Pathology Results and More
This week I received the pathology report following my surgery. The short version is the kidney cancer was fully contained and is considered stage 1 cancer. A few prostate cancer cells were found in nearby lymph nodes so, since it had spread beyond the prostate, it’s considered stage 3 cancer.
So, what does this mean? (A good Lutheran question)
At this point, I don’t have that answer. I am scheduled for a PET scan this coming week to determine if there are any additional prostate cancer cells in my lymphatic system. If none are found, there will be no further treatments necessary. If they find some, there are several options to be determined via a conversation with my urologist.
Also, I’ve released to return to work on May 1 with no restrictions. This is just over a month post-surgery, shorter than the 6 to 8 weeks I was originally told I would be off. Although I’m free to fully return to work, after discussions with Joyce, my supervisor, and HR, I’ll be easing back into work starting by picking up only one or two of the families I was previously working with. Then, as I regain more endurance, I’ll add more families back to my case load.
This last Sunday afternoon (just 19 days post-surgery) Joyce and I led a Bible study for the spring rally of a women’s group for whom Joyce is an officer. I was on my feet most of the hour and a quarter. After attending church and Bible class that morning, by the time I was done with the Bible study I went home and took a nap.
All this is evidence of how gracious and merciful God has been to me. He’s been with me through every step of this process as He has always been. If additional treatment is required, I know He will continue to hold and care for me through those as well.
Just a note about the future of this blog.
As I gain energy and endurance and the journey with cancer becomes a less prominent part of my life, I will likely expand the things I post here. I already have a number of devotions I wrote months or even years ago. I might include pieces on topics that interest me like woodcarving, cooking, foster care, life as a Christian, etc.