On January 15th, I sensed something was off, but I had no idea what was coming in the next 72 hours. When you’re dealing with a serious illness, you really start to understand and trust your body. After undergoing invasive abdominal surgery, which involved removing masses from my gallbladder, pelvis, small intestine, and mesenteric wall, as well as having my gallbladder removed and a resection of my small intestine and mesentery, the pain I experienced was, of course, intense.

For a brief period of 4-6 hours, the pain was manageable, but then everything changed. The pain became so intense, sharp, and debilitating that it couldn’t even be measured on a pain scale. It felt like stabbing agony in my stomach, radiating up to my right shoulder—getting worse with each passing hour. This went on for three days. My constant pleas and painful tears, my family watched helplessly while the doctors were trying to understand and formulate a plan to address what was happening. It was the worst pain I’ve ever endured. The culprit…a considerable bile leak.

It turns out that a bile leak can irritate the phrenic nerve, which runs from the abdomen to the right side of the body, causing referred pain in the right shoulder. This was confirmed by a CT scan, as well as the output and color of my drain. My existing medical team and a new advanced GI team came together and recommended an ERCP procedure. This procedure done in the OR under general anesthesia repairs the leak and places a stent to reroute the bile properly, as it tends to flow along the path of least resistance. The procedure was successfully carried out yesterday. While I still have a small leak that they’re keeping an eye on, they expect it to heal on its own. However, if it doesn’t resolve in a few days, I may need another ERCP to address it. For now, I’m staying in the hospital to monitor my drain, bile volume and color, manage pain, and focus on my overall recovery.

I’m grateful to share that, given my circumstances, I’m feeling exceptional. Everyone who’s spoken to me—family and friends alike—has said, "Rosie’s back," and I can see and hear their relief just as much as I do my own!  I’m free of shoulder pain, able to carry on a conversation, walk with assistance, use the bathroom on my own, and even change positions comfortably. I’m truly on the path to recovery. For the first time this week, I fully believe myself when I say, "I’m going to be okay." Until yesterday, I kept telling myself that, even when doubt crept in, repeating it to anyone who would listen— working to convince myself when I wasn’t sure it was true.  It was all about faith over fear, and hope over despair. I was fighting for my life, and I had to hold onto the belief that I’d make it through.  So, believe me when I say that there is real truth in "fake it till you make it” because I’m living proof!!

I haven’t had solid or liquid food since Sunday, January 12th. The only things I’ve been able to have are water, diluted apple juice, lemon Italian ice (very rarely), ice chips, and lightly steeped black tea—just small sips, and only occasionally. While it’s been an effective (though highly unadvised) weight loss method, I’m definitely looking forward to some real food soon. I’ll be putting together a recipe list while I’m here, so my cooking-loving friends, stay tuned!

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and kindness you’ve shown to me and my family during this time. When you were asked to pray harder or louder, you did, and the Power of Prayer truly proved to be real. Prayer isn’t magic, it’s much bigger than that! Prayer changes us and prayers are relationship building. It is always in God’s hands and he has the final say but he listens and he listened to all of you about me. Your prayer brought about real, positive change. Last night, for the first time, I checked Facebook and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and concern from all of you. I am beyond thankful. I am surrounded by an incredible army of people that have immense faith, hope, prayer, and love, and for that, I feel truly blessed. I love each and every one of you, and I’m so grateful for the love you’ve shown me and my family.