As the Easter week approaches, I have been thinking about how purposefully Jesus went to Jerusalem and ultimately to the cross. I think it is so amazing that He would do all that intentionally. He took all our infirmities and provided for our healing. I am trusting Him to continue the healing work in my body.
But I was thinking of another healing that is maybe bigger than physical healing, and that is healing of hearts. There are many people who walk around with broken hearts. I know there is a lot of pain with a broken heart, even though it is not evident to others. But He gave Himself for all our brokenness; broken bodies and broken hearts.
My abdominal pain is pretty much a thing of the past. All that is visible is six small scars on my belly. I still have a lot of pain when I sit or walk. Riding in a car is especially tough, and that really limits my going and coming. The surgeon told me the pain would last about two months, and I am counting on that! Today marks five weeks out from surgery at this point, so that is only another three weeks! I have a very important appointment with him on April 10 to have blood work done and have my PSA level looked at. I will have a consult with the doctor then, too. Still dealing with the clot in the leg.
Thank you all for praying for me and all the kindness you have shown. It really is a boost to know that people are standing with me. Many of them are people I do not even know, but they know my family or friends. What an amazing network!! I love you all and I will update again soon.
Dad
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Saturday, March 18, 2017
PROGRESS REPORT
8"-12"! 12"-18"! Maybe more than 24"! We heard some pretty dire snow predictions which, for the most part, didn't pan out, but still made disruptions in our week. Actually, it didn't disrupt me. I had no place to go anyway. We got about 10" (they tell me), but it sure is better than Lee's 24", or the place not far from him that got 42"!!
I appreciate everyone who checked on us before, during, and after Stella left for other climes. But I have an idea; let's do spring!
I am just over three weeks out of surgery and I think I am doing quite well. Of course, when one is in a position like this, it is never fast enough. I wish progress could be quicker, but I am slowly getting back. The pain in my abdomen is almost completely gone, but I still have quite a bit of perineal pain. I guess that is not uncommon, and it varies from person to person. I wish it had skipped me! :-) I got an inflatable donut to sit on; hope it helps.
Tomorrow will be four weeks since I last preached on a Sunday morning at church, but I plan to do it! While I was out, I was blessed to have a retired pastor, Rev. Donald Nelson available to fill my pulpit for two weeks, and have my son, Maj. Timothy Bourquin preach last week. I know I will be somewhat limited, but I plan to at least be there tomorrow. It will be great to see everyone too.
One of the really great blessings in our lives in the last few days was that our daughter in law, Tim's wife Elizabeth, went on a short term mission to Africa and returned home safely. We are sooo thankful.
I really appreciate all the calls, cards, gifts, and well wishes from everyone. People have cooked, brought coffee, plowed snow, and offered to do anything they could for us. Though my brother couldn't be too much further away (Seattle), he has been so supportive. Each of my kids have been wonderful and called and made contact regularly. Thank you for commenting on this blog and even reading it in the first place. But especially, thank you for prayer. Please don't stop praying for me.
I appreciate everyone who checked on us before, during, and after Stella left for other climes. But I have an idea; let's do spring!
I am just over three weeks out of surgery and I think I am doing quite well. Of course, when one is in a position like this, it is never fast enough. I wish progress could be quicker, but I am slowly getting back. The pain in my abdomen is almost completely gone, but I still have quite a bit of perineal pain. I guess that is not uncommon, and it varies from person to person. I wish it had skipped me! :-) I got an inflatable donut to sit on; hope it helps.
Tomorrow will be four weeks since I last preached on a Sunday morning at church, but I plan to do it! While I was out, I was blessed to have a retired pastor, Rev. Donald Nelson available to fill my pulpit for two weeks, and have my son, Maj. Timothy Bourquin preach last week. I know I will be somewhat limited, but I plan to at least be there tomorrow. It will be great to see everyone too.
One of the really great blessings in our lives in the last few days was that our daughter in law, Tim's wife Elizabeth, went on a short term mission to Africa and returned home safely. We are sooo thankful.
