Farawayhills
Well-known member
I hope you will not mind me sharing this news - I know that outcomes are not always so positive, and we lose loved ones - but I trust, also, that my recovery can be a small reminder that things can go well, and there is always hope.
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to family circumstances (my mother was dying), I had delayed going to the doctor, though I suspected the condition, and so was not shocked by the diagnosis. I had to have major surgery, followed by 18 weeks of chemotherapy. During the operation, my heartbeat became critical twice, turning a scheduled three hour operation into a five hour one. This was a harrowing time for my relatives and friends, waiting, but unable to get information (and I thank God that my mother had passed away before ever knowing I was ill). It was also an ordeal for the young medical student who'd been assigned to monitor my case. It was her first time in theatre, and she was the only one allowed a chair, in case she fainted! (She was a big help to me, visiting me many times in my recovery, and giving me information from my case notes - which perhaps was bending the rules, lol)
Two things, in partcular - my survival from heart failure during the operation, and now, having reached the five year mark, free from recurrence - bring home to me how truly blest I've been. It's something for which I shall always be humbled and thankful. I know that we all vary on questions of faith, and I don't want to intrude too far into that area - but, for my part, I do thank God for my recovery, and also pray every night for those who are suffering, and, in particular, for those who have no one to pray for them. That was the prayer I offered as I was taken into surgery, and one I shall repeat as long as I live.
I would like you to know, too, that this board has also been a help to me. I know I haven't (and probably never will, lol) become a devotee of Mainstream Country, of evaluating music by chart positions or sales, or of "fan wars" - but that's neither here or there. The board has been something of a regular haven for me, and I appreciate the kindness, fun and interesting information and discussion from my many friends here.
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to family circumstances (my mother was dying), I had delayed going to the doctor, though I suspected the condition, and so was not shocked by the diagnosis. I had to have major surgery, followed by 18 weeks of chemotherapy. During the operation, my heartbeat became critical twice, turning a scheduled three hour operation into a five hour one. This was a harrowing time for my relatives and friends, waiting, but unable to get information (and I thank God that my mother had passed away before ever knowing I was ill). It was also an ordeal for the young medical student who'd been assigned to monitor my case. It was her first time in theatre, and she was the only one allowed a chair, in case she fainted! (She was a big help to me, visiting me many times in my recovery, and giving me information from my case notes - which perhaps was bending the rules, lol)
Two things, in partcular - my survival from heart failure during the operation, and now, having reached the five year mark, free from recurrence - bring home to me how truly blest I've been. It's something for which I shall always be humbled and thankful. I know that we all vary on questions of faith, and I don't want to intrude too far into that area - but, for my part, I do thank God for my recovery, and also pray every night for those who are suffering, and, in particular, for those who have no one to pray for them. That was the prayer I offered as I was taken into surgery, and one I shall repeat as long as I live.
I would like you to know, too, that this board has also been a help to me. I know I haven't (and probably never will, lol) become a devotee of Mainstream Country, of evaluating music by chart positions or sales, or of "fan wars" - but that's neither here or there. The board has been something of a regular haven for me, and I appreciate the kindness, fun and interesting information and discussion from my many friends here.
