My 95% Chance For Testicular Cancer
Would you please allow me to share what is happening with my health? The post below will deal with my likely cancer diagnosis, how I cope with trauma, and my hopes for what comes next.
What’s Going On
Last week, my doctor informed me there is a 95% chance I have testicular cancer. Inevitably, people gasp when I say “cancer.” Please breathe, don’t worry, you can’t get it — it’s not contagious! [I hope you smiled or giggled. I am trying to laugh as much as possible throughout my treatment. I encourage you to smile and laugh with me.] Consequently, I scheduled myself for surgery tomorrow.
The Good News
I am incredibly lucky and blessed. Thankfully, I exhibited pain from “Leftie” (which is apparently rare). My body must have sensed something was off. Assuming the doctor is correct, only “Leftie” is abnormal, the tumors are at their earliest stage of development, they are entirely contained, my C/T scans show no other worrisome activity in my body, and there are currently no tumor markers in my blood. I live in America, and I have health insurance — such great news! I am also going to get some new nicknames – Ace, Uno, and The One Nut Wonder are front-runners right now (maybe not good news, but humorous nonetheless). Your suggestions are welcome. I just ask that you please be gentle.
The Bad News
I am about to lose a body part. I will undergo a left radical orchiectomy tomorrow- a technical way of saying “Leftie” is going “bye-bye.” Thankfully, God graced me with a spare.
My Response
I hope you do not mistake my humor for flippancy, as I can disguise only so much of my fear. While I can laugh about losing a testicle, I’m having a much harder time laughing about cancer. I am afraid and pray “Leftie” is benign (still a slim chance).
Cancer is beyond insidious, as my body is mutinying against me. I dread something is inherently wrong with me. I do not feel I am able to confront this fear directly. I told a friend this isn’t a tarantula to hold, a plane to jump out, or a cold call to make. I am the problem, and I am most afraid of my own body right now.
Yet, I’m not trying to ignore my emotions. I am trying to experience my anxiety, to fall with the hollowness in my stomach, and languish in the uncertainty of the future. It’s counter intuitive and yet I find my fright become less paralyzing when I allow myself to experience these sensations.
Ezra Bayda introduced me to the concept of experiencing “bad” emotions. I feel the following story from Being Zen best exemplifies the concept:
This reminds me of a story Pema Chödrön tells about a childhood friend who had recurring nightmares in which ferocious monsters would chase her through a house. Whenever she would close a door behind her, the monsters would open it and frighten her. Pema asked her what the monsters looked like, but she realized that she never really looked at them. However, the next time she had the nightmare, just as she was about to open a door to avoid being caught by the monsters, she was somehow able to stop running, turn around, and look at them. Although they were huge, with horrible features, they didn’t attack; they just jumped up and down. As she looked even closer, these three-dimensional colored monsters began to shrink into two-dimensional black-and-white shapes. Then she awoke, never to have that nightmare again.
It is the pushing away of our “monsters” that makes them so solid. As we begin to see through the solidity of this resistance, our life becomes more workable. Although we may not like our life as it is, we still don’t have to wage war against it. We can start by noticing all the ways that we avoid this moment, all the ways we avoid practice, all the ways we resist. We can see it in virtually everything we do. We can see it in how we don’t want to sit, how we don’t want to stay with our physical experience for more than a few seconds, how we choose to relentlessly spin off into thinking about the past or the future. We can see it in our commitment to believing thoughts such as “This is too hard,” “I can’t do it,” “I’ll never measure up.” We see how we’re just a well-oiled resistance machine!
I’ve had a few months to process the possibility I have cancer. Sitting with my fear allows me to laugh a little, and more importantly, it’s like turning a closet light onto the Boogie Monster. Cancer is just another challenge to overcome.
Why I Am Sharing This
I am not the type of person that hides trauma well. I could never be like Chris Lofton, who privately battled testicular cancer his entire senior season at Tennessee. You would know something was wrong from my demeanor. You’d see a troubled face behind my smile.
