Dr. Nelson’s Inspired One-Handed Surgery
During Trudy Olmstead’s fourth pregnancy, a consistent and concerning cough revealed she developed a tumor in her lung. She was dying. If the fast-growing tumor was not removed, doctors predicted Trudy, along with her baby, would die within three months. The doctors advised Trudy to abort her baby and begin treatments to save her life.
“Things were happening so fast. It was like different opinions were happening daily from different doctors. It was a barrage. Each time I’d go up there, there would be a different diagnosis and a different opinion.”
Rick Olmstead, BYUtv, “Deep Blue—Heather Olmstead“
An ultrasound later revealed that the situation was even more complicated. Instead of carrying just one baby, Trudy was carrying twins! At that very moment, Trudy made her decision.
I’m going to deliver the babies. If I die, I die.
Thankfully, a heart surgeon named Russell M. Nelson took her case and performed the operation. The operation resulted in him having to do the surgery with one hand and was nothing short of miraculous!
I’m so grateful for Trudy’s example and faith knowing that God is in charge and has a plan for each one of us including each child He sends to this Earth. When bad things do happen to good people, it’s hard to understand why. But what I do know is that God knows why, and that’s enough. He loves us so much, has an eternal plan for each of us, and is the master gardener of our eternal progression.