Three Years Ago (Hurricane Related)

Three years ago I was about three weeks out from colon cancer surgery. I'd been home from the hospital for about two weeks and was still adjusting to having a colostomy. (THAT'S an understatement!)

I was not in school due to the surgery, upcoming chemo, the colostomy, and a "woe is me" attitude.

However, I was thanking God every moment for my wonderful husband who was doing his absolute best to see our family through this situation. He waited on me hand and foot. He held me when I cried. He fielded phone calls. He took me for rides when I needed to get out. But above all else, he changed my colostomy appliance each and every time it needed to be done for the first month, until I felt confident enough to do it myself.

An appliance is supposed to last 5-7 days before it needs changed. There are a bunch of steps to do it properly, and it can irritate your skin unbelievably. The first time he did it, it took almost an hour. By the time I had my surgery to reverse it (six months later), it was only a 20-25 minute procedure.

Unfortunately, my skin seemed to reject the adhesive that was used. We tried several different kinds, and none of them really worked. That meant that the appliance leaked. And had to be changed. Often. Instead of lasting 5-7 days, mine only lasted anywhere from 12 hours to 2 days.

My skin where the adhesive was supposed to be sticking was raw, and bleeding. There is a little wipe that is supposed to be used before applying the adhesive, so that it will stick better. When that went over my raw skin, it sent me through the roof with the burning.

I was feeling sorry for myself.

Very sorry for myself.

Then Hurricane Katrina hit the New Orleans coast.

Because Ted was back to work and Joey and Alex were both in school, I was home alone for most of the day, watching TV.

As I watched the horrendous conditions brought on by Katrina, my outlook began to change.

Quickly.

I knew that within a year or less I would be finished with chemo. I would also have gone through colostomy reversal surgery. I would be back to my regular routine. My cancer would be over and done with.

So many of the lives of people affected by Katrina would still be in upheaval a year later, with no end in sight. Their problems would still be raging on.

My problems were insignificant compared to theirs.

So with Hurricane Gustav threatening the New Orleans area again, I'm reminded of how truly fortunate I am. I thank God for that every day.

And I've added everyone in Gustav's path to my prayers.