I set up this blog a week ago, but decided to wait for today to write my first post. From now on, March 16th will be a very special day in my life.
One year ago today, I was still trying to recover from cancer surgery when I took a bad turn for the worst. My kidneys failed, so did my liver, one lung collapsed, and my abdomen was full of infection. My team of doctors was stumped about what to do.
The doctor (Dr. A, as everyone calls him) told my wife, after some prodding from her, that she should call my family and friends to come see me NOW, because I had only a few days to live.
His words were: "Don't plan on a miracle" Well, thanks to God and all of your prayers around the country, we got a miracle. A new doctor arrived to head up the team (more about him later) and they were able to stablize me, and I slowly improved. I went in the hospital in the end of January, and stayed until almost the end of May.
I have been given a second chance at life, and this blog will be a way for me to share memories of my life, as well as my thoughts and opinions on topics of the day, and sometimes religious topics as well.
I will fill you in on who I am, where I come from, and what I believe. I also want to hear from you, too. Please comment, and let me know if there is some question you have, something you want me to discuss, or just if you have a different opinion from me. We can differ, but still be kind to each other.
Thanks for reading!
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I remember standing there a little away from you crying and praying when you opened your eyes and began to come back to us, that I will never forget! Some may not know what an inspiration you were before tho, you and Vickie both listened to God's voice, not always the popular for sure. You both, separately, yet together, have already saved so many lives (quite certain I don't know half what the two of you have done).
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see what and where God has planned for the two of you!!! I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to be part of such special people's lives. What an inspiration you have both been to me and am sure will be even more so to me and so many others throughout the country. I know Mom and Dad are rejoicing in Heaven as we on earth are also. Love you both and praying continually for you.
Honestly, I knew that your situation was dire, but I had no idea the extent of it, and your recovery is nothing short of a miracle.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many questions I have, but a few would be:
-What were some of your thoughts before the surgery about how things might go, and how did those thoughts change, if at all?
-Assuming you were aware that things were as serious as they were, what were the top several things that dominated your thoughts?
-When people came to see you, what did you appreciate most?
-Were there any particular things that your visitors said or did that irritated you, even though they were trying to be helpful?
I'll stop now, but basically I think you have the makings of one great story and there is so much I'd like to know.
Congratulations on your debut, and I look forward to reading much more. - cbw
Awesome! I believe in miracles, too. I was asked to make that call once from Italy with a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. I refused to make it... 22 years ago :-)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more, Nativedevil!!!
I remember 3/16/09 very well. I received a message from Don Warrick that you were not expected to live. My mother was in her last months of life. I was at work and went in the bathroom and sobbed. I knew the struggle you had been dealing with since January, when you went in for a minor procedure, but to think that you were going to die at such a young age, with a family who adores you and a church you pastored, it was unbelievable! And prayers went up from everywhere and God chose to use your new lease on life to teach others about Him. How cool is that! I'm so glad you're back to debating politics on FB. :D
ReplyDeleteI encourage you to read a blog by a doctor from our church who lost his 2 year battle with melanoma on February 28. www.dancrabtree.blogspot.com
Thanks for all of your comments.
ReplyDeleteCBW, I didn't realize how sick I was going to get. The second surgery, after which I almost died a few weeks later, I was just thinking "hurry up and get these tumors out of me". The surgery itself seemed to go fine. The complications did not set in for awhile.
I did not realize that I was dying. That came later, when so many people started showing up in my room. I knew things must be getting worse. However, I was also very confused. I saw and said things that I don't even remember.
The best part of people coming to see me was just their being there. That meant so much. So did the flowers, cards and phone calls from my Facebook friends, many of them old college friends. I would not call it irritating, but I guess the only problem was that sometimes people stayed too long, and I got very tired from the visit because I was weak and not really strong enough to talk that long.
Thanks again, everyone!
I am so happy that you are blogging old friend.. Happy Rebirthday.. much love to you!!!!
ReplyDeleteAB:
ReplyDeleteI am both stunned and elated to hear your story! We are truly blessed and in God's favor. Besides beginning happy about reconnecting with you since high school, I am proud that you have accepted the call of Christ as a pastor and minister, yes? I am a PK (as you know) and all the spiritual direction and advice given to me since childhood has come back around to me full of grace and enlightening. God Bless You!
Hello Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI hope you will remember me. I am Mrs. A. T. Jackson from MHS (Business Ed. Teacher). I happened to run across your name on Janice's page. I, too, am a living miracle. I am a cancer survivor of 2 1/2 years. My cancer was very rare. (deuodenal) I had a ressection. I did a lot of praying and asking God to give me peace and to heal my body. He did just that. I was in the hospital for 19 days. I did not need anything for pain and I did not need Chemo or Radiation. I had lots of people praying for me and with me. I thank God that I have had a relationship with Him for many years. There were times when I asked His to just carry me close to His breast; He did that. I am so happy that God heard your cry for healing also. God is still performing miracles. We just have to have faith. May God continue to bless you and to keep you. Pray for me and I will pray for you. God bless you as you continue in your work for Him. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.