My dear, dear friends- Why did I wait to tell you? What was I thinking? You
have all lifted me up out of my puddle of misery and given me joy, strength and
such power! My friend, Alicia (a wonderful Prayer Warrior), told me today that I
looked completely different than a week ago and I told her it was all because of my
sweet friends that took the time to comfort me, revive me and pray for me. Thank
you so much for your love and friendship. I have an Army of Prayer
Warriors and this gives me confidence and peace. God is in control and all IS
well.:)
I will have to have surgery as the tumor can become cancerous (although 80%+ of the time it is not- another thank you, Lord!) and it will more than likely grow. It is unnoticeable right now but I was able to find it. There is a large part of my that wishes I had not. You know- ignorance is bliss!
The surgery is *tricky* as stated by my doctor and that is not something I want to hear. Facial nerves pass through your parotid gland (salivary gland) and there is a chance that you may lose the ability to smile and/or wink plus it is near your carotid artery and jugular so there is a chance of a heart attack and stroke. The surgery is 4-6 hours long. My doctor did tell me that a friend of his waited 35 years to have the surgery so I feel that I am not pushed for time, but I feel like I have a death sentence. The whole "adventure" is hanging over my head.
I will tell you that I am truly *savoring* each day. Perhaps that is part of God's plan? Stop taking things for granted? I will talk with my doctor and see if we should end up going to Mayo, Johns Hopkins, etc. Please keep me in your prayers, dear friends. I love you all so much! It is so good to know God is my team leader and he loves me. That is what helps me sleep at night.:)
Lori you are definitely in my prayers for a successful (whenever the time may be) surgery to remove that tumor. Stay strong and know that we are all here holding you in our hearts and praying for your quick recovery. We love you too sweet one!♥
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about you the other day, actually wondering when you were going to host another Nancy drew swap ;) I will keep you in my prayers and your family as well. The surgery sounds scary but if you need it you should get it done and over with. I hope all is well for you this week and for your future doctors visits. I will put you in my prayer book :)
ReplyDelete~Molly P
Dear Lori, I just read your post & wanted to write you & let you know that you are in my thoughts & prayers!....but I also know that you will be just fine!....This is just one of those scary times that you will always remember, but will get through with a positive outcome!...You are such a lovely person & friend!...We all love you!...& we are all here to listen if & when you need to talk!....Take care my friend, Heidi XO
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you in my prayers. My advise would be to have the surgery as soon as you can. It's so much worse to think about it and dwell over it then the acutal surgery is.
ReplyDeleteI had to have two cervical fussions and I was told by one Dr. (a pain Dr.) that he would rather have open heart surgery before the surgery I was having because the pain was so bad durning recovery.
I also learned that one tiny slip I could have been paralized from the neck down.
Well both surgeries went well and I had no pain durning recovery.
The fear and waiting was killing me but the actual surgery was a breeze.
Hugs,
Joanne
Oh Lori, my prayers are with you... I know all will be well...
ReplyDeleteDear Lori,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through this.
One of my sweet pen-palers...Linda, at Been there, Done that...has been through quite the same thing as this. She would definately be a wonderful person for you to talk to...she is an absolute angel!!
I will definately be keeping you in my prayers sweet friend....I'm here if you need me :)
Love you...BIG HUGS.........Jerelene
Oh, I LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteand i will be praying my little heart out for you! you are in God's hands...i remember you telling ME this not too long ago. and look at me!!!! i wish i could fly out there and just sit with you. i know how much those simple things mean when you are stressed. no words, just company. just love. just support. well, i am sending all of those things to you. and lots and lots of hugs. i miss you.
~jes
Lori, I will definitely be praying for you! I know how scary this kind of thing can be having found something that had to be removed, though it was not in my neck. I am so thankful that they know it is not cancerous!
ReplyDeleteHello little sister,
ReplyDeleteI've already talked to you about this so I am just here to say "Hi!" You already know I love you, but I'll tell you again "I love you." :)
You already know I am praying for you... I really feel the surgery will go wonderful. You just need to go ask your doctor some questions so you feel better about it yourself.
Lovey dovey you!
Me.
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS! You've prayed for me and my family so many times and now I have the opportunity to return the blessing and storm the gates of Heaven on your behalf. I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now, but I'm praying for peace and comfort. I'm also praying that satan will not be able to use your fears to hold you hostage. That God will provide you with strength, the doctors with widsom and your family with complete peace and faith too. Be strong and know you have a prayer warrior in TN lifting you up.
ReplyDeleteLots of Love!!!
Allyson
I recently went through a lot of health issues, and I am well aware of the "pity party" we can throw for ourselves... it is really scary, but it is also normal and OK to wallow a little bit, but then you do exactly what you are doing- you are grateful for every blessing in your life, you savor every moment, and thank God that He is Who He is- our Healer and our strength. When things were difficult for me, I would recite out loud lists of everything I was grateful for, and it really helped. Keeping you in my prayers... This verse helped get me though-
ReplyDeleteThe Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save,
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
And rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Oh Lori, I'm so sorry you're going through all this. It's scarey...that is for sure! Please know that all your bloggy friends will be covering you in prayer. Thoughts and prayers, Jill
ReplyDeleteLori -
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers-I am so sorry you are going through this...God has your back, you know it!
