Hospital and more

Wow, it’s been a while since I last posted. Probably has something to do with being in the hospital.

This has truly been a difficult period in my life … in our lives. On August 11th, I went into the hospital for what was supposed to be surgery and one night’s stay. That one surgery and one night stay turned into so much more. Eight days, uncountable tests, and two surgeries later I finally went home with a stint in a bile duct.

I feel like I have been beaten up. In those eight days, I couldn’t have solid food; just liquids or for four days … nothing at all!!! So far, I have lost about 16 pounds and still losing. Hopefully that will regulate soon. Next week Yadith has surgery, and just 12 days later I need to go back to the hospital for another procedure. I am praying that this will be it; if this doesn’t work, the alternative is not something I want.

I did not expect to have this issue or spend that long in the hospital; however, here we are. I have had to change my diet and am still getting used to what I can eat without consequences. I am told that if this procedure doesn’t work, then I will have another more serious surgery; if it does work, then I will probably have to repeat the procedure (sphincterotomy of the sphincter of oddi) every 10 to 15 years. This is not exactly great news; but it could have been worse.; at least I do not have pancreatic cancer … praise God.

Recovery is fun … LOL. OK, not quite. But I am starting to feel better; I just have some unusual pains in the right side. The incisions are healing, and I can use the muscles a little more … this is all good news.

On the spiritual side I have to say that I have learned a lot … more than I could have ever learned in another situation.

During the week after I was told I had pancreatic cancer I did a lot of “soul searching” and finally acquiesced to God. I finally got to the point where I could say “Lord, your will be done,” but “please give me the strength to get through it.” Since then I have been getting closer to God and my wife.

It is amazing; even now I am learning as my wife goes for surgery. I feel as though I must give her to God as a sacrifice. This sounds insane I know. I have never loved another person like I love Yadith, nor will I ever again. But I must not place her before my Lord, my God. I must accept God’s will for both of our lives and trust in Him. I do, but it is hard. It is so hard to see my wife go through this as well. God is faithful though … He is providing the strength.
We are still learning, but wow, what a journey!!