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.
I got the call from the doctor’s office Wednesday just before lunch. The lady said I had “a little bit of cancer” in my prostate, and to come in and see the doctor Thursday evening. I asked her if she said, “a little bit of cancer?” and we both laughed. I’m not sure why either of us was laughing. I was wondering if having a little cancer was like being a little pregnant. Turns out it is.
I spent an hour with the doctor and he carefully gave a detailed description of my diagnosis and treatment options. I do have prostate cancer. I thought the part about having a little bit meant they might just need to trim a little off the sides, but what it means is that I am fortunate that it was discovered early and it has not spread out of the prostate. In fact, it appears that it has not spread much inside the prostate, but it still has to go.
Of the options available to me for treating this cancer, surgery looks to be the best. There are two surgery options, open and laparoscopic / robotic. My doctor says I am a very good candidate for the robotic surgery, and has referred me to a doctor who specializes in that. I will call him tomorrow, and the adventure will continue.
Family Pictures 2010
So, the good news is I am not going to die soon from prostate cancer. The bad news is that it looks like I will be going in for surgery and then learning to deal with the changes that come from that surgery.
This will be an update for some, and an announcement of sorts for others. Although there is no concrete news to share, I want to let you know what’s going on.
I had my annual prostate exam a couple weeks ago and the numbers were a little high, and they were a little higher than last year, so the doctor said to get a second opinion. The second opinion said to get a biopsy.
I had an ultrasound and biopsy today. It was a bit like a visit to the dentist, only the chair was different. It will be a few days before the results are in, so this is all I have to share. Before today, the doctor predicted my diagnosis would fall somewhere between, “It’s Nothing” and, “Certain Death.” Today after the closer inspection, he sharpened that prediction to a 60% chance of having prostate cancer.
