Not Good, but GREAT NEWS!!

We met today with Bonnie's surgeons and learned that the tumor they removed from Bonnie's abdomen was benign! This is great news! Further, the 15 lymph nodes and one kidney (we have two) removed during surgery had no evidence of cancer and there is no reason to believe there is a link to the Enductal Carcinoma still in Bonnie's breast. We believe this is the result of so many people praying for such a result. The original diagnosis was that the tumor had a 90% probability of being adrenal carcinoma. We are grateful and humbled by God's goodness to our family.
The doctor's recommend that Bonnie still have a full mastectomy as soon as she is able to undergo additional surgery, probably 8 to 10 weeks. We are planning on a full recovery.
Know that we have felt the support from each one of you. It has made a difference. Every card, flower, meal, phone call, e-mail, and the BLOG are all meaningful and we are grateful.
Bonnie has a long and difficult recovery ahead, but we have cleared a major hurdle today.
We had a good day.
With Great Love,
Stan, Bonnie, Kelsey, and Jenna

Other details:
In addition to the great news above, Bonnie continues to heal from surgery. Stan is spending the night each evening and the happy couple start their mornings off with a walk. Bonnie was able to make three laps today.
Many have asked when she is coming home. She needs to be able to take medication orally before being discharged and in order to do that, she has to be able to eat solid food. Bonnie started clear liquids on Sunday and hopefully the solid food will come soon. Their expectation is that she will be able to go home by late this week.

Out of ICU

Friday was a big day for Bonnie. First of all, she was moved out of ICU and into a private room. Then the big news - Bonnie walked to the end of the hall and back!
Bonnie's family made it into town today and was glad to see her. Stan was able to get into the office for a couple of hours today and Kelsey is in Augusta at a softball tournament. Jenna's day was pretty normal with school and volleyball practice.
Bonnie is in good spirits and very appreciative of everyone's care and concern.

Meals for the Sharps

The Sharps are blessed to have so many good friends like you! Many of you have asked about meals. The meals are being coordinated by their various cirlces of friends. If you are a neighbor of the Sharps, contact Beth Williams. If you are a Marist family, the Mother's Prayer Group is coordinating those meals. Clients and other business related friends should contact Stan's assistant Donna. Briarlake Church friends can contact Suzanne Hurley or Becky Diebold.
These ladies are coordinating the many folks who have offered to provide food to make sure they have a steady supply and prevent an over-stuffed freezer.

The Day After

While Bonnie is still in ICU, she had a really good and restful day on Thursday. She was able to sit up in a chair for an hour and a half!
The girls were able to visit this morning and were glad to see their mom in good spirits. Stan was able to get home for a quick shower and nap during the afternoon.
While visitation is very limited in the ICU, Bonnie has enjoyed seeing friends for brief visits.
She will probably be in ICU at least through Friday and is expected to be in the hospital until at least mid-week.
Please continue to pray for the Sharps.

Post Surgery

Bonnie's surgery finished up about 5:45pm and she was moved to ICU several hours later. The doctors told Stan that the surgery went "great". During surgery the doctors removed the mass along with an adrenal gland, several lymph nodes and a kidney. Tissue samples were sent to the lab for testing and the results may not be back for 7-10 days.
Bonnie is expected to be in ICU (very limited visitation) for at least a day or so before being moved to a room.
Stan and Lois had a steady stream of visitors today during the surgery. Jenna played in a volleyball match at Westminster this afternoon and Kelsey helped her softball team beat Stone Mountain.
Stan is going to spend the night in a chair next to his bride - pray for his back.
Thanks for all your calls, messages and particularly your prayers.

Day of Surgery Update

Bonnie had a great night's sleep in preparation for her operation. Her surgery was delayed this morning for a few hours, but she left pre-op for surgery about 1:18pm. The surgery is estimated to last between 3-4 hours with several hours of recovery time. We will try to get an update posted tonight.
Stan, Bonnie, Kelsey & Jenna appreciate your prayers.

New Date for Surgery

Bonnie has responded well to the medication and a surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 19th.