I recently added a link on the sidebar part of the blog that I want to make sure to point out, in case you're only seeing updates via email. (I think the email feature gives just the most recent post and doesn't show any of the other blog content, right?)
This is a really neat idea for prompting parents to pray for their kids at specific times of their day. I confess it's more fitting for moms with young children at home, but it isn't hard to think of modifications to come up with key prayer moments for the active lifestyles of older kids and teens.
Check out the link: Praying for My Children 7x7
I'd love to hear your ideas about incorporating this idea into the specific routine of your family. Please leave a comment so the rest of us can be inspired by your creativity.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
It's All Good
The long-awaited lab results have returned! ... drum roll, please ... "less than 0.1!" Yippee! So, with that little detail now behind us, we'll be about our own business until the next blood draw in about six months. What a sigh of relief it is to have it confirmed that all the prostate cells were removed at surgery, and apparently none have done a disappearing act only to rear their ugly heads at some unexpected time in the future. From this point forward, we'll begin to lengthen the time between labs until we get to an annual interval, and basically we'll check it once a year. Forever. I'd say that's a pretty good life sentence, considering the alternatives.
With that important detail duly shared, is anyone interested in how our boy did on the wrestling mat this past weekend? Will you oblige me first as I tell you that the wrestler's family was SUPERB in our various support roles? At least we were tired enough after three straight days to classify our performance as superb. Charlie was banned from standing up all day on security duty, which has been his assigned spot at this tournament for the past few years, and he was also not to do any moving of mats, tables, etc. I guess surgery does have its advantages. Shelby was a table worker and definitely cheered hard for the Eagles when she had a break from her own mat. So much so, she still has no voice two days later. Terri helped keep the Eastside boys' break room stocked with all the water, cereal, granola bars, bananas, ham & cheese wraps, etc. they needed. It was a lot of fun to be a fly on the wall and just observe some of their interactions with each other, as well as get to know some of the boys a little better.
The most exciting part of the tournament was the team duals on Thursday night. As a freshman, Cole had only wrestled JV these past two years. It turns out he has the most experience at his weight class (103 lbs), so at least for now he is the varsity starter at that weight. Eastside had three duals that night, and Cole led off each dual with six points for the team by pinning each of his opponents in the first period! Talk about getting a great start on the season!
The really tough competitors showed up for the individual part of the tournament on Friday and Saturday. Cole won his first-round bout, then lost in round 2 to a boy from Archer High in Georgia who would go on to win the weight class. He had one more match that night and won by a technical fall, which comes by gaining a 15-point lead on the opponent. His score was 16-1. At that point, he was still in the consolation bracket and could have placed as high as third, but his next match was against a boy he has faced several times during middle school. For some reason, Cole just seems to never be at his best against this kid, and that was the case again this time. So, with two losses, he was out. 1st through 8th places were awarded a medal or plaque, and we think 9th and below were calculated based on points earned during the individual matches. So, without having the final scores in hand, we don't know how he finished individually, but it was somewhere between 9th and 16th. Not bad for his first varsity tournament.
Although continuing to make weight at 103 for the whole season may be a story unto itself. Let's just say he's not fond of the choices in the category for "low-calorie, nutrient-dense" foods. Suggestions welcome. Please leave a comment if you have experience in sports psychology, nutrition, or personal history as a wrestler. :)
With that important detail duly shared, is anyone interested in how our boy did on the wrestling mat this past weekend? Will you oblige me first as I tell you that the wrestler's family was SUPERB in our various support roles? At least we were tired enough after three straight days to classify our performance as superb. Charlie was banned from standing up all day on security duty, which has been his assigned spot at this tournament for the past few years, and he was also not to do any moving of mats, tables, etc. I guess surgery does have its advantages. Shelby was a table worker and definitely cheered hard for the Eagles when she had a break from her own mat. So much so, she still has no voice two days later. Terri helped keep the Eastside boys' break room stocked with all the water, cereal, granola bars, bananas, ham & cheese wraps, etc. they needed. It was a lot of fun to be a fly on the wall and just observe some of their interactions with each other, as well as get to know some of the boys a little better.
The most exciting part of the tournament was the team duals on Thursday night. As a freshman, Cole had only wrestled JV these past two years. It turns out he has the most experience at his weight class (103 lbs), so at least for now he is the varsity starter at that weight. Eastside had three duals that night, and Cole led off each dual with six points for the team by pinning each of his opponents in the first period! Talk about getting a great start on the season!
The really tough competitors showed up for the individual part of the tournament on Friday and Saturday. Cole won his first-round bout, then lost in round 2 to a boy from Archer High in Georgia who would go on to win the weight class. He had one more match that night and won by a technical fall, which comes by gaining a 15-point lead on the opponent. His score was 16-1. At that point, he was still in the consolation bracket and could have placed as high as third, but his next match was against a boy he has faced several times during middle school. For some reason, Cole just seems to never be at his best against this kid, and that was the case again this time. So, with two losses, he was out. 1st through 8th places were awarded a medal or plaque, and we think 9th and below were calculated based on points earned during the individual matches. So, without having the final scores in hand, we don't know how he finished individually, but it was somewhere between 9th and 16th. Not bad for his first varsity tournament.
Although continuing to make weight at 103 for the whole season may be a story unto itself. Let's just say he's not fond of the choices in the category for "low-calorie, nutrient-dense" foods. Suggestions welcome. Please leave a comment if you have experience in sports psychology, nutrition, or personal history as a wrestler. :)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Christmas Card 2010
Gifted Tag Christmas
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
Stay Tuned
I wish we were already giving you the great news of a nondetectable PSA, but instead I'm just letting you know that the short work week (for Charlie, that meant cramming 5 days of work into 3 days) made it impossible to get to the lab for the blood draw. We're going to get that done early this coming week, and then we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we get the results.
And one more quick update is that Charlie is apparently back to full strength, at least where walking is concerned. A couple of weeks ago, I shared about us getting to attend a Clemson football game in fine style and how we walked back and forth in a very unhurried way so not to wear him out. As of last night, all that has apparently changed! After a great time tailgating for several hours with family and friends, and the it-would-have-taken-a-miracle-to-beat-USC loss on the football field, Cole and Shelby and I observed that we had to stay focused to keep up with Charlie walking back to the car. It was a lot further from the stadium than our reserved space of a couple weeks ago, and he was setting a pace worthy of an Olympic race walker. So next time you see him leisurely strolling back to the office after lunch on Main Street, tell him you know what he's capable of!
Stay tuned for blood test results coming soon...
And one more quick update is that Charlie is apparently back to full strength, at least where walking is concerned. A couple of weeks ago, I shared about us getting to attend a Clemson football game in fine style and how we walked back and forth in a very unhurried way so not to wear him out. As of last night, all that has apparently changed! After a great time tailgating for several hours with family and friends, and the it-would-have-taken-a-miracle-to-beat-USC loss on the football field, Cole and Shelby and I observed that we had to stay focused to keep up with Charlie walking back to the car. It was a lot further from the stadium than our reserved space of a couple weeks ago, and he was setting a pace worthy of an Olympic race walker. So next time you see him leisurely strolling back to the office after lunch on Main Street, tell him you know what he's capable of!
Stay tuned for blood test results coming soon...
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Long Overdue
Hardly a day goes by that we don't have a conversation with at least one person about the progress since surgery, how Charlie is feeling, what's the next step, etc. Maybe it's time I take the subtle hints and update everyone at once.
The next step that's most on our minds right now is next week's blood test to check the PSA (prostate-specific antigen). We'll all be happy campers if we get back a result of ZERO, which would mean all the prostate cells in Charlie's body were indeed removed at surgery, and none escaped elsewhere to begin their nasty process of spreading cancer. At least that's my understanding of it. If the PSA is anything other than a big ol' goose egg, we'll have some decisions to make. Please pray with us for peace of mind and to consistently remember Who is in charge while we wait for the test and the results. We really don't have any logical reason to be concerned, but until we know for sure there is always that little creeping doubt that it might not turn out the way we're expecting and hoping.
Cole's frustration of having to sit most of the football season on the sidelines since sustaining a concussion in early September has finally given way to the start of wrestling practice. He was released by the sports medicine folks at Steadman Hawkins to begin practicing about two weeks ago, and he's loving being back in the thick of the action. Charlie & I stopped by the gym for a little while this morning to observe part of a three-hour scrimmage (glorified practice involving multiple teams rolling around on the mats, sweating, and pummeling each other).
Coach Koz, I'm sorry, I know it's way more than this and much harder than it looks, but that's kind of how it appears to the average bystander.
Back to my point. I only mention that we watched part of practice this morning to say how much fun it is to be a parent when your child is doing something he enjoys so much, finding a measure of success in it, and doing it with every ounce of determination and strength he possesses. Now to find ways to translate that effort into other areas, too.... think average teenage boy, and use your imagination.
I'm sure Cole's matches this season will be a little more nerve racking to watch, since wrestling is not exactly a sport devoid of potential conks on the head. The first live matches will come on December 2-4 when we host the Southern Slam (even the name of the tournament implies something I don't want happening to his noggin!). If you're interested in both the preservation of his head and the outcome of the matches, we'll try to post some results here.
Before I wrap up this post, let me just say again how well you have taught us these past few months how to love on someone in need. We have already had a number of opportunities to put that same kind of love into action for others in our circle of friends who have experienced various losses and times of need. We are so grateful for the way you cared for us when we were overwhelmed and tired. Without you, we certainly would not have known how to reach out to others in turn.
