Thursday, February 19, 2009

Thurrrrrsday

Today is a big day. It starts with me doing my first "civic duty" in being called to jury duty. Admittedly, I am glad for the break from work.
But bigger, and way more significant that that, my uncle Mark is about to be placed under anesthesia, and his life is going to be placed into the hands of doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and scrub techs. He is going to have a massive tumor removed from his abdominal area, and to spare all the non-medical people out there the gorey details, it is going to be massive.
So my heart is heavy, and because of his medical background, he and I both know exactly what he is up against. Sometimes knowledge is a blessing, sometimes it just makes it that much worse.
I can't imagine what he is feeling, and how emotionally and physically drained he is.
But I know this. He is a strong Christian man. I know he has the best surgeons on his team. I know God has His hand on Mark.
I have peace amongst the fear, even though I don't know how the next few days will play out. I know the plan, I know the medications they will be using, I know how the surgeons will pass the scalpel. I know how they start the IV's. I know how they will call the "time out" and I know how they will be composed.
And then I know God will do what needs to be done next.
So I pray. I pray for the hands of the surgeons. I pray for the pre-op nurse to get the IV in without any trouble asceptically. I pray that the wait time is minimal. I pray that the team in the room is anointed, and blessed by the Holy Spirit. I pray that no bacteria come into the room. I pray that sterile technique is maintained throughout the surgery. I pray that the team in Marks room slept well last night, and is at their peak today. I pray that God reveal anything that needs to be revealed during the operation. I pray that Marks veins and arteries remain intact, and that he does not bleed any more than absolutely needed. I pray that the edges of this tumor remain intact, and that the tumor is able to be removed. I pray that while Mark is under the anesthesia, that he is at peace. I pray that his organs operate in the way God intended them to work, and that he does not drop his pressures, and that his cardiac rhythm remains in sinus rhythm.
I pray that when the doctors have removed the entire tumor, that there are no unseen cancerous cells left in his body. I pray that he comes out of anesthesia comforted, and that he does not become nauseated or have pain. I pray for the discernment of the nurses to recognise any symptoms before they manifest themself, and take swift action.
I pray that God uses this terrifying experience to bring healing and blessings to everyone involved. I pray for my grandmother, that she have strength to get through this, and say just the perfect words that need to be said at just the right time. I pray for my grandfather through this frightening experience. I pray for Kathie that the peace light upon her and she can be a pillar of strength through all of this.

Thank you for joining me in lifting up Mark and our family in prayer. It is good to be me, and to have such a wonderful support through this blog. So thank you, everyone who is reading this, for being a blessing to me.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Laura your words were a beautiful prayer that covered everything for Mark's surgery and recovery as only you could know. Now we know how to pray for each step of the way. I know you wish you could be there to nurse him during his recovery. What a blessing you are to all of us and how we love you! Grandma D.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm crying now. Anyone who gets through this prayer (with an understanding of the fear of the patient and the family) and still has dry eyes either has a hard heart or a medical condition preventing the tears. This was absolutely beautiful, Laura.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your insight and proyers. I beleive that you have not because you ask not. May there be power in your prayer, my daughter.
Dad

Anonymous said...

My very dear Laura, thank you. Words fail me. Just thank you. You have been such a blessing and strength to me throughout this difficult time. We love you and ,again, thank you for your beautiful, powerful prayer. Gr.ma and Gr.pa S.

Janitha said...

Even though it is a few days later I will include uncle Mark in my prayers today. I wish him all the best.

Anonymous said...

Laura and your family; just like Janitha, I'm with you in my thoughts all the way, and will be praying for your uncle Mark a new, beautiful life with his family!
Love, Janitha's mom in Sweden.

Anonymous said...

You and your uncle are in my thoughts as well. All the best to you!!! Love Jannica