My family was told that the surgery was going to be about 5-6 hours long.  As my sister and brother-in-law were 10 minutes away from the hospital, she received a text message from my sister at the hospital saying the doctor wanted to talk to them.  To which my poor sister freaked out because they were only about 4 hours into the surgery.  She thought something was terribly wrong.   They communicated again and it turns out that he wanted to speak with them because he was done with the surgery.  So the surgery itself lasted about 4 ½ hours long.  I was in recovery for 4 hours and went to a room.  No extended intubation or ICU.  Evidently the doctors were extremely happy that the surgery went without any issues.  The plastic surgeon made all the difference in the world and made the doctor’s job extremely easy.

There is no way in heaven or on earth that anyone will be able to convince me that Jesus, my Great Physician was not in that OR. 

I was told that I would be in the hospital for 10-14 days.  I came home on day nine.  Everyone on the 15^th floor of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale was cheering me on and amazed at my recovery and early discharge.  All the credit goes to God.  He has encouraged and cheered me on through his word, my family and friends.  That was the strength I needed.  Evidently a lot of folks get very depressed in the hospital and have a lethargic attitude about their part to prepare to go home.  God and my family would not let that happen.  I keep telling people that I am glad to be here alive and kicking.

It has been a huge part of my journey with God, one that will continue for a long time.  My earnest prayer is that God will use my cancer to help you through yours.