I also remember how I felt when my mother underwent her treatment for cancer. She is an incredibly strong and private individual, and kept a lot of her medical condition to herself. Not knowing created a different kind of tension for me. I hope to eliminate some of that tension through candid discussions and a good sense of humor, as it troubles me when I see people upset by my news. I hope my sense of humor, however warped, helps lighten others burden. I hope others sense of humor helps lighten my burdens. I hope that in being open and honest about my fears they become less real for other people and myself.
How You Can Help
I am not seeking sympathy or pity. There are many far worse off than I am. As I said before, I believe I am one of the luckiest guys in the world. I won the lottery when I was born, and I won the lottery in discovering my tumors extremely early.
I would appreciate your prayers and your thoughts. I would appreciate it if you treated me just as if nothing was wrong with me (at least no more than usual 
). People inevitably give you a screwy look when you’re sick. We’re all sick. Some of us just hide our diseases better than others. My disease might be called cancer. Yours might be loneliness, anger, or apathy [I have those too by the way!].
I would invite you to sit with me, to come be with me. In my past, I’ve done a great job of pushing painful and difficult things out of my life, thinking avoiding my pain would lessen it. I don’t want to push things away any longer. I don’t want to push people away any longer, even under the auspices of protecting them.
So if it’s all right with you, instead of visiting me when I’m sick, could we merely mourn the passing of Leftie? He was a good and faithful friend, took a lot of abuse for his buddy Rightie over the years, and he will be missed. I thank him for helping make me the man I am today, and recognize he has nothing to do with the man I will be tomorrow.
I wish you all the health and happiness and in the world.
Cheers,
Eric
[3/23/2009 -- 10:23 PM -- Update on tomorrow: Thank you so much everyone for your support. Visitors are welcome to stop by my house after 4PM on Tuesday. I will be home from Tuesday-Thursday.]
Posted by Eric Stroud on March 23rd, 2009 in Personal
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Jason Gore Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Praying for you man. Thanks for your honesty and humor. I think Ace is gonna stick
-Jason
Dad Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Your courage will be an inspiration to many. I’ve watched you conquer some incredible challenges over your years and know with God’s Grace, you will conquer this one. I love you and I’m so very proud of you.
joaquin Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Hey man! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Now let’s go kick some cancer ass!
josh floyd Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 PM
im praying for you man. its ok not to be brave sometimes but you seem to be taking it all in stride and i admire that. good luck. everything happens for a reason.
Jess Daniels Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:06 PM
In the end our challenges become our great strengths. I believe that full heartedly. You approach is bold and I look up to for that.
CB Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 PM
You got my prayers Eric and I’ll add the prayer request in our Wednesday evening church home group. I pray all goes well and you’ll be on the road again soon enough.
David Divine Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 PM
You have a great sense of humor, especially considering the state of leftie! I will lift you up in prayer to our Great Physician, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! May His strength and peace, which surpasses all understanding, be with you!
David
Rex Thomas Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Eric, hang in there and I will be praying for a full recovery. Know that God is with you and he is in control and we are not.
Rex
Munn Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Eric -
I will be praying & thinking of you tomorrow, and days ahead. You are an amazing person, with a fantastic understanding of life…the days of sun & days of clouds that come with it. You truly are wise beyond your years.
Regret that this is the catalyst for us to get in touch again, but I’m looking forward to staying in touch and hearing all of your updates.
Mike
Kendal Quinn Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:15 PM
You’ve definitely got my prayers man.
Matt McHugh Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Sonja and I both wish you the best. We’ll drink a beer to Leftie.
Laura Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 PM
We are definitely keeping you in our prayers and sending good vibes your way. Your candor, attitude and humor will serve you well as you go through this. And remember – if you ever need the duck he’s all yours! Laura
Tony Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 PM
You are in our prayers. The only one that can get you thru this has been by your side all along.
Kerry Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 PM
I love you, RB, and hold you in my heart and prayers.
chris toscas Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Eric,
Continue with great strength and courage. God puts in your path only what he knows you can handle. You have a wonderful sense of humor :O) and outlook on life…conquer the challenges you face…Live, Love and Laugh! My prayers go out to you and your family!
Chris
Tom Fritsch Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Eric,
Thank you for sharing. The Fritsch family is in your court.
