Happy Socks Part III

As I said, my wife and I made the decision to travel to Little Rock, AR a couple of days early prior to my surgery.   Our oldest granddaughter and her husband live in Little Rock and were in the process of building/buying their first home so we had an early dinner with them then drove out to their new abode. The house was still a couple of weeks from completion but it was a nice starter home and they were super excited about leaving the world of apartment living and owning their own piece of the dream.

The day before surgery there is the usual preparations of diet, bathing with anti-bacterial soap etc. I was scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 9:00 a.m. on October 30, with surgery to start around 11:00. We got to the hospital on time and by 9:30 I was checked in and headed toward the staging area. While there, three of the pastors from our church and their wives gathered with our family to pray. Then the pain team came in and administered the first round of drugs to relax me and roll me down to the surgical suite. UAMS is a teaching hospital so there were several interns, nursing students and interested observers in the surgical suite from what little I can recall. The anesthesia was administered and I drifted off. The surgery took six hours and the team was able to successfully remove a thirty-one pound tumor. Yes, I said thirty-one pounds! It had occupied the majority of my abdominal cavity and was pushing other organs out of place, including my colon. The mass had also surrounded the left kidney, so the kidney  had to be removed as well. I had lost about forty pounds in less than twenty-four hours. By the end of my hospital stay I had dropped an additional ten pounds.

When I got out of recovery and into my room, my family was waiting for me. The next two days were spent on a liquid diet and on day two I took my first steps from the bed to the chair in the room. Several hours later I walked from the chair to the door and then to bed. Rehab had commenced. Seven days after entering the hospital, I walked out the doors and was headed home to my own bed. God is good and He had placed some marvelous medical professionals in my life on this journey and had put His very best caregiver at my side in the person of my wife. The Creator had also provided a miracle for everyone the see. I had no pain throughout the entire experience and I took no pain medicine when I got home.  Two weeks after surgery, I returned to UAMS to have the staples removed, and there were a lot of staples. I looked like someone built a model railroad track on my abdomen.  Now that the tumor had been removed, a recovery period was necessary before we could deal with the prostrate by means of external beam radiation.

On December 16, I began my first of forty-four radiation treatments at the office of my local oncologist.  Yes, every day for two months I made the short drive to the clinic and spent a few minutes under the machine. It took more time to undress and dress than the treatment itself. I did get Christmas and New Years off. There is a tradition among most cancer patients that undergo chemo to ring a bell on the day of their last treatment. Apparently radiation patients have no such tradition so I decided that I would start one.  I went to Marshall’s/Home Goods and purchased the brightest pair of socks I could find and wore them to my final radiation treatment. They became my “Happy Socks”.  The clinical staff and radiation techs loved them. The next step in the journey would be follow-up.

In February we traveled back to Little Rock for my first post-surgery CT scan to see if there was any evidence of cancer. You see, since a sarcoma does not directly attack an organ so there is no “margin” to achieve during surgery. They have either removed all of the tumor or they haven’t.  The results of the scan appear to be all clear!!! Praise the Lord, God is good! This past week I had lab work done and met with my oncologist to discuss the results of the radiation treatments. Again, the results were great! There is ongoing hormone therapy that will continue for a few years, and there will be periodical CT scans and lab tests, but overall I am good to go. I think I may go buy some more Happy Socks!

 

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week is a freedom of choice week at 4M so I am going to share a couple of songs that have become very special to me through the “Happy Socks” journey.  When faced with the reality that I had two types of cancer and both of them could take my life, there was a brief time in this journey that I was fearful.  I might not see all of my grandchildren graduate high school.  I might not get to witness all of them get married.  I might not hear the proclamation that I had become a great-grandfather. I might not get to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with the love of my life.  The flood of things that I might not live to see was overwhelming and I wept.  Still, my prayer was not solely for a healing but that my Savior would be honored and glorified.  I asked God to do things that only He could do as a witness to the world that He is still on the throne. If He chose to call me home then I asked that He would make my final days a testimony of faith and trust in Him. Two songs became my personal anthems during this time. The first was a song by Mercy Me called “Even If” and it speaks to exactly what I was facing.  I worship and serve a God that is capable of healing me with the touch of His hand, but even if He doesn’t, my hope is in Him alone. The lines from the song;

