Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Story Begins...

Yesterday we drove to Nashville, flew to Baltimore, rode the light rail downtown, checked in hotel,met with the anesthesiologist, did pre-op, and finally met with the surgeon. Notice I did not mention breakfast or lunch.  We finally got to eat around 6:30 and we were all exhausted.  We all slept 12 hours from the long day.  My entourage in Baltimore consists of Todd, Teresa and Mimi.  Not to mention all of my wonderful thoughts and prayers from Tennessee.

After talking to the surgeon yesterday, I would have been willing to run, walk, or swim to get out of this.  But I know it is something I have to do.  The details were a little overwhelming and I am hoping this part of my journey in the hospital goes quickly. 

I am to arrive at the hospital at 8:30 in the morning (Thursday).  The procedure should begin around 9:30 and could last from 8-10 hours.  We were told that I would be in an intermediate care unit for two to three days prior to being moved to a room.  I feel good about the surgeon and where we are. He is extremely detailed and very thorough.  As we were looking over past scans and reports, I pulled out of my folder along with the scan reports some photos I had copied for Teresa to put on my hospital wall.  The one on top was of Jackson on the back of our boat with his wakeboard and HUGE smile.  Dr. Alexander picked up the photo and gazed at him for a long time.  I know from his response he is going to do all in his power to make this procedure work so I can be around for a long time.

When I woke up this morning I thought even though I don't like where I am or what I am dealing with, if the Lord is putting me through this then I will be his vessel.  I will try to be still and know that he is God.

So many people have already encouraged and helped me in so many ways and for this I am so thankful.  Please continue to pray.  We are missing alot of firsts with Jackson in middle school from getting his first grade card to his first 6th grade basketball game.  This might seem insignificant but to me and Todd it is the world.  I am truly thankful for all I have. 

26 comments:

  1. Be as strong as I know you are. You will get to see a lot more firsts. Love you!

    Brian Officer

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  2. Tracy you are one of my most favorite people. I am praying for a million new "firsts" for you and your family. The greatest one being your total recovery and healing. XOXO
    Jeanette Fetter

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  3. Tracey we will continue to lift you up in our prayers. We will be still with you knowing that he is GOD. We love you bunches...smooches

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  4. Love you, Tracey! You can do this!!

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  5. Tracey, I'm so glad that Andrea shared your blog site with me. You've been on my mind, and we will be in constant prayer for you guys. You've got this!!!!

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  6. Tracey - you are one of the strongest and bravest people I know. You, your family, your doctors and entire medical staff will be in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the FAITH because God isn't finished with you yet! Tons of love, prayers and thoughts coming your way. You are loved so dearly.

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  7. Tracey,
    I am so glad I saw this post on Facebook. I had no clue you were walking through another trial. I will be praying for you and everyone involved! Keep going on what you KNOW to be true...HE is faithful!!

    I hope you noticed I said through. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." So thankful for that word through. We do NOT have to stay in our trails and HE will walk each step we take with us.

    One more verse that has brought such comfort to me in the past is Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with my feathers and under His wings you will find comfort; His faithfulness will be your shield and buckler." I pray you feel His presence and His arms around you.

    HE's got this sweet lady!!!!
    Praying for you!

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  8. Tracey - Saying many prayers for you, your family and your medical team. God continues to use you; you are such an inspiration. And we are also praying for many, many more "firsts!" Love you!

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  9. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I will be praying for you, your family, and the medical team in charge of your surgery and care.

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  10. Sweet Tracey,

    Cancer sucks,huh? But Jehovah Rapha is the God who heals. And I proclaim in His name for your complete healing tonight. Staying on my knees for you in the upcoming days and weeks, sister! Have someone let me know if there is something specific you need prayer for!

    Amy Tippens

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  11. Tracey, you are precious. I pray that as you sleep tonight you feel the overwhelming Love of a God who loves you so passionately that it can't be comprehended. I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will rule and reign in your heart. In pray that you would know Him in a manner so significant that WHEN you come out on the other side of this wretched thing....your faith, your strengh WILL And already has changed so many lives including mine. None of this is a surprise to Him and He loves you lavishly. So many do....you go girl...we are praying tona BIG God. He is MIGHTY to SAVE. Love you.

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  12. Tracey, I know how you feel about the 'firsts' but we are certainly praying and believing that this is going to be a LAST time for you to go through this!! I am soo glad the boys and I came by to see you Friday.... You got this girl! Love you and stuff.......Gork

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  13. Praying for you and your family, Tracey. You are very strong, but when you feel tired, let your friends and family be strong for you. I have no doubt that you have a wonderful support system and they will help carry you through this journey.

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  14. Praying for you and your family. Praying also for your doctors and nurses that will be caring for you.

    Lonnie and Karen Jones

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  16. Tracey & family,
    All it takes is 2 - 3 agreeing & asking God and he will hear our prayer. You have countless people praying.
    Love y'all,
    Stacy & Trish
    Philippians 4:13

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  17. Trace,
    Our own "UCBI Beth Moore" lead a prayer for you this morning :) We love you so much. I'm praying for the Lord to lead the surgeon's hands all day today. You mean so much to me and my family and so many others. We are not going to stop praying for you and your sweet family.
    Love you so much,
    Bow Chicka Wow Wow
    The Dottore's

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  18. TRACEY,
    I HAD NO IDEA YOU WERE GOING THROUGH THIS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE DEFINITELY WITH YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY! YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE IS WHAT I AM SEEING IN MY THOUGHTS! I LOVE YA GIRL!

    GINGER GOBBLE

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  19. You've got prayers coming from Louisiana as well, Tracey!

    Markay
    Baton Rouge

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  20. Tracey,
    As I sit hear trying to figure out what to say....I just want you to know that you are my SUNSHINE! You have such an energetic personallity & you brighten everyones day with your sweet presence. I just love you so much!
    We are praying for you & you're family!
    Always remember....
    Oh, How HE Loves Us!!!! (One of my favorite songs)
    Jeanne & Family

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  21. Tracey,
    Louis & I are thinking about you & love you. You'll never be alone because angels are always watching over you.
    We love you,
    Joanie and Louis

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  22. Praying for you, your family and medical staff without ceasing. Complete healing! Rebuking cancer. I pray you are cancer free with no pain. On my mind and heart. God speed recovery. Sending my best.

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  23. Tracey, We are praying without ceasing. Love you more than my camper!! Mollie Moo

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  24. Praying for you! I do not know you but a friend shared your blog. I pray strength for your body. I pray that the Healing Balm of Gilead will flow and rest upon your body, mind and spirit. Be it unto you according to His Word....BY HIS STRIPES YOU ARE HEALED! We ask in faith believing and declare wholeness and victory once and for all! We curse it at its roots...The blood of Jesus destroys the yoke and bondage of the cancer and it has no hold. What was done at Calvary once and for all is applied to you. His eyes are on you, His ears are open to your cries, He sings songs of deliverance over you...He is able to do exceeding abundantly above....You can't even touch or fathom His greatness. He's with you every step of this journey. You are NEVER alone!

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