First off, I'd like to apologize for the way I'm communicating this to everyone, but I felt that it was the easiest for me and my circumstances. Some people already know and they have been a great support to me over the past month or so. Now, everyone will know.
Christmas Eve, I noticed some things that weren't right, so we ended up going into Emergency Kaiser in Northern California for what looked like a suspected kidney stone. Tests indicated negative for kidney stones, however a mass was discovered in my bladder.
I had my first urology appointment on Friday the 13th. More tests including a camera inserted into my bladder confirmed several tumors in there. Yesterday, I went into surgery to remove those tumors and I'm now resting rather uncomfortably at home recuperating. I have my post op appointment next Wednesday, February 1st. Hopefully, pathology will be completed and my doctor and I will be able to chart the next course of action in my recovery. As far as I'm concerned, this is a detour in my wanderings and a temporary setback.
Physically I feel fine for someone who just went under a surgical procedure yesterday. Mentally and emotionally, I've been all over the place. The people who I've been able to talk with personally about this have shown such love and support for me and I can't thank them enough.
Throughout this, my wife Marsha has been my rock helping me through all of this over the last month. I can't imagine a more luckier guy than me to have married her 35 years ago.
If I don't comment specifically to a comment that I'm sure will come after this posts, please don't take offense. I promise that I will read every one of them and will respond in kind when I can. Right now, your love and support is all that matters.
You and Marsha certainly have my love and support always.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteWe are in the phase of life when things start happening. I have been there myself.
ReplyDeleteYour roots run deep and wide Paul. Consequently, you touch places far away that you don’t even realize. Sending you love and support from my place.
Thank you Mike.You are a good friend.
DeleteOh my, Paul, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. I’m glad you’re feeling well physically, and it’s totally understandable that you’re on an emotional roller coaster. I’m hoping that the pathology results are in your favor. I’m so glad that you have Marsha by your side, she’s a rock star! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and if you need another ear, please know I am always here for you and I’m sending good thoughts and vibes to you and throwing out a few prayers, too. Love you, my forever friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend.
DeleteWe need you up and out there, showing us adventures. All the best, Eagle Rock Rob
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob.
DeleteOh dear. I thought things seemed quiet lately. Now I know why. I am so sorry that you are going through this. Every time I look at the now green hills I think of your wanderings. This is just another hike and we walk by your side. (Hug) - NotableFind.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteGood on you for noticing that something was not right and taking action. Early detection and action are key to recovery, as is a positive attitude. Be well. gsmX2
ReplyDeleteThank you good sir.
DeleteThinking of you Paul. My dad just went through something similar over the last year 1/2. Keep positive and I hope the tests are negative.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteOur prayers are with you, hoping for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteUgh. So sorry to see this, Paul. But I'm confident that you'll soon be "wandering" again. I look forward to wandering with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Carl.
DeletePaul, thanks our our very kind mutual friends, I just learned about this post today. It took me a while figure out how I might respond... Stunned might describe my first reaction. I had been just about to get in touch with you to schedule a hike together. While that may not happen immediately, I'm confident we'll be hitting the trails again before too long. My own challenges in the past year seem rather minor now in comparison, but I can at least start to understand what you're feeling. You are indeed a lucky guy to have the support you do of loved ones and friends, but you're also a rock of positivity and resilience, which I know will see you through. Hang in there my friend, and call on us if you need anything!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a roller coaster ride you're on. So sorry to hear about the discovery, but better now than later. Wishing you a full recovery and more opportunities to explore the world with you, one cache at a time.
ReplyDelete(Not sure what google account this is going to pick up) Have you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, don
Thank you Don. Your friendship means a lot to me, but more so in times like these. I'm hoping I can go caching with you in the near future.
DeleteThank you very much Liz.
ReplyDelete