(actually in light of this morning's events, it should be "bears & Barf-ights" but let's not elaborate too much on that part, other than to remined everyone that general anesthesia frequently has unfortunate side effects the next day...*clears throat sheepishly*)
Where to begin?
--ran into a significant traffic jam yesterday...at 6:30 a.m.! Give me Hardy St. in Hattiesburg @ 5:15 p.m. any day...
--the CRNA plugged in the IV around 7:30. --surgery lasted about 1 hour, 45 min. (Lisa was hearing from the Dr. ar0und 10:30)
--Dr. said surgery did pretty much what he set out to do with no probs (& no need to enlarge any of the openings thanks for your prayers to that end!) And now for the wait for hugely significant lab results next week on what these spots are.
--My first actual recollection is the recovery room around 10:30 a.m. about 30 minutes after I got there (hold that time...we'll revisit it shortly...)
--I became quite familiar with the personalities & duties of the various folks in recovery. This is because I was released to the floor at...*drum roll*...11:00 p.m.!! I saw many folks come into recovery & then roll out during my day there. My nurse actually arrived after I, and she ended her 12-hour shift by escorting me to our actual room. The reasons were legit, tho a comical series of amazing coincidences, all centering on the fact that I required a room beyond just a normal room.
--After getting tucked in & plugged in to a vast array of medical technology around 12:30 this morning, I slept like a log all the way until...being awakened at 2:30 this morning, which point new drugs were administered. Shortly, I discovered that there is tremendous pain involved in this phrase: "it'll be like you were in a bar fight & got stabbed in the side 3 times." Once this was realized, I discovered that 5 hits off of the once-every-10-minutes magic pain pump allowed me to be back to sleep, whereupon I slept all the way until...5:30 this morning, at which time yet more medical stuff had to happen & then I watched 6 different 10-minute increments roll by. Sometimes there just aren't enough pumps and the clock moves too slowly.
--The eats here are actually pretty good; we order whatever we want off of a menu, & they bring it to our room. (Of course, breakfast was only briefly rented in my case...*sigh*--see opening comments above)
--The really bad pain abated somewhat by late morning, and pain pump usage did as well. I'm still not feeling great by any means, but it's much better than earlier today. (I now do a couple of pills instead) I've actually been disconnected from a few pieces of the medical technology. Believe me when I say that my condition is still quite, um, monitored...
--The tentative plan is for us to be checked out of the horse-pital tomorrow morning (Sunday). w0000000t! Then, we'll head back over to our friends' place in Friendswoood, grab a better night of sleep, & then head back to H'burg Monday. Sadly for Lisa, surgeon officially said that I can't drive for 2 weeks. Thus, she'll be driving all the way home. Plus, depending on the timing of my pain meds, she'll have a rather iffy navigator...Once we get back, James & Anne will help with "Driving Mr. Mike...and his bear"
--I'll be functional, but slow-moving for the next few weeks. (Actually, I wonder if any one will notice a difference, but I digress...*grin*)
And that, ladies & gents, is the latest install of "Mike's Medical (mis)Adventure." Thank you so very much for lifting us up in prayer!! Thanks doesn't come close, but it's the best I have at the moment. We invite your continued prayers with us thru the rest of this bend in the road.
As noted earlier in this space, our God is not scared, nor was He surprised, nor is He wondering how it's all going to turn out. Thank you for your vital part in bringing about His plans for our lives! Know that we are greatly honored and most humbled to be the recipients of the prayers of so many during these days. I'm firmly convinced that only in eternity will we be able to know how God answered your prayers through this situation. Until then, consider yourself loved and hugged by the four of us. (Though for those I see in person any time soon, please only consider yourself hugged; regrettably, I'll have to pass on actual hugging for a while...see
"barfight"...*smile*)
Humbled by His grace through you,
Mike - Ephesians 1:15-23
p.s. - I was given this short, wide-bodied teddy bear yesterday as part of my official medical equipment--no, really! I'm to use him to support my chest area any time I cough or do breathing drills. Still trying to come up with the perfect name...*smile*
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
OK, Ladies & Gents...it's showtime!!
Review of Thursday
--longer than we thought, due to 2 different waits, plus unexpected bloodwork (2 different sticks! Yippee!)
Got out of MDA at...*drum roll*...5:05 p.m., which is an ideal time to be driving, so long as you're not doing so in/near Houston. But, we improvised after the "shortcut" we were told about led us to a dead end. And due to Lisa's superior map-improv skills, plus the grace of God, we made it directly to the excellent Tex-Mex restaurant down in Friendswood (about 22 miles) without much delay, and with less traffic than we face in Hattiesburg.
--met w/ surgeon, & was very impressed
He explained the procedure (see below) and said he'd likely keep me in the hospital until Sunday. Reiterated that I'd be a bit sore, but that I'd be fully "functional" by next week. Unfortunately, he said that I'd be able to drive so long as I've not taken my magic pain pill. I was planning on being an irritating right-seat driver for 7.5 hours.
--met w/ an anesthesiologist
He asked questions, ordered one more piece of bloodwork--the non-trivial "type & cross" for those of you who watch ER. Apparently, it's a fairly significant piece of the puzzle to have blood on hand that actually matches my own before I undergo surgery...*smile*
--ate a vast quantity of most excellent Tex-Mex tonight
(of course, not having had any lunch increased both the quantity and the excellence of tonight's meal)
--alas, no Indy Jones viewing, due to unexpected length of the day
Tomorrow's Procedure:
3 small incisions more or less under the left arm. (very similar to laproscopic surgery on gall stones, actually, for those who know about such things) Video & knife passed into left lung, using an instrument that actually cauterizes as it goes along (thus, nurse said I'd probably only lose a cup of blood; I've lost more than that in an afternoon on oyster shells back home as a kid...) The plan is to make my left lung disease free by removing 3 lesions--technically, removing wedges around & including the 3 lesions. He said he'd fairly instantly know what in the round world we're dealing with in terms of lung cancer, melanoma, or whatever (big prayer point there! That determines the next phase of Mike's medical adventure) There's a chance that he'll have to widen an incision to get his hand in there if he can't find the lesions w/ the video thingy. (prayer point there, for this not to be necessary) He'll leave a chest tube in to keep my lung from collapsing, which sounds like a fabulous plan to me.
This will not be my most restful weekend; every 30 min. while awake, and every 2 hours in the night time, I'll have to do breathing & coughing exercises. I'm really not eagerly anticipating being awakened every 2 hours Friday & Saturday night while recoving from surgery and forced to do deep breathing & mandatory coughing...
There's a small chance he'll have to leave the chest tube in when we head home, which means coming back & having it taken out next week. It'd be groovy with us for that not to happen. (prayer point there) We like Tex-Mex & all, but we'd like it more were it in Hattiesburg, MS & not 7.5 hours away...
No coffee for me in the a.m., which is a total bummer, and means that nobody better cut me off in traffic on the way up to MDA...I'll be packing a big truck with a V8 engine & a bad uncaffeinated 'tude...and I'm not afraid to use 'em! *grin*
Lisa will be staying with me in the room; all rooms are private, and there is a foldout couch of some sort. Regrettably for her, she will not have one of those cool pain-drug pumps like I'll have. (Of course, she won't be having the actual pain either...)
