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update on my mom:
she was scheduled for a hysterectomy on Friday, but pre-surgery screening showed “numerous” blood clots in both legs. She was in so much pain from them that it was hard to walk and they admitted her for the past two days and she has been receiving blood thinners and pain medication. The doctor seemed pretty sure it was ovarian cancer, but we are praying and hoping that it turns out to be either nothing at all, or completely contained to her ovary and will be gone once it’s removed. She is scheduled for her hysterectomy now for Monday. The blood clots are still a worry but the threat of cancer is very real and outweighs that risk. As you can imagine, we are all very worried and wanting to spend as much family time as we can right now to support my mom. I will be teaching my workshops this month as planned (this weekend and the Rise & Shine Workshops the 20th/21st and the 23rd/24th) but will be spending the majority of my time at my parents’ home.
Please keep my mama in your prayers. Pray for strength for her and wisdom on the surgeons’ part. She has been reading every comment on my fan page and my Instagram, and your words have been SO encouraging to all of us, so please keep them coming!
(from the lake house in Michigan last year)
Ashley F - Beautiful photos (as always) – we’re all out here rooting for your mom to kick butt in this surgery! Good luck, my prayers are with your entire family and friends!
Jennifer - Beautiful Post! Thoughts and Prayers are coming to you, your mama and your family!!!
Lauren - Amazing pictures as always but more importantly sending prayers for your mother. Just so you know you are not alone. Our family went through a very similar story a little over a year ago. Everything was fine and then one morning my father-in-law was rushed to the emergency room. An all day surgery with several visits from the surgeon telling us he is still trying but it didn’t look good for survival. But the miracle came… he survived. He survived the surgery when they said he wouldn’t. He survived the night when they said no way would he make it. And each day after that. 42 days in the hospital and he got to walk out of the hospital ALIVE. Miracles do happen and nothing helps that more than the power of friends, family, and prayer. Even though I don’t know you, it will not stop me from praying for your mother. Our thoughts are with her.
Claudia Soto - I am such a huge fan of your work! Love this post!
.Natalie - WOW your photos are stunning, and so crisp and clear, thoughts with you at this hard time
Sarah - Your mama is in my prayers. What a blessing you all are to er to surround her in this time. Praying d
Sarah - Oops. Praying for YOU too. Dealing with that as her daughter is no joke.
Brenda Faulkner - Rachel, thank you for sharing your life with us. I just LOVED every. single. picture. I will be praying for your mom, and for your who family.
Michelle - Your whole family is in my prayers. I am an RN and have come to learn that Dr’s and Surgeons most often give you the worst case scenario and talk in those terms. That way if it does go totally wrong or it is that bad you are prepared for the worst. I have worked in a Level 1 Trauma Center and have seen people come in who were clinically dead and they go home to live many more happy years.
The love your family shares is very evident and that will carry her far. A medical emergency can cause symptoms of PTSD in both the patient and the family, don’t be afraid to ask or seek the advice of someone who speciallizes in treating those side effects. Don’t hesitate to get an RX for an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant as these can help keep those, very real and justified, feelings of panic and despair in check.
OK enough “advice” just sending love and prayers across the internets–ha ha!!
Candace - Wonderful pictures! Praying for your mother’s health! Your mother is beautiful! She looks really strong and has so many reasons to beat this if it turns out to be cancer. She has a wonderful family and that will propel her to health!
Jamie - Beautiful images! Prayers being sent to you all!