I trust to You my body and my soul

 

It’s been some time since I’ve updated our readers on my journey. Here’s a basic summary of what’s occured over the last three weeks:

I found a swollen gland in late spring under my left ear. I called the doctor to report it as Lance was concerned—I just figured it was a gland that hadn’t returned to normal after an illness. The doctor said it probably wasn’t anything, but to call him if it changed or began to bother me.

At the end of August I called because it had gotten bigger. I went in to see my family doctor on September 14th, and he ordered a CBC, and scheduled a quick visit to a surgeon. The CBC returned with normal results, which was encouraging, but not convincing. I saw the surgeon later that week, and he ordered a CT scan. I got the results several days later, and there was a definite mass on my parotid salivary gland (in front of the ear and below the back of the jaw). He recommended that I see an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor.

Me & Lance

I visited Raleigh ENT, where Lanelle and Lance have seen allergists. Dr. McMahon performed a fine needle biopsy and recommended that we see the head and neck specialists at UNC. The biopsy came back without lymphoma, and the cells they found were benign, but that’s not 100% positive until they see the actual tumor. Dr. McMahon scheduled a visit for me at UNC hospital in the Head and Neck Surgery department, and I saw Dr. Weissler on Monday.

Dr. Weissler confirmed that about 80% of the tumors in this area are benign, so chances are good that it is not cancer. A pathologist will look at the actual tumor once it is removed and make a final diagnosis. If there is cancer, radiation follow up will be recommended.

Philippians 4:4–8

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

The major problem with this surgery, and why a specialist was recommended is that this gland surrounds the facial nerve. Damage to that nerve can cause facial weakness and even paralysis. Most of the nerve damage and resulting muscle weakness recover within a year, but sometimes it’s permanent. Since I am a voice and clarinet music instructor, it’s important that the nerve and muscles at my lips remain undisturbed. I did find out from Dr. Weissler that the corner of the mouth is the most common post-surgical weakness reported. I also play clarinet every week in the church orchestra, and every year I play in a series of concerts we put on at Christmas. Silly as it is, the "palsy" appearance is less of a concern to me than not being able to play in Christmas Sweet. So I'm specifically asking God to spare that nerve branch from damage. “Even if he doesn’t” as the three Jewish boys told Nebuchadnezzar, “I’ll still praise Him.” He will give me another area in which to serve should He choose to set this one aside. Still, He loves to bless His children, and He wants to hear our hearts in truth, so I’m asking specifically for this.

Dr. Weissler scheduled surgery for October 27th. It will be a four-hour surgery and require an overnight stay in the hospital. My Type 2 diabetes will be monitored during surgery and they will regulate my blood sugar as necessary. He said that I should be “back to normal” in a week from surgery, but there is no way to predict what the resulting nerve damage will be. During the surgery, they will remove both the superficial lobe of the parotid gland as well as the tumor. A cut will be made from the front of my ear, down my neck, and back up to the jawline (move over Frankenstein—I’ll be sutured just in time for Halloween to greet my guests at the door....). The scar should be nearly invisible at the end of a year. The pathology report will come back a week after surgery, and if it shows no cancer, I’ll be done with the whole thing.

This has been an interesting journey for our family. Moms tend to be taken for granted. You just suppose that they will always be there. I have been blessed with some incredible kids, and they are praying for me, encouraging me, and doing special things for me. My husband, who has always been my best friend and very attentive, has gone even further, making me feel cherished and indispensible. The news that we are not facing lymphoma and that it is most likely a benign tumor has set us at ease some, but the last three weeks have cemented our relationships in a special way.

 

This past weekend, Lance “wife-napped” me to the mountains and some of our dear friends took the kids for three days and two nights so we could get away alone to celebrate our 22nd anniversary. Other friends loaned us their cabin for the weekend. It was an amazing trip as we NEVER get away alone. He spoiled me ROTTEN, too! Praise God for the generosity of the Castros, Blacks, and McKays.

Me & Burl

I’m also thankful that God has given me a sense of humor. It really makes these rough waters easier to navigate. As Lance and I visited a museum on Grandfather Mountain, we found an interesting exhibit of a burl bowl. The picture above shows the article that was posted at the exhibit. It explains that a burl is a tumor, and how it is formed. I showed the exhibit to Lance and said, “I think I’ll name it ‘Burl.’” I stuck out my neck and had Lance take a picture of “Me ’n Burl.” Some of you might find that repulsive, but for me, it is hilarious. I believe that humor is the foundation of sanity. Learning to laugh at life instead of letting it bury you in its burdens is a discipline worth the pursuit. A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. —Pr. 17:22

Thank you, friends, for praying for us as we weather this current storm. God has already answered many prayers and afforded us things we weren’t even asking for. Your continued prayer will strengthen us for whatever this journey holds in the next few weeks and months as well.

Click here for pictures from our anniversary weekend.