I have been writing this blog to give my perspective of a surgeon becoming a patient, to give some perspective to other cancer patients, to share my faith, and to allow my friends and patients to keep track of my progress.

Battling Bitterness

This past year has given me more trials and adversity to date than I have ever faced in life. As you know, I decided to share it all with you. You guys have walked with me through a diagnosis of malignant melanoma after I biopsied my own thumb, through a surgery in which I lost part of my dominant hand thumb, through ongoing immunotherapy infusions , through the process of learning how to see patients and return to the operating room, and through a major bicycle wreck with polytrauma including a pneumothorax. I am thankful for the unconditional love of my wife Kellee. I am thankful for the endless support of my immediate and large extended family; I could not have made it through this year without you. Thanks Pastor Jack…you are family also. Thanks for the love and support of Pastor Tom and my church family at Brook Hollow Baptist Church, as I consider you family also. Thanks to the other doctors in my medical practice and all the staff that have supported me so well. I love all you guys!

Pastor Alistair Begg relates that “suffering in and of itself does not lead a person into a deeper relationship with God. In other words, suffering will either make us run to God or away from Him. In the midst of trials, we must ask ourselves, “Is this trial making me bitter and callous, or is it making me loving and gentle?”  As a human, I continue to feel the battle oscillate within me between bitterness and a Christ-like attitude. I will continue to trust in God that He has greater plan for me, and that He loves me so much that life altering circumstances are drawing me closer to Him. He is giving me a testimony to share with you guys.

New Year’s Resolutions

I would like to share my experience with New Year’s resolutions last year. Every year I would make some “New Year’s resolutions” and rarely take them very seriously. However, last year in 2021, I decided to put in writing my goals for 2021, which would be a first for me. Then, I shared them with several close friends to keep me accountable. As all of you know who are actively following my cancer journey through this blog (now several hundred), I have been completely transparent. So…. here were my goals for 2021:

1. Slow down and simplify
2. Daily prayer time
3. Limit information from phone
4. Daily exercise
5. Eat well and healthy (decrease sweets)
6. Read at least 12 books (one per month and not related to my medical reading)
7. Goal weight 215
8. Connect with friends

Well, I would love to say that through my own perseverance and discipline that I accomplished every one of those goals, but I cannot take any credit. I spent much time in prayer asking for the discipline to accomplish my goals. Folks, be careful how you pray, because sometimes your answered prayer does not always look the way we envision it. If someone had told me in early 2021 that I needed to work less, sell my home and downsize, focus more on wellness, and greatly simplify my life, I likely would have laughed at them. However, the diagnosis of cancer was the impetus that effected my behavioral change.

Mission Accomplished

For those of you who have been following my blog, you know how all those actions came to fruition. As I continue to undergo treatment, Kellee and I have moved, and I have lessened my work schedule. I cannot control everything about my cancer diagnosis, but I have worked hard on the activities I can control. I spend time in prayer and in the word of God daily, some days for hours.  I am eating healthy meals that provide immune-boosting ingredients that provide my body with what it needs to decrease inflammation.  This diet helps me fight cancer, heal better, counter side effects of chemotherapy, and hopefully will help me to have a more successful outcome.  I continue to exercise daily.  The diet combined with exercise helped me drop 17 pounds to 210, 5 pounds below my goal weight. I also read 14 books this year, 2 over my goal; but I could not keep up with my Kellee, who read 85 this year! Aside from spending more time with family, I made a commitment to spend time with my friends, some of whom I had gotten in the habit of just texting.  And you guys know who you are….just to name a few….Worrick, Dwight, Pat, James, Ronnie, Lee R., and Lee H.

2022

Moving forward in the new year, my wish is that this blog comforts just one other cancer patient or brings peace or comfort to any one of you!  Then, I will consider this endeavor time well spent! I have repeat scans this coming Wednesday, January 12, and another infusion of Keytruda next Thursday, January 13. Feel free to lift me up in prayer. You are a part of my story that is still being written!