Friday, July 3, 2009

Update on Lenya




The rain this morning reminded me of God's faithfulness to provide. (Isa 55:9-11) We're doing well and are set for this unplanned journey. After setting a date for Lenya's surgery, we are now focused on the operation and recovery. I'll let Lenya tell you in her own words:

"Good Morning,

Thank you for you words or encouragement and prayers. I have had incredible peace throughout the whole discovery process. Skip has been an angel...barely leaving my side. The Dr.s have been strong advocates on our behalf. To have nearly a dozen test in 4 days...incredible! Also, to move from discovery to diagnosis in a week's time is amazing. I have every confidence in their care. More importantly, I trust the Great Physician with my life!

I have a couple of pre-op tests on Monday. I have a colonoscopy on Tuesday. My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday 7/8 at 1 PM. Dr. Francisco Ampuero GYN/ONC will perform the procedure. It is a small, highly professional facility. I will have a private room and top notch care.

The surgery will require a vertical incision from my belly button to my pubic bone. The mass is so large that it displaces several vital organs. Therefore, they need to open my abdomen wide enough to pull it out in tact and without compromising adjacent organs. Doctors say that the good news is that the tumor is encapsulated. It hasn't adhered to other organs, rather it imposes upon them. It is a consistent density. And it has not created fluid in the pelvic area. The even better news? My surgeon called me "thin with almost no belly fat!" He's now my new best friend.

My mother is flying in on Tuesday. They say I will need someone at the house for 2 weeks to help out. She'll be here for the entire time. Recovery time is expected to be 2-3 months.

Thanks for your love and prayers!

Love,

Lenya"

23 comments:

Nichol Naranjo said...

We do serve a faithful God! Praise God that he is the Great Physician!!

Lenya, you make me laugh! Your new best friend!!!!

Praying hard!!! All our love ~ The Naranjo Family :)

Georgia said...

Lenya,
"thin with almost no bellyfat"... that IS a good report! Thanks so much for taking the time and energy to let us hear it from you. It makes me feel better somehow. You and your family are continually in my prayers. Thanks for walking the walk.

Love,
Georgia

Helen said...

We will continue to continue to cover you in our prayers...rest up and enjoy being waited on!!!
Blessings,
Ron and Helen Berry

TDW said...

Dearest Lenya, Skip & Nate: I know this is such a time when things are like a whirlwind. Our prayers are constant for all of you, as you each have different perspectives of these events. I think it is very cool how God had it rain today, having Freedom Celebration re-scheduled, so that you all can spend time together. It shows how great a love He has for His children. Love you all so much. Tricia Walker

~F~ said...

I love to see the humor! Keep that up. Prayers from New York, The Cole Family

Molly said...

Skip and Lenya,
We are praying the Lord would give you His strength, peace, and wisdom during this journey. It is so comforting to know that this is all in His hands.
With love and prayers,
Kevin and Molly

Unknown said...

OUR God is AMAZING! You are God's child- HE will take care of you! HE has provided Dr Ampuero- the best dr for this type of procedure! From 11:00 the day of your surgery The God Squad will be in constant, consistent intercessory prayer for you and your family and all medical staff involved. Here is my prayer for you....

Our most gracious Heavenly Father, I come humbly to you thanking You for Blessing Calvary Chapel ABQ with the wonderful Pastor and his wife, Skip and Lenya. Lord They love you so as many of us do. I come asking you to Bless the doctors and staff as they remove this mass. YOU Father, are the Almighty Physician and You are bigger than this mass. I ask that You wrap Your loving arms around this family and pour your Grace, Mercy and Compassion over them, hold them tight as they go through this trial. I thank You and Praise you.
In Jesus Holy Name, Amen

Becca said...

Sister Lenya, thank you for your testimony of faith and trust in our Lord. I pray that your walken deepens to a secret place that it has never been before as you grasp onto your Father's hand. May He give you great comfort and peace beyond your understanding. We will continue to pray for you, Skip, Nathan, and your family and friends. I love that we know that we know that we know...He is Almighty and reigns on His throne. God bless you. In His Love,
Becca

ps..love the thin comment!!! Keep the sense of humor the Lord has gifted you with :)

Unknown said...

We Love You Very Much and will continue to pray for you.
Ken and Lori Ann Adams

Christina Carter said...

Praying for you from Colorado!! I have been encouraged by the faithfulness and power of God lately and pray that you will be too! May the God of all comfort fill you with joy and peace and take away that pain!!

With love,
Christina

Tisa’s blog said...

Lenya,
I’m very sorry this is happening to you but I know Abba is in control and he loves you. Abba has given you a great sense of humor. My sister loves all your work books. You have really blessed her life. My mom, sister, and I are praying for you to have strength, peace and a fast full recovery. Shalom, Theresa Giardino

Nauni said...

praying for a speedy recovery.

Tom said...

Lenya, know that you are in my prayers.

Tom Terry
www.thomasterry.com

Maellen said...

Dear Skip and Lenya:
We absolutely ARE praying! I thank God for His peace that passes all understanding. He IS on the throne!
God bless you all!
Love Monty and Maellen and the kids

Unknown said...

Hey Lenya, I dedicate Mat Kearney's song, "Closer to Love", to you! (Especially the "Lake Michigan" verse.) You're constantly on my mind and heart, but more importantly on His, the LORD's mind and heart every moment. Love in Jesus, *Hebrews 7:25* Sandy Schweitzer

Kelsianne said...

Skip and Lenya,
I, Lydia, am writing from my daughter, Kelsey's account.
You can count on the Hoppman family to be praying for you!! Isn't God so good to give you His peace that passes all understanding? He will do abundantly more than you could ever ask or think!!!
We love you and will press in on your behalf and trust that God Almighty is in control.Our Great Physician is always at your side.
All our love.
in His Glorious and Amazing Grip,
Lydia Hoppman
His mercy endures forever:)

Anonymous said...

Once again, you have been willing to be transparent in your lives and the way you face trials as well as joys is a testimony to how we as believers are set apart in a fallen world. Be blessed as you receive the outpouring of love from all who care and are lifting you up in prayer. KK

Anonymous said...

Lenya & Skip,

We are praying for you all the way from South Carolina. We are a Calvary church plant from South Denver (Gino's church). Thank you for sharing this intimate news with us and allowing us to pray for you and with you.

Love,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family- especially Lenya. God bless you and keep you during this time.

Amanda said...

Praying for a speedy recovery. Love,
The Scoby Family

The Swallows Nest said...

Dearest Skip & Lenya, it is with much surprise that we hear this news. We have clearly been out of the loop for a couple of weeks to find out that you all are dealing with an unexpected storm. Your example of relying on Christ is so humbling and a reminder of how we should be in all circumstances of our life. On Christ the Solid Rock we stand and pray for you, Lenya and Skip!
Naomi Swallows

Sandwich Generation Survivor said...

Lenya and Skip-

We will be praying for you while you are in surgery. Isn't it wonderful to know that the Creator of the universe is the one in control?

If you EVER need anything the next couple of months, please do not hesitate to ask (Nate has our number)!

Love to you all,
Barb and the Loeppke family

Sandwich Generation Survivor said...

Lenya and Skip-

We will be praying for you while you are in surgery. Isn't it wonderful to know that the Creator of the universe is the one in control?

If you EVER need anything the next couple of months, please do not hesitate to ask (Nate has our number)!

Love to you all,
Barb and the Loeppke family