My Thanks and Official Diagnosis

Y’all [for my northern friends y'all is the perfect word and the contraction for "you all"] are amazing. Thank you is the most important thing I can tell you. Your outpouring of support overwhelms me, your friendship and love is priceless. As I said last week, “I’m a lucky guy!”

I feel great for having had a testicle removed. The loss of “Leftie” is not painful. My pain comes from cutting through my groin. They incised a roughly 4-inch wide by 8-inch deep section in the lower portion of my abdomen. The pain is very manageable so long as I do not move too much. I forgot how much connects to my abdomen — laughing hurt until last night and I cringe when I sneeze.

My stamina is fair. I have indulged in my share of catnaps, and I’m slowly getting my feet back under me. It’s amazing how much the anesthesia and narcotics worked on me (first experience with Percocet – good stuff). I think I treated my visitors to some interesting conversations – sorry everyone if I said something that rubbed you wrong.

Regarding my diagnosis and prognosis, I received “the call” from my doctor on Thursday of last week and he confirmed I have stage 1 (hopefully entirely contained) seminomas testicular cancer. The pathologist found five separate tumors roughly 3-5 millimeters in size each. The good news is that “Leftie” did not die in vain. My post-operative follow up appointment is tomorrow, and he will be sending me to a radiation oncologist. I should be better than ever after a little glow in the dark time.

I would like to leave you with a lighter story. My mother has been great, and I would be ready to canonize her if she had not spoiled my dog rotten. If you know anything about my Mom, she will not confess her age and you never wish her happy birthday (we say happy “special day” instead). For some reason though, she started calling herself Grandma around my puppy Bridget. Now, I see a brown streak hurtle towards the kitchen anytime anyone goes near my pantry. Hmmm…I guess spoiling is what Moms and Grandmas do best.

Thank you all again. You’re the best.

Cheers,
Eric

Posted by Eric Stroud on March 31st, 2009 in Personal, Raleigh

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14 Comments Posted...

Casey Said on March 31st, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Eric -

I’m so happy to hear things have gone well and I look forward to hearing more about your continued recovery. I’m so grateful that God took all of the positive thoughts and prayers and put them into action. Also, I truly believe in the whole mind over matter thing and if there was one thing I could be certain of from reading about your experience with dealing with the cancer (pre-op), it was that you were already of a mind to overcome and indeed you did. You are so strong and I am proud to have known you )

Best wishes xoxo,

Casey

Kimberly Lamar Said on March 31st, 2009 at 4:53 PM

Hi Eric, Thanks so much for the update…. we have all been praying for you and will continue to do so. I’m guessing that you must still be on heavy meds….you clearly only THOUGHT you heard your mom call herself grandma…..no way this could be possible! Your mom is younger than most of the moms I know, at least mentally, and in no way could I ever see her as a grandma. I could see how a dog might tempt her with a fleeting thought! Anyways….please let us know if there is anything we can help you out with…. keep up the good vibes!!!!!

Kerry Saunders Said on March 31st, 2009 at 6:25 PM

God is good. If it had to be cancer, I am glad it is Stage 1. Sorry you will have to undergo radiation (love the line about glowing in the dark). Continuing to pray for speedy recovery!
Love you,
Kerry

Kathy Davis Said on March 31st, 2009 at 8:45 PM

Eric,

It is so good to hear that you are on the mend. Let your mom spoil you and Bridget all she can! Give her a hug for me.

I would like to bring you dinner. Let me know what night is good.

We keep you in our prayers,

Kathy and John

Alan Said on March 31st, 2009 at 9:56 PM

Stroudy Rowd, I’m here for ya bud, no matter how many balls you got! Let’s hang soon.

Jess Daniels Said on April 1st, 2009 at 9:31 AM

Hey Man,
Great to hear that you are recovering well. Prayers and good karma are still headed your way. Glad you have had good company ) I will continue to check in and see how things are going. Rest well and keep your chin up! – Jess

joaquin Said on April 1st, 2009 at 3:17 PM

Hey man, I’m glad to hear that you’re doing ok. A lot of folks are pulling for you.
Relax and get healthy!

Annie Said on April 1st, 2009 at 11:23 PM

Eric,

Glad your recovery is going well. Have been thinking about you. Sorry to hear it’s defintitely cancer, but at least you caught it really early. I’m here for you through this if you need anything. I know we haven’t seen each other in a while, but I’m always here.

Annie

Lucy McKeel Said on April 14th, 2009 at 11:26 PM

Eric,

How’s my boy doin? Blake went back to Duke today (4/14/09) for a checkup, has to have CT Scan May 26th (Doc had ?’s & needs confirmation on a nodule in lung). Concerns…NO…Prayers…YES! Can you believe May 23rd will be a year since his diagnosis too? Dr. Diehl was very pleased with the examination, but confirmation on concerns is welcomed.

I smile when I think of you for I talk to God about you all the time. So your ears oughta be burnin!!! Whether Stage 1 or Stage 4… struggles are struggles & I’m praying they’re taken away.

A visit I’d love to have with ya…But until then… I ask God to see over you giving you courage & strength in facing each new day. Live life with love for God, for others & having new insight on blessings around you

Cancer thrives off misery…& your body CAN’T heal.

Seek “CAN” in cancer…
Seek GOD in healing… Seek GOD in comfort…
Seek GOD in life…Seek God in love…
“You CAN…God CAN…& TOGETHER CAN!!!”

Now, CAN you call me sometime?

Luv ya Eric!

Lucy
OX

Cory Collier Said on April 29th, 2009 at 11:29 AM

Sir,
I had emergency surgery to unwind my intestines in a hernia high up on my abs (above the belly button) about 5 years ago. I had a 6 inch incision into my abs, rendering them useless for nearly a month. I vividly recall how helpless I felt for a long time after the surgery.

In short, I feel your pain. Hope everything turns out for you.

Hassan Said on May 5th, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Hi Eric, I came across your blog via The Webby Awards, and would like to thank you for being so candid, introspective, and optimistic about your situation. I had a brain tumor a few years ago, and while it’s certainly easy to get down on oneself, the only way to survive is with a fighter’s attitude, friends and family, and (for me, at least) a good episode of “Seinfeld.”

Thanks, and best wishes for a full recovery.

Lucy McKeel Said on May 5th, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Eric…Just can’t say it enough, so I’ll say it again cause you’re feeling better…

“WHOOHOO!!!”

Lucy McKeel

JP Said on May 26th, 2009 at 7:34 PM

Hey buddy, I’ve been keeping up with your progress and just wanted to wish you well from Denver. Wish I could be there to stop by in person but just know that my thoughts are with you. Take care buddy, get well, and hope you’re back in action real soon.

Lucy McKeel Said on May 28th, 2009 at 8:12 AM

Hey Handsome!

Early this morning & sun’s shining…drinking my cup of coffee…& having thoughts of you. May this be a shining day for you too! SMILE!!! Yer getn’ in da short rows & what’s being sowed now…YER REAPING LATER!!!

Sun shines behind every cloud…So look past the clouds.

luv ya Eric…lucy OX