Pat sans tumor

Thanks to those who offered prayers and encouragement. I talked to Dad last night and he assured me that the surgery went far better than expected. Dr. Jenison and Dr. Danesis were able to remove any and all things tumorous with very little complication. In fact, they even found a couple of risky bits while they were in there and removed those as well. I'd give further details, but I'm sure I'd botch them. Suffice it to say that the surgery was a howling success, Pat's recovering nicely and she'll likely be out of the hospital mid-next week.

Oh, and she'll likely do a bit of radiation in April, just to be sure.

So, BIG relief.

Way to go, Pat!

posted by Jeremy Bear 9:38 AM

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Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Pat and surgery

It's been a long and frankly awful road these last months with Dad's wife, Pat, and the cancer. The chemo was useless, leaving her and everyone close to her dizzied with frustration. Tomorrow is the big surgery to remove the unfazed tumor.

It's... well, it's a very big deal and it's not too dramatic to say that there's a lot at stake this time around. We're worried. Optimistic, but... there it is.

Just received this note from Dad:

Just a note to let you know that Pat's surgery is a go for tomorrow. She went to her doctor today to see if her cold would prevent her from having surgery, and he said that it was viral and should not have impact on her for surgery. She has her surgery at 8:00 in the morning as you know and the surgery should last anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on what they get into. It'll be a long day for sure for us.... and we're praying for skill and wisdom for Dr. Jenison and Dr. Danesis. And I think you know that she'll be at Akron General. I'll have my cell phone with me and I'll call as soon as Dr. Jenison comes down and talks with me.

Thanks for the prayers.

*** Note: It's midday on the 17th as I post this. (Blogger was acting up.) So, Pat should be in surgery as I type this. Sorry about the late update. Again, thanks for the prayers. ***

posted by Jeremy Bear 4:05 PM

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Monday, February 14, 2005

Valentine

Usually, I do this privately, but this felt like a public sort of year, and I really don't mind if the world knows how I feel.

That said...

Carey:

One thing I've learned in the last nine years, one Big Important Thing, is that life hands everyone an awful lot of uphill and a lot of scary and a lot of 'Who Am I?' and 'Why Am I Here?'. I suppose it's nice to have a beautiful wife to make the most of the time I have, but, more importantly, when the inevitable uphills lead to all-new scaries... when the Who Am I's and Why Am I Here's threaten to sink me... I've learned that the thing I've needed most is a good, good friend.

Not just someone who thinks a lot of me or somebody who'll stick by me despite the difficulties... but somebody who won't rest until they watch me cross the finish line. Not someone who's willing to look past my faults, but someone who wants to look at them, in the hopes that they'll know me better and find new opportunities to love me.

I told you on our wedding day that I admire you more than anyone and it's still true. Describing the joy I feel or the respect I have for your courage and character is like trying to catch the ocean in a teacup, but nevertheless: you encourage and inspire me. You remind me of who I want to be.

So, thank you. I love you. You've always been my good, good friend.

Sincerely,

Jer

posted by Jeremy Bear 8:40 AM

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