March 27, 2009 - Week Before Mastectomy

Hello everyone,

Just thought that I would send out an update since I am just a little over a week away from my mastectomy surgery. The enemy has been stirring things up and is now roaring as loud as he can all of the time. I have started developing butterflies that I have not had up until now, so please help me pray them away because we all know that is not of the Lord. To date, there still have not been any come-aparts, although I have given it thought a time or two, but I just decided not to go there. Thankfully, God understands and forgives my occasional butterflies and has graciously given me confirmation after confirmation that He knows my situation and that He is in control. Since I have been taking all of you on this journey with me, I would like to share just a couple of them.

After picking up mastectomy camisoles, going to my dental appointment, and then going to try on wigs in case of chemo ... it was a long ride home. John kept asking me on the way home what I was thinking, and all I could tell him was "Mercy" - I need the Lord's mercy. Seriously, that was all I could think about and I was trying to recollect scriptures where people had begged the Lord for mercy. That very night when I got home I received a card from a friend reminding me of whom my Great Physician is and that by His stripes we are healed. I also received an email from another dear friend that said in part: "There are many days to receive God's mercy and this day will only prove to you that his mercy is endless. The one scripture that seems to sustain me through those endless days is; The Lord will not put more on you than you can handle (paraphrased)."

Okay, I said a couple, but I have to share one more confirmation about the surgery date of April 6th. Monica and Wylie told us they were going to clear their schedules so they could be there. However, when they went to clear them, they found out they had "both" already been regularly scheduled off on that date. God is so good!!! There have been so many wonderful calls, cards and emails that mean so much to me and I wish that I could address each and every one. They have all been a great comfort and each one has spoken to me more than you will ever know. Thank you all so very much for caring and especially for your prayers. Please keep them coming and help pray me through!!! Again, I know many of you are with your own troubles and please know that we are praying for you too. Remember to dance in all that rain we have been getting. John and I did actually go outside and dance in the rain, but you all know me - I didn't want to get my hair wet - so I wore a rain bonnet!!! Love to all, Liz

P.S. The surgery is expected to take 6-8 hours and my hospital stay should be four days. Just to reconfirm to everyone - I request no visitors during my hospital stay. Thank you in advance for understanding.