God Bless!
Tom
Christine (Codie) Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:25 PM
This is pretty much a breakdown of my first comments in my head in order as I read your blog. Thought you might enjoy them.
1. “Holy shiza.”
2. “Hm..I wonder where my rosary is…”
3. “He’s definitely going to need a beer after this.”
So next time I’m in Raleigh – we’ll go for beers.
I’m thinking about you.
lots of love –
Codie.
Bruce Lynch Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Eric,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I wish you the best with this battle. Keep the great attitude because that is half the battle.
Kimberly lamar Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Love the honesty of the post. I have to tell you….the boys and I pray every morning on the way to school. I told them that we have a friend with early cancer,you, who would be having surgery on Tuesday. They have been praying for you. Long story short, we were talking about the movie “Old Yeller”, which Tyler wants to see. I told Tyler that this is a sad movie because the dog has a disease called rabies, and dies. Wires got crossed and next thing I knew, Tyler was praying for Mommy’s friend, Eric, who was having surgery for his rabies! 100% true story…just ask Tyler! Much love and many prayers!
Drew Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Eric, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Get well soon man – will be thinking about you.
Jim Anthony Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Eric: This is awesome stuff that you have written. Pretty typical from an awesome guy. You WILL have a lot of folks praying for your complete healing and recovery. I am one of them and I am proud to know you.
In Christ,
Jim
Skip Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Eric,
I read your blog, appreciating your willingness to share….your candor….your humor….your unique personality. I just now stopped at my desk and prayed for you — for your physical condition, your surgery, your healing — and also prayed for your spiritual and emotional wellness also.
I’ll be praying for you tonight, tomorrow, and thereafter.
Skip
Morrison Divine Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Eric,
You’re the man! You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will now be so more earnestly! Thanks for teaching others how to live! Keep the faith and know that God has some amazing plans for you! He truly has blessed you in so many ways – your response to this shows you’re way ahead of most people! Keep it up. We’ll talk soon.
Your Friend,
Morrison
Amy Avent Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to see you soon at a baseball game.
Suzanne Weiner Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Eric, Sending you healing white energy and lots of prayers for a speedy recovery.
Cheryl Gantt Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Eric, You are in my thoughts and prayers precious friend. When you need strength ASAP… Always Say A Prayer. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
Let me know when you can travel and I’ll bring you to the country
you can sit on the porch and rock or swing and I’ll wait on you hand and foot..love you big guy.
DEB C Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Sounds like the good Lord will be hearing alot on your behalf over the next few days and weeks! I will add my voice to the many that have already pledged their support. Your blog is a great testimony to faith and courage in a higher power.
God has you in His Hand.
Meggo Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Phillipians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything, by prayer, petition, with Thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…
Strowdy, that’s just something I’ve been saying lately that might help you in these times… Your attitude is half the battle, and obviously you’re already winning that one!
Keep up the positive spirits and allow us to lift you up!!
**Rest your future on the ole’ magic 8 ball.. he he he
Catherine Miller Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Eric:
I just got your email and immediately went to your blog. Your ability to share what you are going through is an inspiration to everyone. Count me in as one that will be praying for everything to go well tomorrow along with praying for your continued positive attitude. God Bless you!
Catherine
Doug Pearce Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Eric,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. See you soon for lunch. Doug Pearce and the economics faculty at NC State
june Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Eric,
Of course you are in my prayers! You know that Charlie also had cancer when he was 30, and it changed him forever…in some wonderful ways. Like him, you are lucky that you have a very curable cancer. You are blessed to have a loving family, and I am sure you know that your family extends beyond your blood relatives. You are a special part of our family, and we will all always be here for you.
I love you,
June
Steve Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 PM
I greatly admire your courage…good luck tomorrow!
Charlie Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:11 PM
1989. I am about to get my last physical before I am discharged from the Air Force. I have a lovely wife, 3 small kids and a great job lined up in the D.C. area where I grew up. I am running 6 miles a day and I feel great. One problem – a rash on my chest- better let the USAF dermatologist look at it before I go off duty. I didn’ t notice the bump under my arm. ***BAM*** 3 days later after chest xrays, thoracic CT, abdominal CT, lymphangiogram where they cut down on tiny vessels in your feet to send dye up the lymph node chain in your abdomen — I ‘ m on the operating table. I remember that day. I think it can be summed up by my feelings as I emerged from anesthesia when I cussed out my own spleen for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In that state of I don’t care inspired by morphine I shouted at my F**King spleen.
