The last time I was here I had just finished Chemo and radiation. The first week or so I couldn’t eat anything and everything I poured down the feeding tube made me sick, resulting in additional weight loss and dehydration. The radiation oncologist said my ability to eat should improve in a week or so; by golly she was right. It has gradually improved to the point I can now eat about anything I want including hamburgers, pizza and even a chicken fried steak, gonna try some Mexican in a couple days. Liquids are still a bit of a challenge but I handle them well enough that the only thing that goes down the tube is a little water to flush the thing. Needless to say I am no longer dehydrated and I have gained about 8 or 10 pounds.
I feel good, even have a little bit of spring in my step. The hair has stabilized at least and it may be my imagination but I think it is beginning to grow a little bit. I probably pushed it a bit but I felt good enough to make a run to my home away from home and make sure the boats were still floating; and enjoyed a nice dinner with some good friends. It was the first time I had eaten in a restaurant since early April.
I know the title doesn’t match the previous two paragraphs. If things are going that good why should I be nervous? Awe, let me tell you what is peeking around the corner. Last time I was here I talked about this surgery thing that would probably happen in late August or early September. That little event is now scheduled for August 9th, which is only two weeks and two days away. I took the cancer diagnosis, the chemo and radiation in stride but for some goofy reason I am a little nervous about the surgery.
Between now and surgery day I have 7 medically related appointments for things like EKG, X-ray, Pet Scan, Endoscopy and just some routine preop things. I won’t go into detail on the surgery since I did that last time I was here, but I will summarize. The surgery will take about eight hours, I will be in ICU for a week to ten days and in the hospital for three weeks or so. All this will happen at the OU Medical Center.
That just about sums up what is happening in my little world tonight. I’m not sure when I will be back, if they let me have my iPad I might try to communicate from the hospital but that probably won’t happen so it will probably be a while.
You might mention me in your prayers.
Good Night and God Bless.
Dave
Random Thoughts 
Dave, you are always in our prayers, bless you and your family.
Dave, you are only human and that surgery would make anyone nervous. Just the thought of being in the hospital that long is nerve racking. Hang in there this too shall pass. You are in my prayers.
Reason enough to be “nervous ” I would probably be terrified. Have someone post how the surgery goes. Will put you on prayer list at church. Love and prayers my friend.
I would be more than a bit nervous. As always, you are in my prayers. You will get past this, also!! Love to you and your family.
Understandable, this is incredibly hard stuff. We will be praying. Please have your girls give us an update.
Dave,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I would be a little nervous too. More than a little nervous please have the girls keep us up-to-date on what is going on or at least the family. Sending you love and good cheer, Cindy
Godspeed my friend. You are in my prayers !
Gary
Such great progress! Hang in there. Before you know it, you’ll be writing about how glad you are that it’s all behind you.
xoxo
Melissa
Keep your wonderful sense of humor and great attitude Dave. Being a little nervous is
Understandable, surgery is never very much fun no matter the circumstance.
We will continue to lift you up in prayer, the man upstairs is always listening.
God Bless You on this journey, thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Dave, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ronnie is going to keep us posted. Hang in there. It’ll soon be over and you’ll be home.
Praying everything comes out well and quick recovery.
We’ll all be praying for you. Just keep your good attitude and humor.
Dave, your good attitude is half the battle won already!! You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers from the very the moment I first heard about your cancer and what you must endure. You have been so positive! Therefore; step by step you overcame each obstacle in your path to reach total recovery. Almost there… Never forget – God is with you.