You’ve been faithful
You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

I know You’re able
And I know You can
Save through the fire
With Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

I know the sorrow
I know the hurt
Would all go away
If You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul

The other song comes from one of my favorite Southern Gospel groups, The Booth Brothers. Again the song speaks to what most believers would hope to be said about them. In my case, God has chosen to give me victory over cancer. But that victory came because He placed the people in my life to successfully deal with the disease. Post surgery, God knew that I was going to need a very good caregiver, so 47 years previous He gave me the best one He had in the person of my wife. Sometimes God answers our prayers before we are aware of the need.  But even if He had chosen to call me home, I could be thankful for the life I was given to live and the source of strength that I found to live through every journey came from my God.

The lines from this song;
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope

To God be the glory. Have a blessed week.

 

 

I trust that everyone is well and dealing with whatever changes that the corona virus has made in your lives. I must say that I really feel sorry for the high school and college athletes who have their senior seasons cut short. Some campuses may even cancel graduation services and those who have worked so very hard for a degree will not experience the joy of actually walking across the platform and receiving their diploma. As you have read in previous posts our youngest grand daughter is on the high school track team and was on track to have a great season. The team had the chance to win their third consecutive state championship. That is certainly in jeopardy. Fortunately our grand daughter will get to compete on the college level, but the vast majority of high school/college athletes in their senior year are closing out their athletic careers and will never know how their senior season would have ended and will never again step into the arena of competitive sports.  With that said, keep this entire planet in your thoughts and prayers and global leadership, science, and medicine attempt to get this virus under control and find a cure.

 

Happy Socks Part II

If you want the full story about these colorful socks you will have to begin at the beginning. Scroll back to last week for Part I of the journey.

As I shared last week tests revealed that I had a large soft tissue sarcoma in my abdomen and needed to be removed and none of the local surgeons were comfortable dealing with a mass the size of the one that occupied my abdominal cavity. What surprised them was that I was showing no signs of any problem. I was not experiencing any pain. All of my normal functions were functioning normally. Other than appearing to be significantly overweight there was no indication that a large mass was rearranging the position of multiple organs. The CT guided biopsy was done in mid September. After several days I was told that I had an appointment to see a surgeon at the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS) this first week of October. So we wait again. So far the thought that this whole process might be deadly serious had not really sunk in. We met with the surgeon in Little Rock and he explained that this type of cancer does not often show signs of it’s presence because it doesn’t attack organs. It grows on a fatty soft tissue tumor and is not typically discovered until doctors are looking for something else that requires a CT scan.  He was very confident that the mass could be removed but that a kidney might be lost in the process because the mass had grown around it, kind of like tree roots growing around a rock. It’s easier to just dig up the rock than try to remove each root and save the rock. Surgery was scheduled for the last of October so we wait again. During the waiting period I was to be on a low fat diet which is not as difficult as it sounds.

So…after seven months of appointments and tests we know that I have two types of cancer, both are treatable but they have to be done in a certain order. Surgery first, then radiation. It was during this waiting period that the reality of the situation hit me. I might not survive this ordeal! I had never asked, “Why me?” I had always wondered “Why not me?” I had lost several younger friends to various diseases and found myself wondering why had I been spared these maladies. Apparently, my time had come. Until now I had not given much thought to my situation. Then one evening, when the house was quiet and empty, I cried. Later I would call it my “cancer cry”. I had become fully aware that one of these two forms of cancer might end my life. I never blamed God for my situation because I had seen better Christians than myself fall to disease. I cried out to God. I asked that He be honored and glorified. If he chose to heal me and give testimony to His power over all disease that would be glorious. However, if He had chosen to call me home by way of cancer I only asked that my witness and life through the journey would bring honor and glory to my Lord. It was at that point that I felt a peace about the whole situation. I had come the place where I understood what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Over the next couple of weeks it became apparent that a small army of fellow believers were lifting my wife and I up in prayer. We got cards, texts, emails and phone calls from every corner of this great nation and seemingly every decade of our lives that offered encouragement and prayers. As I said, waiting is the hard part. Three days prior to surgery we decided to head toward Little Rock and make preparations for my surgery.  To be continued…

