Tomorrow the Fun Begins
Well, I managed to get through the work day, keeping myself busy with mindless tasks around the office (it’s amazing how well distraction can work). I spent a lot of time, not consoling people, but explaining what was going to happen (and re-assuring them that my wife WOULD post an update to this blog on Thursday evening). 
Tonight I completed my second Wood Badge ticket item as I presented an informational session about cancer to the boy scouts of Troop 549. Some of the boys knew I had cancer, others did not. We talked about what cancer was; what it looks like (can you tell if someone has cancer); what causes it; how to treat it; etc. I asked lots of questions and kept most of the boys engaged (I think). It went quite well; my only concern was that someone might have brought up my chances of dying. Luckily, when someone mentioned that some people die from cancer, I was ready with examples of people who received treatment for their cancer and survived.
Tomorrow the fun begins! Thank you to MaryBeth F. who posted on my blog. MaryBeth had her Whipple procedure 3 weeks ago, so her input has been incredibly helpful in beginning to understand what is coming up on Thursday. She didn’t paint a rosy picture (did I mention that my cousin, Martin, said he thought things were going to go so well that I would be able to join my family at the beach on Saturday?). She was forthright, honest, and I have a better of what to expect (of course, MaryBeth parroted what my oncologist said…my surgery is more complicated than a typical Whipple because of the portal vein involvement).
The outpouring of emotion, caring, and love over the past couple of days has been overwhelming. It helps so much to know there are so many people pulling for me and thinking about me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Merle
Merle- Even though we have never met, I am in awe of how you continue to console and care for everyone else as you enter into these trying days ahead. Not sure what religious or personal information to share to ensure I don’t offend or miss the mark but i’ll borrow a quote- Emerson- “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, he is just braver five minutes longer.” You continue to champion those moments when it seems anyone else would fall apart. If you should decide to feel sorry for yourself, remember you have a psychologist at your disposal for free in Jersey (I’m not that good so I can give my services away!)who is a big fan of Sid’ and his family willing and able to help! I still have the photo’s of you making silly faces from our walk for you…Cherishing my “Hamberger Helper” bracelet and praying hard for you on the big day….I’m confident God will be present…Love- Cherie
Dear Merle – Good luck in Baltimore – we’ll be thinking of you, and hoping that the surgery is successful and your recovery is speedy and painless. We’re looking forward to seeing you on August 25 if you are up for it! Love, Ele and Daniel
You’re in our thoughts for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery. As always, if there’s anything we can do to help from over here, just holler.
(Owen turned 13 in March, it’s a hard thing to wrap your head around, isn’t it?)
I would like to share a quick anecdote from my father before your operation. When he was on the table in the operating room for his by-pass surgery, he very loudly announced, “Just so everyone knows – NONE of you are in my Will.”
He wanted to make sure they weren’t up to something.
Merle & MaryBeth,
Hope all goes well. You are in our thoughts & prayers-
Amy Musser
Hey Merle!
I’m sure everyone at work says HI!
I’m still planning to try and visit you on Tuesday late afternoon / early evening. My flight (if on time) comes in about 4. Then I have to go to my hotel and drop off my stuff. It looks like from the metro website, that I can ride all the way from DC to the hospital. If you know any different, please let me know. Here’s my cell: 404-542-3738. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Monty Python on dvd (only on vhs!), but I have something else I’m sure you’ve seen and enjoyed, so I’ll bring it (can’t tell you–it’s a surprise).
Hope to see you tomorrow and lounge with you in your presidential suite!
Sharon
Jonlouise stopped me today, said she hated to bother you, but you had agreed to write a recommendation letter for her husband’s sentencing hearing. They need it by the 29th. You can email it to: towine@bellsouth.net or mail it to them at home. It should be addressed to Judge Mills, but not sent to him.
Glad you are doing so well. We are managing just fine. Did you know that if you make a batter of cornmeal (rest of the box), salt, potato flour and water, it will set up like cement and stop up the drain so the dishwasher backs up?