2009 I love my life. The great job in D.C. turned out to be rotating door that an older physicain used to dupe young doctors who didn t know better( I didn’t take the job ). My family found a new home in NC, which I took to get the insurance that didn t exclude preexisting conditions. My life is full, happy, and my kids bring home wonderful people for me to play with. I want you to know sometimes bad things help us turn corners. Good luck Eric. We love you. Charlie
The Seaton's Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Eric,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that you are facing this challenge with great courage. Your will, determination and faith will prevail! Please know that we are here for you.
Danny, Beth, Reynolds and Eliza Seaton
Phillip Brown Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Eric, thanks for the update. I had heard just a small amount from my family. You are in our prayers and prayer does make a difference. As you know, Melinda had Leukemia and it was prayer that got her and our family through it and it will do the same for you.
I will come back for updates and know it will go well for you.
Phillip Brown
Michael Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Eric – All of us here will be with you in thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your courage and honesty. We are blessed to know you as a friend and look forward to your smile lighting up our edge soon! Michael
Annie Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 7:39 PM
hey eric- sorry to hear your news. you will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. let me know if you need anything! lots of love.
Scott Shackleton Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Hey Man – I had no idea this was going on until I saw Shannon asking folks to pray for you on Facebook. You are in my prayers – thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to the sequel!
Casey Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:10 PM
I’m sorry for the loss of “leftie”. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s really good to know you’ve accepted what’s going on and you’ve got such a firm handle on it, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be any less on my mind while we all wait to hear about the death of “leftie” and hope for a bright and sunny prognosis for “rightie”…please keep me posted – I wish I could be there in person to celebrate your return to full health.
Love you and I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Elliott Avent Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Eric, my thoughts and prayers are with you. However your strength, courage and obviously great sense of humor will get you through these difficult times. You have always been a man of great conviction with a good soul. This will surely serve to further strengthen you as a person and a man. Call me when you can and if you need anything.
Ron Doggett Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 PM
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You will do well. Think positive, and remember……worry and anxiety are worthless.. ………confidence, bravery, a winning attitude are priceless!
Prateek, Ritu and Aanika Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Eric,
You my friend, have the most amazing and genuinely positive attitude towards life and all that comes with it. With that said, I was reading somewhere that most sports use only 1 ball anyways!!
Seriously, you’ll do great, and Ritu and I have got you in our prayers buddy! Prateek.
John Webster Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Deuce,
It’s only appropriate that I keep calling you “Deuce.”
Erin and I will be thinking about you and you will be in our prayers.
Keep the faith.
John
You will have to use UNI-BALL pens from now on.
The Azizi Family Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Eric,
Our thoughts are with you during this time, and thank you so much for sharing your story. We will send you good luck vibes for your surgery, and we can’t wait to see you again. Your great attitude will serve you in good stead as you recover. Keep us informed, and let us know if you need anything!
Kate, UB, and Juliette (our new addition!)
Katie Timbers Said on March 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Hey Eric~
It seem as though you have a really great attitude going into a tough situation. I know you are a very strong person and will come out on top of this one. Will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Dean Said on March 24th, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Eric,
Wishing you all the best and a speedy return to 100% health.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes from NY.
Dean
Skip Said on March 24th, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Just prayed for you again, Eric…….will be thinking of / praying for you during the day…praying that you will continue to draw closer to our Lord during this time…..
Kim Said on March 24th, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Eric everyone here at TCAR is praying for you and cheering you on! We love you!
Lucy McKeel Said on March 24th, 2009 at 10:10 AM
My Dearest Eric,
You…A CHILD OF GOD…
Your Father…THE GREAT PHYSICIAN
Your Faith…”I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!
