Thursday, January 22, 2009

Friends,

Whew, finally got around to posting some pictures. I promised Sherri a long time ago. "Sam", I got pictures now! Yes, 58 days after surgery, I got to take a vacation. Truth is, this vacation was planned over a year ago and I had almost no input in it. That is not a complaint...Brenda and her family made it happen. It was a celebration of sorts. Mom and Dad Snow celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico surrounded by their children and grandchildren and about 2,000 others. So, what the heck could this possibly have to do with this blog and prostate cancer and recovery, etc., etc..... This is what......YOU CAN DO IT TOO!! Was I afraid, yes. Was my doctor concerned, yes. Was my family aware of what I as doing, yes. Did I have any days when I was not 100%, yes. The point I make here is that at some point you have to get back into life. I was anxious and fretted a bit about having issues while I was away from my home and my doctors and my country! I was not the picture of perfect health before I left but ya know what...I was no worse off for having made the trip. Truth be told, I think I may be a little better for it. So, don't be afraid to get back into life. Check with your docs, be smart, don't think you will wake up and be the person you were 3 or 4 or 6 months ago. For my brothers and friends...THERE IS LIFE AFTER PROSTATE CANCER AND TREATMENT. SURGERY DOES NOT MAKE YOU LESS OF A PERSON, BUT GIVES YOU A NEW PERSPECTIVE! OK, off my soapbox now. It was a great experience and you too should make plans. God has given us the miracle of life...live it.

So, how am I feeling? Still tired. I have noticed some blood in my urine the past two days. It is not much and I have not experienced any pain and think it may have something to do with lifting. I feel pretty good and feel as though my strength is coming back every day but notice too when I lift, even a laundry basket, sometimes, hours later in the day, some traces of blood will show up. That will be a topic of discussion on Monday when I see the doc. Tomorrow is my appointment with the hand surgeon. I think it may be getting worse and I am hopeful we can arrive at a quick and "not so complicated" solution.

One thing I think I have begun to notice is that I am more cold natured now than before. I made the comment last night that I believe they got some wires crossed in surgery and B told me she thinks they re-wired my thermostat? In any case, I sleep in long pajamas and still get cold. Maybe I am just getting old???

I think I have done enough for today. It is a beautiful day, I may take a walk. I went to choir practice last night for the first time in months, it was so good.

It is my prayer that you too are having a good day. There is so much to be thankful for and even more to pray for. Pray for our children, for those who are hungry and homeless. Pray for the sick and hurting and for those who are challenged by caring for them. Pray for each other and tell someone that you love them. I love YOU ALL and feel so blessed to be able to call you friend. Thanks so much for continuing on this journey with me.... and most of all,
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME Mike