I really appreciate all the calls, cards, gifts, and well wishes from everyone. People have cooked, brought coffee, plowed snow, and offered to do anything they could for us. Though my brother couldn't be too much further away (Seattle), he has been so supportive. Each of my kids have been wonderful and called and made contact regularly. Thank you for commenting on this blog and even reading it in the first place. But especially, thank you for prayer. Please don't stop praying for me.
"Let's Do Spring"
"Survivors"
"Special Guest"
Friday, March 10, 2017
Heads Up!
Psalms 3:3 says, "But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
As the body recovers from any injury, sickness, or surgery there are some days that are better than others. Yesterday started out as a regular day and I was looking forward to seeing the babysitters Christina had lined up to come over, because she had to work. First, there was a really dear couple who live nearby who popped in around 10. Amy and Tim were going to come around 1 and do a kid exchange. The day felt optimistic at the beginning, but as it wore on, I just felt glum. It wasn't overwhelming pain, depression, or anything I could put my finger on, just a culmination of everything, including possible side effects from drugs?
In the late afternoon I was a little better. One of our grandsons FaceTime'd to me to ask if we could think about setting up a time to go fishing. It was like a breath of fresh air, out of the box, from the lips of a seven-year-old. We took a ride out to pick up the balance of the new blood thinner medicine from the pharmacy. As we were on the way, I got a call from the urologist's office to fill me in on the lab analysis of the offending prostate that had been removed. They said they were pretty sure they had gotten all the cancer out. That was a boost and I was feeling pretty good as we pulled up to the drive-thru at the drug store. As the girl was getting the pills, she asked if we wanted to put it on the gift card. We told her we had no gift card, and the poor girl became flustered as we tried to give her our credit card for payment and she was trying to convince us to put it on a gift card.
Finally, Christina and I figured out that someone had purchased a gift card with instructions to use it for the meds! We tried to figure out who might have done it. I told Christina, as we drove away in a daze, that God did that! God and a very sneaky friend. Maybe we will find out who someday, but I'm not counting on it.
As if to top that, we found out this morning that our Rx insurance will pay all but $27 per month going forward, rather than $408/month. These are the kinds of things I must remember if I hit one of those days when I'm glum or bummin'. Indeed, He is the lifter of my head!
As the body recovers from any injury, sickness, or surgery there are some days that are better than others. Yesterday started out as a regular day and I was looking forward to seeing the babysitters Christina had lined up to come over, because she had to work. First, there was a really dear couple who live nearby who popped in around 10. Amy and Tim were going to come around 1 and do a kid exchange. The day felt optimistic at the beginning, but as it wore on, I just felt glum. It wasn't overwhelming pain, depression, or anything I could put my finger on, just a culmination of everything, including possible side effects from drugs?
In the late afternoon I was a little better. One of our grandsons FaceTime'd to me to ask if we could think about setting up a time to go fishing. It was like a breath of fresh air, out of the box, from the lips of a seven-year-old. We took a ride out to pick up the balance of the new blood thinner medicine from the pharmacy. As we were on the way, I got a call from the urologist's office to fill me in on the lab analysis of the offending prostate that had been removed. They said they were pretty sure they had gotten all the cancer out. That was a boost and I was feeling pretty good as we pulled up to the drive-thru at the drug store. As the girl was getting the pills, she asked if we wanted to put it on the gift card. We told her we had no gift card, and the poor girl became flustered as we tried to give her our credit card for payment and she was trying to convince us to put it on a gift card.
Finally, Christina and I figured out that someone had purchased a gift card with instructions to use it for the meds! We tried to figure out who might have done it. I told Christina, as we drove away in a daze, that God did that! God and a very sneaky friend. Maybe we will find out who someday, but I'm not counting on it.
As if to top that, we found out this morning that our Rx insurance will pay all but $27 per month going forward, rather than $408/month. These are the kinds of things I must remember if I hit one of those days when I'm glum or bummin'. Indeed, He is the lifter of my head!
"One of my favorite people! Renna turned 5 on Monday!"
