Jude 2

God does use some unusual means to “wake us up.” Many of you may recall that on June 2nd I requested prayer because I had an episode of Angina at work that day. The pain, low blood pressure an elevated pulse rate forced me to see my doctor. Anyone that knows me very well will tell you that I don’t like going to the doctor, they always tell you things you can’t do. My doctor gave me a complete physical with all the Lab Work, EKG, and X-Rays. Initially the EKG showed some changes had occurred, so I was scheduled for a follow-up appointment with my Cardiologist for this coming Wednesday. The fact that this appointment was over a week after the episode reassured me that the heart problems were not life threatening. However, the story does not end there. Last Thursday the Lab Work came back. One of the “markers” in the blood is the PSA (prostate specific antigen), mine was moderately elevated. This normally is to be expected as that both my doctors and myself have known since 1995 that I had an enlarged prostate. A biopsy was done and it proved to be benign prostatic hyperplasia. I gave little thought of it because other than making more frequent trips to the bathroom it caused me no problems. This time however, the rate at with the marker increased, the PSA velocity, was about 150% of the normal expected increase. This raised a red flag for my doctor. I have spent this morning at the Urologist Office. I came away with some mixed emotions. While there is not yet a diagnosis of cancer, I am at high risk due to age, family history, the rapid increase in the PSA levels in the blood, etc.. This was off-set by what the Urologist told me. If, it does turn out to be cancer, and we won’t know that until some more test are run and another biopsy has been taken. If it is cancer, then we have caught it early, Stage I, and there are a number of different treatment options available, with a good prognosis for a complete cure.

What I find awe inspiring in all of this is that God used something that He knew that I would pay attention too, my heart problem, to “wake me up” to another, equally threatening, condition that I was ignoring.



TW

I am praying for you that all turns out just fine!

I will also be praying for you my friend.

TW, that wonderful, divinely-designed brain of yours knew just how to respond to the still small voice inside. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

TW, May I ask what is your urologists' name?

My granddad had stage 1 prostate cancer, underwent a new treatment method, and all is fine today. He is almost 80.

First let me thank all who have been in prayer for me about these medical issues. Now for the update.

I had an appointment with the Urologist today, they did an ultrasound of the prostate and took some (12) biopsies. They have scheduled me for another appointment for next Thursday when my Urologist will have the pathology reports back, and then we will determine what course of treatment we will follow.

When I had my appointment with the Cardiologist he scheduled me for an Echo Cardiogram (ECG) and a stress test. I had that done two days later (Friday). This Wednesday I received a call from my Primary Care doctor. The results of the ECG and stress test show that I have a mild Aortic Stenosis. What this means is that the Aortic valve in my heart has begun to stiffen. This stiffening causes a reduced blood flow, higher pressures, and increased turbulence through the valve. This disease is progressive and eventually leads to either replacing the valve (open heart surgery) or death. There are things that can forestall this to a degree, granting extra time.

Now the amazing thing. Last night while talking with my sister, I was giving her an update on the Cardiologist findings and we discussed the few options that then seemed available. Today she caught a piece on the TV where they were talking about a new procedure that is under study for approval where the Aortic Valve can be replaced using Cardiac Catheterization, much the same way that Stents are implanted. This would be helpful to patients that are not good surgical risk, such as myself.

God's timing in this leaves me in awe. A few short years ago I would not have had much of a future to look forward too. However now, with the advancements that have been, and continue to be made I can look forward to retirement as the next phase of my life rather than the end.


TW

p.s. FQ, my Urologist is Dr. Wiatrak with the Center for Urological Treatment.

I rejoice with you in the signs of God's care and providence on your behalf. I continue to hold you up in prayer my brother. Call on me anytime. Nashville is not that far away.

TW I have no idea how I missed this post but I am praying for you and believing that God will take care of it all. I feel he showed you all this for a reason. Not to mention we all love ya brother so you have many more years to let your wisdom rain on us

Please keep us informed I will add you to our prayer list at church as well.
My Grandfather, as many have read just had a quad. bypass and they had to replace his valve, they used a pig's valve I am not sure how long they have been doing that but I found that interesting. His valve was so built with calcium it was just about solid bone , the surgeon showed everyone how it looked and said he has no explanation how that did not slip in his heart after so many attacks and my granddad would not go to the doctor because he refused surgery, when they got worse he did it. We know God spared him. When a surgeon is perplexed you know God has it all under control.

God Bless and how is that chess board coming along I sure would love ot buy it

Now the amazing thing. Last night while talking with my sister, I was giving her an update on the Cardiologist findings and we discussed the few options that then seemed available. Today she caught a piece on the TV where they were talking about a new procedure that is under study for approval where the Aortic Valve can be replaced using Cardiac Catheterization, much the same way that Stents are implanted. This would be helpful to patients that are not good surgical risk, such as myself.

What is even more amazing is that I normally am not at home to see the news at noon (which was the only time this report was on our local station). I was very grumpy that my doctor had ordered me to stay home until Monday. The first thing I did after seeing this report was to get on my knees and thank God. Once again I have been taught that I need to learn to go where He leads me without question.

I too want to thank all of you for keeping TW in your prayers.

I am dragging this out one last time.

If I seem a little giddy it's because I am. I just came from the Urologist office, I had my consultation appointment. The pathology results from the biopsies were back. All twelve were clear of any sign of cancer. That truly shows the awesome power of God's love and grace for me. My sister and her family, my closest friends, and myself had all reached the point of accepting the fact that I had cancer. All of the indicators pointed to that conclusion, it seem inevitable. Then God showed that He was in control.

I want to thank all who lifted a prayer for me over this last month.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Again thank you.


TW

We are rejoicing with you.

KB

This is awesome, praise the Lord.

What an awesome God we serve! Rejoicing with you! Praise God for the wonderful report!!!!

thank the Lord