Last Friday, Mr. Nielson and I returned to the
Arizona Burn Center to meet with one of my
favorite surgeon, Dr. Lettieri.
We have been discussing fixing my nose
for years because I struggle to breathe, and it is getting worse.
This surgery is tricky and entails a long list of possible complications,
which makes me nervous. But I would really love to breathe out my nose again.
Getting back into "surgery mode" is painfully frustrating, and to be honest,
I am scared.
Also, on the list of surgeries I need
amputating my pinkie is part of the plan.
I think it's pretty miraculous that in my significant burn accident,
I didn't lose any limbs or fingers.
Lots of burn survivors don't come away that lucky.
But it's time now; I have held on long enough,
and my hands (mostly my pinkie) are painful, especially in the cold months.
I figure if I have to go back under the knife,
I will get as much done as possible with one of my best doctors.
So I had x-rays done, and Dr. L took pictures of my hands and face.
Dr. L told me he would get some of his other
doctor colleagues to analyze them, and then he'd get back to me with a plan.
I trust Dr. L and know he loves me and will take good care of me.
My children are nervous about not only the surgery part,
but they are scared I will look different after.
I worry about that, too, because that has happened several times before;
my kids have walked into my hospital room
to see someone they don't recognize. It breaks my heart.
This isn't easy on anyone.
After church on Sunday, Mr. Nielson and I walked around
the peaceful temple grounds with the Little Nies.
We talked about the changes coming our way
and discussed questions or feelings that they were having.
It was nice to talk openly and rely on each other's faith for clarity and peace.
I may be the one who will go through the surgeries, but my family
goes through it too!
* * * * * * * * **
"These Were Our Examples" October 1991
"Just think of the good you can do if you accept a difficult
challenge and pursue knowledge—then use it to bless others."
