The Answers... for now!

Day 2 of placing one foot in front of the other and pressing on towards our goal. Surgery is over and for now we have some immediate answers, some decisions to face soon, but overall, a lot of Hope in achieving our someday family.

The surgery only lasted about 45 minutes, Heath says. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who were there with him, stopped in to see me, and prayed with us before the surgery. Mom Smith, Stacy, Mom, Pastor Kevin, Tyler, Holly, and tiny Jessi! There prsence during a scary, unknown time was so appreciated and encouraging!

It's odd that the surgery only lasted that long, because I think the anesthesia is still hanging on a bit. I don't know if I'm typing too fast or if I just am having a hard time spelling. Either way, It's coming out! :-)

Dr. Pete found that my Left tube was not blocked. The uterus and both tubes allowed the dye to go through this time and for that we are very thankful. He diagnosed me with not only PCOS (which I already knew) but now also Stage 2 endometriosis. Endo is basically when the lining of my uterus sheds during my cycle, some of it backs up into the tubes and deposits itself on organs in my abdomen. I did not talk to Dr.Pete, but from what I understand, he only found some few small lesions on my ovaries, but none in the rest of the abdominal cavity, bladder, liver, or other organs. That is a good thing. It is an incurable disease and can make getting pregnant tougher, but we feel very hopeful about achieving that someday. He was able to laser some of the lesions off the ovaries, but that holds some risk for decreasing pregnancy since it can create scar tissue on the ovary, which then would prevent mature eggs from forming and releasing.

There are basically two ways, Dr. Pete, said we can treat endometriosis. With hormone therapy.. that will stop menstruation so the lining doesn't deposit elsewhere. OR, the one we will choose, PREGNANCY! In a couple of weeks, we will have a post-op appt with Dr. Pete and we are praying we will find out our options for proceeding in our journey to have a family. Dr. Pete says the only risk in getting pregnant with endometriosis is that there are increased chances of multiple births (twins, triplets, etc) because of the fertility meds that we will use. I must admit that my heart smiled when I heard that. I've always wanted twins... triplets and quads, not so much, but then the Lord is in control of that. We may only end up with one, who knows... God does! Anyway, when I heard that I was excited because not only would I be getting my baby someday, but I might be getting my BABIES one day!

God, I am overwhelmed by the peace you provided as I went into surgery yesterday. I know that that was something that could only come from you. A peace that passes all understanding, that allowed me to rest easily in your arms, knowing that it was your hand guiding Dr. Pete's yesterday. I know that the love and support that surrounded me in the form of family around me, but more importantly, in their faith and their prayers for me, played a big part in my calmness as I left Heath sitting there and headed to the OR. You are good, you are God, you are amazing, and we love you! Thank you for the little rays of hope that you bring to this sitatuation. For the way that you have provided thus far, and will continue to provide, finances for our journey. And for the way that you always point me to what I need to remember about your promises. Years ago, I wouldn't be handling this the same way, so I'm thankful for the way that you have worked in my life and drawn me closer to you. There is no place I'd rather be! I love you and I praise you for the Hope you have given!