Working the Plan

This week involved two significant meetings with doctors. The first was on Tuesday, June 2 with Dr. Batts, our oncologist in Holland. We will not be doing anything further with chemotherapy until after liver surgery, and then it is anticipated that the chemo mixture will be adjusted. 

The second meeting was yesterday, June 4 with Dr. Nathan, the surgeon at University of Michigan Cancer Center. We have scheduled surgery (removal of a small spot of colon cancer on the liver, as well as removal of the gall bladder) for Monday, June 15 at 10:45 am. This will involve a 5 -8 day stay at the hospital in Ann Arbor.

The plan between now and June 15 is for me to exercise, eat well, rest, and generally build up strength in preparation for the surgery. Talking about eating well, when in Ann Arbor, you should visit Zingermans Deli (422 Detroit Street). They have some of the world’s best sandwiches. We had a Ruben, described as “voted as best in the nation.” It is without peer.

It is wonderful to begin enjoying food again. My taste for Starbucks is also coming back (What would they do without me?!).

This blog seems to be lacking in drama. Perhaps my situation, at this stage, is referred to by the medical community as “unremarkable.” Nonetheless, what I am experiencing is remarkable. And it includes:
 -A closer walk with God through Jesus Christ, the Great Physician.
 -Deeper relationships with family and friends. Marlene and I celebrate our 49th anniversary on June 9. Our love for one another has grown in ways that were previously unimagined.
 -Having a greater understanding of what it means to live one day at a time.
 -Appreciation for colleagues who have stepped up to cover areas of responsibility with Church Leadership Center.
 -Many evidences of progress and a plan, God willing, for becoming cancer free.