Assuming we do in fact get out Sunday (prayer point there), we'll likely come back down here to Friendswood (SE of downtown Houston) to spend the night and then come home Monday. If we were to get out early enough Sunday, we'd come back down here & pick up the non-MDA stuff of ours & then head on home Sunday.
So there it is, folks. We roll out of here about 6:20 a.m. tomorrow, heading up to MDA for a happening weekend...one that will be one of the more significant weekends of my entire 49 year life span.
Thanks so very much for holding us up in prayer. Were fine, all things considered, and are anxious to get on with this huge part of the process. Lisa, James, Anne, & I are so very honored and blessed by you. Thanks for being instruments of God's grace into our lives during these days. Consider yourself hugged. (especially since it may be a while before I'm doing any actual hugging...)
With much love and great hope,
Mike - 2 Cor. 4:7-8, 16-18
p.s. - got inked up out here today; a really cool (temporary) tattoo on the right side of my chest that says RYM. "Y" means "yes, cut on this side," and "RM" is my Dr.'s initials. I'm thinking of making it permament (note to Mom: not really...) *smile*
--longer than we thought, due to 2 different waits, plus unexpected bloodwork (2 different sticks! Yippee!)
Got out of MDA at...*drum roll*...5:05 p.m., which is an ideal time to be driving, so long as you're not doing so in/near Houston. But, we improvised after the "shortcut" we were told about led us to a dead end. And due to Lisa's superior map-improv skills, plus the grace of God, we made it directly to the excellent Tex-Mex restaurant down in Friendswood (about 22 miles) without much delay, and with less traffic than we face in Hattiesburg.
--met w/ surgeon, & was very impressed
He explained the procedure (see below) and said he'd likely keep me in the hospital until Sunday. Reiterated that I'd be a bit sore, but that I'd be fully "functional" by next week. Unfortunately, he said that I'd be able to drive so long as I've not taken my magic pain pill. I was planning on being an irritating right-seat driver for 7.5 hours.
--met w/ an anesthesiologist
He asked questions, ordered one more piece of bloodwork--the non-trivial "type & cross" for those of you who watch ER. Apparently, it's a fairly significant piece of the puzzle to have blood on hand that actually matches my own before I undergo surgery...*smile*
--ate a vast quantity of most excellent Tex-Mex tonight
(of course, not having had any lunch increased both the quantity and the excellence of tonight's meal)
--alas, no Indy Jones viewing, due to unexpected length of the day
Tomorrow's Procedure:
3 small incisions more or less under the left arm. (very similar to laproscopic surgery on gall stones, actually, for those who know about such things) Video & knife passed into left lung, using an instrument that actually cauterizes as it goes along (thus, nurse said I'd probably only lose a cup of blood; I've lost more than that in an afternoon on oyster shells back home as a kid...) The plan is to make my left lung disease free by removing 3 lesions--technically, removing wedges around & including the 3 lesions. He said he'd fairly instantly know what in the round world we're dealing with in terms of lung cancer, melanoma, or whatever (big prayer point there! That determines the next phase of Mike's medical adventure) There's a chance that he'll have to widen an incision to get his hand in there if he can't find the lesions w/ the video thingy. (prayer point there, for this not to be necessary) He'll leave a chest tube in to keep my lung from collapsing, which sounds like a fabulous plan to me.
This will not be my most restful weekend; every 30 min. while awake, and every 2 hours in the night time, I'll have to do breathing & coughing exercises. I'm really not eagerly anticipating being awakened every 2 hours Friday & Saturday night while recoving from surgery and forced to do deep breathing & mandatory coughing...
There's a small chance he'll have to leave the chest tube in when we head home, which means coming back & having it taken out next week. It'd be groovy with us for that not to happen. (prayer point there) We like Tex-Mex & all, but we'd like it more were it in Hattiesburg, MS & not 7.5 hours away...
No coffee for me in the a.m., which is a total bummer, and means that nobody better cut me off in traffic on the way up to MDA...I'll be packing a big truck with a V8 engine & a bad uncaffeinated 'tude...and I'm not afraid to use 'em! *grin*
Lisa will be staying with me in the room; all rooms are private, and there is a foldout couch of some sort. Regrettably for her, she will not have one of those cool pain-drug pumps like I'll have. (Of course, she won't be having the actual pain either...)
Assuming we do in fact get out Sunday (prayer point there), we'll likely come back down here to Friendswood (SE of downtown Houston) to spend the night and then come home Monday. If we were to get out early enough Sunday, we'd come back down here & pick up the non-MDA stuff of ours & then head on home Sunday.
So there it is, folks. We roll out of here about 6:20 a.m. tomorrow, heading up to MDA for a happening weekend...one that will be one of the more significant weekends of my entire 49 year life span.
Thanks so very much for holding us up in prayer. Were fine, all things considered, and are anxious to get on with this huge part of the process. Lisa, James, Anne, & I are so very honored and blessed by you. Thanks for being instruments of God's grace into our lives during these days. Consider yourself hugged. (especially since it may be a while before I'm doing any actual hugging...)
With much love and great hope,
Mike - 2 Cor. 4:7-8, 16-18
p.s. - got inked up out here today; a really cool (temporary) tattoo on the right side of my chest that says RYM. "Y" means "yes, cut on this side," and "RM" is my Dr.'s initials. I'm thinking of making it permament (note to Mom: not really...) *smile*
Light Day Today
Meet w/ Surgeon at 11:00, & w/ anesthesiologist @ 12:45.
That's it. Easy, but hugely significant day. Your prayers are welcome and greatly appreciated, even on a not-so-intense day as today.
Sometimes--like now--the clock moves slooooooooooowly. Tom Petty said it best: "the waiting is the hardest part..." *smile*
I do have this sense though, that while not much is happening visibly, much is happening behind the scenes. Thanks so much for your continued intercession for us! We're still doing well, mostly. Relatively decent night's sleep for both of us; Lisa woke up paying bills a time or two, & I woke up with bizarre thoughts of teaching & coaching football. (I teach now, & have coached FB before as an asst. coach...) No idea what the dreams mean, as I can't even spell psychology...
With love and hope,
Mike - 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16-18
p.s. - in our continuing quest to bring you all the latest academic research, Lisa & I will be checking out this breakfast place nearby shortly that features kolaches & breakfast pastries. As a scholar-wannabe, it's important to examine such things. (plus, I like to eat good breakfast food...) Not sure how I can list that research on my resume, but I'm sure there's a way...*grin*
That's it. Easy, but hugely significant day. Your prayers are welcome and greatly appreciated, even on a not-so-intense day as today.
Sometimes--like now--the clock moves slooooooooooowly. Tom Petty said it best: "the waiting is the hardest part..." *smile*
I do have this sense though, that while not much is happening visibly, much is happening behind the scenes. Thanks so much for your continued intercession for us! We're still doing well, mostly. Relatively decent night's sleep for both of us; Lisa woke up paying bills a time or two, & I woke up with bizarre thoughts of teaching & coaching football. (I teach now, & have coached FB before as an asst. coach...) No idea what the dreams mean, as I can't even spell psychology...
