Second Opinion

Upon receiving the news that the spot on my liver is cancerous, I talked with the Dr. Batts about getting a second opinion.  He agreed and recommended University of Michigan Cancer Center, Ann Arbor. (You've heard the old second opinion crack. Patient to Doctor upon getting news of his/her illness, "I'd like a second opinion." Doctor to patient, "OK, you're not only sick, you're also ugly.")

Monday afternoon we received a flurry of calls from Ann Arbor. W are scheduled for two appointments for this coming Thursday: one with a chemo doctor and one with a liver surgeon. We are thankful to get the ball rolling before the next chemo treatment, which is scheduled for this coming Monday.

I am apprehensive about the next chemo treatment. The side effects from the first have been significant: fatigue, mouth sores, sensitivity to hot foods and drinks, decreased appetite, a bit of nausea, both constipation and diarrhea. We may need to modify the mix or dosage.

As I reflect on the coming days and making connection with new individuals in the medical community, the prayer of St. Francis comes to mind.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.