Dec. 27 Update

I have to be brief since we need to shower and get to bed while here at home, but just wanted to let you know after 10 hours of surgery, we were informed that all had been taken out that was of concern including cancer. Of course, we didn't want to hear that cancer was found, but the doctor was very positive.As mentioned before, Mom was VERY swollen from the fluid....it was 1 gallon of fluid we were told, but that's natural. We didn't think she'd be awake after the surgery in the ICU, but she was and could respond to us. It was soooo hard to see her with all the tubes and all the swollenness in her face...not looking like herself at all, but she is in excellent care in the ICU. We had my aunt and uncle and friends Mack and Kendra with us the whole time today waiting with us offering an amazing amount of love and support as we waited for the brief report we got every 2 hours...which was always "the surgery is in progress, and the patient is fine"...that was somewhat helpful during the first 7 hrs. Anyway, I need to stop, but THANK YOU for your prayers...so many things have been working out like: the doctor being here (he's on vacation next week), my dad's chickens not going out until Sunday INSTEAD of this morning (he has to be there in DE for that), Dave and I are both off work so we can be with Dad and help take care of their puppy, family/friends being able to be with us while we waited today, my sister's plans to fly up tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll have other things to report b/c that's the way God is! So it's a long road ahead, but we know God is in control and take GREAT comfort in knowing so MANY people are praying!!!!!!!