February 06, 2006

Important Health News

Before you read any further, I ask you all to read this article, written by Christine Miserandino in 2003. She has done a beautiful job of describing a vague concept to most, and hope you can get some understanding from the reading. Now to the meat of this message. It is not particularly kid-friendly, so I have provided you with the option to continue reading or not at your discretion.

As you may or may not be aware, a few weeks ago, I visited a new doctor in Reston, VA to try a new treatment approach for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Neurally Mediated Hypotension. I received a routine physical as part of my visit, and was sent for a sonogram due to an enlarged right testis. On Thursday (the 2nd of February) I learned that the sonogram showed possible signs of testicular cancer. I must see a specialist this Wednesday the 8th and in all likelihood have it removed in short order. At that point they will complete a biopsy and I will learn more about what is going on.

For those of you interested in the technical, here is the report:

The right testicle is enlarged measuring approximately 7 x 4 x 4 cm and is near completely replaced by mass with heterogeneous predominantly hypoechoic echotexture and diffuse increased vascularity. Appearance is consistent with testicular neoplasm, probably seminoma. The right epididymis, left testicle and epididymis appeared normal.

Before I found out about all of this I was exhausted. I have been struggling to research and cook healthy recipes following a particular dietary regimen, trying to learn about occupational therapy, exploring how to properly fix the little house next door so that I might move in, pursuing copyright process for my card line, rebuilding my small-weight and stationary biking routines, and attempting to start driving again as well as getting a hobby involving about eight people off the ground. It is fair to say that I have used up all of my "spoons" for the last few months and then some, and now I have to face recovery from surgery and undoubtedly a whole battery of tests to follow.

But somehow I'm going to make it. Whenever something really nasty has come up in the past, I've always instinctively tapped into a sort of "emergency energy reserve," and I have no doubt I will do the same in this situation. While I face a sort of undefined fear for the future, I have no regrets or reservations about the way I have lived to date, and that helps immensely. At present I must simply wait until a final judgment is given, but once this happens I will pursue all necessary measures relentlessly as I do with everything else in my life. Faith and self-confidence make a powerful duo even in the worst of times.

So, if you don't mind, say a prayer for me tonight that I might have enough "spoons" in-hand to get through all of this ok, and possibly another that, after more comprehensive testing is complete, everything might turn out to be not such a big deal afterall.

Thanks everybody.

Posted by Andy at February 6, 2006 06:19 PM to the News category
Comments

Andy,

We are thinking about you and praying for you. Please know that if you need anything at all, you can call.. Even if you just want to come out and spend some time with a bunch of crazy kids to get your mind off things for a little while. Whatever it is. Should you need any type of help after surgery, we are here.. We will continue to pray as well... Please keep us all updated on your results from Wednesday... Nicole

Posted by: Nicole at February 6, 2006 08:37 PM

Thanks guys. Will do. Kids are therapeutic, right? :)

Posted by: Andy at February 6, 2006 09:28 PM

Andy,
Thank you, thank you for taking the time to explain your situation in such a thought-filled way. I admire your courage and your honesty. You are wise to draw on all of the positive energy and support of your family. In spite our "busy-ness" most of the time, where and when our love is needed, it will come.

Having said that, all of us in our household will be praying hard and willing "spoons" your way for as long as you need them. I believe that you will beat this cancer and we'll do whatever you need us to to help you. Please continue to tell us what you need and how to help you since we really don't know. We're not you. I think you've done a great job so far and I'm proud to be a cousin of someone so brave.

You are God's child and a gift to us all. Thank you for helping me realize that.

Posted by: Susan at February 7, 2006 07:28 AM

Dear Nephew,

What a wonderful article, the one about spoon theory. Thank you for sharing it. Our get togethers may never be the same now, with many awkward attempts to be humorous about your "spoons for today."

And then, your new news, the possibility of testicular cancer. Wish there was a way they could diagnose before they operate. Hope your operation goes well and recovery comes for you speedily.

I'm glad you have a lot of self-confidence and a lot of faith as internal resources to rekindle your strength and courage. By sharing more with us, you are now growing your external resources to nurture your health and vitality.

We all know it's a crazy family. May our love and caring also come through and reach you during your difficult days.

Thanks to Nicole and Susan for sharing their comments too.

Let's keep in touch!

Posted by: Tom at February 7, 2006 04:33 PM

Andy,
Thank you for sharing the Christine Miserandino article, and news of your most unfortunate challenge. Rest assured, we're all praying for you and a speedy recovery.

There's no doubt in our minds that you, who've overcome so many heartfealt challenges, will undoubtebly overcome this latest setback. In the days ahead, please draw upon our "Spoons", as you mean so much to us all.

Prayerfully - The Bel Air Wilson's

Posted by: Jim & Susanne at February 7, 2006 09:31 PM

All of your support really helps. I'll keep everyone posted as things progress. I don't know if I'll learn much at my appointment tomorrow, but I'll probably come out of it with a surgery date or something.

Posted by: Andy at February 7, 2006 11:27 PM
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