So, it has been a whole week since I left Seattle for the southern comfort of Loganville, GA.
It has been amazing here.
When they cut her open last Tuesday, they found that it wasn't a tumor that was wrapped around an artery under her jawbone, but it was a lymphnode, meaning that the cancer hadn't spread, meaning that they wouldn't have to remove the left side of her jaw and teeth. They removed the node, removed the tumor from her tongue, took muscle and fat from her lower arm and restructured her tongue with it. They then took a skin graft from her thigh to cover the opening they made in her arm. They did have to remove a lot of mechanisms for swallowing, so that is something she will need to focus on in therapy.
My Aunt got out of ICU the day after my arrival. She was talking the following day. They thought that would take at least a month. She got out of the hospital on Tuesday, only one week after her surgery.
It takes a lot for her to talk, but she is capable of a conversation, and she is walking around. It is such a miracle to see how well she is doing. A countless amount of people have been praying for her in the name of Jesus and boy has he shown off his skills as the great physician.
Not only has he been healing physically, but I see evidence of God calling her to spiritual healing in him. My mom and I visited the Oasis Church right up the street last Sunday, where we met two gals, one of which is a registered nurse and the other visits the hopitalized and sick with her husband to offer prayer and comfort. What a blessing! They haven't met Aunt Lisa yet, but I hope they will in the next day or so. On Monday, we recieved a book in the mail by John Piper, it was about seeking Jesus and it was from her UPS delivery man, saying how he has been praying for her and that God is bigger than this cancer. WHAT?! HUH?!
I couldn't believe that even the delivery people have been lifting her up in prayer. It has been amazing to see God go before me and prepare the way for his Word. I'm hoping we can all go together to church on Sunday.
My Aunt's boyfriend, Ray, has also been an extreme blessing. It is amazing to see how he just loves and loves on her. He continually says how much he adores her and that he loves taking care of her. He often reminds her of how beautiful she is and I see her light up when he is around. The joy the bring to one another and to me is refreshing.
They also have four big dogs here. Matey, Zoe, Daisy and Goose. They are fun to be around, each one has a very distinct personality. I can tell that at least two of them are concerned for their mom (Aunt Lisa). They are a comfort to her, so I appreciate that.
I can't believe it has only been a week, but I am excited for what is in store. We are having our first nurse visit to the home tomorrow. My Aunt's post op appt is next Friday. They will be removing the staples from her neck and maybe her arm. Pray for rest for my Aunt. She is struggling with the idea of not contributing to her care. She wants to feed herself, clean, and do other things that she should be letting us do. She just had a crazy big surgery, even though her recovery is going well, she still needs to rest and relax. I appreciate the continued prayers for me and my family. God is at work!
