Hello hello hello,
Wow, SO much has happened since I last wrote. I’ll try to fill you all in and try not to bore you at the same time. We had been told by both doctors that the 7c tumor had disappeared and that all I needed was a lumpectomy, which is where they take the lump plus some of the surrounding area. The surgeon wanted to make sure so he asked for more tests. Well, to his surprise the tests showed that my right breast was full of cancer and that I needed to have a mastectomy.
Wow, we kind of wished we hadn’t received the other report, but relieved that we took the tests even after the other doctor said it was unnecessary AND that we didn’t tell anyone until the tests confirmed the prognosis. The surgeon recommended reconstruction (plastic surgery) and also recommended a specialist in reconstruction and mastectomies. We went to his office and he explained the procedure. With a marking pen, he outlined where the incisions needed to be and then we went to our room. The next morning, bright and early, they came and put an IV in my arm, some bandage wraps on my legs, a cap for my head and some booties for my feet and off to the operating room. I remember talking to the anesthesiologist about her kids, while she strapped my arms down. Then I remember saying hi to the surgeon and to the reconstruction surgeon and then I was out. I woke up thinking they still needed to do the surgery. It wasn’t quick, I was just fast asleep. Apparently they had to take a lot out plus all the lymph nodes. Now it was the reconstruction doctors turn. He placed a temporary implant that helps keep the skin stretched during chemo and radiation. Which are what is next on the agenda…chemo and radiation. I don’t have all the results back yet so I don’t know what kind or how much I will need. Then after chemo and radiation, I will have the real implants put in place. The reason they don’t put it in straight away is because the radiation causes damage to the prosthesis. I’m so amazed at the progress in medicine. There are incredible things they are doing these days. Now if MAN has come up with all this, just think who gave them the ability to even dream it. Well, after surgery and a few days recuperating in the clinic, I was ready to go home. They put a “drain” or a long tube in the breast area on the side to drain all the excess fluids. Its pretty gross looking. I carry the container in a small white plastic bag which the doctor calls ‘my purse’. He said to be careful since I am a gringa…a thief might think I’m carrying money in my little white plastic bag, grab it and run off with all my fluids. Now that would actually be really funny. I just worry that I will get the tube caught on something or that I will forget about it and walk off only to hear a big thump on the floor, and hope that it didn’t burst open. I must look pretty funny…bald head, long tube (with yucky bloody fluids in it) connected to a white plastic bag and extra skinny. But ya know, I’m actually okay with all this. I actually feel like I am in good company and that I have been given a great opportunity to grow and become a better person because of all this. I actually feel honored to have been entrusted with a difficult situation and the responsibility to choose correctly in how I react and respond. Yea its scary! Yea its not fun! Yea it changes your plans! Yea it hurts! YEA yea yea…there are a million yea’s, but its okay! This is really a wonderful opportunity in my life, to really see if I believe IN God or if I BELIEVE God. I want to grow in His grace and experience His great love. I want to become a better believer and learn to trust Him more. Life is short and I want the opportunity to show HIM that I love Him…I want my life to be a sacrifice of worship to the one who loved me first.
May we all become better at believing God.
Hey, I got to go to church this weekend, even with my little white plastic bag :)
I love you all…big hugs…karyn
14 Comments
Hey Karyn,
Glad to get caught up on you!!! Can’t wait to see you in May. I told Buddy the other day that between twitter,facebook and email I’m not sure if all this technology has helped me or just made me more confused!
Love you
Kathy
You are such an inspiration! I can hear the strength of God, the grace of God and the faithfulness of God leading you through this time. Your heart is real and you are truely living a Christ-filled life. Your determination encourages me to continue through all things and to never stop giving God glory.
Love
Julie Trevino
Victory Family
We certainly have a lot in common. It all sounds like me. Hang in, praying for you.
You inspire me so much. Walking like a champion, because you already are under our God’s eyes!
Hey Girlfriend - just read your blog - thanks for sharing. I was so curious as to everything and you answered my questions. I heard you spoke at ELLAS recently - WOW! I’m so proud of you. Thanks for being such an encourager and inspiration in my life. I love you!!! YFF Jo Anne
Dear Sweet Woman of God,
You inpspire us all wiht your trust and faith in the one and only who is trustworthy. I pray we would all be able to walk our journey as courageously as you! I continue to pray for you and celebrate each day!
Hugs and loads of Love…Shelly
You are a blessing for us all, may the Lord bless you the double.
Love,
Gabriela Perpetua
Karyn: You are truly amazing! Your heart is so full of the love of God and your worship so pure. You so reflect God’s love on this planet. God is going to demonstrate ALL of who HE IS IN YOU, THROUGH YOU AND FOR YOU during this time. You have an unshakeable faith that will be so far reaching that will influence thousands of lives. Just as your love for Him is amazing; God’s love for you is amazing! Blessings to you and your family! We are praying for strength and total healing!
Much love,
Margaret
Dear Karyn, you are such a wonderful example of courage and faith! I truly believe that His work will be completed and you will continue to worship Him with the pretty voice and incredible heart you have.
You are in my prayers and in my heart. I know you don’t really know me, but I know a lot about you and the love you gave to my dear ones.
May the Lord bless you abundantly…
Sincerely,
Marily
(Roberto and Lia’s daugther)
Hello Karyn Barriger,
I remember way back when I first knew you that not only did you possess an outer beauty but that your inner beauty really shone brightly. I have seen your lovely family photos and read through your blog, and I see this beauty still, along with a strength and peace that only God can give during such a time as this.
A song we used to sing back then comes to mind as I think of you. “I go to the Rock”. Do you remember that one?
You are in my prayers old friend.
love, Deborah
Karyn,
Praying for your continual peace and strength and the joy of the Lord upon you and your family. We love you!
Fernando and Missy Gutierrez, Healing Place Church
Hello Karyn - So glad you added to your blog as I was wondering how you were doing. You are a blessing to me as you walk your faith and share it with us. Say hi to Robert for me (and Danny).
Love you, Karen
You are an inspiration for me and will continually pray for you pastora and for your loved ones. You are a true woman of God! I love you, Aidee
Karyn-
I have learn one thing serving God all these years, that if its not going to work out for my own good, God will remove it.
In reading your story we can see that God is working it out for your good. You are a worshiper in the making.
Praying daily for you.