PHILIPPIANS 4 : 13
ERIC…MY PRAYER FOR YOU, A CHILD OF GOD
“Lord, I know you will bestow upon Eric, my friend, your child, all your gracious gifts of blessings and with the provisions of medically wise doctors just as you so blessed our son Blake with. I thank you Lord for hearing my cries for these children and in showing your miraculous healing power you will provide in their times of need. You are truly a merciful & loving God for you are…
THE GREAT PHYSICIAN! In your name I pray…AMEN”
Knowing my son, Blake last year entered Duke with Stage 4 Testicular Cancer, now has 95% – 100% cure rate of cancer. God has Blake in his hands meeting all his needs… making this mother know her son is 100% cured! You, Eric, will be too!!!
“YES, THE LORD HAS DONE AMAZING THINGS FOR US! WHAT JOY!”
PSALM 126 : 3
With faith & positive attitude your heart will be filled with joy & CAN face the CAN in cancer…
because of….
“ERIC, CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS HIM!” PHILIPPIANS 4 : 13
Love ya!
Lucy
OXOX
Kim Elderkin Said on March 24th, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Eric,
You are in my prayers. My Dad was a surgeon and he used to say that attitude is 90% of what heals. With God on your side and the attitude that you have I have no doubts that you will be just fine. God has gifted you with wonderful humor to get you through this trial. Keep it up – you are praiseing God and others can see Him through you.
In Christ,
Kim
McQueen Said on March 24th, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Little Stroud, I luv you buddy and have been praying today and will continue to pray for you! Get well soon! Take care!
Debby Said on March 24th, 2009 at 2:19 PM
God has got your back. We are praying for you and expect good things from you in your new life focus. Thanks for sharing and for your honesty..I am sure it feels raw at times.
Kathy Gigac Said on March 24th, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Eric: Certainly am thinking and praying for you. Love your website and awesome attitude you have.
Jeff & Julia Soplop Said on March 24th, 2009 at 4:12 PM
The Soplops are thinking about you and praying for you! Take a minute to look back over all of these responses and remind yourself of how many people are doing the same.
Jenn Said on March 24th, 2009 at 5:31 PM
I really admire your courage throughout this. You are in my prayers and you can always call me if you need somebody to stop by and just act silly to make you laugh!
Carol Said on March 24th, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Hi, Eric.
I know what a shock it is to be told you have cancer. We all believe that’s something that happens to someone else, not to us or those we love. But it does happen to us, as you and I well know. The good new is…. there is life after cancer!.
Focus on getting through the surgery and healing. Focus on the things you can do to stay as healthy as you can while dealing with treatments. Concentrate on the good news and don’t let the negatives cloud your mind. And focus on the end-result of being cancer-free and doing the things you love to do. And LAUGH!!
I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer. In fact, I believe I’m here this month only because of the mercy of God and the power of prayer (and thank you for your calls/notes to Rex asking about me). Eric, you are in my prayers for a successful surgery, and fast and complete healing.
I’ll be checking your blog to see your progress. Love and blessings……..Carol
Ben Brooks Said on March 24th, 2009 at 9:36 PM
It is nice to know that God has given you a greater purpose. I look foward to the example that you will continue to set for others. I love you big guy!
BTB
Neil Said on March 25th, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Eric:
I hope things went well with your surgery and you will recover quickly. I know somewhat of what you are going through since I had cancer surgery back in December. My prayer is that you will get as good as a report as I did and the surgery will be the only treatment necessary to take care of things. Call me sometime if you want to chat or I’d be glad to come by for a visit.
Take care and know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Neil
Kerry Saunders Said on March 25th, 2009 at 10:17 AM
It’s the day after surgery. I feel your pain. However, this too shall pass and I say “Welcome to the Club”…membership only for those who have faced cancer square in the eye. We are survivors!! Your blog was inspiring, Eric. God’s grace will see you through this and enable you to touch lives and encourage many others in the future. Each day is truly a gift!
Love you and continuing to pray for a quick recovery.
Kerry
P.S. Laughter is the best medicine and I have lots of funny DVD’s if interested.
Michelle Said on March 25th, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Glad to see you are doing well. Your surgery is going to go good and all is going to be well. I love the humor and your great outlook on life. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. By the way, I love your Blog.
