Today is September 1, 2022. It is my 42nd birthday. It is my 5th birthday I will celebrate since my mother died. It is my mother that should be celebrated on this day. All I did was show up. Most years my attitude regarding my birthday would be that all I did was survive another year and that is not something worth celebrating. The last year; however, is not like most other years.
The fall semester of the 2021-2022 school year was typical. I was in the beginning of my 11th year in education. The roller coaster of emotions that comes with working in the midst of 1,000 middle school students and working in special education was in full swing. Many volleyball games and football games gave way to many basketball games and the beginning of many soccer games.
December 23, 2021, over the winter break, I tested positive for COVID-19. Merry Christmas to me! I spent the winter break in isolation resting and recovering so that I would be well and able to return to work for the spring semester. At the time, I had no idea that positive test would change my life forever in ways I would have never imagined.
January 5, 2022, I experienced breathing difficulties that led me to seek out a primary care physician for the first time in nearly 20 years. If I was going to face lingering effects from COVID-19, I knew it would be best to do so under the care of a primary care physician rather than relying on the services of an urgent care facility.
I was the stereotypical single, stupid, stubborn male and often neglected my health. Now, under the care of a primary care physician, I mustered up the courage to address gastrointestinal issues I had been dealing with for almost a full year. I was immediately referred to a colorectal specialist.
January 13 I had my first appointment and examination and a colonoscopy was scheduled for January 19. On that date, I underwent a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with what would later be determined to be Stage 1 Colon Cancer. February 10 I underwent a Sigmoid Colectomy at Medical City Plano. Six inches of my colon containing a 4.3 cm tumor was removed; I spent 3 nights in the Sarah Cannon Cancer Hospital at Medical City Plano. It is quite humbling not being able to walk independently or not being able to dress yourself without assistance. I was blessed with wonderful medical care during my hospital stay.
Following surgery, at my initial oncologist appointment I was informed that I HAD Stage 1 Colon Cancer, but I appear to be cancer free; the surgery was successful and pathology results were good. I was given the good news that radiation or chemotherapy would not be necessary. There is a slight chance for recurrence, but neither treatment would affect the percentage for recurrence. I also met with a genetic counselor and underwent genetic testing; those results were also good. I have no genetic dispositions for any type of cancer.
I had a 34 day spring break and I was under a restriction to lift no more than 20 pounds through April 24. I was happy to return to work after spring break to see my students and my coworkers! I was happy to make it back for more soccer games, many softball games, baseball games, and track meets!
My initial post-surgery CT scan returned good results with a couple of things to keep an eye on. In April, I had a physical for the first time since one was required to participate in eighth grade athletics. I learned I have a low functioning thyroid; that was an interesting revelation as it could explain numerous health issues I have been facing. I underwent an MRI of my brain and after a follow up appointment with my primary care physician in July I received referrals to a neurologist and a physical therapist. Following appointments with both specialists, I am no longer under their immediate care though multiple steps have been put into place to assist me in better taking care of myself. I am in a sort of reset stage in which both my mind and body need to relearn a healthy normal.
My summer was a time of recovery. There was no youth camp or mission trip; there was not a trip to the mountains. Following my surgery in February, I lost significant strength in my core and my upper body. As I returned to work in the spring, I regularly had to ask for assistance to open bottles of Gatorade; I could not open a bottle of Gatorade in the afternoon because I was too tired and too weak! I initially began my strength recovery lifting 5 pound dumbbells. As I was able to increase my time in the gym during the summer, I was able to make significant and rapid progress; I set personal records on both the leg press and the chest press.
I also got glasses for the first time in my life at the beginning of the summer.
To recap, this year I acquired a:
Primary Care Physician
Colorectal Specialist
Oncologist
Genetic Counselor
Optometrist
Neurologist
Physical Therapist
I think that's a pretty good collection for one year.
Thus far, I have spoken about myself and my experiences. Hey, it is MY birthday! My story cannot be told without you.
When I received a cancer diagnosis, I made the decision to be very public about it. That was the best decision for me as I coveted the prayers and support of my people. I am blessed to have many people! From my work family and my church family and lifelong friends, you made sure I was taken care of. You supported me spiritually, emotionally, and financially and you made sure I was well fed as I recovered! I received cards from work, church, school organizations, churches from all over, and people I do not even know. I was even Googled by a student seeking information on why I was mysteriously absent! I am so blessed to know whose room I need to go to at work if I need to vent, I need to cry, or I need someone to pray for me. I am so blessed to know at any hour, day or night, I have so many in my church family who will answer the phone and listen and pray. You walked beside me down a path I never wanted to walk. There are no words adequate to express my gratitude. Thank you for loving me well! I am now in the beginning of my 12th year in education. Shortly before the school year began I was given the opportunity to make a transition out of the centralized program I had worked in for the previous 6.5 years. I eagerly made the transition as it is what was best for me and my overall well being. The school year is off to a great start as relationships have been renewed and begun as I seek to help students become the best version of themselves possible. There have already been many volleyball games and will be many more to come. Football season is just beginning. I look forward to another year supporting students in and outside of the classroom! Now, on my 42nd birthday, my abdomen is scarred, I move a little bit slower than before, and I use the bathroom often. I wear glasses and my face is a bit worn. If I let my hair grow out at all an interesting color appears. Some days I just don't feel good. I am 5 days away from my 6 month follow up appointment with my oncologist and awaiting the results of my second post-surgery CT scan. I survived another year! For the first time in my life, I had moments, early in my journey, when I, oh so briefly, wondered if I would. So, happy birthday to me!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
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