Church of the Customer Blog
« Welcome to the real world | Main | 9 am »
May 13, 2009
Welcome to the real world
"We have to talk," the doctor said, stonefaced.
It's always those words, no matter the context, where you just know a serious bomb is about to be dropped.
I'd found myself in the emergency room of Brackenridge Hospital in Austin last week because my abdomen was aching. I'd played a demanding tennis match the weekend before and felt like I'd pulled a muscle in my abdomen, but the pain wore off several days later. So I went through a rigorous fitness training Thursday to stretch and loosen my body (and mind, I suppose) but the next morning my stomach felt like it had been punched hard. Plus, I was drenched in an unfamiliar cold sweat at 7 a.m.
Dude, go to the emergency room, the smart part of my brain told the clueless part that avoids doctors and the medical system.
After several hours and numerous fondlings by various doctors checking for hernia or a red-lining appendix, and having had my first CT scan (it's like being inserted into the middle of a giant Krispy Kreme donut, sans glaze waterfall) the attending ER physician came into my curtained-off room and dropped his word bombs.
"You have cancer."
I could tell he was trying hard to keep his composure.
Gulp.
Well, I tried to swallow. The next moment was like a movie scene where I saw myself standing in a doorway as the walls around me wobbled then melted. It was the doorway between certainty and uncertainty. Dream-world and eye-poking reality. Patient and everyone else. Maybe even life and death. It was a Matrix moment for sure and not what I expected.
Then I had to remember to breathe.
"You have renal cell carcinoma, and it has produced a grapefruit-sized tumor on your right kidney," the doctor said. "We need to take care of this as soon as possible."
Like the majority of people with a cancerous, funked-up kidney and no obvious symptoms, mine was discovered accidentally. Perhaps the difficult body stretches I did the day before upset the tumorous squatter enough to pull the fire alarm of cold sweats. Nonetheless, that day in the ER was an early beginning to a very weird week, but I'm lucky and grateful to have family and friends who immediately volunteered to become my support system while I keep waiting to wake up from this dream.
The prognosis? So far, it's good. My capable surgeon, Dr. David Phillips, himself a high-level tennis player, which made me like him immediately, will evict this tumor, this cancer, this hobbit, along with my entire kidney, on Friday. He says indications are it's confined to the one kidney, and I should be strong enough in 4-6 weeks to work, work out and have a nice, productive life being a one-kidney man. I never thought I'd be glad to say I have two kidneys in case one of them freaks out.
So there you go. If I make only sporadic appearances for awhile, you'll know why.
Other blogs that reference Welcome to the real world:
Ben!
All the very best for your op, and for a successful recovery afterwards.
Rooting for you from the other side of the Pond,
Adam
Sorry to hear this. Best of luck on a fast and full recovery!
Ben - I will be lifting you up in prayer... praying for healing - physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.
Blessings,
Michael
Wow Ben. That's great that they caught it and that you have a good prognosis. Praying for a full and speedy recovery.
Ben,
We're with you all the way. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Must have been shocking to say the least. I always enjoy reading your posts and will continue to stay tuned. Good luck and speedy recovery.
You can beat it like a bad, dirty rug, Ben!
We'll add yo to our prayer list and expect nothing but the best for you and out of you.
Hey. I wish you the very best. Love reading your stuff. Get better!
Ben-you are a total bad-ass. Thank you for making me laugh and cry all from one blog entry. I'm sorry the waterfall of icing was missing from your day.
We're here for you!
Thoughts and prayers coming from Houston...
I have been reading your blog for a while and always look forward to it. My organization is used to me passing on your link in an effort to spread the message. I will now spread this newest message so we can all send strength and encouragement. May your recovery be quick and painless!!
Short time reader, but liking what you have been writing in the past. Would have loved not to read this post, if it meant that your kidney was not under cancer attack. But now that's the situation, I will let you know how much I respect you being so open about it.
All the best and the wish of a speedy recovery.
Kudos to you for maintaining your sense of humor in what has to be one of the more significant moments in your life. I wish you nothing but the best!!!
Ben so sorry to hear this, but incredibly relieved that your prognosis for recovery is good. Sending positive thoughts your way and feel free to contact me if you need anything!
Ben, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Looking forward to your next series of posts how you kicked its butt and you're back on track.
Ben-
Wishing you all the best. I'm sure that you'll handle this like a champ and we'll be able to play some tennis the next time I'm in Austin.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Neal
Hi Ben - Thank you so much for sharing this with the many people who love you. You're going to be so full of stories after all this. So go kick some cancer butt and take names. We'll all be here when you're back to 110%. Thinking of you.
Jeannie
Every dragon guards a gift. I look forward to to seeing you claim it - and even more to seeing you share it with us when you come out on the other side of this trial. We'll all be here waiting for it. My very best wishes to you and yours Ben.
ben, i was going to send u guys a pie and invite u to the cafe. i just reading yawl's blog & stuff!!! ....not sure if u can eat it now.or for a while. royers round top cafe pies have great healing properties. i guess ur visitors can enjoy it along with ur nurses!!!
bless, bud the pieman!!!
Ben, I am so sorry for the diagnosis but know that you and your capable docs will kick cancer's butt. I'm thankful it was caught and the prognosis is good. Praying for you and sending loads of good thoughts your way.
Not sure what to say that has not already been said. Suffice it to say that there is a very large group of people pulling for your speedy recovery.
Ditto to all the above. Heal well and get on the court again soon!
Ben, it sounds like you are in good hands. Having seen this numerous times, I know that having a supportive circle of family and friends are worth their weight in gold. Beyond that circle, you'll find organizations like the American Cancer Society. I see you've already visited our Web site. If you need additional resources or information, you can contact them at 800-227-2345 24/7. Their resources are free of charge.
Good luck!
Glenn
Ben! Speedy and full recovery. Joining all the good wishes above, and I know I speak for many many others. Looking forward to reading your blog in decades to come
Emanuel
Hi Ben, sad to hear about your predicament - Here in denmark we ar thinking about you and hoping all goes well... BE Strong!
Thomas
