Thursday, November 18, 2010

Report from Surgery

Hello everyone,

Nate's turn at the keyboard to give a live report from the surgery center. We checked in this morning, at which point Allison met with various doctors and nurses to discuss the procedure and do more imaging and testing. Afterwards, they checked Allison in to her room (a nice private room with a real window!). More doctors and nurses in and out to talk about the procedure, sign forms, and so on. Before long they had Allison in a bed and were whisking her away. Those of us in attendance were allowed to hang out in her room, which was a nice change from a public waiting room.

During surgery, nurses stopped in and gave us updates, asked if we needed a drink, and so on. The entire staff here has been excellent.

When the breast surgeon was finished with her part of the operation, she came out and gave us an update. Things went a little slower than planned but there were no serious complications with the surgery itself. They did pathology on the sentinel lymph node during the surgery, and it came back positive. This meant that several more lymph nodes on that side were removed, to allow for more pathology. We are praying that they come back negative - we'll get the results in about a week. These results will play a big role in determining the type and duration of chemo that Allison receives (as well as officially "staging" the cancer). At that point the plastic surgeon was still working away, so Allison still had about an hour of surgery left.

After things were finally wrapped up, the plastic surgeon spoke with us, letting us know that everything went well. He commented that he thought it was a very successful operation and that things had gone well. Allison was moved to recovery, where she came to and was monitored for about a half an hour, before being returned here to her room where she will spend the night. She's here with us now talking about how things went - she seems to feel fine other than being really thirsty!

We want to thank everybody for the overwhelming support we have received - Allison's facebook and email accounts are overflowing with positive wishes and prayers. Our chest freezer is already loaded with meals, and we've got plenty of people lined up to help with the kids. Thanks for everything and stay tuned for more updates. Allison will be busy recovering over the next few days/weeks but I will post updates as we know more info.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for the update Nate- So glad to hear everything went well. Praying for healing!! Love you guys!

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  2. So glad to hear that the surgery went well...I have been thinking about you guys all day. Will be praying about the other pathology report. Many hugs!

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  3. Just being thirsty sounds like a super complaint after all she's been through today! <3 Love to you all! Thanks for keeping us posted!

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  4. Thanks so much for the update. You guys have been in my thoughts and prayers all day!!! I will keep praying- give Allison a hug for me! ...Cathy

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  5. Thanks for the update. I'm happy to hear that the surgery went well. I'll be praying for the tests to come back negative. ((hugs))

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  6. Thanks so much for the update...and so glad to hear that you are recovering! Praying for positive outcomes in all ways possible! Believing God for strength, hope, and comfort you you, Nate and the kids....(((HUGS))) -Jenn

    Psalm 27:1
    The LORD is my light and my salvation;Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life;Of whom shall I be afraid?

    Isaiah 40:29
    He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.


    Daniel 10:19
    And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!"
    So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."


    Psalm 94:19
    In the multitude of my anxieties within me,Your comforts delight my soul.

    Isaiah 41:10,13-14
    Fear thou not; for I {am} with thee: be not dismayed; for I {am} thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

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  7. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated! We have been keeping you in our thoughts. We're so happy that the doctors, nurses and staff have been wonderful - what a blessing! Sending good vibes your way!!! much love!! paula

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  8. Im so glad to hear that allison got through surgery safely......shes a strong girl and you guys are a wonderful family. I have faith in her strength to face these hurdles especially with her positive approach.... <3 Courtney

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  9. I am so glad that Allison did so well with the surgery. I am also glad to hear that she has a private room and that she'll get to see a little sunshine tomorrow with her "window view". Many happy and supportive thoughts for a quick recovery.

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  10. So thankful for the update Nate and be sure to pass on all the love and support to Allison we would all love to be giving her first hand! You have anything you need at any moment, just ask!

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  11. Prayers go out to you and your family and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
    The Bates Family (friend's of Alissa's in Baltimore)

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  12. Praise God for his faithfulness. Will continue to pray no more lymph nodes were involved. Happy to hear she's recovering well. As a breast cancer survivor, I know she'll have a tough road ahead, but the Lord will go before her. He knows the plans he has for her. Good plans for a hope and a future. May you continue to love her as Jesus loves his church. I'm praying for you, Nate, as well! Give her my love. Dee (Ben's cousin!)

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  13. I'm a friend of Alissa's stopping by to let you know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Glad to hear the operation went well. Sending wishes for healing and strength.

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  14. Thinking of you all at this time. You wwill be in my prayers . Sending good wishes your way.Love to you all.. Cousin, Diane

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