With love and hope,
Mike - 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16-18
p.s. - in our continuing quest to bring you all the latest academic research, Lisa & I will be checking out this breakfast place nearby shortly that features kolaches & breakfast pastries. As a scholar-wannabe, it's important to examine such things. (plus, I like to eat good breakfast food...) Not sure how I can list that research on my resume, but I'm sure there's a way...*grin*
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Here's the schedule for this phase of our Houston adventure
UPDATE:
We're here in Houston; scan complete (took all of about 5 minutes). I warn you, I blogging under the influence...of a totally awesome angus burger. *grin* We got the, um, pleasure of 5:00 Houston rush hour traffic--remind me to never ever complain about traffic in Hattiesburg again! Light day tomorrow; appts w/ surgeon & with anesthesia person. (There's rumor of a potential Indiana Jones movie viewing in the afternoon...)
Friday's the biggie here medically speaking.
Thanks so much for your prayers!
With love & hope,
Mike - 2 Cor. 4:7-8, 16-18
p.s. - I like my little car, but man oh man...a brand new big truck with a big engine just beats the tar out of my little Toyota for road travel! (especially in Houston 5:00 rush hour traffic...other than my general cluelessness, I felt just like a native out here in that truck!)
p.p.s. - I'm also under the residual influence of some incredible read beans, rice & sausage purchased from this dive near Breaux Bridge, LA for lunch. Great day of eats today! (though horrendously unhealthy...oh well! *smile*)
p.p.p.s - my good buddy Jason Weathers & I have signed a mutual non-agression pact. We've spent waaaay too much time this Spring comparing medical procedures; now we've declared a truce. I think I've had more in quantity, but he's had far more intense procedures, and with today's spinal tap, I declared him the (decisive) victor. He & I have had nearly enough medical fun; we're ready to be back to talking about rock music & football...*smile again* (click the link to his site on the upper left of this screen, and please add him to your prayer lists!)
(update ends)
Wednesday: Lisa & I roll out around 6:30 this morning for Houston.
Wednesday: This afternoon, around 3:30my 37th chest CT scan this year (not really 37th, but I've had several)
Thursday: meet w/ surgeon and with anesthesiologist (I'm a pretty cheap anesthesiology patient; most recently, the Dr. said "OK, make him sleepy;" next thing I remembered was being in the recovery room with James; to quote Ron White, if there's counting involved, I'll make it to about the o in one and I'm out; apparently the mere act of opening the IV puts me out--the actual drugs only serve to keep me there)
Friday: VATS surgery, time TBA
Hopefully, back here Sunday, tho that also remains to be seen.
Per Dr.'s comments, I am planning to teach my classes next week. I find this rather amazing, frankly. Rest assured, I'll play the "I'm recovering from lung cancer surgery; I'm sore" cards for as long as possible. One can't go to that particular well too often nor too long though. Just heard about a guy who tried the "well, I have that medical thing" card 8 months after his medical thing cleared up; didn't go too well for him. *grin*
Thanks so very much for holding us up in prayer before the throne! Words fail to adequately express our appreciation. Know that you are loved much by the Madaris tribe.
With love and hope,
Mike - 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16-18
We're here in Houston; scan complete (took all of about 5 minutes). I warn you, I blogging under the influence...of a totally awesome angus burger. *grin* We got the, um, pleasure of 5:00 Houston rush hour traffic--remind me to never ever complain about traffic in Hattiesburg again! Light day tomorrow; appts w/ surgeon & with anesthesia person. (There's rumor of a potential Indiana Jones movie viewing in the afternoon...)
Friday's the biggie here medically speaking.
Thanks so much for your prayers!
With love & hope,
Mike - 2 Cor. 4:7-8, 16-18
p.s. - I like my little car, but man oh man...a brand new big truck with a big engine just beats the tar out of my little Toyota for road travel! (especially in Houston 5:00 rush hour traffic...other than my general cluelessness, I felt just like a native out here in that truck!)
p.p.s. - I'm also under the residual influence of some incredible read beans, rice & sausage purchased from this dive near Breaux Bridge, LA for lunch. Great day of eats today! (though horrendously unhealthy...oh well! *smile*)
p.p.p.s - my good buddy Jason Weathers & I have signed a mutual non-agression pact. We've spent waaaay too much time this Spring comparing medical procedures; now we've declared a truce. I think I've had more in quantity, but he's had far more intense procedures, and with today's spinal tap, I declared him the (decisive) victor. He & I have had nearly enough medical fun; we're ready to be back to talking about rock music & football...*smile again* (click the link to his site on the upper left of this screen, and please add him to your prayer lists!)
(update ends)
Wednesday: Lisa & I roll out around 6:30 this morning for Houston.
Wednesday: This afternoon, around 3:30my 37th chest CT scan this year (not really 37th, but I've had several)
Thursday: meet w/ surgeon and with anesthesiologist (I'm a pretty cheap anesthesiology patient; most recently, the Dr. said "OK, make him sleepy;" next thing I remembered was being in the recovery room with James; to quote Ron White, if there's counting involved, I'll make it to about the o in one and I'm out; apparently the mere act of opening the IV puts me out--the actual drugs only serve to keep me there)
Friday: VATS surgery, time TBA
Hopefully, back here Sunday, tho that also remains to be seen.
Per Dr.'s comments, I am planning to teach my classes next week. I find this rather amazing, frankly. Rest assured, I'll play the "I'm recovering from lung cancer surgery; I'm sore" cards for as long as possible. One can't go to that particular well too often nor too long though. Just heard about a guy who tried the "well, I have that medical thing" card 8 months after his medical thing cleared up; didn't go too well for him. *grin*
Thanks so very much for holding us up in prayer before the throne! Words fail to adequately express our appreciation. Know that you are loved much by the Madaris tribe.
With love and hope,
Mike - 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16-18
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Grace Notes
Ever look at a piece of music & see those little bitty notes written in between the "big" notes? Those are "grace notes." You can play a piece of music without the grace notes, but it's so much richer with them. Life's that way too. Sometimes, the Lord adds some grace notes to our lives that we fail to notice. In my case, I usually fail to notice those grace notes. *sigh* So, I wanted to point out a couple He's added to our symphony recently.
1. A friend called over the weekend and offered his vehicle (much newer & nicer than ours), plus a gas card for this week's trip to Houston.
2. Another friend is continuing to let us stay in his place out in the Houston area. By the time we come back this weekend--our 3rd trip to Houston--we will have spent zero dollars on lodging.
It would be so easy to attribute these to just general kindness--and to be sure both of these folks are very kind!--but here's the thing. Neither offer was solicited by us; both were surprises. Grace notes, in other words.
Could God have not brought about these 2 grace notes (or any other grace notes for that matter)? Sure! Would we function without them? You bet. But oh my! How much richer life is with grace notes! Just as a symphony or jazz composition is much more full & satisfying with the grace notes played.