Sorry, I lied. There is one more thing I want to tell you about. If you know me very well, you know I enjoy reading and talking about what I've read. I've always said I will probably never invest in an e-reader device, because there's just something irresistible about real pages in a real book. But I've since discovered the wonderful world of one particular blog that has absolutely captivated my heart. If you want to read an incredibly moving story and be encouraged in your faith, visit Bring the Rain, written by Angie Smith. I have gone back to the beginning of Angie's posts and read here and there whenever I have a few minutes to spare. I've wept, laughed out loud, been inspired, and simply enjoyed getting to know this sweet young woman and her family. There's my recommendation. Let me know if you enjoy it as much as I have. (Warning: Angie's blog contains multiple links to other pages that are equally enthralling, so you may find yourself spending more time blog-hopping than you should!)
For all two of you who have stuck with this long post to the end, thanks. We'll post again as soon as we get the PSA results. We love you and are grateful to God for your friendship.
The next step that's most on our minds right now is next week's blood test to check the PSA (prostate-specific antigen). We'll all be happy campers if we get back a result of ZERO, which would mean all the prostate cells in Charlie's body were indeed removed at surgery, and none escaped elsewhere to begin their nasty process of spreading cancer. At least that's my understanding of it. If the PSA is anything other than a big ol' goose egg, we'll have some decisions to make. Please pray with us for peace of mind and to consistently remember Who is in charge while we wait for the test and the results. We really don't have any logical reason to be concerned, but until we know for sure there is always that little creeping doubt that it might not turn out the way we're expecting and hoping.
Cole's frustration of having to sit most of the football season on the sidelines since sustaining a concussion in early September has finally given way to the start of wrestling practice. He was released by the sports medicine folks at Steadman Hawkins to begin practicing about two weeks ago, and he's loving being back in the thick of the action. Charlie & I stopped by the gym for a little while this morning to observe part of a three-hour scrimmage (glorified practice involving multiple teams rolling around on the mats, sweating, and pummeling each other).
Coach Koz, I'm sorry, I know it's way more than this and much harder than it looks, but that's kind of how it appears to the average bystander.
Back to my point. I only mention that we watched part of practice this morning to say how much fun it is to be a parent when your child is doing something he enjoys so much, finding a measure of success in it, and doing it with every ounce of determination and strength he possesses. Now to find ways to translate that effort into other areas, too.... think average teenage boy, and use your imagination.
I'm sure Cole's matches this season will be a little more nerve racking to watch, since wrestling is not exactly a sport devoid of potential conks on the head. The first live matches will come on December 2-4 when we host the Southern Slam (even the name of the tournament implies something I don't want happening to his noggin!). If you're interested in both the preservation of his head and the outcome of the matches, we'll try to post some results here.
Before I wrap up this post, let me just say again how well you have taught us these past few months how to love on someone in need. We have already had a number of opportunities to put that same kind of love into action for others in our circle of friends who have experienced various losses and times of need. We are so grateful for the way you cared for us when we were overwhelmed and tired. Without you, we certainly would not have known how to reach out to others in turn.
Sorry, I lied. There is one more thing I want to tell you about. If you know me very well, you know I enjoy reading and talking about what I've read. I've always said I will probably never invest in an e-reader device, because there's just something irresistible about real pages in a real book. But I've since discovered the wonderful world of one particular blog that has absolutely captivated my heart. If you want to read an incredibly moving story and be encouraged in your faith, visit Bring the Rain, written by Angie Smith. I have gone back to the beginning of Angie's posts and read here and there whenever I have a few minutes to spare. I've wept, laughed out loud, been inspired, and simply enjoyed getting to know this sweet young woman and her family. There's my recommendation. Let me know if you enjoy it as much as I have. (Warning: Angie's blog contains multiple links to other pages that are equally enthralling, so you may find yourself spending more time blog-hopping than you should!)
For all two of you who have stuck with this long post to the end, thanks. We'll post again as soon as we get the PSA results. We love you and are grateful to God for your friendship.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Checking Off Another One
Today was a beautiful day in the upstate of South Carolina, and we enjoyed it thoroughly! About 24 hours before the game, we were given two tickets to watch the Clemson-Maryland football from a suite along with a very-close-to-the-stadium parking pass. Add to that the fact that Cole and Shelby are out of town on a youth retreat, and it was a no-brainer. No surprises to report... it was a perfect day from start to finish.
We took our time with every aspect of the game. Didn't rush or worry getting anywhere. Visited a couple of tailgates before the game, enjoyed our cushy indoor seats during the first quarter, walked down to sit in the West End Zone with Alli in the FCA section for a quarter, cheered the Tigers to a victory, and hung out at another tailgate for a couple of hours after the game.
(Turns out some people at that final tailgate are parents of a girl we had seen run XC and track all through high school [same age as our oldest daughters], so we had a lot of fun hearing about her college running career and that of other runners from those years when we were following the sport closely.)
Thanks to each of you who continue to pray for full recovery for Charlie and the spiritual/emotional side of things for the rest of us. I wanted to make sure you are aware that we are still making forward progress. Before this week, we weren't sure how long it would be before he had the stamina to get to a college football game... long walk from parking area, hours sitting on a hard bleacher in the sun/wind/rain (you name it, it's possible), long walk back to the car, etc. The set-up today turned out to be ideal for easing back into things. He looked forward to the activities and really enjoyed himself, but in the end it was more or less exhausting. The question now is whether or not I should wake him up to see the second half of the Alabama game. I'm thinking this is what Sunday recaps of Saturday games are made for, right?
We took our time with every aspect of the game. Didn't rush or worry getting anywhere. Visited a couple of tailgates before the game, enjoyed our cushy indoor seats during the first quarter, walked down to sit in the West End Zone with Alli in the FCA section for a quarter, cheered the Tigers to a victory, and hung out at another tailgate for a couple of hours after the game. 
(Turns out some people at that final tailgate are parents of a girl we had seen run XC and track all through high school [same age as our oldest daughters], so we had a lot of fun hearing about her college running career and that of other runners from those years when we were following the sport closely.)Thanks to each of you who continue to pray for full recovery for Charlie and the spiritual/emotional side of things for the rest of us. I wanted to make sure you are aware that we are still making forward progress. Before this week, we weren't sure how long it would be before he had the stamina to get to a college football game... long walk from parking area, hours sitting on a hard bleacher in the sun/wind/rain (you name it, it's possible), long walk back to the car, etc. The set-up today turned out to be ideal for easing back into things. He looked forward to the activities and really enjoyed himself, but in the end it was more or less exhausting. The question now is whether or not I should wake him up to see the second half of the Alabama game. I'm thinking this is what Sunday recaps of Saturday games are made for, right?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A Whole Lotta Thinkin' Goin' On
I'm not sure where to even start with all the thoughts and emotions that have been wrestling around in my head and heart these past few weeks. The outward things are going very well, as far as Charlie's wound healing, regaining strength after surgery, etc. The focus seems to now be turning to the emotional and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Maybe I can chalk it up to having been blessed with a life that has for the most part been lacking in hardships and trials, or maybe my faith has been stronger than I would have guessed, but until last week I've never found myself asking "Why?" or "Why me?". But that is the essence of the question that I could not escape as I was in the car alone, driving home from an errand. I don't remember what train of thought my mind was tracking at the moment, but completely unexpectedly I found myself feeling a very intense anger toward this cancer that had made its unwelcome presence known in our lives those few short months ago. Then I was asking God, "Why did this have to come to us?"
The anger and questioning didn't last long, but I haven't been able to ignore the subsequent questions they have raised. Is it pride that makes me feel we are undeserving of facing a challenge in our lives? Do I/we possess the endurance in our faith to keep relying on God during the long process of recovery we will be going through? I continue to remind myself of truths that give the answers I need to hear. Yes, our current situation may seem unfair, but God never promised "fair". He promised Himself, His presence, His love, His strength in my weakness. How do I dare to compare our frustrations or worries with the suffering Jesus took upon Himself? Will I ever get to a point of maturity where I can without hesitation place a higher value on eternal/spiritual life than the physical/temporary life that routinely grabs for most of my energy?
As we move into the ongoing phase of restoring Charlie as much as possible to his pre-surgery self, we are becoming acutely aware that it will be a much longer and more difficult process than we had allowed ourselves to think about ahead of time. And even more sobering, there is a pretty good likelihood that he won't be completely restored in every way. Over the months ahead, we will probably keep pondering the kinds of thoughts I had last week, and I'm also sure new doubts and questions will pop up at random times when we least expect them.
We continue to ask for your prayers, even though they may start to take on a slightly different tone because they are shifting toward a more intangible target. May God give each of us the discernment to know how He's leading us to pray and the assurance that He will hear and answer.
Maybe I can chalk it up to having been blessed with a life that has for the most part been lacking in hardships and trials, or maybe my faith has been stronger than I would have guessed, but until last week I've never found myself asking "Why?" or "Why me?". But that is the essence of the question that I could not escape as I was in the car alone, driving home from an errand. I don't remember what train of thought my mind was tracking at the moment, but completely unexpectedly I found myself feeling a very intense anger toward this cancer that had made its unwelcome presence known in our lives those few short months ago. Then I was asking God, "Why did this have to come to us?"
The anger and questioning didn't last long, but I haven't been able to ignore the subsequent questions they have raised. Is it pride that makes me feel we are undeserving of facing a challenge in our lives? Do I/we possess the endurance in our faith to keep relying on God during the long process of recovery we will be going through? I continue to remind myself of truths that give the answers I need to hear. Yes, our current situation may seem unfair, but God never promised "fair". He promised Himself, His presence, His love, His strength in my weakness. How do I dare to compare our frustrations or worries with the suffering Jesus took upon Himself? Will I ever get to a point of maturity where I can without hesitation place a higher value on eternal/spiritual life than the physical/temporary life that routinely grabs for most of my energy?
