Good Medicine!

Throughout this medical journey I am on, there have been a lot of firsts.  I don’t know how many times I have been asked about my medical condition (none), medications (none), surgeries (none), allergies (none), and implanted metals (none).  I not only know all the answers, I have almost all the questions memorized, too. When I am doing a test and I'm asked if I’m okay with some sort of injection 'for contrast' or whatever, I shrug and say, “I dunno.  I guess so.”  I’ve lived a sheltered life, but I’m getting medical-wise. 

A few days ago Christina wanted to do something special for me and decided to make apple dumplings because she knows I love them!  There was a tiny Rubbermaid container on the counter that she assumed contained a mixture of sugar and cinnamon from the last time she made pies.  She sniffed it and said it smelled “citrus-y”.  “What do you think?  Do you think it's all right to use?” she asked.  I countered, “Could it be something else, like Metamucil?” I asked.  She put it into a glass of water, and sure enough; it was.

I am really glad the treat didn’t get ruined, but the thought did cross my mind that it might have been the most pleasing way I have received medicine in the last two months. Besides, it would have cleaned me out.  I would have been spared the fleet kit or enema or whatever else I might have to do.

By the way, the apple dumplings were really good.

I do not like it in a pie,

I do not like it in my eye.

I do not like it in the snow,

I do not like it! No, no, no!!

We have a plan!

 There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to treatment of medical conditions, because everybody is different. What worked for uncle George or your grandpa may not work for me.  Anyway, knowing that I had to make a decision by Monday helped me think and pray, and talk to people a lot, too. I have decided that I will go with the robotic surgery  which will be on February 23. There may be additional radiation and hormone therapy that follows.

With all of the decisions of life  we try to do what will best fit our lives. This seems to be the best fit for me. Of course, the best would be not to have cancer at all. :-) Oh well.  I do and I need to make the best of it. There have been several bright spots along the road since I was sick, or at least since I knew I was sick. Our quick trip to Florida, a beautiful Christmas time with our family,  and an unbelievable Super Bowl just last night make for some lasting memories in our lives. But none was greater than getting anointed and prayed over by our church on December 18. I appreciate the total support of our church family. We have the best church in the world. I am so thankful I get to be the pastor of such a fine group of people. They know they are going to have to bend and adjust through this time to help get me through. But I have not heard one word of complaining.
 Whatever issue or dilemma you face I can tell you that God has a plan for you, too. Don't just seek the answer to your issue, but seek Him and you will find your answer in that search.  God bless you. Gil

Choices

CHOICES

By the beginning of February many people are getting tired of winter, even though the heating season is only slightly past midpoint.  Groundhog’s day is a silly tradition of hoping winter will be ending soon. 

For me the beginning of February this year marked a special time.  I looked forward to the third because I knew that was the day I would hear the results of the tests, scans, and biopsies that would determine the treatment plan for dealing with this prostrate cancer.  I was presented with two options for treatment and told again that doing nothing was not a third option.  Though the cancer was again referred to as ‘very aggressive,’ I was told it had not escaped the boundary of the prostate; that is very good!

The first plan was robotic surgery, possibly followed by radiation and hormone therapy.  The goal would be to get the PSA number to zero.  If removal of the entire prostate didn’t do the trick, they would have to go after any stray cancer with radiation and hormone therapy. 

The second plan was doing only radiation and hormone therapy, but over a longer period of time.  It would include getting hormones for a couple of months, six weeks of radiation and then continuing to get hormones for several months after radiation.  Again, the goal would be zer-i-oh.

There is a lot to consider.  I believe I will have the answer  by Monday and we will set our sights on dealing with this.  I trust that God will make it clear, and I know He'll see us through.  I’m surrounded by a lot of prayer and love, and I have talked to good doctors and men who have gone through similar things. (Sorry ladies; it's a guy thing!)  I will let you know what is going to happen.

What am I worth?

WHAT AM I WORTH?

Being in a position of having a nasty disease that has a reputation of taking out a lot of its targets has made me look at what I really value.  What about the future?  What would I be worth in my will?  As I ponder this, I am sure it really isn’t the money, position, or things that matter the most, but people and relationships.  

As I look at my sweet Christina I think what a rare and Godly treasure she is, always supportive of me, always wanting what is good for me.  Each of my children, along with their spouses, is my pride and joy.  My role as their father is an enviable position to any man.  I love it when someone exclaims, “You’re her/his father?!”  When our beautiful, smart, well-adapted, socially outgoing grandchildren call me their “Pop” it makes my buttons pop!  What more could I want?