My challenge today is to pay attention to the details of life, and notice the grace notes God puts into your life's symphony. Just yesterday morning, for example, in a remarkable coincidence (not), James & I came out of church just as our friends Jason & Stephanie Weathers were coming out another nearby door. Thus, we had a delightful little visit there in the TBC parking lot. A grace note. Also, I had been pondering whether I'd be able to crank my mower after lung surgery; yesterday, a good friend said "I've been thinking; you don't need to worry about mowing your lawn after you get back. I'll come over & do it for you." A grace note (I had not mentioned my mower concern to him). Colleagues at work have gone way above & beyond "duty" as I've had to miss classes & meetings due to the myriad medical tests this Spring, and have offered to do so this summer as needed. Grace notes. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
Notice your grace notes today, and make sure to thank the Composer for putting them there!
With love and hope--and thanksgiving for grace notes in my life,
Mike
1. A friend called over the weekend and offered his vehicle (much newer & nicer than ours), plus a gas card for this week's trip to Houston.
2. Another friend is continuing to let us stay in his place out in the Houston area. By the time we come back this weekend--our 3rd trip to Houston--we will have spent zero dollars on lodging.
It would be so easy to attribute these to just general kindness--and to be sure both of these folks are very kind!--but here's the thing. Neither offer was solicited by us; both were surprises. Grace notes, in other words.
Could God have not brought about these 2 grace notes (or any other grace notes for that matter)? Sure! Would we function without them? You bet. But oh my! How much richer life is with grace notes! Just as a symphony or jazz composition is much more full & satisfying with the grace notes played.
My challenge today is to pay attention to the details of life, and notice the grace notes God puts into your life's symphony. Just yesterday morning, for example, in a remarkable coincidence (not), James & I came out of church just as our friends Jason & Stephanie Weathers were coming out another nearby door. Thus, we had a delightful little visit there in the TBC parking lot. A grace note. Also, I had been pondering whether I'd be able to crank my mower after lung surgery; yesterday, a good friend said "I've been thinking; you don't need to worry about mowing your lawn after you get back. I'll come over & do it for you." A grace note (I had not mentioned my mower concern to him). Colleagues at work have gone way above & beyond "duty" as I've had to miss classes & meetings due to the myriad medical tests this Spring, and have offered to do so this summer as needed. Grace notes. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
Notice your grace notes today, and make sure to thank the Composer for putting them there!
With love and hope--and thanksgiving for grace notes in my life,
Mike
Saturday, May 24, 2008
2 fyi's...
1. We're home, as of about 10:30 last night.
This actually turned out to be more of an adventure than we'd planned. 2 hours, 45 minutes of bumper to bumper, barely moving traffic about 30-40 miles east of Houston. "Barely moving" means that we covered about 12-15 miles in 2 hours, 45 minutes. Twice, we stood stone still for 20+ minutes. Luckily for us, my car's A/C is a bit iffy. *smile* Not the most comfy 165 minutes we've spent! When we got to the obstruction (bridge repair work), there were about 7 guys sitting calmly on the tailgate of a truck, doing...nothing. A several-mile long logjam of traffic, & they were doing zero. My hunch is that the non-English speakers in that group probably learned a number of new words yesterday afternoon...But it was all OK, and God graciously kept our perspective in check. The worst thing that happened to us was a traffic jam; this marks a pretty good day imo!
2. Lung Function tests yesterday
These were zero fun, but went well. I, um, passed. (3 different types of tests, all with big long Latin names...) Thus, the green light is still lit for the surgery next week. I played a wind instrument for a bunch of years, & grew up in, on, & under the waters of NW Florida. Plus, the cross trainer machine @ Temple Baptist knows me by name. Thus, I pride myself on good lung capacity, and yet, these tests were surprisingly hard! But the lady said I did well. She said most folks need a breathing treatment after the tests, but that I didn't.
BTW, go here to see the guy who'll be doing surgery next week. Prayers for him are welcome too, since he'll be the 3rd person this Spring to jam something into my lungs. (Just think...there are people all over the world who haven't even had one thing jammed into their lungs, and next Friday will be my 3rd...*grin*)
Still very positive in our outlook. Your prayers are greatly helping with that.
With love and hope,
Mike
p.s. - a Bill Engvall "here's your sign" moment: about 1 1/2 hours into the traffic jam--with no way to get on or off the interstate--this lady looks over at Lisa & says, "we've been stuck here for over an hour; you too?" Lisa said--well after we had moved on away from her car--"Nope. Just had the helicopter drop us here a couple of minutes ago cuz it looked like fun. Heeeere's your sign..." *grin*
This actually turned out to be more of an adventure than we'd planned. 2 hours, 45 minutes of bumper to bumper, barely moving traffic about 30-40 miles east of Houston. "Barely moving" means that we covered about 12-15 miles in 2 hours, 45 minutes. Twice, we stood stone still for 20+ minutes. Luckily for us, my car's A/C is a bit iffy. *smile* Not the most comfy 165 minutes we've spent! When we got to the obstruction (bridge repair work), there were about 7 guys sitting calmly on the tailgate of a truck, doing...nothing. A several-mile long logjam of traffic, & they were doing zero. My hunch is that the non-English speakers in that group probably learned a number of new words yesterday afternoon...But it was all OK, and God graciously kept our perspective in check. The worst thing that happened to us was a traffic jam; this marks a pretty good day imo!
2. Lung Function tests yesterday
These were zero fun, but went well. I, um, passed. (3 different types of tests, all with big long Latin names...) Thus, the green light is still lit for the surgery next week. I played a wind instrument for a bunch of years, & grew up in, on, & under the waters of NW Florida. Plus, the cross trainer machine @ Temple Baptist knows me by name. Thus, I pride myself on good lung capacity, and yet, these tests were surprisingly hard! But the lady said I did well. She said most folks need a breathing treatment after the tests, but that I didn't.
BTW, go here to see the guy who'll be doing surgery next week. Prayers for him are welcome too, since he'll be the 3rd person this Spring to jam something into my lungs. (Just think...there are people all over the world who haven't even had one thing jammed into their lungs, and next Friday will be my 3rd...*grin*)
Still very positive in our outlook. Your prayers are greatly helping with that.
With love and hope,
Mike
p.s. - a Bill Engvall "here's your sign" moment: about 1 1/2 hours into the traffic jam--with no way to get on or off the interstate--this lady looks over at Lisa & says, "we've been stuck here for over an hour; you too?" Lisa said--well after we had moved on away from her car--"Nope. Just had the helicopter drop us here a couple of minutes ago cuz it looked like fun. Heeeere's your sign..." *grin*
Thursday, May 22, 2008
NEWS
We have more news. Freshen up your cup of coffee & pull up a chair; this might take a few minutes...
The bottom line:
Based on all of the tests, Dr. Kim thinks this is lung cancer. He has the wheels turning as if that's the case. More tests, and then surgery next Friday morning, back out here. (details follow)
The details:
--Tomorrow, I have a pulmonary function test (basically blowing in tubes, as I understand it). Then home to H'burg. (w00t!)
--Back out here to MDA next Wednesday, for a CT scan in the afternoon.
--Meet w/ surgeon & anthesiologist Thursday, then surgery Friday morning to remove the spots on my left lung.
