Personal Journey Entry # 22

Shay and I had a wonderful meeting today with Dr. Federico. He and Dr. Lassaletta could not have been nicer throughout this journey, and we have complete confidence in them both. It may have said it with tongue in cheek, but he claimed a good surgeon knows when to operate, and great surgeons know when not to. They both feel worse than I do about aborting the procedure last Thursday, but after our talk today, I am even more convinced it is another in a string of blessings. All those prayers are definitely getting through.

John and Tony have spoken to Dr. Boston at Beth Israel, and we are waiting for the call and date for the endoscopy and ablation. All we have to do is make sure she gets every cell with her magic scope, and this cancer will be gone. Not as definitive as the esophagectomy, but I will have all of my original equipment. I am excited about this twist. God has been shining down and smiling on me.

On the flip side, Shay is on a mission to get us (me) healthy. We are on a lean and clean diet, and this is day 8 without Bourbon. I can appreciate the weight loss, and my artificial knees will be thankful, but the Bourbon is another thing. What good will it be to ring the bell on my last breath as I expire from alcohol deprivation? Please forgive me for the levity today. After the disappointment from last Thursday and looking in the mirror at the seven holes in my abdomen, we are sky-high over the next step.

Thanks for stopping by and for all of your thoughts and prayers. God bless and keep you, Ray