have was a lump in my lungs. My family doctor reluctantly ordered a CT scan as he figured the lump was just the functioning nodule in my thyroid. Some people are tall, some people are short, I am lumpy.

The results came back to my Dr's office but he never called me in and when I called to ask about them I was told that if it was anything, they would have called me.

Umm hmmm.

Anyway, when I went in a month later for an unrelated matter I asked about the results. My Dr. said very little but he did say he would send me for a surgical consult. He seemed rather unconcerned so I was too.

I was unconcerned right up until the surgeon's office called me on a Friday (my birthday) and wanted me to come in on a Wednesday. In Canada, waiting forever is normal, so speed is bad. Plus they wanted me to bring my spouse. I think I cried for an hour.

So, we went on Wednesday and to cut a very long story short, the lump is not cancer (praise Jesus), they think it is a thymoma, but it needs to come out. Unfortunately the only way to take it out is to crack open my chest.

Yee haw.

This will necessitate a 5 day stay in the hospital, 2-4 weeks where I cannot drive and 8-12 where heavy lifting is forbidden. There are no words to describe how challenging it is going to be to live with my tactile, active sons and not pick them up or have them give me bear hugs for 2-3 months.

I am struggling a bit with this lump as it has created a bump in the road I was not anticipating. Nor am I terribly at peace with yet. I know I should be grateful that it isn't anything really serious and that I don't have eight kids or small babies and that I live in a country where I am not worried about paying for it or my insurance covering it, and I am, I really am, but I still wish I didn't have to have this done.

So your prayers and best wishes are appreciated.


21 comments:

Nicole said...

OH no! Thank God it's not cancer, but still, what a terrible experience. Thinking about you and praying for you.

beck'sthree said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I can fully empathize, having had my ribs sawed through in order to have surgery on some of my renal arteries two years ago. My kids were 2, 3, and 5, so the several-months-long recovery was not easy! Do you have family nearby? My kids pretty much moved in with my mom and/or sister-in-law for a month after the surgery. It was a God-send in the most literal sense.

I will be praying for a smooth surgery, a quick recovery, and many helping hands to bless you. Give yourself time to heal. It won't be easy, but before you know it, it will all be a memory.

Lizzie said...

I`ll be praying for you! PTL its not cancer! My Grandma had breast cancer 6 yrs ago then this past November they found more cancer and she is still going through chemo. I know how hard it can be! I`ll be praying!!! Psalm 18:2

Char said...

Hey girl. Hang in there. Wish I was closer, but at this point I don't think me with my four would be a help for you at all. I can pray, and I am!! Love you big!!

Carys Destiny said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dawn and Dale said...

I'm a terrible commenter on blogs right now but wanted you to know I'm still here checking in on you and WILL indeed be praying for you as you journey down this new bump in your road!!(((HUGS)))

Dawn

Dawn and Dale said...

P.S. That deleted one was from me! Signed in under my other blogger account that I use with my girls birth family!

Knittinchick said...

You can count on me for a tuna casserole or two! bahahah.... Seriously tonight or tomorrow night I'm going to make up a few meals for the invalid state.

Love ya! I'll try not to make you laugh while you are recovering!

Knittinchick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Middle-Aged Moi said...

My best wishes AND my prayers are with you, HG.I wish I could do something for you. Will you have help?

Jessica said...

I am over from the link on my sidebar and wanted to just let you know that I will be praying for you. My father was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer and has 2 large tumors in his lungs. He is undergoing chemo now and all the waiting drives us crazy with all the tests, protocol, etc., so I am sure you were so scared waiting on the news. I am so glad that it is not cancer and I pray that it will be a quick and easy surgury and that everything goes well!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Praying for you, friend. Like you, I'm glad it's not more serious. But still. It's a big bump.

May God teach you what He's after and may your heart be receptive. (And your body fast healing.)

dkt said...

Thankful that it is not cancer, but still, it is a big bump. May God be near you and carry you through!

Tez said...

Darling, my thoughts are with you. not a fun valley to walk through, but through it you will get. I'm off on spring break starting monday, if you need anything, drop a line.
Do you know how long you'll be waiting for surgery? I have the entire freaking summer off, and if you're recovering in that time, I want to come and give you my two hands and anything they can do to help. As a mom, knowing that you won't be giving your usual to your babies looks so stressful, but they know your heart and that you will do what you are able with them and loving them even if they can't squeeze you. What a great time to teach them about caring for others and meeting/accepting someone's limitiations! Chin up girlie.

Leanne said...

I verse I have been clinging to:

"The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army. He makes my feet like hinds feet and will make me to walk (not stand still in terror, but to walk) and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering or responsibility."
Hab. 3:19

Praying that God will give you peace and be your personal bravery through all of the uncertainty.

Anonymous said...

WOW
Do you ever have some wonderful friends on your blog. Trust you feel the LOVE being poured out to you. You are so special PUMPKIN.
Love Dad

Lady Why said...

Eeek! Happygeek! I'm so sorry to hear about your rather largish surgery but I'm praising the Lord that everyone agrees it's not serious. I'll be praying for the logistics of your recovery and the activeness of the boys, bear hugs and all. :-D

When is your surgery?

Toothfairy Mom said...

Happy Geek, please know that your family in BC is praying for you. We love you all very much, and believe that God has amazing things in store for you and your family.

Heather of the EO said...

Oh lady, I'm sorry. YUCK. BUMP. YUCK. Prayers for peace to you. I think it's okay to not have peace right away. Even if "it could be worse," that's doesn't mean that it's easy. It's HARD. Thank you for sharing this so we can all think of you and pray for you.

granola_granny said...

Been away from Blog reading for a while. Still trying to picture you with "8" kids... and it's not happening for me. Know that you are loved and prayed for and that you can ask family for just about anything.

a Tonggu Momma said...

I've been thinking about you these past two weeks, especially when I see Dory (who just had surgery and is now at the driving, but no heavy lifting stage). I so wish I lived closer so that you could pawn off your boys on me. I have a feeling I'd be exhausted, but laughing. Hang in there, friend! Praying for you!