The surgery is VATS, which stands for video assisted thorascopic surgery (or "very astronomically 'spensive," whichever...*grin*). This is a relatively non-invasive way to go into my left lung & remove the lesions there. Note: not "biopsy" them, but remove them. He's going to remove the ones in my left lung. Non-invasive => I may be released the next day, assuming all goes well. Planning to teach my classes the next week & all!
--After this surgery, the answer will be known with certainty, for the lesions themselves will be out & under the microscope. Thus, if they are in fact cancer, those have already been removed. In that case, the one in my right lung will be dealt with as cancer--prolly some combo of radiation + either chemo or the newer hormone/chemo pill as needed.
If, in fact, it turns out that these are something besides cancer, like a fungus, then that will also be known decisively, and the remaining one will be treated accordingly.
So, my friends, it remains a rather serious situation. Until further notice, assume that it's lung cancer and pray accordingly. BTW, we absolutely loved our Dr. and the resident we met with too. The Dr. was amazingly savvy in his abuse of me in my Crimson Tide shirt, mentioning Mike Shula and Nick Saban both as he abused me. *grins* More seriously, I greatly appreciated this throwaway comment he made in the course of a lengthy explanation: "I never make life pronouncements, for it is not in my power to give life."
On a very serious note, today was a wonderfully bizarre day spiritually. (Actually, not that bizarre, as I know the Source...) Here we were being told that I likely have lung cancer with words like "surgery" and "radiation" and "chemo" tossed around, and I honestly tell you neither Lisa nor I experienced the slightest bit of panic, nor did we shed a tear. I never felt anything but, well, joy. I assure you, this is not normal--I'm not near that spiritual! Rather, our Lord chose to pour out His Spirit and His grace into our lives today. I'm firmly convinced that part of what we experienced was Him answering your prayers; know that we are so very grateful and humbled to have been prayed for by so many. (Could you please keep them coming just a bit longer? We still are in the midst of this bend & don't know when it will straighten out...And I imagine I'll have my human moments that will not be nearly as spiritual as today was, sadly)
Know that we're fine, and are glad the wheels are turning & the process moving forward. We are very optimistic; the Dr. is too.
I leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite praise songs, "Be Unto Your Name" by Lynn DeShazo and Gary Sadler.
We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high
Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your Name
We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, Mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before you, blessing Your name
Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your Name...Be Unto Your Name.
With much love and hope,
Mike
The bottom line:
Based on all of the tests, Dr. Kim thinks this is lung cancer. He has the wheels turning as if that's the case. More tests, and then surgery next Friday morning, back out here. (details follow)
The details:
--Tomorrow, I have a pulmonary function test (basically blowing in tubes, as I understand it). Then home to H'burg. (w00t!)
--Back out here to MDA next Wednesday, for a CT scan in the afternoon.
--Meet w/ surgeon & anthesiologist Thursday, then surgery Friday morning to remove the spots on my left lung.
The surgery is VATS, which stands for video assisted thorascopic surgery (or "very astronomically 'spensive," whichever...*grin*). This is a relatively non-invasive way to go into my left lung & remove the lesions there. Note: not "biopsy" them, but remove them. He's going to remove the ones in my left lung. Non-invasive => I may be released the next day, assuming all goes well. Planning to teach my classes the next week & all!
--After this surgery, the answer will be known with certainty, for the lesions themselves will be out & under the microscope. Thus, if they are in fact cancer, those have already been removed. In that case, the one in my right lung will be dealt with as cancer--prolly some combo of radiation + either chemo or the newer hormone/chemo pill as needed.
If, in fact, it turns out that these are something besides cancer, like a fungus, then that will also be known decisively, and the remaining one will be treated accordingly.
So, my friends, it remains a rather serious situation. Until further notice, assume that it's lung cancer and pray accordingly. BTW, we absolutely loved our Dr. and the resident we met with too. The Dr. was amazingly savvy in his abuse of me in my Crimson Tide shirt, mentioning Mike Shula and Nick Saban both as he abused me. *grins* More seriously, I greatly appreciated this throwaway comment he made in the course of a lengthy explanation: "I never make life pronouncements, for it is not in my power to give life."
On a very serious note, today was a wonderfully bizarre day spiritually. (Actually, not that bizarre, as I know the Source...) Here we were being told that I likely have lung cancer with words like "surgery" and "radiation" and "chemo" tossed around, and I honestly tell you neither Lisa nor I experienced the slightest bit of panic, nor did we shed a tear. I never felt anything but, well, joy. I assure you, this is not normal--I'm not near that spiritual! Rather, our Lord chose to pour out His Spirit and His grace into our lives today. I'm firmly convinced that part of what we experienced was Him answering your prayers; know that we are so very grateful and humbled to have been prayed for by so many. (Could you please keep them coming just a bit longer? We still are in the midst of this bend & don't know when it will straighten out...And I imagine I'll have my human moments that will not be nearly as spiritual as today was, sadly)
Know that we're fine, and are glad the wheels are turning & the process moving forward. We are very optimistic; the Dr. is too.
I leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite praise songs, "Be Unto Your Name" by Lynn DeShazo and Gary Sadler.
We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high
Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your Name
We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, Mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before you, blessing Your name
Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your Name...Be Unto Your Name.
With much love and hope,
Mike
Showtime!
(and I don't mean the fast-breaking Lakers of the 1980s...)
In about an hour, Lisa & I will head over to Starbucks for some health food *grin* & java, and then will make the trek up to MDA (about 25 miles or so). Neither of us had the best night of sleep ever last night, but the Lord directly answered a pray of mine at 2:40 a.m., when I asked for 4 good hours of sleep. Next time I rolled over & checked the time, it was 6:50.
We were just talking, and agreed that neither of us feels panic and despair today. I attribute that directly to (a) our Lord lifting up our heads as (b) so many praying for us this morning.
"But You, O Lord, are a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter of my head." Psalm 3:3
Thank you so very much for standing in the gap for us and for holding us before the throne!! I told Lisa that just in the minutes since I awoke & made coffee that I have this wonderful literal physical & emotional awareness that we are being prayed for by many this morning. I generally wake up ready to charge into the day, but this day those feelings have intensified even since I awoke and remembered what's coming later today. We are both so very blessed and so incredibly humbled that you are praying for us through this bend in the road. Rest assured, my own prayer life will never be so taken for granted again, since I've directly benefitted from the prayer lives of so many of you!
Excerpts from this morning's Bible reading in 2 Thessalonians 3:
"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored...For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one...May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ...As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good...Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times, in every way. The Lord be with you all." vv. 1, 2b-3, 5, 13, 16 (emphasis mine)
So many encouraging reminders there. Know that you have been mentioned by name in the throneroom of glory this morning; many of the names by me, the others by the Holy Spirit. He knows all of your names even if I don't. I've prayed that middle part about "May the Lord direct your hearts..." for you.
Thanks for your ministry to the Madaris tribe! Hang in there with us just a bit longer and perhaps we'll know more about what's to come in my medical future.
With much love and hope even in this day,
Mike
In about an hour, Lisa & I will head over to Starbucks for some health food *grin* & java, and then will make the trek up to MDA (about 25 miles or so). Neither of us had the best night of sleep ever last night, but the Lord directly answered a pray of mine at 2:40 a.m., when I asked for 4 good hours of sleep. Next time I rolled over & checked the time, it was 6:50.
