Monday, May 12th…the surgery

“Father, I dwell in Your secret place. I say of you that You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely, You will deliver me from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. You will cover me with Your feathers, and under Your wings I will find refuge. Your faithfulness will be my shield and rampart. I will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only observe with my eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. As I make the Most High my dwelling – even the LORD, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall me; no disaster, plague, calamity will come near my home for You have given Your angels charge over me to keep, defend and preserve me in all of my ways; they will lift me up in their hands, so that I will not strike my foot against a stone. I will tread upon the lion and the cobra; I will trample the great lion and the serpent. Father, You said that because I love You, You will rescue me; You will protect me, for I acknowledge Your name. I call upon You, and You answer me; You are with me in trouble, You deliver me and honor me. With long life will You satisfy me and show me Your salvation.” Psalm 91

A friend visited me the day before I entered the hospital and shared this powerful Psalm with me. She is a cancer survivor and told me she personally read this comforting Psalm as she battled breast cancer surgery and treatment. I will be forever thankful for this gift.

As they were preparing me for surgery early Monday morning, Tom prayed with me beside my bed. We had both read the Psalm together at home. I told him I would ask God to cover me with His feathers and under His wings I would stay until the surgery was over. He kissed me and I was taken back to the OR.

The surgery lasted 9 and 1/2 hours. While I do not know what it was like to sit in the waiting room or even all of the family and friends who sat there in support of my immediate family, I am so very thankful for each and every one of them.

As I was coming out of the anesthesia, I felt as if I were wrapped in some sort of cocoon. I could not see immediately, but I asked aloud, “Am I in heaven?” Tom replied..”No, you are right here with me!” My answer…..”PRAISE GOD!” as I extended my hand to the Lord.

It seemed a short time before our surgical team surrounded my bed. “We have great news”. Said Dr. Asbun. “You are the reason I do what I do.” “You made the correct decision to proceed with surgery. We have removed the cancer and you are at this moment….cancer free.” ” I have done my part…now the next step is up to you.”

God had been faithful…He had heard the prayers offered on my behalf. God is my refuge and my comfort and my protector, just as He promises.

He is YOURS too!