I saw my surgeon on Monday, about six weeks after surgery. We discussed the side effects I’ve been experiencing, and my progress. The side effects, bladder control and sexual function, are both currently manageable and improving.
After giving my report, he determined that I was, “ahead of the curve” in recovering, and that I need to be patient and keep doing what I am doing. He took some blood for the PSA test that would tell if the little bit of Cancer that got out of the prostate got away.
Diane sent me these nice flowers
Tuesday, Dana, from the doctor’s office called. She said the PSA was undetectable in my blood test, meaning I have no Cancer. She said I will need to see the doctor in four months, and asked would I like to make an appointment now?
I said yes, and we made an appointment for September 12th. Then I said, “I’d like to hear it again.” She began to say September…… I said, “No, no, I want to hear the undetectable part again.”
Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and support during this time. It made a wonderful difference. God is good, and it’s nice to have friends. Guys – don’t delay going to the doctor if you suspect you may need to.
Hi, everyone; Two updates in this email (three if you count the fact that we actually now have TILE ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR)
First, Brandon and Emily were evacuated out of Egypt to Germany. After about a week, Brandon returned to Cairo and Emily went to visit her parents in North Carolina. Shortly after her arrival, her folks announced they were moving to Florida.
Brandon & Emily on the Nile
She has been helping with that project and hopes to return home to Cairo and Brandon in a couple weeks. Brandon has been back to work at the American University. He said there is still some instability around the country, but mostly fine in his area.
Second, I went to the hospital today in preparation for my surgery in one week. I did some pre-registering, pre-admitting, and even had the opportunity to do some pre-paying.
I declined the pre-paying of my deductible, explaining how silly it would be if I paid today and later decided to make a run for it. I met again with my surgeon. We went over a few details and we are both ready to go.
I will check into Meridian Park hospital at about 6:30 am on March 17th for my scheduled surgery at 8:30. They tell me to plan on one or two nights in the hospital, and two to four weeks recovering at home before returning to full time work.
I want to thank you again for your prayers, I can feel them, and they give me peace. When you pray, would you also pray for my cousin, Dennis Sturdevant, his wife and his family, for strength and peace? Dennis was also recently diagnosed with cancer. It’s advanced and can’t be treated.
Diane and I just returned from our trip to Egypt and Israel. It was an awesome experience. I can’t thank Brandon and Emily enough for the wonderful time they gave us. We saw much and took many pictures. Near the end, Diane and I were discussing the highlights of our trip; it was difficult to say which part was best. We agreed that being with Brandon and Emily was the greatest.
Diane and I on a Felucca sailing the Nile
A traditional Felucca
While in Cairo, I was in contact with my doctor’s office. As a result of my exam just before the trip, they recommended scheduling the surgery. I am not in an urgent condition, but they don’t want me to wait until things become urgent. I will have the surgery on March 17th.
I want to thank each of you for your prayers, they really do matter. I can feel a certain peace and strength from knowing that you pray to God for me. What ever happens, I thank you for your prayers.
We left Cairo just about the time the “unrest” started making national news. People have been asking how are Brandon and Emily: communications are poor, the American University in Cairo (where Brandon teaches) has closed for a week, an occasional tank can be seen on Brandon and Emily’s street and gun fire heard, but as of last night, they were safe in their apartment.
Today, Diane and I met the surgeon who will likely perform my eventual surgery. He said there would be no problem putting it off until after our Egypt trip in January. In fact, we talked a little about a treatment option called, “Active Surveillance,” meaning, watch and wait, and test.
This kind of cancer is slow growing. If I were ten years older, the prescription (for my same diagnosis) would certainly be Active Surveillance. It would involve three or four PST (blood) tests per year, and an annual biopsy. If the PST numbers reach a high level, you schedule the surgery. The doctor said most guys who choose this option end up having the surgery after two years.
On the plus side of waiting, a guy doesn’t have to move immediately from his current normal (in the prostate related issues summed up as, “Quality of Life”) to his new normal.
I’m told some guys get back to 100% of their old normal, but that not always being the case, and the cancer growing very slowly, why rush to surgery?
That’s me, creeping ever closer to age fifty nine
On the down side of waiting, guys in their 50’s have a better recovery rate than guys in their 60’s. I’m 58. I think he was suggesting it would be smart to cash in my “50’s decade recovery card” before it expires.
So where does that put me? I have some more reading, thinking, and praying to do. It’s funny, the things you think about when you are told you have cancer, between the time you think you might be fixin’ to die, and when you realize it probably won’t happen for a while.
All the unfinished projects I would leave for Diane…… All my stuff, and I have collected a lot of it, along with my clothes and other personal items would mostly become Salvation Army donations.
All my souvenirs and memories would be of little value to few people. And what of my most precious possessions? What is your most precious possession? Mine is the only thing that can’t be replaced, the dresser drawers full of pictures and videos I have taken over the years, especially our family pictures.
Isn’t it ironic? When I’m gone, my most precious possessions will have less value than any Salvation Army donations. Who wants somebody’s old pictures?
What is ultimately important? I guess it would be nice if in a lifetime, a person could save another person’s life. It would be awesome if in a lifetime, a person could influence another to accept Christ. I think the most important thing in life boils down to this: Who do you say Jesus is? That will effect your life – and your eternity.
Most of you receiving this have told me you are praying for me. Thank you. If you continue, please pray for God’s peace. That may include healing, it may include changing; I’m pretty sure it includes a measure of wisdom and comfort.
