Awe…some Monday
The look I get when Lucy really isn’t interested in what I have to say.
Happy Socks Part I
These are my Happy Socks. They are not what I normally wear daily. In fact, these are the only pair of brightly colored and patterned socks that I own. I bought them recently for a specific purpose and that is the reason for this post. Spoiler alert, it will take more that one post to tell the whole story.
About a year ago I went to see my primary care physician for my annual physical. There was the usual conversation about the need to lose some weight and getting a little more exercise to go along with better diet and nutrition habits. A review of my lab tests revealed that my PSA number was elevated to the point of some concern. It was not high, but it was elevated and had risen one and one half points in eighteen months. That is considered a rapid rate of increase in PSA land. My doctor suggested that I see a urologist and have a biopsy done just to be sure that prostate cancer was not present. It would be several weeks before the urologist could see me and perform the biopsy. The results of the biopsy confirmed that cancer was present in the prostate and that it was aggressive. The urologist immediately scheduled a CT scan and a bone scan to determine that the cancer was limited to the prostate and had not spread anywhere else. The bone scan came back clear. However, the CT scan showed a large mass in my abdomen that was suspicious. I thought, “Well, now we know why I’ve been having trouble losing weight.” The next step suggested by the urologist was for me to have a CT guided biopsy to determine if there was any cancer on this mass. Again, there was a waiting period of several weeks. The waiting is the hard part.
The CT guided biopsy was performed and the results indicated that the large mass was a soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcoma is the medical politically correct term for cancer. So, I’m batting two for two. My next stop would be to visit with an oncology team to determine the best treatment. After their review of my situation it was determined that the prostate cancer could be successfully treated with radiation, but the sarcoma was blocking access to the prostate and would have to be removed first which means another appointment with another doctor in several weeks. My urologist made several phone calls to local surgeons about removing the sarcoma, but none of them were comfortable doing surgery on such a large mass and suggested that I travel to the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock to see an expert in the field. This journey started in March with a routine physical. It is now mid-September and there will be another wait.
To be continued…next week…
Monday’s Music Moves Me
This week is a freedom of choice week at 4M so I can share anything that my heart desires. Several months ago I downloaded Spotify and it has become my musical new best friend. I listen to it when I ride my stationary elliptical. I listen to it when I am reading something on the net. I listen to Spotify when I am doing chores or working on a project around the house. I love the Daily Mix that they come up with, but I also have a couple of my own playlists that I listen to frequently. I think I’ll share a couple of songs from my personal playlists.
Country music from the 90’s is among my favorite listening experiences. One of my favorite artists was John Berry. This song speaks to me in a special way because I believe the the Creator of this universe placed a special person in my life. This May will mark our 46th wedding anniversary and the journey that we have been on this this past year I can honestly say that the only one who loves me more, is my Savior. Her love amazes me every day.
A contemporary Christian song comes to mind when I think about some of the days and nights that my wife and I have shared recently. Even if were days of fear, days of doubt or days of concern, my Savior and my wife were always there for me.
Have a blessed week.
Driller's Place 
Oh dear, so sorry to hear about the cancer, we pray things are going well as it is a scary disease. Happy Socks are great. Mom loves bright colors and has several pairs herself. The world all wears dark colors these days but Mom is always wearing bright things and says it cheers her and everyone up.
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I like your mom’s point of view.
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These things can sneak up on you, can’t they? I’m sorry to read about your woes but you’re in the Great Physicians care always. That ‘C’ word is scary and something none of us what to face but the longer we live the greater the chance that it make rear its ugly head in our world. I’m confident with your treatments the cancer was successfully removed and this chapter closed. Although, I know your doctor will routinely keep an even closer eye on you with this diagnosis. My BIL went through this a few years back and as far as I know he’s doing well. Prostate cancer runs in DH’s family. May the God who tends over the lilies and the sparrows also tend to your health needs. Saying a special prayer this moment that you’ll remain well from this day forth. Thank you for sharing your happy socks and mewsic on the dance floor, my friend. Blessings to you!
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Cancer runs in my Dad’s family, but it still sneaks up on you.
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Driller hang it ther,just put everything in the Great healer!! Prayers for ya brother!
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Always hanging on to the One who controls it all.
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Sending you prayers and positive thoughts. That is scary.
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Thank you for the kind words. While the future is uncertain for all of us, fear is no longer a primary response.
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Yikes. That’s scary. Prayers, but I’m thinking the prognosis is good right now.
It’s always wonderful to see Miss Lucy.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. Big healing hug. 🙂
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You will have to read the rest of the story, but these posts are being written to chronicle a journey that gives honor and praise to the One who created this universe and everything in it.
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I’m so sorry about the cancer diagnosis. It sounds like you are winning the battle, though, going by your festive “Happy Socks” above. Best wishes and Happy 46th Anniversary in advance! That’s a wonderful milestone.
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The Happy socks do play a role in this account. Maybe I should buy 46 pair to celebrate in May.
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Oh my….take care and be positive.Meanwhile all your readers will be sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
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I am typically much more guarded about what I post regarding my private life, but I felt the need to chronicle this journey and give testimony to the presence of God and how He is working in my life and orchestrating every detail.
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I’m speculating what the socks mean … I’m a cancer survivor and I’m hoping they mean what I think they mean…can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.
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The socks probably had a little different meaning that you were originally thinking, but they can serve multiple purposes or maybe I just need to purchase several pair for various milestones.
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Dude of dudes, all my friends are in my prayers so you’re already there, but tonight I think I’ll say an extra prayer for an extra special friend. Love the tunes you picked out today! I never heard them before so that’s my treat, but there’s a treat for you. The Lord is always with you my friend! When you’re walking in the sand, but you don’t see no footprints and you ask the Lord, “Why don’t I see my footprints, Lord?” Jesus says, “That’s when I carried you my son”! Take care my friend and I’m always on line if you ever want to talk. Go on Facebook and find Marie Chamberlin. That’s me.
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As the apostle Paul wrote, ” have learned to be content in what ever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11)
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Praying you have good results from the surgery and other treatments. May our Great Physician heal you totally, head to toe, by miracle or by use of earthly physicians, and may it be soon!
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The Great Physician is indeed at work in both ways and that is the purpose of this post and the one to come. I believe that God has given me a testimony that needs to be shared with a larger audience than those I personally know.
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Amen!
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The socks are great and you are on the family prayer list!!
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I remember being on the high school swim team hoping to make state or break the school record my last year; I did neither. None-the-less, I would have been crushed if the season had ended early. I was thinking how awful it would be to be a bride canceling a wedding. My poor youngest child is an event planner who works on commission and is canceling one event after another. Sad times.
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