The morning was filled with mixed emotions. Much of the family and several friends gathered at OHSU Hospital before Lisa's surgery to support Lisa and her parents. They were all glad that finally the doctors would remove the cancer that had taken over Lisa's shoulder, but they were also anxious. The surgery to remove the cancer also means that they will remove a bone from her leg and muscle from her back to rebuild her shoulder. This will mark a milestone in the process, but also bring on a new set of challenges. Lisa will have to wear a brace on her leg and it will be harder for her to get around. Her body will be very sore and she will need to stay strong to fight off any infections. But everyone is ready for the next phase...out with the old, in with the new!
By about 2:00 they had removed the cancer and also the bone from her leg and started the reconstruction process. Lisa is doing well during surgery and the family is holding up "ok". Keep them in your prayers because they estimated it would be about 7:00 pm before Lisa would be out of the OR and into the recovery room. Even after she enters recovery it is still awhile before the family can see her. I imagine that at times like these a mother's instincts kick in overtime and you just want to see for yourself that your "baby" is safe. Lisa is in the hands of some of the best doctors in the world, but we know that she is also in the hands of the God who made her, and that is what gets us through tough times like these.