As we move into the ongoing phase of restoring Charlie as much as possible to his pre-surgery self, we are becoming acutely aware that it will be a much longer and more difficult process than we had allowed ourselves to think about ahead of time. And even more sobering, there is a pretty good likelihood that he won't be completely restored in every way. Over the months ahead, we will probably keep pondering the kinds of thoughts I had last week, and I'm also sure new doubts and questions will pop up at random times when we least expect them.
We continue to ask for your prayers, even though they may start to take on a slightly different tone because they are shifting toward a more intangible target. May God give each of us the discernment to know how He's leading us to pray and the assurance that He will hear and answer.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Getting Back to Normal
It seems Monday and Tuesday have set the pattern for what our new normal will look like, at least for the short term. Charlie got up this morning and dressed for work, had a bite of breakfast (his old routine was to drink a protein shake of some sort after a workout at the gym), and went to the Harper office for a few hours. He definitely doesn't have his former stamina back yet, because those few hours were followed by lunch at home and the requisite rest period. He was pleased today to be able to postpone the nap until finishing up some paperwork he had brought home. Almost every evening since that first week home from the hospital, he has been taking a walk outside in the fresh air, which has lately been becoming pleasantly cool after the sun goes down. At first, one of the kids or I would go with him, because he needed a steadying arm to finish the trek slightly uphill on the driveway, but he has been able to take Scout as his walking buddy these past few nights instead.
Cole went back to school on Monday after a weekend of constant reminders from me to take it easy and do sedentary activities for a change. Easier said than done. He has also stayed after school both days so far for football practice, although he is doing more standing around than anything. He told us today he practiced long snaps. However, I certainly don't envision my 5' 3", 106-pounder taking the field as a center anytime soon. :) The trainers and coaches have told him he can return to conditioning drills as soon as he has been cleared by a physician, so we're hoping to get the OK next week. Then we'll play it by ear as to whether he will get back into pads and a helmet this season or not. (Secretly, I hope for "not", but we'll let a neurologist render a professional opinion to help us make the best decision.)
We continue to keep at the front of our minds an attitude of gratitude that Charlie's surgery was successful in removing the cancer. The little bumps we encounter on the road to recovery are just that -- little bumps. We have been taught these past few weeks many lessons on how to love on people in crisis, and already God is giving us opportunities to put what we've learned into practice.
Cole went back to school on Monday after a weekend of constant reminders from me to take it easy and do sedentary activities for a change. Easier said than done. He has also stayed after school both days so far for football practice, although he is doing more standing around than anything. He told us today he practiced long snaps. However, I certainly don't envision my 5' 3", 106-pounder taking the field as a center anytime soon. :) The trainers and coaches have told him he can return to conditioning drills as soon as he has been cleared by a physician, so we're hoping to get the OK next week. Then we'll play it by ear as to whether he will get back into pads and a helmet this season or not. (Secretly, I hope for "not", but we'll let a neurologist render a professional opinion to help us make the best decision.)
We continue to keep at the front of our minds an attitude of gratitude that Charlie's surgery was successful in removing the cancer. The little bumps we encounter on the road to recovery are just that -- little bumps. We have been taught these past few weeks many lessons on how to love on people in crisis, and already God is giving us opportunities to put what we've learned into practice.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Longest Day (and longest post?)
It's a Friday evening in September, and under normal circumstances we would be somewhere in the vicinity of John Carlisle Stadium either helping serve the best chili dogs in the Upstate or cheering on the football Eagles. Tonight is different.
Yesterday began like almost every other school day... racing around to get ready then dropping off kids at school. But it ended way too many hours later, having been filled with more ups and downs than the average family experiences in a week, let alone one 24-hour day. Rather than a running narrative that would be so long it would probably invoke some sort of google-blogger overload warning, I'll just highlight some of the day's events.
The ER staff worked hard to rule out anything more serious than a routine concussion. They performed a head CT, x-rays of chest, C-spine, T-spine, and L-spine, blood work, EKG, and urine screen. All the tests were negative -- this time, the word we wanted to hear! But it took several hours for Cole to really start to be himself again. Finally, at nearly 4:00 a.m., he was deemed ready to be discharged with the expected precaution to not participate in any contact sport for 4 to 6 weeks. That topic has been passionately debated from both sides around here this afternoon, but age and wisdom will rule the day, and his 2010 football season is likely over.
While I was sitting bedside in the cramped little #5 exam room, coaches, parents, and at least one teammate were holding vigil for Cole in a nearby family waiting room. This was provided by the staff-family liaison who "just so happened" to be the mom of one of our former 1st graders, and as of a few months ago a neighbor just down the street. How does God manage to orchestrate details like this time after time? We began the flow of visitors into the room one by one as midnight was giving way to the wee morning hours, and one parent shared something that needs to be repeated.
Flash back to the stadium. As Cole's condition was quickly deteriorating on the sidelines, word spread up and down the bench, and his teammates became very concerned. The sweetest moment took place as the EMTs moved his stretcher toward the ambulance and the players crowded around calling out "We love you, Cole!" As the doors were shut, the players huddled up and spoke a quick prayer for their teammate before going back out on the field. Hearing that story meant so much to us.
One more quick detail, if you've hung in there with me this far. At some point along the way I got a semi-frantic phone call from Charlie at home telling me the catheter had just fallen out! Go figure. Why it wouldn't budge in the doctor's office and what suddenly caused it to give way is a mystery, but the good news is he's now free from the cath and ready to get moving around again! So both patients bouncing back and on the way to being good as new. Ahh, thank you, Lord.
Yesterday began like almost every other school day... racing around to get ready then dropping off kids at school. But it ended way too many hours later, having been filled with more ups and downs than the average family experiences in a week, let alone one 24-hour day. Rather than a running narrative that would be so long it would probably invoke some sort of google-blogger overload warning, I'll just highlight some of the day's events.
- Smooth drive to Duke for postop visist with surgeon (light traffic on a beautiful, sunny day).
- Yummy food and engaging lunch conversation with Cay, Holly, and Riley.
- Reunion with two of the "Waiting Room Posse" (Steve & Judy were present to support and pray for us while we spoke to the surgeon).
- Great news from pathology report that all cancer was contained within the prostate gland and no malignancy present in any of the other specimens (bladder, seminal vesicles, lymph tissues)!!
This is the news we were praying for, and now we start a routine schedule of PSA tests to confirm the surgical/pathological findings. We'll be looking for a big, fat goose egg of ZERO at each PSA. - Negative cystogram (basically a dye-contrasted x-ray of the bladder) to show no leakage of fluid before removing the catheter.
- A "stuck" catheter -- the first hurdle of the day. No logical explanation from the surgeon (as in "This never happens") and really nothing that can be done except start practicing patience. In Charlie's words, "It is what it is." A disappointment, but nothing that blurs the big picture.
- Smooth return trip to Greenville, including a rare treat of a snack from KFC (we so seldom have fried foods now, our stomachs almost didn't know how to take it in!).
- Launch of the stream of phone calls from other parents watching Cole's C-team football game to let us know he may have been injured. Escalation of the messages being relayed, followed by a prayer-filled dash downtown to meet an ambulance at Children's Emergency Room.
The ER staff worked hard to rule out anything more serious than a routine concussion. They performed a head CT, x-rays of chest, C-spine, T-spine, and L-spine, blood work, EKG, and urine screen. All the tests were negative -- this time, the word we wanted to hear! But it took several hours for Cole to really start to be himself again. Finally, at nearly 4:00 a.m., he was deemed ready to be discharged with the expected precaution to not participate in any contact sport for 4 to 6 weeks. That topic has been passionately debated from both sides around here this afternoon, but age and wisdom will rule the day, and his 2010 football season is likely over.
While I was sitting bedside in the cramped little #5 exam room, coaches, parents, and at least one teammate were holding vigil for Cole in a nearby family waiting room. This was provided by the staff-family liaison who "just so happened" to be the mom of one of our former 1st graders, and as of a few months ago a neighbor just down the street. How does God manage to orchestrate details like this time after time? We began the flow of visitors into the room one by one as midnight was giving way to the wee morning hours, and one parent shared something that needs to be repeated.
Flash back to the stadium. As Cole's condition was quickly deteriorating on the sidelines, word spread up and down the bench, and his teammates became very concerned. The sweetest moment took place as the EMTs moved his stretcher toward the ambulance and the players crowded around calling out "We love you, Cole!" As the doors were shut, the players huddled up and spoke a quick prayer for their teammate before going back out on the field. Hearing that story meant so much to us.
One more quick detail, if you've hung in there with me this far. At some point along the way I got a semi-frantic phone call from Charlie at home telling me the catheter had just fallen out! Go figure. Why it wouldn't budge in the doctor's office and what suddenly caused it to give way is a mystery, but the good news is he's now free from the cath and ready to get moving around again! So both patients bouncing back and on the way to being good as new. Ahh, thank you, Lord.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Anyone Free For Lunch?
For anyone in the Triangle, Charlie's recheck with his surgeon is tomorrow, Thursday, September 9. We'd love to meet you for lunch, if your schedule permits an outing to Durham.
Holly gave us the scoop on a really yummy pasta place just a block or two down from the hospital on Erwin Road. My friend, Kathy, and I walked there on the evening of surgery for a quick meal, and it was delicious! The restaurant is Noodles & Co. (2608 Erwin Road, Durham), and we're planning to get there in the 11:30/11:45 time frame to get a bite before our 1:15 appointment. If you've never eaten there, here's a preview of their menu.
