February 04, 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 4, 2006 07:52 PM to the Health categoryseveral things:
number one, yes i will keep you in my thoughts and hope that you are doing well.
but number two, don't feel that this post isn't kid friendly. every kid has testicles! well male kid, that is. i don't want you to feel that somehow it's shameful to have this problem, because it isn't. it's not your fault.
but here's hoping it's nothing.
all my best,
heather
andy - i will keep you and your family in my prayers for health, stregnth, and courage to face this new challenge .......
many blessings - jeff kucine
Andy -- you will most definitely be in our prayers. I am sorry to hear of your continued troubles. I'll be sure and stop in the next time I'm in the 'dena to school you in a game of your choosing. I know you'll pull through fine though. You're too stubborn to quit now!
Your in our prayers,
Ryan
What can we do to help?
Posted by: Mei at February 7, 2006 07:23 AMAndy,
First and foremost, your Faith in God is an awesome example to me. God provides all the "spoons" one needs and even if we don't always realize it, He has an endless supply in the waiting. I will be thinking of and praying for you. God has blessed you with, among sooooo many other talents and gifts, perseverance and enthusiasm for life. Be strong, as you always are, and I look forward to catching up with you next time I'm in Pasadena.
Love,
Kristin
Andy,
You are an inspiration to me. I will pray for you. Hopefully, as you say, everything will work out, and it won't be such a big deal. If I could lend you some "spoons" I'd send 'em on over. If anyone can get through troubling times, precedence has shown that you have the faith and the determination to weather the storm.
Be Strong.
~Jon
Posted by: Jon at February 7, 2006 09:54 PMAndy,
I read this kind of fast as I am pretty sick right now. I will read it again.
But please hang in there and I will be praying for you.
I am going through some stuff with my body that I really do not know what is going on? So I know a little how you feel.
I am here any time you want to talk. I do understand. You will get through this!!!
Your friend, Connie
Posted by: Connie at February 7, 2006 10:52 PMI can't thank you all enough for your inspirational comments. I will continue to post content on my blog here and email you as I learn more.
As far as how you can help, well... keeping me busy is good for sure. Maybe somebody can set up a LAN party here without my direct intervention? I could use help repairing this site too, or with any of the things I listed that I was previously trying investigate/enact before all of this news hit.
Posted by: Andy at February 7, 2006 11:32 PMAndy,
You'll be in my prayers, my friend. I hope everything works out for you in short order.
~ Joe
P.S. I would've replied sooner, but I haven't checked your blog for the last few days. :^(
Posted by: Joe Lex at February 7, 2006 11:48 PMdear Andy, I had heard some of your story from various people but liked hearing it direct. Life is so unpredictable. Thank God you know Jesus and his love and strength. You have been in my prayers for many years and that will continue. with love, Missy Margaret Cynthia Lawrence 3-6-06 7lbs. 9oz. 21 inches 8 something p.m.
Posted by: Missy Lawrence at March 6, 2006 09:50 PMIt's nice to hear from you on here, and really happy to hear about little Margaret. Congratulations! It's amazing how joy and pain can coexist so seemlessly in life. You've certainly had your share of both, and I'm glad to see a bit more joy heading your way.
Posted by: Andy at March 7, 2006 12:47 AM