For those who have been following my husband's epic "adventure" with colon cancer, our "moment" has arrived.... Tomorrow is Dave's surgery, starting at 8am Pacific Time. I have successfully put 12lbs on that guy, and not gained any myself...now how did I do that???!!!! But the surgeon was very impressed!

This surgery should last anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, including the liquid radiation/swish phase. It will be a very long and challenging day for both of us, so I am asking for prayers - all are heard, all are answered, by our Almighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!! We pray for a successful surgery, with no complications or infections, complete eradication of all cancers, a speedy recovery, and a cancer-free future for this man who puts his life on the line everyday to save others.

I cannot thank you enough for your caring support through all of this, and tomorrow will be the end of a very long, scary road. After his surgery, the journey will take a different direction, and full remission is our goal!!! Even though Dave has many trials still ahead (recovery, followed by 6 more chemo treatments, and, of course, the unknown); the surgeon, oncologist, and Dave and I, have faith good results will come tomorrow. We take each day as it comes, and TRY not to borrow tomorrow's troubles, as God only equips us for THIS day.

And I have to say, with all of our dear friends (bariatric pals included!!!), tomorrow at 8am the heavens will be filled with awesome prayers for a dedicated soul, who has met this challenge with a smile on his face, compassion for our fellow cancer patient-friends, and a strong desire to go back to work and fulfill his dream of retiring (ALIVE and WELL) as a law enforcement officer.

Thank you. Thank you. I cannot say it enough. God bless you all for helping ME through this. My world would be MUCH harder without your support. I will fill you in on his recovery as we progress.

Love you all.....Jenifer

Such good news -- sending lots of positive energy your way. Take good care of yourself as being a caregiver is so stressful. Can you get a massage, etc.? Sounds like crazy talk when there's so much, but don't forget about you! Very best wishes.....

@@CanyonBaby,

So happy to hear surgery went well. I am sure part of that is due to you getting him fattened up and in good shape. Thank you, God. Have a happy reunion with your pups. I will continue to pray for an uncomplicated recovery for him and peace for you. Big huuuuuug!

Tired, but blissfully happy now that we know the extent of the cancer, and the removal of said cancer. Cried myself to sleep last night, as a release from months of worry, stress, and fear of the unknown - so much so I can't even verbalize it. There is hope, and when we find out the pathology of the lymph nodes, we, at least, will be able to form a game plan.

I really expected the surgeon to come out of surgery saying Dave was full of the cancer, BUT HE ISN'T!!!! And he didn't com out saying that - but you get to the point that that is where you are at, you know? So, with that great weight off my shoulders, a bit of release was in order.

Exhausted, and I don't even do much but sit and watch him sleep. He DID discover pain, today, and NOT in a good way! NOW he knows what pain REALLY is, as he has never had any physical issues (pain) before this. Even with the epidural, he has great pain where the drain is placed. A long road awaits him.

As for me, last night, on the way home from the hospital, it was raining (first time in several months!), and a thought came to mind: Even rainy days ARE DAYS!!! Days we might not have under different circumstances, but DAYS, nevertheless, even if they aren't so pleasant and filled with unimaginable horrors. I thought "I must embrace the rainy days, as well as the sunny days, because they are given for a reason - maybe it is not for me to know the reason at this time, but they are important days, just the same.".

And even though I am being incredibly philosophical right now, I have learned a great and invaluable lesson...to value ANY day that is given to me, especially if it is one spent with my loving husband, sick or healthy. So in my chair, as I sat next to him all day, I was AT PEACE, for the first time in many months. And I sat there, crocheting and reading magazines and watching the unending city traffic whiz by for HOURS on end, at peace.

What a day. Thank you, Lord, for it. Good night, friends.

So glad he made it through surgery successfully. Will be praying for a swift recovery for him and for a full remission from the cancer.