We were just talking, and agreed that neither of us feels panic and despair today. I attribute that directly to (a) our Lord lifting up our heads as (b) so many praying for us this morning.
"But You, O Lord, are a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter of my head." Psalm 3:3
Thank you so very much for standing in the gap for us and for holding us before the throne!! I told Lisa that just in the minutes since I awoke & made coffee that I have this wonderful literal physical & emotional awareness that we are being prayed for by many this morning. I generally wake up ready to charge into the day, but this day those feelings have intensified even since I awoke and remembered what's coming later today. We are both so very blessed and so incredibly humbled that you are praying for us through this bend in the road. Rest assured, my own prayer life will never be so taken for granted again, since I've directly benefitted from the prayer lives of so many of you!
Excerpts from this morning's Bible reading in 2 Thessalonians 3:
"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored...For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one...May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ...As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good...Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times, in every way. The Lord be with you all." vv. 1, 2b-3, 5, 13, 16 (emphasis mine)
So many encouraging reminders there. Know that you have been mentioned by name in the throneroom of glory this morning; many of the names by me, the others by the Holy Spirit. He knows all of your names even if I don't. I've prayed that middle part about "May the Lord direct your hearts..." for you.
Thanks for your ministry to the Madaris tribe! Hang in there with us just a bit longer and perhaps we'll know more about what's to come in my medical future.
With much love and hope even in this day,
Mike
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Annnnnnnd we're off!
Leaving for Houston in a little over an hour. (I did wake up a time or two last night, but on balance, I'm good this morning.)
Please pray for safe travel today and for peace for us on Thursday. Of course, you could also pray for accurate, good results & a good diagnosis too, if you wanted to...*smile*
From Dr. David Jeremiah:
"When the bend in the road seems treacherous, we can smile and look right past it. We can lift our eyes above the bend and take in the beautiful hills outlined against the horizon. Then we can cast our gaze beyond even those, past the horizon and into the face of our Father. We know He loves us and watches over us, over the entire journey here and in the next world."
A Bend in the Road
Know that we are most blessed and most humbled to see the many outpourings of grace from God through you. His fingerprints are all over so many who are ministering to us. And we are forever grateful.
With love and hope,
Mike
p.s. - Anne has 2 more semester tests, one today & one tomorrow. She & James both are working, and thus will be here at home.
Please pray for safe travel today and for peace for us on Thursday. Of course, you could also pray for accurate, good results & a good diagnosis too, if you wanted to...*smile*
From Dr. David Jeremiah:
"When the bend in the road seems treacherous, we can smile and look right past it. We can lift our eyes above the bend and take in the beautiful hills outlined against the horizon. Then we can cast our gaze beyond even those, past the horizon and into the face of our Father. We know He loves us and watches over us, over the entire journey here and in the next world."
A Bend in the Road
Know that we are most blessed and most humbled to see the many outpourings of grace from God through you. His fingerprints are all over so many who are ministering to us. And we are forever grateful.
With love and hope,
Mike
p.s. - Anne has 2 more semester tests, one today & one tomorrow. She & James both are working, and thus will be here at home.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
(Not much of an) Update
Tomorrow morning, Lisa & I head out west for round 2 @ M.D. Anderson. (James & Anne will stay here, as both have jobs, and Anne still has 2 more days of school.)
I have an appt. in XRay @ 10:45 on Wednesday, 5/22, followed by an appt. with a lung cancer specialist at 1:30.
I haven't the faintest clue what lies beyond Thursday at 1:30, medically speaking. We're just hoping to find out something and get on with it. (whatever "it" is...) Of course, our prayer is to find out decisively & conclusively that this is actually _________ (something other than cancer).
Lisa & I are--all things considered--doing fine. James & Anne too. We know Whom we have believed, and are persuaded that He is able to keep that which we've committed unto Him against that day. We know that our God is awesomely sovereign, and that He knows the end from the beginning, including this medical situation. We know that He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or even think, including in this medical situation.
Know that we are incredibly blessed and humbled by and thankful for the prayers and cards and emails and notes and thoughts of so many. We ask--selfishly--for you to continue to hold us up before the throne as we take the next part of this journey. Know also that we thank God for you and pray for you as well. We don't even know who all reads this and has been praying. But rest assured that our God knows your names.
With much love and hope, and humbled by His amazing grace shown through you,
Mike
p.s. - read that lately? (*points to passage on left side of screen*)
I have an appt. in XRay @ 10:45 on Wednesday, 5/22, followed by an appt. with a lung cancer specialist at 1:30.
I haven't the faintest clue what lies beyond Thursday at 1:30, medically speaking. We're just hoping to find out something and get on with it. (whatever "it" is...) Of course, our prayer is to find out decisively & conclusively that this is actually _________ (something other than cancer).
Lisa & I are--all things considered--doing fine. James & Anne too. We know Whom we have believed, and are persuaded that He is able to keep that which we've committed unto Him against that day. We know that our God is awesomely sovereign, and that He knows the end from the beginning, including this medical situation. We know that He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or even think, including in this medical situation.
Know that we are incredibly blessed and humbled by and thankful for the prayers and cards and emails and notes and thoughts of so many. We ask--selfishly--for you to continue to hold us up before the throne as we take the next part of this journey. Know also that we thank God for you and pray for you as well. We don't even know who all reads this and has been praying. But rest assured that our God knows your names.
With much love and hope, and humbled by His amazing grace shown through you,
Mike
p.s. - read that lately? (*points to passage on left side of screen*)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Followup confirmation
My GI Dr. called me yesterday afternoon. (Note: the Dr. himself called, which I think is awesome!)
"Mike, I didn't want you to worry about this over the weekend. I wanted to tell you that the biopsy confirmed that we found nothing to worry about Thursday."
As Forrest Gump said, "one less thing..." (to worry about).
By the way--the Dr. also told me that I have the small intestines of a 17-year-old. Take that, you 49-year-old aging process and all who have abused me about getting old (*cough* Stephanie! *clear throat*)! *huge grin*
I keep saying it, but know that I keep meaning it: THANKS SO MUCH for your prayers! If you can continue to pray with us this next week, that would be most appreciated. Next up on the checklist & discovery journey are my appts. @ MDA Thursday, 5/22. (xray in the morning, lung specialist in the afternoon.)
With Love & Hope,
Mike
p.s. - is it Thursday yet? *sigh*
"Mike, I didn't want you to worry about this over the weekend. I wanted to tell you that the biopsy confirmed that we found nothing to worry about Thursday."
As Forrest Gump said, "one less thing..." (to worry about).
By the way--the Dr. also told me that I have the small intestines of a 17-year-old. Take that, you 49-year-old aging process and all who have abused me about getting old (*cough* Stephanie! *clear throat*)! *huge grin*
I keep saying it, but know that I keep meaning it: THANKS SO MUCH for your prayers! If you can continue to pray with us this next week, that would be most appreciated. Next up on the checklist & discovery journey are my appts. @ MDA Thursday, 5/22. (xray in the morning, lung specialist in the afternoon.)
