It's been a bit, and I'm sad I'm posting under these conditions.
A few days ago I noticed what appeared to be blood in my urine. After waiting a night to see what all would happen, I awoke to the same situation, and a rising, intense pain in my left side. I thought I'd developed a kidney stone, and then passed a sizable blood clot. This sent me to the ER, and some tests and pain killers. After an hour or two, the doctor came back and we talked.
It appears I have cancer in my left kidney. It's still stage one, but not by much. I was only diagnosed a few days ago, and there are worlds of tests yet to come. it may turn out not to be as serious as I fear, or it may turn out I have even more growths. We don't know yet. My wife and family are being very supportive, if scared. I'm trying not to stress overmuch about it, there's little I can immediately do, and I'm not in pain anymore, thank goodness.
We're somewhat awash at the moment. Neither of us have much in the way of family or friends, but what very little we have are very supportive, if mostly with well wishes. My great hope is that we can overcome this, and move forward. It does help shed some light on various issues I've been having up until this point. Sometimes knowing what's wrong is, itself, a comfort.
I felt it was only appropriate to tell you folks. I've spent a good part of my life here, and I am immensely proud of my work, and even moreso of what's spawned from it. It's scary facing down such a scary word as cancer. I don't wish to depress anyone, or fish for sympathy, but I feel it was only right to tell you all, if only in a simple post.
I don't plan on keeling over due to one rotten organ any time soon, but it's foolish to just ignore all the possibilities. I'll keep you posted, off and on. I love you all, and am trying to harness this madness to produce some more work even.
Please pray for me, if you're the type. If not…maybe consider, a moment.