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week the theme is St. Patricks Day…of course.

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.

Aww…some Monday’s

Lucy

Lucy is our three-year-old American Cocker spaniel. If you know anything about Cocker’s, you know this is a pretty typical stance for them. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and were specifically adept and flushing birds, particularly the woodcock, hence their moniker…Cocker. Lucy spends a lot of time with her nose to the ground sniffing out new scents.

High School State Indoor Track & Field Championships

Saturday the family went to the High School State Indoor Track & Field Championships. As you have seen the past couple of posts our youngest granddaughter is in her senior year and having a grand season. Saturday was another great day for her. For the third meet in a row she set a new personal record of 5′-7″ in the high jump and that tied the existing state record. However, on this day the top three jumpers would all clear the bar at this height. The winner and team mate of our granddaughter had record setting day and finished with a leap of 5′-10″! Still the granddaughter took second place in the state. The outdoor season will begin in a couple of weeks and there will be new opportunities for her to reach new heights.

Clearing the bar at 5′-7″

I love photographing high school sports. I can get close enough to the action to get some nice images. Typically, you are not allowed to photograph college events without press credentials, but high school doesn’t have many of those restrictions so I spend a lot of time at local games. Spring is here and that means baseball, softball, track and soccer are on the agenda. Stay tuned for more adventures.

One of the great things about an indoor track meet is that the track is banked in curves like a NASCAR track so you can get ground level shots without having to lay down on the ground.

A decent telephoto lens and a position at the end of the track can produce some nice results. This is why I love photography and why I shoot with a camera instead of a cell phone.

On this day I took about 250 images and typically there will be 10-15 that I really like. The rest will be deleted. If you have never been to a high school sporting event, get out there and support the team. Most events are $5 or $6, which is cheap entertainment and you won’t be disappointed.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

I missed posting last week due to an out-of-town appointment. That’s a story for another day and I will probably post the whole story in the near future. Just look for a post titled “Happy Sox”. It may take more than one post to tell the whole story. Okay, back to the music. The theme this week is a song with a name in it. The most beautiful name in the world is Jesus. Scripture tells us that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. “Oh What a Beautiful Name”.

46

Aww…some Mondays

Last week I shared photos of our youngest granddaughter signing her letter to attend Southern Arkansas University on a track scholarship. A couple of weeks prior she had set a new personal best in high jump at 5′-5″ which ranked her 49th nationally among all female high school athletes. Well, a week ago, she competed in another event.

She set another personal best and broke the school record by clearing the bar at 5′-6″. This moved her ranking to number 24 nationally, no 12 among high school seniors, and number 1 in the state of Arkansas…and the season is just getting started. Our jumper made an attempt at a new state record of 5′-8″ but just couldn’t quite get it done. I do think 5′-9″ may be in her future and a ranking in the top 10 overall.

Before the season began, I was joking with her that her goal should be to walk under what she could jump over. In other words, jump her height. Well, that is clearly in sight and may happen before this season ends. Stay tuned, state championships are just around the corner and I will be there, camera in hand. Raise the bar!!!