With Love & Hope,
Mike
p.s. - is it Thursday yet? *sigh*
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Another phase complete
I'm home now from the "meet in the middle" tests, as I call them. *smile*
Dr. says he saw nothing that alarmed him. I think he biopsied something in there, but anesthesia does funny things to one's memory. (And my memory is getting ever more suspect without anesthesia!) I know that he said he didn't see anything to worry about--and James' un-anesthesized mind agrees.
James was my designated driver; he & I have just completed the greatest breakfast meal I've ever had. It was at Huddle House. (Of course, following a day of clear liquids + the two magic Fleet bottles, a bale of hay in a briar patch might well have tasted that good)
Thanks much for your prayers, my friends. We now wait for these results, and get them shipped out to MDA ahead of our appt. there next Thursday. So here comes one of the longer weeks of my 2548 weeks on this earth...
Thanks again. With love & hope,
Mike
Dr. says he saw nothing that alarmed him. I think he biopsied something in there, but anesthesia does funny things to one's memory. (And my memory is getting ever more suspect without anesthesia!) I know that he said he didn't see anything to worry about--and James' un-anesthesized mind agrees.
James was my designated driver; he & I have just completed the greatest breakfast meal I've ever had. It was at Huddle House. (Of course, following a day of clear liquids + the two magic Fleet bottles, a bale of hay in a briar patch might well have tasted that good)
Thanks much for your prayers, my friends. We now wait for these results, and get them shipped out to MDA ahead of our appt. there next Thursday. So here comes one of the longer weeks of my 2548 weeks on this earth...
Thanks again. With love & hope,
Mike
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Next Step is...
...Thursday @ 8:00 a.m. when I have the GI stuff done. Should get the results well in advance of my next MDA trip. God is the Lord of medical scheduling details too!
Please pray for accurate and good results! "Accurate" is actually the more important prayer, but "good" would be nice as long as it's accurate to say so.
This will be my 2nd batch of GI stuff in less than 2 years. I'm so fortunate; why, I bet there are some of you reading this right now who have likely never even had one upper & lower GI series, and here I am about to have my 2nd...*grin* Here's the funniest line of the day, from the nurse: "You don't actually have to have a driver here to take you home. If you don't, we'll still do the procedures but we won't be able to give you the happy medicine, which will make it much less comfortable of a morning..." (yeah...I laughed out loud right there in the Dr.'s office)
By the way, the count is now up to five; five M.D.'s that I have spoken with about my situation have shaken their heads & said "that's strange..." Being a medical marvel like this is very much over-rated, and is completely not recommended in case you were wondering...
But my God is on His throne, and He knows the end from the beginning, and He is able--more than able--to handle this or anything else that might come my way. Thanks so much for your prayers to Him on our behalf!
With love and hope,
Mike
p.s. - Just now walking out of the Dr.'s office, I pictured this Ron White delivery describing my relationship with the GI Dr.: "The man goes to church with me, & has a child the age of one of my children, and besides, he's about to perform his 2nd upper & lower GI series on me in 22 months--we've met!" *grin*
Please pray for accurate and good results! "Accurate" is actually the more important prayer, but "good" would be nice as long as it's accurate to say so.
This will be my 2nd batch of GI stuff in less than 2 years. I'm so fortunate; why, I bet there are some of you reading this right now who have likely never even had one upper & lower GI series, and here I am about to have my 2nd...*grin* Here's the funniest line of the day, from the nurse: "You don't actually have to have a driver here to take you home. If you don't, we'll still do the procedures but we won't be able to give you the happy medicine, which will make it much less comfortable of a morning..." (yeah...I laughed out loud right there in the Dr.'s office)
By the way, the count is now up to five; five M.D.'s that I have spoken with about my situation have shaken their heads & said "that's strange..." Being a medical marvel like this is very much over-rated, and is completely not recommended in case you were wondering...
But my God is on His throne, and He knows the end from the beginning, and He is able--more than able--to handle this or anything else that might come my way. Thanks so much for your prayers to Him on our behalf!
With love and hope,
Mike
p.s. - Just now walking out of the Dr.'s office, I pictured this Ron White delivery describing my relationship with the GI Dr.: "The man goes to church with me, & has a child the age of one of my children, and besides, he's about to perform his 2nd upper & lower GI series on me in 22 months--we've met!" *grin*
Monday, May 12, 2008
The wheels are turning...
I have a consult appt. w/ a G.I. Dr. tomorrow (Tuesday, 5/12) at 11:30. Hopefully, the result of this will be an upper & lower G.I. series later this week, so we can ship the results out to M.D. Anderson, so the folks there can read the results ahead of my next appt. out there next Thursday (5/22).
(aside: don't ponder overmuch on what exactly an "upper & lower G.I. series" is; let's just say that the entire journey this morning's breakfast takes will be, um, examined...and that anesthesia is involved...)
Not much of an update, I realize, but at this point in the journey, there are no minor details nor updates. They all count! And the G.I. series could prove to be a highly significant piece of the puzzle, as lower G.I. has been mentioned as a potential primary source for the cells in my lungs.
Man, how I love being a medical marvel with the ability to confound & confuse all of medical science...wait...no I don't...never mind... *smile*
Thanks so much for your prayers! Lisa, James, Anne, & I are so very grateful for the prayers & thoughts & comments, here & in person & via email.
With Love and Hope,
Mike - 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16-18
(aside: don't ponder overmuch on what exactly an "upper & lower G.I. series" is; let's just say that the entire journey this morning's breakfast takes will be, um, examined...and that anesthesia is involved...)
Not much of an update, I realize, but at this point in the journey, there are no minor details nor updates. They all count! And the G.I. series could prove to be a highly significant piece of the puzzle, as lower G.I. has been mentioned as a potential primary source for the cells in my lungs.
Man, how I love being a medical marvel with the ability to confound & confuse all of medical science...wait...no I don't...never mind... *smile*
Thanks so much for your prayers! Lisa, James, Anne, & I are so very grateful for the prayers & thoughts & comments, here & in person & via email.
With Love and Hope,
Mike - 2 Cor 4:7-8, 16-18
Thursday, May 8, 2008
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - but not about me
Want to save someone's life? Literally?
Are you between 18 & 62?
Then keep reading. And act on what you read.
Right now you can go to www.marrow.org and request a kit to be screened in order to be a potential bone marrow donor for FREE! Yes, I said FREE. Usually one would pay $52, but from May 5-May 19 you can get screened for FREE!
Please pass this along to all family, friends, co-workers, etc.
Wouldn't it be an incredible opportunity to get to save a life?
Also, on Friday, May 17th, there will be another bone marrow drive in honor of a little girl by the name of Madison Courtney. Madison also needs a bone marrow transplant. This drive will also be held at Temple Baptist Church (West Campus). You can view Madison's site by visiting: www.caringbridge.org/visit/madisoncourtney I know this sweet family would appreciate your prayers as well. It is my understanding that this drive will also be free of charge. This is only for a limited time as they are doing a promotion to get potential donors. PLEASE consider doing this if you haven't already done so. PASS the word!
Note: once you're typed, you stay in the marrow registry until age 62. They contact you if your marrow matches someone. And btw, there are no needles in the typing process. (there are needles in the donation process, of course, but none in the typing process. I promise!)
