Well, now the clamps are out and we will go to have the catheter taken out on Friday. Can't wait for that to happen. Still sore. The report was good as the lymph nodes were all negative. There was more cancer present than he thought as the gleason score was 7 on both sides but it looks as if it didn't break through in any place. In other words, The Lord saw to it that we got it just in time. I praise God for that. Things are beginning to brighten just a little.

Well, the good news is that I can make a report at all. I went, I went through the operation, I hurt and I'm home. That's it in a nutshell. A lot of things happened that they didn't warn me about but who wants to know all the "could" happen anyway? I came home on the 24th, Monday, and go to have the clamps taken out tomorrow. Then, hopefully, the bag will come off on Friday. Then, I will have to learn how to pee again. Well,things are, at least, looking up and hopefully the worst is behind me. Praise the Lord for that.

Well, the days are getting closer and the wonder if any stray cancer cells are somewhere else in my body still looms in my thinking. All in all, it really doesn't make any difference. It is no sense worrying about something about which I have no control as it wouldn't do any good anyway. So, will go with the plan and watch the days go by. Still trying to get the office cleaned out as I won't feel like doing it for the next six weeks. It got a bit colder here the last couple of days and now the temperatures are more like they are supposed to be for this time of year. Also, there is a dusting of snow on the ground. Not much. About an inch and a half. Check in later and see what's going on with us. Still no cat in the house.

Well, we are in the final week heading for the cancer surgery. As I get closer to the surgery time, I guess the one thing that concerns me is waking up and getting bad news, like, "Well, you had a lot more cancer than we thought and it has spread all over your body." That would be the worst type of news. But, on the other hand, that would mean a closer home going to be with the Lord. So, it's a mixed bag, so to speak. To say that I am getting a bit anxious is sure the truth. I go in for a type and cross match of my blood on Thursday morning and then I have to drink the large cocktail that makes you sit on the throne for the rest of the day. Then, a scrub down with antibacterial soap the next morning and off to the hospital to be there at 6:00 AM for a 7:30 AM surgery. Check on in to see what's going on with us.

Trooper's Gone

Well, our cat, Trooper, 19 years old, is gone. We had to put him to sleep this past Tuesday, the 11th of January. He will be missed. He was a faithful friend in every regard. He was trusting and even caring in his own special way. He had so much fluid on his lungs and the vet just couldn't get it out and he was suffering. It is hard going around the house and not hearing him or seeing him or hear his greeting when we come in. It's almost like the expressions says, "A home without a cat is just a house." Check in later and see how we are doing.

Wow. What a day. Getting ready for the stress test tomorrow. Mom is in the hospital in Indiana and had to make the decision whether to stop dialysis or go to a nursing facility. She chose the nursing facility in Illinois. That will be better. Pray that things will go well with the transfer and then trying to figure out what to do with her affairs in the apartment. Still dealing with a bad cold and hope that it doesn't interfere with things in the future. Still have a lot to do before the surgery. Still mixed emotions but claiming the promises of God to sustain me in all things ahead.

Don't catch a cold. Wow! That is a profound statement. But, I caught one anyway whether I wanted it or not. Just one more thing to add to the list of things I didn't want for Christmas. Operation is still scheduled. Stress test, a thallium one, is coming up on Friday. Had this type before and I don't like laying on that skinny slab for 45 minutes or so, but it has to be done. Trying to get some of the books packed at the office as I probably won't be wanting to do much of that after the surgery. Also, still thinking about my future ministry and where the Lord will lead us. At least, something is exciting. Hang in there. Check back soon.