Please don't make big schedule changes, but if it's easy to fit into your routine we would enjoy catching up with you. And I guess we may need to apologize in advance if we seem a little "off" when we see you. I know we'll both be nervous knowing we are about to find out what the pathology results are and what they spell for the future as far as prognosis, additional treatment, etc.
Please leave a comment if you want to meet us tomorrow so we'll know to be watching for you.
Holly gave us the scoop on a really yummy pasta place just a block or two down from the hospital on Erwin Road. My friend, Kathy, and I walked there on the evening of surgery for a quick meal, and it was delicious! The restaurant is Noodles & Co. (2608 Erwin Road, Durham), and we're planning to get there in the 11:30/11:45 time frame to get a bite before our 1:15 appointment. If you've never eaten there, here's a preview of their menu.
Please don't make big schedule changes, but if it's easy to fit into your routine we would enjoy catching up with you. And I guess we may need to apologize in advance if we seem a little "off" when we see you. I know we'll both be nervous knowing we are about to find out what the pathology results are and what they spell for the future as far as prognosis, additional treatment, etc.
Please leave a comment if you want to meet us tomorrow so we'll know to be watching for you.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Just So You Know
What a fun time the twins and I had at the Sugar Creek Youth Triathlon to kick off our Labor Day morning. It was hard to tell who had more fun -- me spectating or them competing -- but it was a great event and I will include a couple of pictures in a later post.
It is the wonderful random meetings with so many sweet friends this morning that prompts me to give a few details as we move into a new week. We will travel back to Durham for Charlie's follow-up appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, September 9. Our expectations for the visit are that the staples will be removed from his belly, and he will be left with a stunning, trend-setting vertical railroad. I guess it's too bad swim season is over; he could have really turned some heads with that scar! We will also bid a fond farewell to the catheter he has been using. We will not miss that house guest one bit.
The part of the appointment we are probably anticipating the most is the pathology review. All of the surgical specimens that were sent for testing and review should be available by this time, and we will be told with near certainty whether any cancer had spread beyond the prostate and thus whether further treatment will be necessary. We will definitely share that news as soon as possible. We continue to ask for your prayers, and we give all glory to God for how He has lovingly, abundantly provided so far.
It is the wonderful random meetings with so many sweet friends this morning that prompts me to give a few details as we move into a new week. We will travel back to Durham for Charlie's follow-up appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, September 9. Our expectations for the visit are that the staples will be removed from his belly, and he will be left with a stunning, trend-setting vertical railroad. I guess it's too bad swim season is over; he could have really turned some heads with that scar! We will also bid a fond farewell to the catheter he has been using. We will not miss that house guest one bit.
The part of the appointment we are probably anticipating the most is the pathology review. All of the surgical specimens that were sent for testing and review should be available by this time, and we will be told with near certainty whether any cancer had spread beyond the prostate and thus whether further treatment will be necessary. We will definitely share that news as soon as possible. We continue to ask for your prayers, and we give all glory to God for how He has lovingly, abundantly provided so far.
Friday, September 3, 2010
All Rest, No Play, Wears a Fella Out!
It was torture for Charlie not to be occupying a seat in the bleachers -- the very sunny, hot bleachers -- at Blue Ridge last night for the Eastside C-Team game versus the Tigers. Cole has been dressing out for varsity games but only getting to play a half dozen or so downs each time. So, to be a starting cornerback (and defensive captain) and play nearly the entire game was a confidence-building treat for him! The Eagles lost, but it was a personal win for Cole with one fumble recovery and several tackles. He's #24 in the picture below.
Today, I decided we were ready for a field trip out of the house, so we went to Schlotzsky's for lunch. We were able to enjoy our meal (including about 1/3 of Charlie's pizza in a take-home box for later... on what planet does Charlie leave leftovers from a meal?!) and the drive to and from the restaurant without incident ...
... but the outing left him flat worn out! No wonder he took a such long, sound nap after we got home.
The many (countless, really) ways you have reached out to us have been incredible! I haven't prepared a meal other than breakfast since we arrived home last Friday, including the ample portions we have warmed for lunch each day. The sweet notes and cards that have flooded our mailbox have evoked fresh smiles each day. And the substitute chauffeur duties performed by several neighbor moms have been a welcome relief during times of day when it was just hard to get away from the other pressing needs at home. Thank you to each one of you who have met a tangible need, as well as the many more who are continuing to pray. You are each one a blessing.
Today, I decided we were ready for a field trip out of the house, so we went to Schlotzsky's for lunch. We were able to enjoy our meal (including about 1/3 of Charlie's pizza in a take-home box for later... on what planet does Charlie leave leftovers from a meal?!) and the drive to and from the restaurant without incident ...
... but the outing left him flat worn out! No wonder he took a such long, sound nap after we got home.
The many (countless, really) ways you have reached out to us have been incredible! I haven't prepared a meal other than breakfast since we arrived home last Friday, including the ample portions we have warmed for lunch each day. The sweet notes and cards that have flooded our mailbox have evoked fresh smiles each day. And the substitute chauffeur duties performed by several neighbor moms have been a welcome relief during times of day when it was just hard to get away from the other pressing needs at home. Thank you to each one of you who have met a tangible need, as well as the many more who are continuing to pray. You are each one a blessing.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Images from Surgery Day
Don't look now! I'm patting myself on the back for figuring out how to upload a picture to this blog. I added a couple of shots to last week's post where I told about the former youth group members who came to see us. And now for a few images from the hospital on the day of surgery.
We saw so many different people in the preop area -- I wish I could remember their names! Without exception, their kind manner and easy way of making us comfortable demonstrated how much they enjoy their jobs and love people. This nice lady was getting all the lines in place to receive the you-will-not-remember-this-conversation drugs as well as bag after bag of Ringer's lactate and other fluids Charlie was to receive over the next two days in the hospital.
Who would ever know this guy was about to receive his "blue cap" and move on to surgery. Look at that smile! It's apparent Patrick's presence had a calming influence as we waited for the OR to be ready. One of the nurses came in and reported to us that they were almost finished -- still putting on the table extensions so his feet wouldn't hang off and possibly receive nerve damage during the three-hour surgery. The red cap meant not every person who needed to see him before the operation had made their visit yet. Once the final i's were dotted and t's crossed on his electronic medical record, the red was swapped out for blue, and he was whisked away.
Patrick Shealy, Kathy Lewis, and Steve and Judy Davenport made up Charlie's fantastic waiting room posse. Shortly after he was moved to the Operating Room and we knew there would be no updates for at least two hours, the five of us ventured to the hospital cateferia where more detailed introductions were made and we enjoyed a bite of lunch. This was yet another picture of the Body of Christ; I was the only one who personally knew every of these five, yet we all talked, and prayed, and shared a camaraderie of the Spirit together as if we were all long-lost family.
I suppose there is irony in the fact that the skies outside of Duke Hospital were stormy and threatening all afternoon. All the while indoors, God was providing an incredible peace and assurance to each of us as we waited.
We are still in some ways waiting. We will have a follow-up visit with the surgeon on September 9 to remove the staples from his wound and pull the Foley catheter. This will also be when we will find out the pathology results. The entire prostate, pelvic lymph nodes, and that pesky piece of tissue from the bladder are all being analyzed to determine whether there was any spread of cancer beyond the prostate. While we wait for those answers, we will continue to handle the various tasks involved in getting Charlie strong again, providing nourishing meals, dosing the handful of meds several times a day, and encouraging his gradual return to light physical activity. All in good time, and all the while trusting God.
We saw so many different people in the preop area -- I wish I could remember their names! Without exception, their kind manner and easy way of making us comfortable demonstrated how much they enjoy their jobs and love people. This nice lady was getting all the lines in place to receive the you-will-not-remember-this-conversation drugs as well as bag after bag of Ringer's lactate and other fluids Charlie was to receive over the next two days in the hospital.
Who would ever know this guy was about to receive his "blue cap" and move on to surgery. Look at that smile! It's apparent Patrick's presence had a calming influence as we waited for the OR to be ready. One of the nurses came in and reported to us that they were almost finished -- still putting on the table extensions so his feet wouldn't hang off and possibly receive nerve damage during the three-hour surgery. The red cap meant not every person who needed to see him before the operation had made their visit yet. Once the final i's were dotted and t's crossed on his electronic medical record, the red was swapped out for blue, and he was whisked away.
Patrick Shealy, Kathy Lewis, and Steve and Judy Davenport made up Charlie's fantastic waiting room posse. Shortly after he was moved to the Operating Room and we knew there would be no updates for at least two hours, the five of us ventured to the hospital cateferia where more detailed introductions were made and we enjoyed a bite of lunch. This was yet another picture of the Body of Christ; I was the only one who personally knew every of these five, yet we all talked, and prayed, and shared a camaraderie of the Spirit together as if we were all long-lost family.
I suppose there is irony in the fact that the skies outside of Duke Hospital were stormy and threatening all afternoon. All the while indoors, God was providing an incredible peace and assurance to each of us as we waited.
We are still in some ways waiting. We will have a follow-up visit with the surgeon on September 9 to remove the staples from his wound and pull the Foley catheter. This will also be when we will find out the pathology results. The entire prostate, pelvic lymph nodes, and that pesky piece of tissue from the bladder are all being analyzed to determine whether there was any spread of cancer beyond the prostate. While we wait for those answers, we will continue to handle the various tasks involved in getting Charlie strong again, providing nourishing meals, dosing the handful of meds several times a day, and encouraging his gradual return to light physical activity. All in good time, and all the while trusting God.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Many of you have asked about giving us a hand while Charlie is on the mend, and our dear friend, Annette, has come up with an idea I will share with you. She has set up a profile for us on a meal-scheduling web site so anyone who wants to help out by providing a meal can see when and what might be needed. If sharing a meal is your "thing", you can follow the link below to pick a day and then just type in what you would like to bring. The opening page will prompt you to log in or create an ID for using the site. They will not share your information, except to notify us by email when someone signs up.