This is not about my medical situation, but I feel very strongly about this. And "save a life" is absolutely not an exaggeration.
On behalf of my good friend Jason Weathers, of this young lady named Madison Courtney, and many others needing a bone marrow transplant, THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO THIS!
Are you between 18 & 62?
Then keep reading. And act on what you read.
Right now you can go to www.marrow.org and request a kit to be screened in order to be a potential bone marrow donor for FREE! Yes, I said FREE. Usually one would pay $52, but from May 5-May 19 you can get screened for FREE!
Please pass this along to all family, friends, co-workers, etc.
Wouldn't it be an incredible opportunity to get to save a life?
Also, on Friday, May 17th, there will be another bone marrow drive in honor of a little girl by the name of Madison Courtney. Madison also needs a bone marrow transplant. This drive will also be held at Temple Baptist Church (West Campus). You can view Madison's site by visiting: www.caringbridge.org/visit/madisoncourtney I know this sweet family would appreciate your prayers as well. It is my understanding that this drive will also be free of charge. This is only for a limited time as they are doing a promotion to get potential donors. PLEASE consider doing this if you haven't already done so. PASS the word!
Note: once you're typed, you stay in the marrow registry until age 62. They contact you if your marrow matches someone. And btw, there are no needles in the typing process. (there are needles in the donation process, of course, but none in the typing process. I promise!)
This is not about my medical situation, but I feel very strongly about this. And "save a life" is absolutely not an exaggeration.
On behalf of my good friend Jason Weathers, of this young lady named Madison Courtney, and many others needing a bone marrow transplant, THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO THIS!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
"It's a little confusing..."
And with those words, my Dr. began his analysis of my case today...
The bottom line: a) We still don't know. b) But there is evidence of cancer in the spots in my lungs. c) Additional tests, plus a referral to a lung specialist out here May 22.
The details:
--The 2nd biopsy of my lung shows abnormal cells with the concern that they might be adenocarcinoma cells (a type of cancer cell)
--My Dr. out here is a melanoma specialist, and he does not think these are melanoma
--Nor does he think the lung is the primary source area; has a hunch that there may be cancer elsewhere that's showing up in my lungs too
--Additional tests: (1) additional bloodwork - already drawn & in progress; (2) another colonoscopy & upper G.I. - to be scheduled in H'burg; (3) referral appt. with a lung specialist here @ Anderson May 22
--"I know it's frustrating for you; just be patient a couple more weeks and we should know something, including treatment options as needed." (His words)
So...that's the news, such as it is. Definitely not the "all-clear" that we wanted! But on the other hand, 20 minutes waiting by the front door of M.D. Anderson seeing folks come & go puts mine right in perspective. It could definitely be so very much worse!
Summary: A) not great news; B) more tests & Dr. appts.
I quote one of my favorite theologians, my older brother: "I haven't yet achieved our Lord's words of 'which of you by worrying can add a cubit?' but I have learned not to magnify worry beyond what is called for at the moment." A pretty good take on this situation.
So, we have not come out of this bend in the road. The future is still unknown to us. But let me assure you, the future is by no means uncertain!! My Lord knows and was completely not caught off-guard by today's news, and is absolutely not wringing His hands wondering how things will turn out.
Still, my fallen human nature rears its ugly head now & then. Thus, we welcome your prayers! We need your prayers. We are thankful for your continued prayers, more than words can say. Please remember Lisa, James & Anne, who have to navigate this bend in the road with me.
With much love and hope, (along with a sinful dose of human concern...)
Mike
The bottom line: a) We still don't know. b) But there is evidence of cancer in the spots in my lungs. c) Additional tests, plus a referral to a lung specialist out here May 22.
The details:
--The 2nd biopsy of my lung shows abnormal cells with the concern that they might be adenocarcinoma cells (a type of cancer cell)
--My Dr. out here is a melanoma specialist, and he does not think these are melanoma
--Nor does he think the lung is the primary source area; has a hunch that there may be cancer elsewhere that's showing up in my lungs too
--Additional tests: (1) additional bloodwork - already drawn & in progress; (2) another colonoscopy & upper G.I. - to be scheduled in H'burg; (3) referral appt. with a lung specialist here @ Anderson May 22
--"I know it's frustrating for you; just be patient a couple more weeks and we should know something, including treatment options as needed." (His words)
So...that's the news, such as it is. Definitely not the "all-clear" that we wanted! But on the other hand, 20 minutes waiting by the front door of M.D. Anderson seeing folks come & go puts mine right in perspective. It could definitely be so very much worse!
Summary: A) not great news; B) more tests & Dr. appts.
I quote one of my favorite theologians, my older brother: "I haven't yet achieved our Lord's words of 'which of you by worrying can add a cubit?' but I have learned not to magnify worry beyond what is called for at the moment." A pretty good take on this situation.
So, we have not come out of this bend in the road. The future is still unknown to us. But let me assure you, the future is by no means uncertain!! My Lord knows and was completely not caught off-guard by today's news, and is absolutely not wringing His hands wondering how things will turn out.
Still, my fallen human nature rears its ugly head now & then. Thus, we welcome your prayers! We need your prayers. We are thankful for your continued prayers, more than words can say. Please remember Lisa, James & Anne, who have to navigate this bend in the road with me.
With much love and hope, (along with a sinful dose of human concern...)
Mike
Monday, May 5, 2008
Well, we're off...
You know that feeling of excitement & anticipation you used to get as a kid on Christmas Eve? Well, this is nothing like that at all...
Actually, we are excited about getting on with this process and (hopefully!) getting some resolution. And let me tell you, the fingerprints of God are already all over our Houston trip! Lodging, work details being taken care of, gas money contributions, even one of my graduate students from the coast copying me a picture & a bio of Dr. Homsi. (She works with the military health insurance group and deals with M.D. Anderson regularly)
We'll be rolling out in an hour or so after Anne heads out to school. Thus, we hope to miss the Baton Rouge & Houston rush- & lunch-hour traffic.
Thanks so very much for your thoughts & prayers recently, and especially this week. By the way, my appt. was moved from Tuesday at 2:00 to Tuesday at 11:30 (10:30 for bloodwork).
Again, thanks for your prayers & thoughts.
Much love and hope,
Mike
(*sings* "Houuuuuu-ston...Houston means that I'm one step closer...")
Actually, we are excited about getting on with this process and (hopefully!) getting some resolution. And let me tell you, the fingerprints of God are already all over our Houston trip! Lodging, work details being taken care of, gas money contributions, even one of my graduate students from the coast copying me a picture & a bio of Dr. Homsi. (She works with the military health insurance group and deals with M.D. Anderson regularly)
We'll be rolling out in an hour or so after Anne heads out to school. Thus, we hope to miss the Baton Rouge & Houston rush- & lunch-hour traffic.
Thanks so very much for your thoughts & prayers recently, and especially this week. By the way, my appt. was moved from Tuesday at 2:00 to Tuesday at 11:30 (10:30 for bloodwork).
Again, thanks for your prayers & thoughts.
Much love and hope,
Mike
(*sings* "Houuuuuu-ston...Houston means that I'm one step closer...")
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