Wednesday, March 3, 2021

11:38 AM

   Oh my! I'm no stranger to pain, but this was something else. I just got home. The procedure took an hour.

I have 2 nodules in my thyroid, one on each side, that are a bit larger than ones common for women my age.

   I thought giving the play by play would help me shake it off, but I'm getting "No!" right now.  But here's a bit: They're both quite deep, and although samples were successfully taken from one, after a few attempts, the other was impossible to get through to, as it's encased in a calcified 'shell'.  They'll monitor it with future ultra sounds. The procedure is a precaution, but the doctors don't think its related to the cancer issue I've been dealing with. So much for not sharing details.

  Most importantly, I'd like to share how I got through each biopsy procedure without totally losing it. I was praying as soon as I entered the hospital. The receptionist and ultrasound tech were both lovely, sweet, kind & loving. Wow, the power in being lovely! While the needles were deep & digging, I tried to see in my mind, others who are suffering and offer mine as a prayer for them: Richard's fight with lung cancer; 2 yr. old Lauralynn with leukemia; someone with a crushed wrist; our friends' family who are fighting starvation and freezing in Seria with conditions deplorable. Most of all I would envision Jesus carrying His cross up the hill. He would turn to me and wave me in toward Him, saying "Come on, come on!" That was so powerful. For anyone who may not understand the power or benefit in what I've just described: I offer my suffering as a prayer for the sake of others & unite my suffering to that of Jesus! It doesn't make the pain less, but as we all know, when we suffer in the company of someone who loves us tremendously, it is more bearable and eases the fear.

  I lost it when I saw the receptionist again…'Katie', as I was leaving. ! I told her that I cry when someone is so loving and kind to me. I told her that I'm going to report her for making me cry!  She touched her heart and steamed up her visor. Then when I saw Larry, it was like the little girl who falls down, skins her knee, then saves the tears till Mommy says "Are you OK?" I've tried to have a nap, but I'm hyper. (You probably would never have guessed!) So here I am, talking to you as a loved one who has just called me on the phone saying "How did it go!"

 OK, I feel much better. Thank you for your listening heart. I'm going to enjoy lunch with Mom Bowen, as I enjoy her chicken soup recipe that Gordon made for me & brought over last night.

  Thanksabunch!  God bless you. xoxoxo