Here's my first posting...

Well, I'm on the surgical protocol at NIH for a radical nephrectomy of my left kidney, a.k.a they're gonna rip that sucker out, and see what the bleep is going on with it! In one of those strangely appropriate timing things, it's happening on Halloween....ooh, scary! Actually, I'm not that scared, due to the fact that the docs I have are just the best in the business, and I have high hopes for a smooth operation & non-eventful recovery. The worst part of this whole experience. so far, has been the 3 AM "dark nights of the soul" moments, when I have to face the reality that I am pretty sick with something, so far unspecified, that could concievably kill me...or not, as the case may be!
That's the challenge, to stay positive & hopeful in the face of that little voice of doom & gloom that likes to torment me in the wee hours of the night. My Mom, who is a breast-cancer survivor, tells me she's grappling with the same thing...probably anyone who's ever had a doctor tell them they have cancer has a similar experience. I'm spending the week before surgery trying to get my business dealings organized, stock up on supplies for James & Diane to use for the month or two I'm out of action, and generally tie up loose ends around here...keping busy helps me not to focus on the risks of this situation. More to follow!
Mike