Sunday January 16, 2008 Update

Today is a Cabin Fever day even though I got out for church and a visit for lunch to Heather and Ron's house. I will admit to everyone today that I am tired, sore, enthusiastic, depressed, have cabin fever and really ready to get on with my life no matter where it takes me. I have not had a day since November 9th that I was not recouping from a surgery or something. Patti and I love each other, but I don't want to wear her out. We have a long haul ahead and since she is Mrs. Fix-it, she doesn't stop. I can tell you that it is no fun having to get a bath, go somewhere without being able to drive or even fix or eat a meal without your wife's help. (She helps with me eating as it saves her on laundry when I try to eat left handed) I know that we are suppose to be there for each other, but my plan was to be there for her and not the way it is. (And just a note, we are not fighting or anything like that, just the opposite, I just want to pick up my share of the load again) I feel that God has allowed the cancer to be cut out of me and that it is gone. So I think that is only fitting that I should be able to jump right back into doing my share. Probably 4 days is not enough time to recoup from what most would consider more than a minor surgery, but I have always been able to do it before. I believe now that the radiation is starting to take effect as I struggle with fatigue at the oddest times. Tomorrow I start week three of the six weeks of radiation therapy. I must say that I feel it working in my chest after the treatments. Some say you don't feel it, but to me I feel a warming, good feeling. I have about a month before McKenna will be born so I have to get the bunk beds done for Tyler and Joshua, as well as a few other projects. With not knowing the effects of the Interferon, I will need to keep at least that first month clear so I can react the best to anything that happens. On a side note, the surgeon who worked on my back and thumb let me know that he knew all about me before I walked into the office. He also told me that Sam Donaldson, the ABC reporter has had the same type of melanoma as I have for over 20 years now. They never found the source of his, removed the lymph nodes that were clustered, and gave him basically the same treatment and he has no sign of cancer. It is encouraging to me and Patti. I want to end this on some positive notes: 1, if anyone is going to give me a bath, drive me, feed me, or help me get dressed, I am glad that it is Patti. 2, I just have this positive feeling 23+ hours of the day that I will lick this and 3, I have a Great God, good prayer support going to God on my behalf, and a God whom I know has not finished with me yet. He has a purpose for all of this and I know that because He has not taken away my sense of humor, compassion, caring, hope or desire to live and help others struggling with cancer. Will see the surgeon tomorrow at the downtown UH main campus after the radiation treatment. I will update more when I know more. Thanks everyone.