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
A Speed Bump
One of the main reasons for the existence of this blog is to keep people updated about my progress in my fight against prostate cancer. I think I am on track and in a normal place for this point in my recovery. I want to always be straightforward and honest in what I share, but some of the things I share are not things I enjoy sharing. Today is one of those times.
I had charley horse-like pain in my right calf so I let the surgeon's office know about it. I thought it was just a small detail that they might want to know about. Whenever they heard about it, they were very insistent that I get to a hospital and have an ultrasound, posthaste! The ultrasound revealed that, indeed, I have a blood clot in my leg. It is something that I will receive treatment for for about six months. The medicine is fairly new and therefore not covered by our insurance. Oh well.
I'm glad to be alive! I'm glad for all my family and friends who love me and are praying for me. I'm glad for the songs and verses that move around in my heart and spirit, glorifying the Lord. Those "Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" are more than catchy tunes. They minister to my spirit and soul and lift me with their high praises. All glory to God who makes me always triumph through our Lord Jesus Christ!
The other day one of our daughters told me she heard the peepers! Any New Englander will tell you that hearing them is a sure sign that spring can't be too far away. This weekend is going to be cold. We won't hear them. But that doesn't mean that spring won't come. In the same way, having a reversal in life (like a blood clot) doesn't mean that God's will won't be accomplished. It's a speed bump, that's all.
I had charley horse-like pain in my right calf so I let the surgeon's office know about it. I thought it was just a small detail that they might want to know about. Whenever they heard about it, they were very insistent that I get to a hospital and have an ultrasound, posthaste! The ultrasound revealed that, indeed, I have a blood clot in my leg. It is something that I will receive treatment for for about six months. The medicine is fairly new and therefore not covered by our insurance. Oh well.
I'm glad to be alive! I'm glad for all my family and friends who love me and are praying for me. I'm glad for the songs and verses that move around in my heart and spirit, glorifying the Lord. Those "Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" are more than catchy tunes. They minister to my spirit and soul and lift me with their high praises. All glory to God who makes me always triumph through our Lord Jesus Christ!
The other day one of our daughters told me she heard the peepers! Any New Englander will tell you that hearing them is a sure sign that spring can't be too far away. This weekend is going to be cold. We won't hear them. But that doesn't mean that spring won't come. In the same way, having a reversal in life (like a blood clot) doesn't mean that God's will won't be accomplished. It's a speed bump, that's all.
I'll Be Back!
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Home on the Range
I have been home from the hospital for eight days now, and I am getting stronger all the time. Though I have some pretty intense pain in my abdomen, I can feel that I am getting better, bit by bit.
I had a wonderful answer to prayer, actually a miracle, that happened this week . On Wednesday I had to go to Boston to get the catheter removed. They told me (and I had read) that it would probably be a few months, but hopefully I would regain some bladder control. Well, we decided we ought to get a large box of Depends so that we would be prepared for the long-haul.
That night I had a dry night! And the next night! And the next night! In fact, I have had almost complete control of my bladder since the catheter came out, with the exception being the afternoon of the removal. Praise the Lord! I am so grateful. When I have told people about this they are amazed and say, "I can't believe that you have ANY control already." I can confidently say, "God did that!" That said, does anyone need a box of Depends? Cheap?
Yesterday we got the bitter-sweet news that one of our dear ladies at church had passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. I plan to do the service on Monday, but only to actually do the service. I will not be able to do many of the things I would normally do for a funeral, but I will be at the service. She was such a wonderful, lovely lady. Life goes on, and we should appreciate all of life as it unfolds. Being home makes me appreciate home so much more. I am thankful for normal, regular things in life, like food, showers, well water, temperature controls, etc. Indeed, I am thankful for life.
I had a wonderful answer to prayer, actually a miracle, that happened this week . On Wednesday I had to go to Boston to get the catheter removed. They told me (and I had read) that it would probably be a few months, but hopefully I would regain some bladder control. Well, we decided we ought to get a large box of Depends so that we would be prepared for the long-haul.
