Surgery Monday...again

Crow71 said:

Thanks for this post. I
Thanks for this post. I really relate to a lot of what you said.

I also feel like I have let people down. I hate for my family to see me down - so weak and pathetic. I couldn't sit up by myself for a month after surgery. Once, my 10 year old daughter was standing by my bed, and I had to sit up. She took my hand and pulled me up. My little girl had to help me up. I've never felt so ashamed. I said, "I hate for you to see me so weak." I'll never forget the look on her face. She was surprised and puzzled. "I don't think you're weak Dad. I can't believe how strong you are." It had never occurred to her that I was weak. (It was like a scene out of a country music video.) I don't know why I'm telling you this. I guess I'm feeling your frustration, and I'm thinking that your family feels the same as my daughter. They hate what is happening, but they know that you are strong and wise. Chip, we can all tell that you are strong and wise.

The flounder floats gently with the waves and tide. The salmon fights against the current of the rushing river. Cancer has taught me that I can't always be a salmon. Sometimes I am a flounder. Sometimes my surgeon is in charge. Most of the time Kim is charge. Sometimes my kid is in charge. Sometimes I have to float with the waves for a while. I always bounce back. Your "fight like hell gene" may be missing for now, but I promise you it will be back.

Remember Chip, you DO "suffer for a good cause." YOU. And all the gifts that have to share with your family, students and team.

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and sending you great sparks of strength.
Roger

Send me in Coach...............
Hey Buddy,
Game face on...Gonna be fine....I got a feeling your gonna score the winning goal, and come out the hero in all of this.....You are a teacher, a teacher worth their salt gives their all for their students. I know of nothing more a loving human could do but show their fellow alumni, students and fellow survivors how to face their fears as you are and to know that you will through research and study will prevent someone or someones child from going through what you are facing...I have known you a while and can see the anger in the fight you have to put up with but also the kindness that shows in your heart to your families well being.....That's what I want for mine as well, to know that no matter the outcome I will be remembered as the best Dad and the best husband ever....To me that is satisfying in itself....I have no other worries and since I have come to terms that my wife and kids are and will be fine, all now that I have to do is work on getting better, and I know that you share the same feelings.....It will be done tomorrow evening, you will be in and out all day, but remember when you hurt, all of us will be hurting as well, but when you heal and are feeling good again, we will breathe a sigh of relief and start the smiles again because we know the feeling that you will have in your heart, and that feeling will warm us all.....Tell the wife and kids and know for you as well that we all will be thinking of you in your journey, and know, that this too shall pass ....Much Love and Hope to you and yours, Clift

Aud said:

Chip
holding you in the Light for a quick recovery from surgery, healing, hope, and strength.
~Aud

Good Luck...
and lots of positive thoughts coming your way for a successful surgery, and a speedy recovery!!!

Sheri

slamb58 said:

In my thoughts and prayers
Hi Chip,
You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers this next week, and in the coming weeks of recovery. I want to wish you the best through the surgery and a speedy recovery. I am a hop skip and a jump from Stanford and if there is anything I could do for you or your family, please let me know. I would be happy to run any errands, make deliveries, or whatever to help, and I am only to happy to do it. My email is slamb58@sbcglobal.net. I know you are in good hands, and we will be cheering for you!!

the "battle"
A month ago I went thru what you are scheduled for tommorrow.I feel terrific ( minus 2 lung lobes) despite all the dire words about long recoveries ( I am 70) the more surgeries we have bla bla bla. I had THree lung met surgeries in 3 years after 2 crc surgeries etc with a broken hip surgery and brain mets in the mix. And yes, I feel terrific now just a month later.

Doctors seem to feel like they need to be crepe hangers to cover their butts ( pun intended?) and do the avoid malpractice two step. You are still working, raising a family, not old, a good survivor. Whats not to like about that.

You have been a model to all of us on the board. Big hugs for that.

After 4 years of stage four we do have a different perspective, huh. However, lets reframe the MD doom and gloom and get this surgery over with, out of this hospital and do more days of living....you have a right to feel stressed but your inner strength is incredible..
.What saved me this summer from the overwhelming overwhelmingness of repetition of pain and stress was..........they wouldn't be doing the surgery nor would the insurance company be paying $100,000 K for it if it didn't have a good chance of being SUCCESSFUL.
Maybe if you hold on to that it would help with the depression.
I hate the word "battle" especially since people don't seem to be "battling" other diseases.
You are a survivor Chip, have many to teach from this and this is test anxiety to the max
Best prayers for minimum pain, fast recovery and complete healing.
Serrana

Praying for you, Chip
Hey, Chip.

I hope I am not too late for you to have a chance to read my message before you try to rest before your morning ordeal. Right! I have a feeling there won't be much rest for you this night.

Your posts have always impressed me. You have such a kind manner and such a great attitude. It always comes through showing that you must be a wonderful husband, father, and coach. It sounds like the people in your life are all very much in your corner on this one.

I will pray that we'll soon be able to hear from you saying that you made it through the operation in good order. I can only imagine what an ordeal it will be.

Your family here loves you and is waiting expectantly to know you're okay.

*hugs*
Gail

Kerry S said:

There are no referees
Chip,
Yeah one does get a little nervous before surgery. About as nervous as a woman of ill repute sitting in church.

We just have to muster up the positive attitude to know we will get thru this crap. You have not lost the fighting gene you just have not looked in the right place yet. It is still there. You just have to get your fighting face on to get it fired up and going.

Hang in there and fight like a street fighter. There are no referees to call a foul in this fight.

Kerry

Like
I sometimes wish I could just push the "like" button.
Just hang on, life isn't over yet.
Jo Ann