Surgery Was A Success!

So we know Brad is a pretty funny guy, but you should see him under anesthesia. Holy crow, was he hysterical! Besides his facial expressions, him passing gas in front of a really attractive nurse, his slow motion conversations and giggling uncontrollably like he was intoxicated - today was a success. We are so blessed to have such a comical Dr. and one who really connects to his patients. Brad said the last thing the anesthesiologist said to him before he passed out was to breathe in some of the wonderful West Virginia air that he had for Brad. Sorry if you're from WV, but Brad was still laughing about it a few hours ago.

As was anticipated, today (yesterday?) was a bit of an emotional day. While it was wonderful to see this "thing" that has been part of Brad for so long now removed - (goodbye BOB), it's also scary to think about what lies ahead. After surgery, Dr. Harter came out to talk to all of us - me, Mom & Dad, and Chad (Brad's twin brother). Dr. Harter stressed again that Brad will do well with recovery, but that chemotherapy is going to be a "tough road" ahead of us. I'm fearful for the effects it will have on Brad, but it's most important to focus on the end result - wellness.

We anticipate the results of the more in depth biopsy on Wednesday, December 30th. With these results, we should be able to find out specifically what type of lymphoma Brad has, as well as what stage he is in. Brad's first appointment with his Oncologist will be on January 6th. We continued to hear that Dr. William Fintel is one of the best Oncologists in Roanoke so of course, that's who we wanted to connect with. An appointment had been set up with somebody else for this coming Tuesday, but it was canceled once we requested Dr. Fintel. I expect that Dr. Fintel and Brad will have an IMMEDIATE connection. After Googling him tonight, I found out that he's a UVA graduate - how ironic! Dr. Fintel will soon meet one of UVA's biggest fans and I can't wait to tell Brad since he's still kinda stupid "drunk" from the anesthesia and pain meds. Knowing Brad, he will show up to his appointment all decked out in orange and blue. Sorry to all the Hokies following and/or reading the blog, but if you know Brad, then you also know about his passion for UVA.

We gave Avery this really cool calendar prior to Brad going in to surgery. It's based on Max Lucado's book, Fearless, a book about what life would look like if one lived without fear. It's one of those calendars that folds like a little triangle and you just flip the daily page. We thought this may be a great thing for Avery to keep near his bed and to read each morning and night to continue harvesting happy, fearless thoughts in his adorable little head. Appropriately, here was yesterday's verse:

December 23

"I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"

- Matthew 6:25

I received the sweetest e-mail message today from one of my Program Leaders who graduated in 2006 - thank you Dominique for your support and encouragement. Ironically, her message was delivered while Brad was in surgery, so it was even more meaningful. From her e-mail:

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

While I'm not normally a spiritual person in the religious sense of the word, I would consider myself very rooted in faith - faith of the human spirit, faith in perseverance and faith that most people in life truly want to be good people and do good things. Avery's calendar verse and Dominique's message both brought me to tears today and once again reminded me that we are going to come out of this stronger and better than ever.

Today's pic is the "Phase 2" pic of Brad and Avery. Notice their matching hoodies? A wonderful gift from Karen, one of our dearest family friends when we celebrated Christmas together the night before Brad's surgery. Like father, like son - I love those two more than I ever dreamed possible.

Although it certainly doesn't feel like Christmas this year, our family has many, many gifts and each of you are part of them. Merry Christmas (or happy whatever holiday you celebrate!) to you and those who are important to you!

Many big hugs,

Sandy