God Bless~
(And the armpit thing wasn't that bad- :) )
keeping you in my prayers ♥ have faith in God most of all!!
ReplyDeletetake care!
noelle
Lori, I am praying that God Builds a wall of His Loving Protection around you and your family, may He Guide all your decisions, may He Guide your doctors and surgeons, may He Strengthen your Faith.
ReplyDelete"God Delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Him and says, 'Lord, You know that I cannot do this ~ but I believe that You can'!" (Amy Carmichael)
"Depend on the Lord and His Strength; always go to Him for help. Remember the miracles He has done; remember His wonders." Psalm 105: 4-5
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
Hi Lori
ReplyDeleteAs you know I am continuing to pray for you. You will get through this and everything WILL be ok. If Tim can do it so can you! You have helped so many of us through our worries and troubles and now all your blog friends are here for you too. Sending all my love and a big hug today.
your little sister
Lindsay
x
Oh my gees! I want to be part of your homeschool group! :) Where in the world did you get a Nancy Drew cookbook? I believe and know that the power of prayer works, I have seen too many miracles. You will be in prayer's to get well soon and to have a smooth and safe surgery.
ReplyDelete~Molly P
P.S Thanks for praying for Larry, if you met him you would love him. He is the sweetest old man.
Lorie,
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my prayers. Love your attitude.
Oh dear Lori...I will definitely keep you in my prayers. God holds you in his hands and will watch over you. I'm praying for a speedy recover and that all will go well with the surgery.
ReplyDeleteBig hugz,
Michele
Sweet Lori,
ReplyDeleteThis is NOT a death sentence and your body has the remarkable ability to heal. I am glad there is time to coach your body to heal before surgery. We need to talk ;). Love you girl! You are strong and healthy. I will pray for you each day.
Oh my goodness! Of course I will pray for you!!! Big hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteLove ya, girl! Call me when you get time!
ReplyDeleteLori...
ReplyDeleteYou are loved by so many of us and I can guarantee you that we will be lifting you up in our prayers as you face this challenge in your life. I KNOW beyond the shadow of a doubt that God is watching closely over you. He will never forsake you...you are not alone! Just trust and believe that all will be well. I have complete faith that it WILL! God bless you, my friend! Big hugs!
you know you are in mine sweetie! Just remember to give me the actual surgery date so I can pass it on!
ReplyDeleteWe love you!
Sweet girl: you are always in my prayers. Know even more prayers and good thoughts are heading your way. XO Kimberly
ReplyDeleteLori,You are in our prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Don't think about the "possibilities" of things that can go wrong. Have faith and know that you are in God's hands and He will get you through it.
ReplyDeleteLori, you are in my prayers. I know everything will work out just fine! {{HUGS}}
ReplyDeleteOh Lori, we will definitely keep you in our thoughts and prayers! I am sad to hear that you have to go through this...but know that we are here supporting you whenever you need us.
ReplyDeleteJamie :)
Oh my sweet, sweet Lori ~ I just sat in front of my computer with my mouth open - completely in shock. You poor dear little one. Of course my prayers are directed to you and I know that all will be well. So glad that you were able to discover it (how did you find it?) and that you have such a great doctor too. Surgery is pretty scary - but you are in good hands. You have such a great support team at home and here, on the blog; but most of all your Heavenly Father. Everything will be okay . . . . love you.
ReplyDeleteOh Lori.... you are in my prayers. comfort, peace, guidance, health. I had been wondering where you went, my friend. Just know so many gals are thinking of you and praying for you. God has this under control...the whole journey. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSweet Lori! I am SOOO sorry!!! We have all been under-the-weather and I just popped-in and read your post!!! I am praying, praying, praying for you!!! and will do anything I can to help you in ANY way!!! - I sent a little box out to you yesterday! :)(before I even knew this!-it's VERY belated birthday with valentines)
ReplyDeletePlease take care precious friend!! I'll be praying!
Blessings!
Jill
Praying for you! I will keep you in my thought and prayers as you go through this Lori. I'm so glad that I stopped by your blog today so I could see that you needed a friend to pray for you. (((hugs)))~Jodi
ReplyDeleteOh Lori, I love you and I am praying already! Hang on tight the Lord is awesome! and is there for us when we remember to give it ALL to HIM! If I can do anything else let me know! I will hold up your family too! They are an awesome family! Hugs to you! and i will check in more often with you! XOXOXO Fran.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Sis. We will stand in agreement that you are 100% healed already.
ReplyDeleteLove ya!!
Elise
Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! I am sure that all will go smoothly and God is with you during this time. Many hugs to you my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteLori...
ReplyDeleteI have been out of the loop around here also...not much commenting but happen to come around visiting friends...maybe a sign God sent me here to say hello!
God is Good and he will be now as you go through this time in your life! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers...you are such a beautiful person inside and out and bring so much to others who need it when they are in need...Hugs to you and know so many love you!
Hi Lori,
ReplyDeleteyou already know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I just wanted you to know that I've been wearing *our* necklace this week!
lots of love and hugs,
Missy
I am so sorry to hear about his. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you make this difficult journey.
ReplyDeleteRuth