Update from Jerry (11-18-10)
Two
weeks since surgery! Went in for removal of malignant tumor. Dr
performed a wedge resection of my lower left lung. This was worse
than I expected. Pain from day one was terrible. With drugs I was
able to stay fairly comfortable as long as I did NOT Move !
Movement was total hell ! More than once I managed to wake everyone
on my entire floor as I was put back into bed. However, once all
the tubes, piping and other instruments of torture were removed, I
began to live again.
Each day after removal of these evil implements was better than the
day before. In the beginning the improvement was very noticeable,
but with time there is less change daily. I still have pain with
deep breathing, and especially with coughs, sneezes and hiccups, but
now I can pretty much fill my lungs up with air-something I could
not do for days ! As a SCUBA diver I know the importance of air and
I could NOT get any into my lungs -
I am now home and am getting around pretty well, no lifting or
exertion, but am able to come and go within reason.. I have come to
realize recovery will take longer than I originally thought.
The Drs believe they got all the nasty crap out and I will begin
Chemo as soon as I heal sufficiently from the surgery. The cancer is
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) and until recently was untreatable,
surgical removal was the only treatment. Now there are a couple of
drugs which show promise. I will be closely monitored in the future.
To all my friends I apologize for not updating you as I should, I
just did not feel up to typing and reporting at the time- I assure
you I read all your emails and messages of support and I was truly
touched and humbled at the response I received not just from here
but from friends world wide. It is humbling to realize how many
friends one has and to feel the love and support from each.
I had many visitors while in the hospital and here at home. I want
to thank each and everyone for all the prayers, which I know made a
big difference in my life.
I also thank members of the Shreveport Fire Dept as well Caddo Fire
Dist 6 and Signal 51 Group for all they have done for me. I was
especially touched when a SFD Chief stopped by- he delivered a
beautiful prayer at my bedside at a time I needed it. I know Jesus
had his hand on me and with his continued support and that of my
friends all will be fine !!
Sorry -- I did not mean to carry on so long, I have had so many
requests for updates and info, I just felt moved to write
Again, thanks to each and everyone !!