Click here to access the meal calendar.
Thank you, Annette, for putting your good idea into action!
Before this weekend, I would have said we don't need any help and would have mustered up every ounce of super-mom strength I could find to keep all the balls in the air. But I'm beginning to see the light that by recognizing my own weakness and letting others step in to fill the gaps, I am enabling the Body to function in the way it is intended. I hope I never forget these simple lessons and will in the future be able to emulate the kindness, love, and generosity we are being shown each day.
Click here to access the meal calendar.
Thank you, Annette, for putting your good idea into action!
Before this weekend, I would have said we don't need any help and would have mustered up every ounce of super-mom strength I could find to keep all the balls in the air. But I'm beginning to see the light that by recognizing my own weakness and letting others step in to fill the gaps, I am enabling the Body to function in the way it is intended. I hope I never forget these simple lessons and will in the future be able to emulate the kindness, love, and generosity we are being shown each day.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Laughter is Good Medicine
Friday was a long day, exhausting, but a really good ending to the hospital/surgery part of things. We fueled up for the trip with a yummy breakfast, got Charlie settled in the car, making sure everything he might need was within reach, and set the GPS for Greenville. We obeyed doctor's orders to stop every 45 minutes so he could walk around, thus doing our part to avoid any blood clot formation in his legs. We were able to find some quiet, more-or-less abandoned parking lots for our short strolls, and the trip went without a hitch. We were definitely grateful for a smooth ride and good drugs.
I think we're starting to figure out our routine as far as dosing and keeping track of medications, catheter and wound care, and easy-to-digest meals. I ended up writing everything down; I don't want to entrust giving meds to a memory with the holding power of a sieve. So far, so good.
You might get a chuckle out of a few of the comments I've overheard Charlie say this week. He was so frustrated by his drugged state when Patrick came by the hospital room on Wednesday morning. He walked into the room, and Charlie knew he knew him, but that's as far as his mind would go at the moment. He said, "I know who you are, but I have no idea what your name is." Another remark was made this afternoon on the phone to a friend who has also recently had a lifesaving medical procedure. "How many staples did you get? I have 30."
I think we're starting to figure out our routine as far as dosing and keeping track of medications, catheter and wound care, and easy-to-digest meals. I ended up writing everything down; I don't want to entrust giving meds to a memory with the holding power of a sieve. So far, so good.
You might get a chuckle out of a few of the comments I've overheard Charlie say this week. He was so frustrated by his drugged state when Patrick came by the hospital room on Wednesday morning. He walked into the room, and Charlie knew he knew him, but that's as far as his mind would go at the moment. He said, "I know who you are, but I have no idea what your name is." Another remark was made this afternoon on the phone to a friend who has also recently had a lifesaving medical procedure. "How many staples did you get? I have 30."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sweet Reunions
Does everyone have lingering connections from living in many various places and building relationships along the way, or are we just odd that way? Whatever, that is the situation we are blessed with, and there is almost nothing sweeter than face-to-face renewals of those friendships from years past.
This week, two incredibly special people managed to create breaks in their busy lives and visit Charlie. The first dropped in after we arrived in the Triangle area on Monday evening. Her name is Holly, and she was truly one of the most bubbly and eager middle schoolers that ever walked the planet when we first met her, circa 1988. Now she is a genuine grown-up, a beautiful young lady, inside and out, walking day by day in a growing relationship with her heavenly Father. We had such a fun time recalling old youth group memories and simply catching up on more recent life happenings. However, her almost-three-year-old daughter, Riley, stole the show! We were entertained by every imaginable antic during the course of their visit. (sorry I didn't have access to a photo editor with red-eye correction when uploading this pic)
This afternoon, Holly delivered a handmade Riley creation to cheer Mr. Charlie.
The second visitor arrived unexpectedly in the waiting area shortly after surgery while Charlie was being readied for transport up to his room. While Kathy waited for me to finish my visit in the Recovery Room, a man she didn't know approached her and asked if she was with Charlie Anderson's family. When she answered in the affirmative, he introduced himself and the conversation was off and running. When I came out to find Kathy, I was completely caught off guard and struggled to put the right name with his face, after nearly twenty years since last seeing him when we moved away from this area. After a quick refresh of my memory, Jay and I spent nearly the next hour standing next to Charlie's bedside talking about his current life, family, and of course our shared past. Charlie was still very much feeling the after-effects of the anesthesia during our conversation, but apparently he was somewhat coherent because at one point he brightened suddenly and did his best to clear up the details we were apparently skipping over. I told Jay that Charlie still tells "Jay stories" at times in our Community Group, and he replied that he sometimes uses recalled incidents of Charlie and the White Plains youth group as sermon illustrations. He related how a "failed" Bible study one summer (Jay was the only teen to show up) was the first step toward him gaining a true understanding of the Word. Tuesday night in that hospital room, he thanked Charlie for taking the time to study Philippians with him verse by verse and show him that it really is possible to "get it" and to apply those truths of scripture to real life.
No one in their right mind would want to experience major surgery and all its associated ups and downs, but if it comes with as rich a reward as these two special people brought us this week, it would all be worth it.
This week, two incredibly special people managed to create breaks in their busy lives and visit Charlie. The first dropped in after we arrived in the Triangle area on Monday evening. Her name is Holly, and she was truly one of the most bubbly and eager middle schoolers that ever walked the planet when we first met her, circa 1988. Now she is a genuine grown-up, a beautiful young lady, inside and out, walking day by day in a growing relationship with her heavenly Father. We had such a fun time recalling old youth group memories and simply catching up on more recent life happenings. However, her almost-three-year-old daughter, Riley, stole the show! We were entertained by every imaginable antic during the course of their visit. (sorry I didn't have access to a photo editor with red-eye correction when uploading this pic)
This afternoon, Holly delivered a handmade Riley creation to cheer Mr. Charlie.
The second visitor arrived unexpectedly in the waiting area shortly after surgery while Charlie was being readied for transport up to his room. While Kathy waited for me to finish my visit in the Recovery Room, a man she didn't know approached her and asked if she was with Charlie Anderson's family. When she answered in the affirmative, he introduced himself and the conversation was off and running. When I came out to find Kathy, I was completely caught off guard and struggled to put the right name with his face, after nearly twenty years since last seeing him when we moved away from this area. After a quick refresh of my memory, Jay and I spent nearly the next hour standing next to Charlie's bedside talking about his current life, family, and of course our shared past. Charlie was still very much feeling the after-effects of the anesthesia during our conversation, but apparently he was somewhat coherent because at one point he brightened suddenly and did his best to clear up the details we were apparently skipping over. I told Jay that Charlie still tells "Jay stories" at times in our Community Group, and he replied that he sometimes uses recalled incidents of Charlie and the White Plains youth group as sermon illustrations. He related how a "failed" Bible study one summer (Jay was the only teen to show up) was the first step toward him gaining a true understanding of the Word. Tuesday night in that hospital room, he thanked Charlie for taking the time to study Philippians with him verse by verse and show him that it really is possible to "get it" and to apply those truths of scripture to real life.
No one in their right mind would want to experience major surgery and all its associated ups and downs, but if it comes with as rich a reward as these two special people brought us this week, it would all be worth it.
Moving in the Right Direction
Oh, the difference a few hours make! Charlie has really seemed to turn a corner for the better this afternoon and evening. When we arrived here at Steve and Judy's house about 30 minutes from the hospital a little after noon today, I was just a tad concerned he might have some trouble getting up the four or five steps to get into the house. After all, climbing stairs uses a whole different set of muscles than the short snail's-pace strolls we were able to take around the hospital corriders on Wednesday. But I was so pleased to watch him arrive on the porch landing without missing a beat!
The other significant change is that his appetite is starting to return. After we got here and he was settled into a comfy chair on the first floor, I headed to the pharmacy to fill his prescriptions and pick up some special-request grocery items from the store. We had talked in the car on the way home from the hospital about what he might be craving; I was digging deep to come up with something creative that might appeal to him and spark his desire to eat. He seemed to click with the idea of a milkshake, so on the way home, meds in hand, I stopped for a Chick Fil-A milkshake. (Yes, I was still having a hard time coming off of the hospital habit of watching him pick lightly at something and then proceed to demolish it for myself, so I ordered the large shake, knowing full well he wouldn't eat it all, and then I would get to enjoy some, too!) I was right about predicting how much he would eat, and he and I both finished the afternoon with satisfied bellies.
After a restful nap, he perked up pretty well and ate a well-rounded supper, although the portions were still much smaller than what would normally appear on Charlie's plate. At the moment, Judy is tempting him with a nightcap of homemade apple crisp. I'm sure she won't have to twist my arm!
The plan for Friday is to sleep in without an alarm and then hit I-40 after morning traffic subsides, probably between 9 and 9:30. Our special treat tomorrow morning will be to meet Steve and Judy's two beautiful grandchildren. Could there be a better way to put smiles on our faces to start off the trip?