But there is more.  My sibs are all respected leaders in their individual circles.  My in-laws (I don’t like that term, but you know who I’m talking about) are highly respected people.  I am related to clergy and church workers, doctors, lawyers, military officers,engineers, financial experts, architects, communications experts, real estate brokers, sales managers, professional counselors, teachers and professors, business owners, incredible parents, dancers, singers, artists, athletes,  drama and film producers, writers…phew, I have to take a breath! To say it simply, I’m rich!!

I have another circle, too.  It consists of my congregation at PBC, past congregations of UBCA, AHP, CCC, CLAG, GIC, SFGT, and AFAG.  Besides these, there are my friends and people I work with. Each of these groups has a special place in my heart.  This circle of my friends and spiritual family, with vocations and avocations more varied than you could imagine, make me very rich!

Besides all of this, I am a child of the King.  My sins are forgiven and expunged.  I wear His cloak of righteousness.  I have a grand, fine home waiting for me in heaven.  I have His Spirit in me and beside me, giving me guidance, courage and strength for anychallenge life can throw at me.  Cancer-shmancer!  I ain’t a-skeert!  The scans are completed and the results are pending, but I have no fear of the future!

Put it all together and I’d say I’m filthy rich!

The Appointment

We came up last night to spend the night with Lou (Christina's brother) and watch the Patriots beat the Steelers (sorry, Calvin) on the eve of a momentous day. Today is the day of the MRI! I have waited for this test for nearly two months. We will drive into Boston this afternoon. Again, I'm so glad the Lord orders my steps. Psalm 139:16, "In Your book were all written the days appointed for me." So, this is an appointment on an appointed day!
Last week I had a CT scan which, together with the MRI, should be a fairly good summation of what is going on with the cancer, which in turn should give directives for needed treatment. Just knowing it's there and feeling the occasional twinge makes me eager to be done with this. While I know this isn't the end, not even the beginning of the end, I'm hoping that I'm close to the end of the beginning. I am so appreciative of the prayer, emails, phone calls, hugs, cards, etc. I am especially aware of and dependent on God.
Gil

Tests Coming Soon

Hello friends.

   

Today our country celebrates the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.  I am thankful for the work he did in issues about equality.  He also shares his birthday (which was actually 1/15) with two incredible people.  They are Lisa and Colombo IV!  Their births made me a father and a grandfather!

   

We had a wonderful week going to Florida, and even though we were there only four days, it was a good break.  It was as much driving as visiting, but it was all enjoyable, even the four days in the car.  It is always nice to be with Christina’s brother Lou.  He is very knowledgeable about medical issues and willing to share what he knows.  We spent an afternoon with Bill and Anne at the beach.  We rode our bikes.  We had Eli’s barbecue.  Ahh!!  Life is good!

   

There are some changes since last week.  Around New Year’s I noticed I had some discomfort so when my doctor called last week, I mentioned it.  She immediately wanted a CT scan of my lower abdomen.  She also moved the MRI up a week, so this Wednesday, 1/18 we go to Boston and then again on Monday, 1/23.  My hope and prayer is that the scans reveal what needs to be seen so that this process can move along.

  

I still feel strong, with my spirits very optimistic.  I know I am in good hands, and I trust the Lord implicitly with my future and the futures of my loved ones.  I pray you all have a blessed day.

Gil

Waiting

Waiting. We all do it, though most of us don’t enjoy it.  We wait in store lines. We wait in restaurants with the buzzer thingies.  We wait for special days like birthdays.  We wait for special people.  Waiting usually depends on everything reaching the moment when the obstacles to our goal are out of the way so that the desired event can happen.  Summer has to arrive for school to end, the people ahead of us have to finish whatever it is they do to hinder us, sickness must run its course for us to feel better, etc, etc. 

I am waiting.  I am not waiting to start treating the cancer in my body.  I am still in the line waiting to see what the treatment should be.  I have to wait for the prostate to heal from the biopsy trauma so that a crucial MRI can be done.  I would like to get on with it, already!  I don’t have time for this, but it is out of my control.  So, I wait.

I wait, but not huddled in a corner tormented by worry or fear.  I am in Florida as I write this, not because I am running away from the wait, but to try to make the most of it and the best of it, like riding my bike with the woman I love.  I know God is faithful and provides.  By God’s grace and with His help I will wait for January 30 and the MRI and beyond.  I am waiting.

I am grateful and appreciate the love and support of my family, my congregation at the Putnam Baptist Church, and all the people who are praying for us and waiting with us.  Thank you all.

Love, 

Gil