That night I had a dry night! And the next night! And the next night! In fact, I have had almost complete control of my bladder since the catheter came out, with the exception being the afternoon of the removal. Praise the Lord! I am so grateful. When I have told people about this they are amazed and say, "I can't believe that you have ANY control already." I can confidently say, "God did that!" That said, does anyone need a box of Depends? Cheap?
Yesterday we got the bitter-sweet news that one of our dear ladies at church had passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. I plan to do the service on Monday, but only to actually do the service. I will not be able to do many of the things I would normally do for a funeral, but I will be at the service. She was such a wonderful, lovely lady. Life goes on, and we should appreciate all of life as it unfolds. Being home makes me appreciate home so much more. I am thankful for normal, regular things in life, like food, showers, well water, temperature controls, etc. Indeed, I am thankful for life.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Flinigan-Flanigan
I have to tell you that the time in the hospital was so much better than I thought it would be. Everyone at the hospital was so kind, and very professional. But still, it was a hospital! My experience with hospitals has been visiting people in various hospitals. I know many of the facilities in New England, not just by name, but also because I have been in them at one time or another for a pastoral visit.
Last week the tables were turned. I was the patient. When I woke up from having had a radical prostatectomy I was very groggy, which lasted for the rest of the day. Even the next day and the trip home were a little surreal as I look back. But I was very glad to be home! We used to have a saying, "Home again, home again! Flinigan-Flanigan!" Not sure what it meant, but I like it.
I'm really grateful for all who prayed for me. I am sure I will still need a lot of prayer going forward, too. (But then, don't we all!?) The pain level is down some, and I am sure it will continue to diminish. As far as a specific prayer, I would appreciate prayer that I would not get any infection.
So, for right now, I am ensconced in the bedroom upstairs, away from the activity of the kitchen, and the goings and comings through the front door. It is very comfortable, and I can make the room as cool or as warm as I would like it to be. It makes me happy when I think back to the days when I was building it.
Anyway thank you again and I love you all.
Last week the tables were turned. I was the patient. When I woke up from having had a radical prostatectomy I was very groggy, which lasted for the rest of the day. Even the next day and the trip home were a little surreal as I look back. But I was very glad to be home! We used to have a saying, "Home again, home again! Flinigan-Flanigan!" Not sure what it meant, but I like it.
I'm really grateful for all who prayed for me. I am sure I will still need a lot of prayer going forward, too. (But then, don't we all!?) The pain level is down some, and I am sure it will continue to diminish. As far as a specific prayer, I would appreciate prayer that I would not get any infection.
So, for right now, I am ensconced in the bedroom upstairs, away from the activity of the kitchen, and the goings and comings through the front door. It is very comfortable, and I can make the room as cool or as warm as I would like it to be. It makes me happy when I think back to the days when I was building it.
Anyway thank you again and I love you all.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Surgery Success
I'm happy to report that Dad's surgery went exactly as planned! The surgeon (who we all thought was great!) was very pleased with what he saw and what he was able to do. No complications, no surprises. That is answered prayer!
He's resting comfortably and in very capable hands. Christina will spend the night and they will hopefully head home sometime tomorrow. Then the work starts of keeping him tied down to rest and recover!
Thank you to all who have been praying today and for your continued support through this journey. Thank you for loving my Dad. He's a pretty remarkable guy!
Now our prayers are specific. We are trusting for his PSA levels to drop to zero (as in no.more.cancer) when they test in a couple of months. We are trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness. Tonight we rejoice! We give God the Glory in all things.
Love,
Amy
He's resting comfortably and in very capable hands. Christina will spend the night and they will hopefully head home sometime tomorrow. Then the work starts of keeping him tied down to rest and recover!
Thank you to all who have been praying today and for your continued support through this journey. Thank you for loving my Dad. He's a pretty remarkable guy!
Now our prayers are specific. We are trusting for his PSA levels to drop to zero (as in no.more.cancer) when they test in a couple of months. We are trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness. Tonight we rejoice! We give God the Glory in all things.
Love,
Amy
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