Music Moves Me

The musical theme is this week is “Songs that tell a story”.  There is no greater story than the story of God’s love for His creation and the sacrifice of His Son for the salvation of man. Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed the Creator and ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil man has lived in a sinful state. The only cure for this situation is a blood sacrifice and that must be the unblemished Lamb of God, the only one who has ever lived a life without sin. Scripture tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The biography of Jesus Christ captured in Scripture is the greatest story ever told and the events surrounding His birth, death burial and resurrection tell us of the fulfillment of old testament prophesy and the truth that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no hope other than Christ. Eternal life is possible only through faith in Christ. Those who orchestrated the trial and crucifixion of Christ believed that they had eliminated a religious zealot that was a threat to their way of life. Instead, they fulfilled prophesy. Christ told His disciples that he would die, lay in the grave for three days and then rise again and that is exactly what He did. Christ layed down His life and then took it up again to show us that He has the power over death and the grave. In a couple of months we will celebrate Easter and one of the two most important events in human history. On that first Easter morning the earth shook, the stone rolled away and “Up From the Grave He Arosel!”

Last Thursday the youngest grand daughter signed a letter  of intent to run track at Southern Arkansas University.

She competes in high jump for the back to back  state champion high school track team. They could win number three this spring. Our girl has been a conference champion high jumper and second in state. A few weeks ago she competed in her first indoor meet of the season and cleared the bar at 5′-5″.  That feat made her the 49th best high school jumper in the nation! It also ranked her as the 25th best senior jumper in the country.

It was an Awe…some day for the family. Yes, I will be at all of her track meets this spring and there will be photos coming.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

December was my last entry in the 4M meme. As you can see, I am experimenting with a new look to this blog. I don’t know if I will settle on this theme or try another sometime soon. Let me know what you think. Okay on with the music. I have been riding my recumbent eliptical recently to regain strength and stamina after a major surgery, but that is a story for another day. At any rate, I ride thirty minutes a day so I put my headphones on, fire up Spotify and go to my playlists. Recently there have been a song that has caught my attention once again and it comes from Randy Travis.

Since I missed the official Valentine Theme week, I will jump in with an offering today. This May my wife and I will celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary. One thing that I have come to realize is that my life would be totally incomplete without her. Almost everything that I am or good that I have done is due to her presence in my life. The song that seems to best express this sentiment is, “If I didn’t have you.”

Another Christmas Music Marathon is coming to a close. Today we celebrate the birth of a Savior. The God of all creation sent His Son to this earth and among these sinful people to provide a means for all of us to spend eternity with Him. It is still the greatest story ever told. There is a price to be paid for sin, and for the sins of this entire world, past, present, and future, that price is the blood sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God. Eternal life is available to anyone who seeks it out, is willing to turn away from those things that separate us from God, and ask Christ to forgive us. Every time someone makes that decision there is a celebration in the heavens. There is no better time to secure your place in family of the Creator than Christmas. Accept the sweetest gift ever given and the only gift that will last for eternity. Merry Christmas to all.

I will be going dark for a few days to upgrade my blog. I will be going to a paid version of WordPress will will get rid of the annoying ads that are placed in the middle of the posts. The annoying part is that the ads don’t show up on my screen, only on the readers screen, so the author can go for months and not realize that there are ads being place in the middle of their posts. Anyway, I am going to spend a little time upgrading and redesigning the blog. Hopefully, I will be back the first of the year. See you then. Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Christmas 2018

The grand kids +1. Our oldest grand daughter and her husband are seated while the remainder of the grand group surround them. This image was taken in the foyer of our church. As you can see, the grand-son-in-law is the only one truly smiling for the camera. Everyone else is just being themselves. Have a very blessed Christmas everyone.

Do you have any special Christmas traditions? Almost as long as I can remember, the churches that my wife and I have attended have had some sort of Christmas Eve service. Our family attends the service. Afterwards, everyone gathers at our home for dinner. Once dinner is finished we assemble in the living room. One or more of the grand kids read the Christmas story from the second chapter of Luke, followed by a prayer and then the exchange of gifts. It is a great family time and one we look forward to each year. May you and your family have a most blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year.