Update on My Mom

This week has been one of many answered prayers for my family...

I mentioned a few weeks ago that my mom had oral cancer. The surgery she was to undergo involved cutting out the tumor and surrounding area on her tongue, replacing it with an artery and tissue from her arm, and skin grafting the arm with tissue from her leg. We weren't sure what the recovery would look like, or if she would regain movement in her tongue. We weren't sure where the cancer was, down her throat, in the lymph nodes, etc.

After her VERY LONG procedure on Tuesday, we started receiving good news after good news. They got all the cancer out, it had not spread down her throat. Her trach was replaced on day 3 with a smaller one because her swelling was going down. She did not have to have skin and tissue taken from her leg since her arm is so thin they were able to just close the skin. (she's very petite!!) Her pathology report came back that the lymph nodes were fine. She will not need chemo or radiation! Which made her smile. (well...my sister said it made her "half" smile!) The cancer is completely out of her body. Praise the Lord!!!

She is out of the ICU now and her trach was removed when she got her room on the floor. My dad said she ate a whole bowl of soup, and had ordered oatmeal for breakfast!

Everything has gone exactly as we had hoped. Please continue to keep her in your prayers for pain management and complete healing.

I am completely amazed at the Dr.'s and the ability to take out part of someone's tongue and replace it with their arm! It completely boggles my mind. But I am very thankful!

My sister and my dad have tirelessly been by her side the whole time. And once again, I have been reminded how important family is, and how grateful I am to have such a close and loving one.

I guess I underestimated how many people read my blog that I don't know about! I recently found out Kadie one of my grandmother's nurses at the nursing home reads it to check up on our family! So, Kadie..since I can't come see you guys with Kendall this week, please spread the word about my mom. And as always, thank you so much for the loving care you give my Nana daily. We love you!

I have lots of updates on Kendall, and pictures to share in the next few days...but my computer time is limited right now :)