Tag: Was Originally Email

How’s your schedule looking?

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.

What are the odds?

Odds that I have prostate cancer: 100%

Odds that I will survive it: 97%

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.

Until Later,

Scott