The other significant change is that his appetite is starting to return. After we got here and he was settled into a comfy chair on the first floor, I headed to the pharmacy to fill his prescriptions and pick up some special-request grocery items from the store. We had talked in the car on the way home from the hospital about what he might be craving; I was digging deep to come up with something creative that might appeal to him and spark his desire to eat. He seemed to click with the idea of a milkshake, so on the way home, meds in hand, I stopped for a Chick Fil-A milkshake. (Yes, I was still having a hard time coming off of the hospital habit of watching him pick lightly at something and then proceed to demolish it for myself, so I ordered the large shake, knowing full well he wouldn't eat it all, and then I would get to enjoy some, too!) I was right about predicting how much he would eat, and he and I both finished the afternoon with satisfied bellies.
After a restful nap, he perked up pretty well and ate a well-rounded supper, although the portions were still much smaller than what would normally appear on Charlie's plate. At the moment, Judy is tempting him with a nightcap of homemade apple crisp. I'm sure she won't have to twist my arm!
The plan for Friday is to sleep in without an alarm and then hit I-40 after morning traffic subsides, probably between 9 and 9:30. Our special treat tomorrow morning will be to meet Steve and Judy's two beautiful grandchildren. Could there be a better way to put smiles on our faces to start off the trip?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
One Milkshake, Two Straws, Please
What a day it's been at Duke University Health System. The term "roller coaster" quickly comes to mind. It started with a morning drive to the hospital on the traffic-clogged Durham Freeway, included a very unsuccessful walk in the hallway (interrupted due to the severe pain of a spasmodic bladder), several phone call attempts from friends and family that he simply wasn't coherent enough to answer, all interspersed with random moments of a very alert and talkative patient starting to seem like his old self, and ending with both Charlie and me pretty much tuckered out from one really long day.
Even though there were a few rough spots today, it was mostly a very good day. Patrick was headed back to Greenville early this morning, and he got to stop in and check on things before Kathy and I arrived. Nice that there was someone familiar there to start the day with. Kathy got me set up with her recently retired laptop PC (for you Mac fans out there, she's now one of you) in order to stay semi-connected to the outside world. I could probably have filmed one of those "Can you hear me now?" commercials featuring the contortionists, considering the the crazy repositioning I was trying so the hospital wireless signal would at least remain at "low" strength instead of "very low".
Charlie and the nursing staff made good progress on pain control, and we got to see our surgeon late this afternoon. That reminds me of an enjoyable moment with the doctor where one casual question about his involvement in an event at the hospital this weekend led to his sort of letting down his guard and venting a little about some frustrations of the day he had today. His comments started with, "Want to know what I've been doing today?" Don't get me wrong, it wasn't in a complaining spirit, just felt like he wanted someone else to understand what things are like from his side of the operating table. We felt a little privileged that he had felt comfortable enough with us to candidly speak "person to person" about things which had nothing to do with Charlie's particular case. Have we mentioned he's a really nice guy, and we really like him? :)
Another sweet moment occurred while we were taking one of the three very successful laps around the triangular-shaped hallway lined with patient's rooms. (Yes, there was that one pain-shortened stroll, but the other three attempts through the day were all good!) As we were in the homestretch of the final leg of the triangle, a man lying on the bed in his own room raised a "victory fist" as he saw Charlie shuffle past his door, and called out, "Keep going!" He looked like he was in the same age range as Charlie, which is a contrast to the mostly elderly patients on the sixth floor, and I stopped briefly to engage him. I asked how long he had been here, and he said they had removed a kidney this morning for cancer. I told him Charlie had his prostate taken out yesterday, also for cancer. I think seeing another "younger" guy on a similar road made him want to make some kind of contact. I think I'll see if Charlie feels up to a quick chat with him on one of his hallway circuits tomorrow. Who knows if we'll encourage him, or maybe the other way around?
And I had to fess up to the nurse (Ray, a really nice guy who I was glad to have helping Charlie in and out of the bed those first few times... how could one of those little bitty female nurses have ever managed to give him the supportive lift he needed?!) when he came around after lunch and again after dinner to record how much his patient had consumed that I had eaten more of the meal than had Charlie. He's done well with taking in lots of liquids, but he just hasn't had much of an appetite for solid food yet. Oh well, we're paying for it and it's going to be thrown away if someone doesn't eat it, right? As far as a review, the oven-baked chicken and seasoned potatoes were much preferred to the meatloaf, sort-of-dry mashed potatoes, and limp broccoli. I can't wait to see what "we're" having for lunch tomorrow!
Even though there were a few rough spots today, it was mostly a very good day. Patrick was headed back to Greenville early this morning, and he got to stop in and check on things before Kathy and I arrived. Nice that there was someone familiar there to start the day with. Kathy got me set up with her recently retired laptop PC (for you Mac fans out there, she's now one of you) in order to stay semi-connected to the outside world. I could probably have filmed one of those "Can you hear me now?" commercials featuring the contortionists, considering the the crazy repositioning I was trying so the hospital wireless signal would at least remain at "low" strength instead of "very low".
Charlie and the nursing staff made good progress on pain control, and we got to see our surgeon late this afternoon. That reminds me of an enjoyable moment with the doctor where one casual question about his involvement in an event at the hospital this weekend led to his sort of letting down his guard and venting a little about some frustrations of the day he had today. His comments started with, "Want to know what I've been doing today?" Don't get me wrong, it wasn't in a complaining spirit, just felt like he wanted someone else to understand what things are like from his side of the operating table. We felt a little privileged that he had felt comfortable enough with us to candidly speak "person to person" about things which had nothing to do with Charlie's particular case. Have we mentioned he's a really nice guy, and we really like him? :)
Another sweet moment occurred while we were taking one of the three very successful laps around the triangular-shaped hallway lined with patient's rooms. (Yes, there was that one pain-shortened stroll, but the other three attempts through the day were all good!) As we were in the homestretch of the final leg of the triangle, a man lying on the bed in his own room raised a "victory fist" as he saw Charlie shuffle past his door, and called out, "Keep going!" He looked like he was in the same age range as Charlie, which is a contrast to the mostly elderly patients on the sixth floor, and I stopped briefly to engage him. I asked how long he had been here, and he said they had removed a kidney this morning for cancer. I told him Charlie had his prostate taken out yesterday, also for cancer. I think seeing another "younger" guy on a similar road made him want to make some kind of contact. I think I'll see if Charlie feels up to a quick chat with him on one of his hallway circuits tomorrow. Who knows if we'll encourage him, or maybe the other way around?
And I had to fess up to the nurse (Ray, a really nice guy who I was glad to have helping Charlie in and out of the bed those first few times... how could one of those little bitty female nurses have ever managed to give him the supportive lift he needed?!) when he came around after lunch and again after dinner to record how much his patient had consumed that I had eaten more of the meal than had Charlie. He's done well with taking in lots of liquids, but he just hasn't had much of an appetite for solid food yet. Oh well, we're paying for it and it's going to be thrown away if someone doesn't eat it, right? As far as a review, the oven-baked chicken and seasoned potatoes were much preferred to the meatloaf, sort-of-dry mashed potatoes, and limp broccoli. I can't wait to see what "we're" having for lunch tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Whew!
From Tuesday evening, 6 pm:
I just met with Dr. Polascik after he finished Charlie's surgery. The words of one of the surgical assistants pretty much agree with the doctor's summary, "The patient did well." Kathy Lewis was with me in the postop consultation room, and after Dr. Polascik left she said, "He's a man of few words." But I was very encouraged with the few words he did speak.
I just met with Dr. Polascik after he finished Charlie's surgery. The words of one of the surgical assistants pretty much agree with the doctor's summary, "The patient did well." Kathy Lewis was with me in the postop consultation room, and after Dr. Polascik left she said, "He's a man of few words." But I was very encouraged with the few words he did speak.
To cut to the chase, he feels he was able to fully remove all the cancer. He liked what he saw in dissecting the pelvic lymph nodes, and to his very experienced eye they looked clear. The one concernwas a part of the bladder that "didn't feel right". To handle that concern, he took off that small section of bladder, and then it felt normal. This is exactly the kind of potential scenario that made us opt for an open surgical technique rather than robotic surgery. A robot could not have "felt" that abnormal tissue and taken care of it. One more example of how God has divinely led us every step of the way on this unwelcome journey.
As of morning time on Wednesday:
Kathy spent the night with me at our sweet friends' home last night, and we sniggled our way through moderate traffic to get back to the hospital this morning. Patrick Shealy had been with us in the Surgery Waiting Area yesterday, and he too spent the night nearby. He was here to greet Charlie this morning and had gone before we arrived, but we are so appreciative of him taking the time away from family and other duties in Greenville to come and be a loving support for all of us here.
The nurses have already had Charlie up on his feet to make the few steps from bed to recliner, and he is peacefully snoozing there as I type. Those were a tough couple of steps. But so far, pain seems pretty much under control. Dr. Polascik will be coming to make his rounds sometime later this morning, so I will be glad to hear any more details about what he found at surgery and his opinion of the expectations for recovery going forward.
I apologize for the lapses in communication yesterday. I tried to post last night from the waiting room, but apparently something failed in transmission and the entry did not actually arrive at its intended destination.
For community group members, if you did not get any updates via text message yesterday, I apologize. I sent to everyone I had mobile numbers for in my phone. If you did not hear from me and would like to if I text any updates today, please send a text or email with your number.
Thank you EVERYONE for the beautiful messages you sent yesterday. It was a long day of waiting, but there was never a moment of feeling alone or that any need was going unmet. You are each one a special blessing to our family.
As of morning time on Wednesday:
Kathy spent the night with me at our sweet friends' home last night, and we sniggled our way through moderate traffic to get back to the hospital this morning. Patrick Shealy had been with us in the Surgery Waiting Area yesterday, and he too spent the night nearby. He was here to greet Charlie this morning and had gone before we arrived, but we are so appreciative of him taking the time away from family and other duties in Greenville to come and be a loving support for all of us here.
