- Joined
- Mar 5, 1999
- Messages
- 34,096
The picture above -- such as it is -- is Sgt Karka and staff doing a Bishwakarma puja for my health at his home. Done maybe three weeks ago. The kamis at BirGorkha shut down for a day or two during the last month to do the same thing. Pala did sort of a prayer-lunch Buddhist thing up at the temple as soon as he got back to Nepal which benefited a hundred monks -- and me! The prayer was a health improvement deal.
Here I have received beautiful email, gifts, cards, letters, calls, all wishing for my well being, with much, much smoke sent up on my behalf. And not just here, smoke going up from all parts of the world.
Got a call today from one of my oldest customers -- buying khukuris since 1989. Fundamentalist Christian Minister who almost went Marine Chaplain years ago. His church had special prayer evening for me.
What I have done to deserve such consideration I'm not quite sure, however, I will not argue this point (too smart for that) but I'll humbly and gladly accept any consideration from any quarter with great gratitude. I am actually overwhelmed (can't think of a better word) by this outpouring of good will and consideration.
Summary:
Six months ago the medical community was almost certain I had a cancer in left kidney. They were ready to cut it out. I had three offers of extra kidney just in case I might need one. Last look says the left kidney is unchanged and latest prognosis is a "cautious" -- no cancer. Kidneys functioning normally.
A month or so ago the local radiologist looked at my PET scan and was certain enough to identify a cancer (that's what he called it) in head of pancreas -- about two inches. But follow up biopsy said otherwise. Tumor, cyst, whatever it might be was blocking pancreatic ducts so enzymes and insulin couldn't get out and into the act. Result -- lot of 8-9 level pain and inability to eat. Put on dilaudid, enzymes, and other meds.
Will do another PETscan end of month, compare, decide course of action.
Bottom line:
Maybe 3-4 weeks back woke up one night soaking wet. Something happened which made me sweat enough to soak my nightwear (sweatsuit) and bed coverings. BUT, next day appetite started to return and pain began to visit less often. I was down to 147 pounds and couldn't stop the loss. Weighed today and I've gained back about ten pounds, take one pain pill per day or none rather than 6 or 7, and am starting to get a little energy back.
My personal belief is my death day was written with my first breath and it's almost impossible to change that so I don't try. I don't ask God for an extra minute but what I do ask for is that I make it to my death day with a minimal amount of misery and suffering.
Prayer works and can do things that the medical community cannot. Pain is pretty much gone, I'm eating fairly well, can even drink two or three bottles of Heineken and I'm getting some energy back. Major problem is sleep -- as you can probably tell if you check the time of this post -- but I can sleep any time so that doesn't matter all that much. I'm very pleased and ever so thankful to feel as well as I do. I think the prayers did it. There is no way I can thank all those who helped me -- utmost gratitude from Titanic II. Only possible way I know is to keep doing the dance for as long as I can and as well as I can so that's the plan.
Stay tuned. It ain't over 'til it's over.
