The Inside Track

For those of you who pray; or those of you who don't but like me and are genuinely concerned with my life, here is an update of some chaos that's transpired of late...

As most of you know, last year was extremely tough for our family. We began the year with the diagnosis of Doug's aggressive prostate cancer. As we made our journey through the year and waded through the decisions we needed to make about Doug's treatment plan, my chronic neck issues began to flare up. By May it became apparent that I would need a two level fusion which took place in early June. That was followed by two months off of work and Doug's radical prostetechtomy in mid July. As we entered the fall season I had a second surgery to remove the spinal chord stimulator which had been implanted three years prior.

The past two to three months have seemed almost unbearable at times for all of us. We've been deluged with medical bills; seen my hours at work cut by about 60-70%; and been plagued by many other mostly annoying happenings (like having our heat pump blown out by a power surge which was caused by a wire in the ground coming loose from the electrical box as a for instance); and the latest little morsel came last week with the discovery of a mass on my breast. After a few tests (thinking squeezing, touching, more squeezing) I heard from my wonderful Doctor, Erin Kershisnik, that it's normal tissue.

All of this to say, life has been rough internally and externally for our family. I bring this up not for pity-party sake (though if any of you wants to throw me one of those parties that would be great...just make sure to bring the alcohol with you). Rather, I covet your prayers. WE are in need of them every day right now at this season in our lives. Thanks to those of you who pray and who are so great about calling me and guiding me and lecturing me when I need it (special thanks goes out to Monika).