The nurses have already had Charlie up on his feet to make the few steps from bed to recliner, and he is peacefully snoozing there as I type. Those were a tough couple of steps. But so far, pain seems pretty much under control. Dr. Polascik will be coming to make his rounds sometime later this morning, so I will be glad to hear any more details about what he found at surgery and his opinion of the expectations for recovery going forward.
I apologize for the lapses in communication yesterday. I tried to post last night from the waiting room, but apparently something failed in transmission and the entry did not actually arrive at its intended destination.
For community group members, if you did not get any updates via text message yesterday, I apologize. I sent to everyone I had mobile numbers for in my phone. If you did not hear from me and would like to if I text any updates today, please send a text or email with your number.
Thank you EVERYONE for the beautiful messages you sent yesterday. It was a long day of waiting, but there was never a moment of feeling alone or that any need was going unmet. You are each one a special blessing to our family.
In God's Hands
Here's the brief update for anyone checking during the day before the email updates do their daily "digest". Surgery finally got underway at about 2:15. We are told to expect about a three-hour procedure, but hopefully someone will update us at some point along the way. Dr. Polascik came in during the preop wait, and we were glad to see him looking fresh and ready to go. :)
I am happy to be surrounded by several compassionate and caring friends in the surgical waiting area. God has provided again and again as we've been walking on this journey we never would have chosen for ourselves.
Thanks for the many of you who are praying. We know God hears and answers.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Resting Up
As I type this, Charlie is snoozing on the sofa at the home of our sweet friends, Steve & Judy, who live not far from Durham and have graciously offered to serve as "base camp" for our visit here at Duke. This home away from home is only one of the many ways God has used a brother or sister to display His love and generosity to us.
All went well this afternoon at the pre-op screening appointment. We went through about a half dozen stations on the clinic circuit to learn that all his vital signs are good, the EKG readout didn't set off any alarms, and we've been given the green light for surgery tomorrow afternoon at 1 . We'll arrive at the hospital at around 11 for the staff to get him prepped and ready for surgery. It's hard to believe what we've been waiting for so long is finally here.
As far as what will happen tomorrow, we are told to expect about a three-hour procedure, followed by Recovery Room time for however long it takes him to come out of anesthesia and be declared ready to go to his room. I'm so thankful to have a good friend coming to mark time with me in the surgical waiting area.
The patient is banned from eating anything solid until after surgery, so we stopped and bought him a box of popsicles as suggested by one of the nurses this afternoon. For now, I'll enjoy Judy's home-cooked hospitality on Charlie's behalf, and both of us will try to get a good night's rest.
All went well this afternoon at the pre-op screening appointment. We went through about a half dozen stations on the clinic circuit to learn that all his vital signs are good, the EKG readout didn't set off any alarms, and we've been given the green light for surgery tomorrow afternoon at 1 . We'll arrive at the hospital at around 11 for the staff to get him prepped and ready for surgery. It's hard to believe what we've been waiting for so long is finally here.
As far as what will happen tomorrow, we are told to expect about a three-hour procedure, followed by Recovery Room time for however long it takes him to come out of anesthesia and be declared ready to go to his room. I'm so thankful to have a good friend coming to mark time with me in the surgical waiting area.
The patient is banned from eating anything solid until after surgery, so we stopped and bought him a box of popsicles as suggested by one of the nurses this afternoon. For now, I'll enjoy Judy's home-cooked hospitality on Charlie's behalf, and both of us will try to get a good night's rest.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Night Before
This is a very quick post just to let you all know we think things are in order to leave for Duke tomorrow morning (Monday) after the kids get off to a day at school, practice, etc. My parents arrived on Saturday afternoon and worshiped with us this morning. We have given them a list of times & places, as well as lots of "just-in-case" phone numbers.
As far as Tuesday's surgery goes, we are booked for a this-is-still-subject-to-change-call-again-on-Monday-afternoon-to-verify time slot of 1 pm. We'll definitely let you know if the schedule changes.
We cannot tell you how deeply we appreciate your many kind gestures and tangible acts to help us plan and get through these initial steps of taking care of this cancer. My parents will be here holding down the fort with the twins while we are in Durham, and if you think of something you would like to do to assist while they're here, I'm sure they would accept your offer. I know I have a long way to go in learning to ask for and receive tangible help.
As far as Tuesday's surgery goes, we are booked for a this-is-still-subject-to-change-call-again-on-Monday-afternoon-to-verify time slot of 1 pm. We'll definitely let you know if the schedule changes.
We cannot tell you how deeply we appreciate your many kind gestures and tangible acts to help us plan and get through these initial steps of taking care of this cancer. My parents will be here holding down the fort with the twins while we are in Durham, and if you think of something you would like to do to assist while they're here, I'm sure they would accept your offer. I know I have a long way to go in learning to ask for and receive tangible help.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Expect the Unexpected
The little things we weren't planning on have begun to occur in these last few days leading up to surgery. When we had our June consultation with the surgeon, the scheduler was so considerate of us being from out of town and arranged for the preop screening/interview to just be done over the phone. Ta-da, what could be simpler? Well, as it turns out, simple isn't exactly the way things work when major surgery is involved.
Because Charlie's blood loss during surgery is anticipated to be significant (we're told it's pretty much an unavoidable part of this particular procedure), the requirement of three units of blood means they have to do the whole blood typing and cross-matching routine, as well as a complete battery of lab work. We had originally planned for Charlie to donate some of his own blood in the months before surgery, but then nurses and doctors in our various appointments discouraged it. The phone conversations today revealed that they thought he was banking his own blood, even though these were the same people who told us don't worry about going to that trouble.
All that to say, it seems part of what God is teaching us right now is to trust Him with every detail, even though some of those details seem to be moving targets. Thanks again for continuing to pray for us.
Because Charlie's blood loss during surgery is anticipated to be significant (we're told it's pretty much an unavoidable part of this particular procedure), the requirement of three units of blood means they have to do the whole blood typing and cross-matching routine, as well as a complete battery of lab work. We had originally planned for Charlie to donate some of his own blood in the months before surgery, but then nurses and doctors in our various appointments discouraged it. The phone conversations today revealed that they thought he was banking his own blood, even though these were the same people who told us don't worry about going to that trouble.
All that to say, it seems part of what God is teaching us right now is to trust Him with every detail, even though some of those details seem to be moving targets. Thanks again for continuing to pray for us.
Thank You!!
We want you know that we had several offers of vehicles after posting yesterday about needing a more appropriate mode of transportation for the return trip from Duke! As it turns out, the car we will be using is an extra vehicle (because the husband drives a company car), and our using it won't leave this family short on cars while we take it out of town. God is amazing, and the way He uses the body of Christ is living itself out in vividly full color in our lives these days.
Monday, August 16, 2010
A Few Thoughts from the Patient
I've asked Terri to show me how to post to this blog. Maybe I'll figure it out after surgery while I have lots of down time. For now, she is excerpting from a couple of messages I sent to various friends over the course of the summer while processing the news of cancer and waiting for the surgery date. I hope you can appreciate how God has been directing my thoughts and giving an indescribable peace.
Here is what I shared with my Friday morning Harper group:
The one “God” thing that impressed upon me on our visit to Duke back in June was that no one there said they “were sorry that we had cancer.” Yes, they deal with cancer on a daily basis, yet their attitude was one of welcome, we will take care of you, and we are here to serve you. The staff told us what they are going to do and told us what we need to do. As I was walking into the clinic that day, I was praying that God would help me be the best that I could be in what I was to hear and what I needed to do. I was going to make it easy on the staff to do their jobs. I knew this was for His glory, His purpose, and a reflection of His love for me.
God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit never says that they are sorry. They knew what was happening before I did. They are not surprised, and they don't need a “silent moment” to gather their thoughts. They are there with open arms ready to welcome me and take care of me. God is not apologizing to me that I have cancer and the obstacles that it creates for me, my family, and my friends. He has made no mistake and is fully involved with all the details. I have been reading in Romans a lot over the last couple of months, also a couple of books, and I seem to be drawn to that God of peace Who is and the truth that He has set me free from worry if I only would live like He promises. To trust Him to know that tribulations lead to hope and peace.
And here's part of an email I sent to my community group:
Today I got to speak with a dear brother. Life has caused us to drift apart from each other, but now we share the common thread of prostate cancer. The phone call was quite powerful, and I showed more emotion and passion than ever before on the life impact of knowing I have cancer.
There have been some amazing “God” moments where He shows himself so very clearly, so powerful, so reassuring, and so full of grace and love, yet this 30-minute phone conversation may be the top lesson and blessing that God had planned for me through this experience. As this brother has struggled in his recovery, he has shared that struggle with others, and they in turn have shared theirs. This keeps him focused on God and not himself. Through our conversation, we kept going back to how God is in the midst of it all.
You've Asked How You Can Help
The waiting is almost over. If we were launching a space flight, we would be in "T-minus" countdown status. Or as Charlie always said when our pregnancies were getting close to term, we're now in "Red Alert" mode.
As we are finalizing lists and getting everything ready to be in Durham for a few days, we have realized something we could use your help with. We believe we could use a vehicle with a larger back seat so we can minimize post-op discomfort on the drive home. Would anyone be willing to swap vehicles with us for a few days next week? The car we could swap with you is Terri's Ford Taurus, which seats five, but not with enough room to spare for 6' 5" Charlie to sprawl out and get comfortable.
We will be leaving for Duke sometime on Monday morning, and we anticipate driving home either Thursday or Friday. If your driving situation would accommodate trading vehicles (larger car or even a mini-van) for a few days, please let us know.
