Heading back to Houston tonight…
We’re home! Well, sort of.
July 20, 2012Surgery right now.
July 24, 2012
Hey guys,
I wanted to keep you all updated on what is going on with me. So the skin that looked like it may be dying has continued to get worse. Today it looks like the expander is about to be exposed and my Physician’s Assistant believes it will be exposed very soon, if not today.
So, we are heading to Houston tonight and will see her first thing in the morning. My plastic surgeon is out of town, but will be back tomorrow night. She is conferring with him so they can come up with a plan on what needs to be done to get me back healthy. It looks like I will have the back-flap surgery on Wednesday or Friday…just not sure what day just yet. I should find out tomorrow and I will let you all know.
I have been given much peace about the surgery and my whole situation. God has really worked on me emotionally this weekend and reminded me to trust him. I am thankful that he prevented this from happening during radiation, because my radiation would have been interrupted. I have wondered, why now? Because if something were to go wrong, it “should” have happened earlier, but I believe he was shielding me from interfering with radiation.
There are many benefits from the back flap surgery. My breast will look much more natural and the chances of long-term success with no complications are very, very high. I am not sure on this, but it looks like they will be doing final reconstruction on my right side. Because I was already fully expanded, they should be able to put in my final implant and I should be “done” on that side, so that is a plus. Had I not been fully expanded, they would need to put an expander with the back flap and then exchange it later. They may still need to do that, as I will gain more information tomorrow, but I think they will be able to go straight to an implant. So, if we go through with the back flap surgery on the right side this week, only one breast will be operated on come December or January, so that’s a plus too.
We are choosing to see the positives in the this and trusting the Lord 100%. He sees the whole picture when I can see just what’s ahead. I will not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough worries of its own!
Matt. 6: 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When I had an ultrasound back in January and there was no change in the lymph node size, I was a little discouraged. One of my wonderful friends, Kelly, texted me that the end of my story is healed and whole. Even though that ultrasound wasn’t the news I wanted to hear, I had to focus on the end of the story. That is what we are doing now. The end of my story is a cancer-free life and reconstructed breasts that look as close to my old self as possible. Thankful for people that remind me of this.
So, Josh and I are heading out tonight. Please pray for our minds to be guarded and for the Lord to give us peace and joy. Please pray for my doctor, Dr. Villa, and his P.A. Alisha as they discuss what is the best option for me. Please pray that my surgery is as painless as possible and I will have full strength in my back where that muscle is removed. Also, pray for a wonderful, long-lasting outcome!
I will update tomorrow as we know when surgery will be and what exactly will be done in surgery. Thank you all for praying. Oh, and here is a picture of what we came home to last week. This absolutely made our night. As we pulled up to our house, it was decorated with balloons and had a huge fruit basket waiting for us. The Remsbergs and the Borders welcomed us home with the biggest smiles on our faces. As we pulled up, Josh said, “We have the best friends ever.” It’s true! Here is a picture below:)
11 Comments
I just love you Aly Taylor and your sweet positive spirit through all of this!!! What a blessing you and Josh are to so many!!!!!!
Praying always,
Ashley walker
I love you ash!!!
Hello Ms Aly (and Josh),
I am Renée Holman from TX, a college friend of Josh’s parents. I have been on your team since the beginning. I have had some scriptures scribbled on a sheet of paper since back in May that I though God wanted me to share with you. But since I am a teacher, and May is a difficult month for me, and then crazy summer started, I didn’t get them posted. I have been away from home a lot, and actually got behind on the blogs. I have often looked at the scrap of paper and wondered if it even had meaning any longer, but I just couldn’t throw it away. This afternoon I sat down and caught up on your blog, and I think today is the day.
Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” Mark 5:34 MSG
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith IN ME has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” NIV
He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Mark 8:23-25 NIV
I believe there are times we see God’s instantaneous healing. But I think the story of this man’s healing reveals to us that sometimes it takes a little time–as you often describe as your journey. It doesn’t mean Jesus can’t heal, just that there is more He wants us to experience.
I agree with your friend Kelly…the final word is that you are healed and whole, like the woman with the plague.
I always say prayers for you, but now that I am caught up with my blog reading, I can be more specific! Your willingness to make us all such a part of this very difficult and intimate time in your life is incredible! I am also praying for more platforms, big or small, from which you and Josh can tell your story! Much love as we are part of His family.
Renée Holman
This was so timely when I read it months ago. Thank you for taking the time and continuing to pray. I could never possibly explain how much it means.
Reading your blog made me think of the new song we learned in VBS at Family Church a few weeks ago, called “Counting on God.” So applicable:
Joy unspeakable that won’t go away,
And just enough strength to live for today,
I never have to worry what tomorrow will bring,
My faith is on the solid rock,
I’m counting on God! (repeatedly!!)
Praying peace,and wisdom for you, Josh, and medical team. Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ms janis
Amen, amen! Love you ms Janis!!
Hey Ali-
I’m a long-time lurker on your blog. I went to Prairie with Jessica back in the day. I have been praying for you every day, and hope that this next part of your journey (though unexpected!) will go as smoothly as possible.
Praying for your quick and total healing!
Emma (Breaux) Guillory
Yes, we remember you!! Thank you so much for praying. It means so much to know an old friend is praying. Please continue!!
Aly,
We have never met, but I have been following your blog and I will continue to keep you and Josh in my prayers. I am also a breast cancer survivor ( almost 2 years now), but I am older and I only had a lumpectomy and have so far not needed any further treatment. Even so, I can relate to the fears and uncertainty you feel following treatment and going through the physical cosmetic changes that go along with having breast cancer. I am praying that you will have a good result with reconstruction surgery and that you will recover quickly. It takes awhile to accept that you are completely healed and well again after all that you’ve been through, but you will be able to overcome this with God’s help as you re-enter the world as a cancer survivor. But I know that each day you will be reminded as you are getting dressed and see the scars in the mirror, but remember that others cannot see those scars and they will either forget or they may never know what you have been through and it becomes your daily reminder that each new day is a gift and an opportunity to share God’s love with others. And, it is an intimate secret that you and your husband share as a it will deepen your bond of love to one another. My prayer for you and Josh:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord makes his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Thank you for your kind words. And yes, yhr bond between us has so much more depth. Please continue to pray! So glad you are doing well.
Hi Aly this Alex Reid I wanted to say hi and let u know that I am praying for you and josh MISS YOU BUNCHES!! God will help you through!
Lots of love Alex