Here I am, two days after discharge from the hospital.  And all went very well.  To recap, I had to have my bladder removed due to muscle invasive cancer.  The doctor had to do a full hysterectomy along with full bladder and lymph node removal around the area.  Then he constructed an ileal conduit urinary diversion.  Due to my weight, a plastic surgeon came in and did an abdominoplasty, which is remove extra skin in my abdomen first.

I remember the morning of the surgery, October 14, 2011.  There were many doctors, repetitive questions and finally seeing each physician before I went in.  It is emotionally overwhelming when all this happens.  As I hugged my sister in-law and niece before being taken to the OR, I started to cry.  Let me tell you.  This kind of surgery is very scary.  It is overwhelming.  My sister in-law kept saying “God’s got this, God’s got this.”

The staff was wonderful and very comforting.  I really thought I was strong and had held it together.  I guess I had a moment of “crisis of faith”.  But Jesus promises in John 14:7 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

As I lay on the OR table with general anesthesia being administered through a mask, I prayed, “Father, my life is in your hands.  I trust you.  Please be the great Physician that you are and heal me in whatever manner you see fit.”  Then I passed out.  That was the last thought I had.  I talked with my heavenly Father.  No way was He going to let me forget my prayer even though I was going unconscious.