As we are finalizing lists and getting everything ready to be in Durham for a few days, we have realized something we could use your help with. We believe we could use a vehicle with a larger back seat so we can minimize post-op discomfort on the drive home. Would anyone be willing to swap vehicles with us for a few days next week? The car we could swap with you is Terri's Ford Taurus, which seats five, but not with enough room to spare for 6' 5" Charlie to sprawl out and get comfortable.
We will be leaving for Duke sometime on Monday morning, and we anticipate driving home either Thursday or Friday. If your driving situation would accommodate trading vehicles (larger car or even a mini-van) for a few days, please let us know.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Keeping it All in Perspective
Since recently emailing a large number of people who did not yet know about Charlie's prostate cancer and upcoming surgery, we have been blessedly flooded by notes of encouragement and truth from the Word. Your words have spoken their own kind of healing, and one message in particular shed a new light on the perspective we believe God wants us to have in these kinds of situations. After all, His kingdom is about a far more precious commodity than our physical health or happiness. Maybe reading this friend's comment will encourage you as well, according to your current circumstances.
I couldn't have said it better. Something tells me we are going to be blessed even beyond our expectations in ways we could never have anticipated.
"All mission fields are not in Africa, South America or even another state. Some of them come with call buttons, IV bags, and tile floors that click with the wheels of hospital beds. Look for those moments as your family travels this road. Someone is going to need to hear the gospel. There may be more than one.
We are praying for an easy surgery, complete recovery, and for the ones you are to touch to be open to your words and may they see lives full of expectations of what the Lord is going to do."
I couldn't have said it better. Something tells me we are going to be blessed even beyond our expectations in ways we could never have anticipated.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
And the Wait Goes On
We are so appreciative of the many of you who are keeping tabs on how we're doing while we play the waiting game. We hope it goes without saying that we don't mind being asked about how things are going, and there are times you will probably want to tell us to quit talking about it. There seems to be a therapeutic element to just thinking out loud about all we have processed and what we are anticipating.
While we wait, we both have been experiencing some highs and lows, which is probably very natural. To dwell too long on the "maybes" and "what ifs" definitely doesn't do much for our moods, but we have had some good conversation about those very real possibilities and we are ready to face them head-on.
Please continue to pray. Just tonight, a friend mentioned that he is praying that the cancer will be completely gone when Dr. Polascik starts the surgery. My personal prayer is that every cancer cell will be contained within the gland and therefore completely removed at surgery. In whatever way God chooses to show Himself in this, we will give Him all the credit. We know He is bigger than any cancer or the effects it leaves in its wake, and He will strengthen us for the road ahead.
While we wait, we both have been experiencing some highs and lows, which is probably very natural. To dwell too long on the "maybes" and "what ifs" definitely doesn't do much for our moods, but we have had some good conversation about those very real possibilities and we are ready to face them head-on.
Please continue to pray. Just tonight, a friend mentioned that he is praying that the cancer will be completely gone when Dr. Polascik starts the surgery. My personal prayer is that every cancer cell will be contained within the gland and therefore completely removed at surgery. In whatever way God chooses to show Himself in this, we will give Him all the credit. We know He is bigger than any cancer or the effects it leaves in its wake, and He will strengthen us for the road ahead.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Did he really say that?!
I had to laugh last week as we were standing in line at Fuddrucker's with the swim team after the last dual meet of the 2010 season. Anyone who has ever eaten out with Charlie knows exactly what I'm talking about here and why I almost laughed out loud. We were both pondering the large overhead menu, mouths watering, when Charlie leans down to me and says, "Y'know, there's really nothing on there I should be eating." He really is taking seriously his personal challenge to shed a few pounds before surgery in August! It should also be made perfectly clear up front that I wasn't the one who put him up to losing some weight. He simply identified with a patient in one of the prostate cancer books we've been reading and determined then and there he would be a better surgical patient if he were a few pounds lighter. So, he's had almost NO ice cream, few desserts of any kind, and has been quite agreeable to most of our menus at home (meatless main dishes, lots of fresh fruit & veggies, skim milk, etc.). I'm thinking a big milkshake or some French fries will be in order as soon as he is up to eating "real food" again after the surgery!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
OK, so now what?
To say that God orchestrates the interweaving of people and places in a way no human mind can ever comprehend would be just about the biggest understatement possible. As we began to digest the doctor's news, a few trusted folks who have already walked this road began to emerge as sources of information and encouragers. We read books, searched the internet, asked lots of questions, prayed a lot, and scheduled a visit with a urologic surgeon at Duke University. Our initial appointment at Clinic 1G in Durham was this past Thursday.
Our prayer going into the appointment was that we would know without a doubt whether this was the surgeon we wanted performing such a delicate and potentially life-altering procedure. And, simply, that we would "like" him. Both were answered immediately. We liked his manner instantly. As he conducted the exam and patient interview, we became more and more convinced that he was indeed the right doc for this job. It's a rare combination, but Dr. Polascik possesses an unmistakable confidence without even a hint of arrogance.
The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, at Duke. It will be an open radical retropubic prostatectomy. How many times have I typed long and complicated procedure and disease names like that over the years and not batted an eye? It sure is different when the patient is your "one & only". We could have waited one more week and scheduled it for August 31, which will be our 25th wedding anniversary. No, thank you.
Please be praying for Charlie as he prepares for the surgery during these next few weeks. Also pray for me and the kids as we encourage him and make ourselves vulnerable by sharing this news with the other people in our lives. Also join us in asking God to keep the cancer confined within the prostate gland until it is completely removed. We won't know until pathology results are available one to two weeks after the surgery whether there was any spread outside the prostate or any involvement of lymph nodes. That is when we will know whether radiation or other follow-up treatments will be advised or not.
Needless to say, we are processing a lot right now. So far, we have felt an incredible peace that God still reigns and He still loves us deeply. Our community group is reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Amazing how so much of it dovetails with our current circumstances. We are truly blessed.
Our prayer going into the appointment was that we would know without a doubt whether this was the surgeon we wanted performing such a delicate and potentially life-altering procedure. And, simply, that we would "like" him. Both were answered immediately. We liked his manner instantly. As he conducted the exam and patient interview, we became more and more convinced that he was indeed the right doc for this job. It's a rare combination, but Dr. Polascik possesses an unmistakable confidence without even a hint of arrogance.
The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, at Duke. It will be an open radical retropubic prostatectomy. How many times have I typed long and complicated procedure and disease names like that over the years and not batted an eye? It sure is different when the patient is your "one & only". We could have waited one more week and scheduled it for August 31, which will be our 25th wedding anniversary. No, thank you.
Please be praying for Charlie as he prepares for the surgery during these next few weeks. Also pray for me and the kids as we encourage him and make ourselves vulnerable by sharing this news with the other people in our lives. Also join us in asking God to keep the cancer confined within the prostate gland until it is completely removed. We won't know until pathology results are available one to two weeks after the surgery whether there was any spread outside the prostate or any involvement of lymph nodes. That is when we will know whether radiation or other follow-up treatments will be advised or not.
Needless to say, we are processing a lot right now. So far, we have felt an incredible peace that God still reigns and He still loves us deeply. Our community group is reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Amazing how so much of it dovetails with our current circumstances. We are truly blessed.
Deep Breath, Big Gulp
Some people start a blog because they're creative, expressive types and it's the perfect outlet. Others need something a little more concrete. The latter applies in our case.
If you're reading this, it's because we value the relationship we have with you and wanted you to be in the loop on what's going on in our family. Those who know Charlie well will find the humor in this: You could say the concrete event that got this blog started was Dave Ramsey. While taking Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" this winter, the FPU lesson on insurance led us to evaluate our life insurance policies. We decided to change the terms of our policy and shop for better rates, which then required a brief physical exam. The examiner came to the house one evening after work and took blood pressures, medical histories, blood samples, etc. No biggie, right? That's what we thought too, until we got the letter denying Charlie's coverage due to an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen).
The instructions were to have his doctor check him out and declare him healthy so they could continue with issuing the new policy. The doctor was as dismayed by this formality as we were, but he consented to do a prostate biopsy to settle it once and for all. The biopsy was performed, tissues sent off to a pathologist, and a follow-up appointment made. On June 8, we returned to the urologist's office to get the "clearance" paperwork and be on our way. As much as a person preps himself for the potential of bad news in this situation, you never know for sure what your reaction will be until you actually hear the words, "The biopsy was positive. You have cancer."
Those are the opening lines to the current chapter God is writing for our lives.
If you're reading this, it's because we value the relationship we have with you and wanted you to be in the loop on what's going on in our family. Those who know Charlie well will find the humor in this: You could say the concrete event that got this blog started was Dave Ramsey. While taking Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" this winter, the FPU lesson on insurance led us to evaluate our life insurance policies. We decided to change the terms of our policy and shop for better rates, which then required a brief physical exam. The examiner came to the house one evening after work and took blood pressures, medical histories, blood samples, etc. No biggie, right? That's what we thought too, until we got the letter denying Charlie's coverage due to an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen).
The instructions were to have his doctor check him out and declare him healthy so they could continue with issuing the new policy. The doctor was as dismayed by this formality as we were, but he consented to do a prostate biopsy to settle it once and for all. The biopsy was performed, tissues sent off to a pathologist, and a follow-up appointment made. On June 8, we returned to the urologist's office to get the "clearance" paperwork and be on our way. As much as a person preps himself for the potential of bad news in this situation, you never know for sure what your reaction will be until you actually hear the words, "The biopsy was positive. You have cancer."
Those are the opening lines to the current chapter God is writing for our lives.
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