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I reckon it might be a good time to give everybody an update on the
condition I'm finding myself in at the moment, as that condition seems
to keep changing. Fortuanately, its for the better.
Every day I feel better than the day before. A week ago I was too hurting and
ill to even want to read or watch TV. Now, I'm enjoying both. Am planning a trip
to the library this afternoon.
Yesterday I went to the clinic to have the staples removed. There were about 18.
That has left me with some discomfort, mostly itching and some pain. The doctor
told me no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the next 5 weeks.
I can see where that's going to be annoying very shortly. Have a lot of stuff to
do, but most stuff weighs more than a gallon of milk.
Its nice to have good neighbors. Betty is mowing our lawn. I'm greatful for her help.
The tractor ride is more than I'd care to endure yet. It was also a very pleasant to
have had so many visitors while I was hospitalized. Hadn't realized that we had made
so many caring new friends here. They continue to inquire about me.
About the cancer. The doctor said there were 2 tumors on my left kidney. They were
larger than they like to see, being 10 cm as opposed to 7 cm., but they were totally
encapsulated and had not spread to any surrounding tissue. He also said the prognosis
for reoccurance is usually low, but wasn't sure about me because of 2 instead of 1
tumor. My treatment will simply be to continue to periodically screen me for any
changes. The kidney stones that alerted them to my problem, were caused by calcium.
He said we will be looking at what needs to be done to prevent a reoccurance, as with
only 1 kidney, we don't want another kidney stone episode. He had initially inquired as
to whether I'd felt more tired or run down over the last few months, which indeed I had.
I had been suffering lower back pain for nearly a year, and in general felt my condition
slowly going down hill. In fact, I had scheduled a Dr.s visit that was to take place
just before I had surgery for a check up, all not knowing that all this was to happen.
From the outset of this problem, the thought of death entered my thoughts only
briefly, and I found I had no real fear of it. Knowing that my soul has a resting
place with our Lord in Heaven gives me joy and strength. There is still much I want
to do and accomplish. I'm happy that its not my time yet, but when it is, I'm ready
and face that day with the solid assurance of God's grace and salvation through
His Son, Jesus Christ.
Thank you all for your prayers and love, and encouragement, and for all the deeds
done and offers of help. Tomorrow I know I will feel even better than today.
Love to all of you,
Bruce; a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend |
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