Michelle
Dana Foreman Said on March 25th, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Eric,
Thinking of you and hope you have a speedy recovery!
Cheers,
Dana
Mike Munn Said on March 25th, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Hey Eric,
Was just thinking about you and praying that all is well with your recovery.
Keeping you in my thoughts, buddy…you will be feeling better soon.
Mike
Tom O'Brien Said on March 25th, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Hug the ones you love.
Leftie is out of the park.
Make space in your day for goodness to come to you.
namasté
Tom
James Tryon Said on March 26th, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Our prayers go out to you sir. I know you do not like the “Sir” but it is a sign of respect. When time like this happen in our lives, I don’t care who you are. it is very easy to get down in the dumps. lock our self’s away or even push the people that are the closes away.
Eric my prayers are going out to you.
- James Tryon
Christina V. Said on March 26th, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Eric, Andy and I are thinking about you. We want to come visit when you are feeling up to it…maybe play some cards! Get well soon.
Gordon Grubb Said on March 26th, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Eric,
I have a lot of experience with Cancer in my family, but you have the best attitude I have encountered. I am confident that will take you a very long way in your recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gordon
Skip Said on March 26th, 2009 at 5:36 PM
still thinking and praying for you, Eric.
Lucy McKeel Said on March 26th, 2009 at 10:41 PM
My Dearest Eric…
Do you remember our conversation between us in the waiting room at Duke University when Blake was 1st admitted with testicular cancer 9 months ago stressing to you his symptoms, NEVER TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED, & see a doctor immediately if you or any of your friends have any similar symptoms?
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought my son would have fallen with cancer and now to you, but it did.
God has wonderful plans through you & Blake. Face life everyday with…
GOD…LAUGHTER…DREAMS…& HOPE!
Place God 1st in your life &.never deny Him for…
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He’ll catch you when you fall, or He’ll teach you how to fly! Oh, the power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today & all your tomorrows and let things work in your favor.
LAUGHTER…
“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the LORD
has done for them.” PSALM 126 : 2
& doing for you!
DREAMS…
“It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.” PROVERBS 13 :19
Sometimes we can’t see our blessings for our sins!
HOPE…
“Rejoice in our confident hope, be patient in trouble, and
keep on praying.” ROMANS 12: 12
Let God be the “Wind beneath your wings”…
to lift you up in laughter, dreams, & hope and
He will show you the enjoyment to “NEW LIFE!”
Fly high Eric…
My love & prayers to you,
Lucy McKeel
OXOX
Owen Said on March 27th, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Eric,
I hope the recovery is going well. We still have you in our prayers.
Owen, Sharlene, Erin, Emily and Ethan
Paul Said on March 28th, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Eric:
Nothin’ I can add to the posts already there. Keep on healing!
Martha and Richard Watson Said on March 28th, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Our dear Eric,we continue to pray for you. It’s very comforting to know that we are all in God’s hands and He is in control of our lives.Continue to have a positive outlook. Remember that Jesus said He will not leave us nor forsake us. I’ll be flying to N.C. in the very near future to see you and the rest of the family. We love you. Uncle Dick and Thea Martha.
Jake Said on April 27th, 2009 at 7:10 PM
You asked for some additional suggestions on nicknames. Back in college my friend John had testicular cancer in which “leftie” had been taken. They called him “Han Solo” for about 6 months after.
Be prayin’ for you man! I’m sure you’ll beat it. Keep up the humor.
- Jake
Lucy McKeel Said on May 5th, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Eric…”WHOOHOO”…back at ya!!! Glad headaches are much better. Eat well, get lots of rest, & keep being positive.
For remember:
… Good Nutrition (cancer thrives off “bad/good- tasting food!”
…Sleep’s healing time (cancer thrives to “play-mind games” & “unwanted thoughts” so body is exhausted)
…CAN attitude (cancer “loves misery” doesn’t like the “WHOOHOOS!!!” in your life.
Keep up the great spirit so you CAN read, read, read!
Everyone loves you!
Lucy
OX