Monday, October 27, 2014

There but for the grace of God...

We received some fairly sobering news today.  When I was in the hospital with my last surgery, I briefly shared a room with a man who’d had essentially the same surgery as mine (though his had been about a month prior to mine).  For reasons unknown, his body did not recover as well as mine.  We got word today that he’d passed away last Thursday.  Then we also got news that another friend from Edmonton had been diagnosed with the same cancer as my own.  Yep, sobering.

In case you’re wondering how I’m doing, I believe things are progressing as they should.  I’m recovering.  I was able to work a full 40 hours (from home) last week, though it exhausted me (I slept most of Saturday :-).  My incision hurts a little more than I remember the previous ones doing, but the staples are out and I think it’s coming along as it should.

Unfortunately, I still don’t know much in terms of a prognosis.  About all the surgeon told me was that the operation had been a success.  I have an appointment with the surgeon (in which I’ll hopefully get more details) on November 7, and an appointment with the oncologist on November 18.

So, I continue in God’s hands, and if He wants me on this planet for another 30 years, that’s absolutely no problem for Him! :-)

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Update From Susan #3


All I have to say is:

 

HE’S HOME.

 

Just so very thankful.

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Post-Surgery Update

(Susan here.  Brad's on an extended sleep over.)


Surgery was Monday, no big surprises, still no major concerns about how well he’s recovering. He’s been moved from the “High Observation” room to a different room, which just happens to be private, so he’s on Unit 102, Room 1059.

 

He’s finding the time passes very verrrry slowly, so he said “Tell people even if they just want to sit and read a book, company makes the time go faster.”  So if you were thinking of visiting …  (particulary tomorrow, because I am working from 3 till 9:30, so will not be able to spend much time there.)

 

Your notes and prayers and cards are so encouraging, I can’t even tell you. 
 
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”

Sunday, October 05, 2014

The Knife


Well, I’ve had a wonderful few months living essentially symptom-free.  Just today I got to do one of my favourite things:  go on a road trip with my wonderful wife to watch my awesome son play hockey.  Friday I got to celebrate my incredible daughter’s 19th birthday with my family and some friends.  Tomorrow I will get rudely yanked back into a reality where I am fighting for my life against an uncaring unfeeling opponent that is doing its best to kill me.  (How’s that for a  little melodrama?  J)
 
Thankfully I’m in the hands of The Great Physician, who is capable of healing me or of giving me a glorious eternity.  Right now I’m kinda hoping He helps the physicians in the operating room.  I don’t feel like my work here is done, but it’s His call.
 
I’m glad I don’t have to be awake or responsive during this procedure.  After all, given that I have to be at the Foothills hospital by 5:30AM, my hunch is I’ll be sound asleep again before the anesthetic has a chance to do its job.  J
 
Anyway, I’ll try to send an update out as soon as I can after the surgery.  I’m hoping we’ll know a little better what the future holds after the surgeons operate.
 
See you on the other side (of my surgery, that is – sheesh, I’m not dying just yet!).  Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts, and support!