July 17, 2018 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
So I probably should have left off that exclamation point because I am in no way excited about this surgery – only the part of getting the cancer out of my body. And I hope you all understand that I don’t care to share all the details publicly – it is so hard in this journey to feel like any part of yourself is still private and that you can maintain modesty. You start to feel like your body is not your own to a certain extent. Anywho…here are the basic details:
My surgery is scheduled for July 18 at noon. We have had a couple of hiccups in that the biopsy of my skin that originally came back clean in fact was not after a second look. So we will have to have a slightly more complicated surgery with skin removal – we were hoping to avoid this. Please pray that this goes smoothly, that they get clean margins this first time, and that we don’t have issues with wound closure. Pray that healing comes quickly so that I can snuggle Gus as soon as possible – that part is going to be hard. Pray for Marsh as he takes care of me. Pray for my big boys – again, they are shouldering so much and doing an amazing job – pray that God continues to keep them strong. And just pray for me – this is a very personal and emotional surgery and it is going to be very hard emotionally.
After surgery it is expected for me to have a 3-4 week recovery and then begin radiation. There are so many moving parts going on here and more prayers needed. As I shared before we plan to do Proton Therapy radiation as opposed to traditional radiation. This is much safer on my heart and lungs and reduces my chances of a heart related incident by 42%. The problem is that insurance is not wanting to cover it. We are in the process of appeals but so far have been turned down twice. The estimated cost of this out of pocket will be in the range of $110,000. So please pray that the appeal process works and overturns the denial. Otherwise pray that the Lord provides the funds.
Also please pray for my other chemo families. Mr. F and my friend T both got some not so great news recently. We are still hopeful and praying boldly. Please pray with us for comfort, wisdom, and more. They all need to be surrounded by God’s comfort and love. My heart is aching for all of them right now.
I will try to give a quick update here later this week after surgery. Please don’t hesitate to text or send us a message. We may not be so quick to get back (or I may forget to respond altogether) but I promise we will read each and every one. Thank you all for the prayers and support. I know that is keeping us going….
Comments from CaringBridge
This post had 20 comments on CaringBridge; the first 10 (newest first, as they loaded) are captured below.
Tom Sullivan — 7/20/18
Praying for you and your family. Nancy and I will continue to pray for you for complete healing. Praying for your boys that God will comfort them and wrap His loving arms around them to let them know he is there for you and them💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Nancy Sullivan — 7/20/18
We are members of IPC and have been praying for you since Terry asked us to pray for you from the pulpit. My mother had breast cancer and I’m aware of how devastated you must feel. Fortunately, there have been many advancements over the years. We are praying for your complete healing and for God’s peace for you and your precious family!
Joanna Collins — 7/18/18
Lesley…. just now reading your update and in deep prayer for you and each person in your family. By now you’ve probably had your surgery or are in recovery. I pray that God would bless you with strength, that the margins would be clear, that through his Holy Spirit he would heal you in the name of Jesus Christ. I pray that snuggles with Gus would come soon and that your husband would have supernatural strength to carry all he needs to at this time. So many people I know are affected by this wretched thing called cancer but our God is much bigger and he gets the final say. Believing and praying on your behalf💙
darice davis — 7/18/18
Hi Lesley, I hope you get the funds or insurance coverage you need. If I was able, I would be more than happy to do that for you and your family. I really admire your courage and ability to think of others at this trying time. Be strong, I hope all this will be over for you soon. You have a loving family to keep fighting for. We miss your library visits and the boys telling me their adventure stories. Please try to apply for Medicaid to get help.
V Lynn James — 7/18/18
Praying for you, your family, your friends and for Gods – watch care, provision and guidance. May you feel Gods love-bond and presence with you.
Stacey Gunnin — 7/18/18
You and your family are in my prayers, sending my love and good vibes as well!!! Alright Wonder Woman it’s time to fight another round 🥊 You have got this! 💪🏼 Seriously, I have seen 1st hand the strength it takes and the tenacity to continue putting one foot in front of the other & you sweet girl, you simply amaze me. 🙏🏻💕
Debbie Jacobs — 7/18/18
Prayers, prayers and more prayers for you, your family, the Dr.’s and nurses caring for you, for your speedy recovery from surgery, strength, for approval by the insurance co for the specific radiation you need and desire, for God to provide everything each step of the way and He is glorified.
Jennifer Waters — 7/17/18
I’m praying for you and will continue to pray about all of these things, dear friend. Know you will definitely be lifted up in prayer tomorrow by so many who love you. ❤️
Amy Peed — 7/17/18
Praying for you!😘
Lou Queen — 7/17/18
Praying and we love you and family! ❤️🙏🐻
Cancermamma 