Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Circle of Life



For those of you who might be new to this blog, might I recommend reading the entry that I wrote over a year ago entitled "How I got here" which I wrote in Rochester, MN on July, 19 2008 before reading on.


And so we have come full circle. The day that I have dreamed of, hoped for, for so long has finally arrived. The only word that I have to describe how I feel today is 'complete'. Today I performed surgery in the operating room for the first time in over a year. At that time, as I became a fulltime patient, I felt that a part of me had been ripped away and wondered if this day would ever come. However, I was carried and made whole by the love that I have received from from myriads of individuals whose compassion was extended toward my welfare. How do I deserve this? I do not know. What I do know is that if anyone ever considers this world of ours a dark and fearful place; may they see what I have seen for only five minutes and they will feel the absolute and immense goodness of people, regular people; those that we see everyday as we hurry to our next task. These people are you. You have sent me encouraging words, worried about Barbie and me, prayed for us, helped us and made us feel whole again. I wish that I could adequately thank you, the words I would attempt fall far short of the gratitude that I feel in my heart.

I know that the only way to convey this feeling is through my service to others. Today is a new beginning as I return again to that old path.

It is altogether fitting that my first surgery with my new heart is the same one as my last surgery so long ago. I removed a cancerous kidney laparoscopically from woman this morning. The tumor appeared to be contained within the specimen. This will likely give her a high chance of being cured. I was assisted by a very capable chief resident, Dr. Yap, and many of the outstanding nurses and OR staff with whom I have worked for years. I can't describe the joy I felt at being back in the OR. I felt as if I had come home after a long journey.

Recently, Barbie reminded me that my life has been saved at least three times this past year. I participated in saving a life today. Sometimes we save a life that is in immediate danger of ending due to injury. Sometimes we extend a life through the appropriate application of diagnostic acumen and skillful delivery of medicine and surgery. Sometimes a life is saved as a caring friend's compassion prevents the emotional destruction of a despondent and tortured soul as their outstretched hand assures them that they are not alone. We all, at times, have participated in life changing graces towards others, even if we remain unaware that our actions were so directed. These saved souls, that are lifted out of adversity, then begin to, in turn, lift others as the cycle continues. I plan to be here lifting others as long as my feet remain on a firm foundation.

And so we come full circle and see ourselves as we never have before, renewed and ready to begin again.


Kevin

6 comments:

Kent Johnson said...

Dr. Anderson,

Absolutely incredible!!!! I am so very very happy for you that your health has improved so much and that you are such an other-directed person. You have been an absolute inspiration to me and have given me the understanding of what may come my way as I inch closer to my own heart transplant and (hopefully), subsequent SCT therapy to curb my amyloid production. Your blog, more than any other source of knowledge, has been my guide to how to grow through adversity. God bless you, Barbie, your family, your doctors, nurses, and every person who encounters your positive aura. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Kent Johnson
Albany, NY
kjjr7000@verizon.net

Brooke Trogdon said...

YAY!!!!!! I'm so so so happy for you! That must feel so great to be back where you love and doing something that not only helps the immediate person but you are saving their families too from heartache. That thought must feel wonderful and now I can see a little bit of why doctors or mainly surgeons do what they do. Congratulations Uncle Kevin! You deserve it! I knew you could do it.

Love,
Brooke

Wendy said...

You look great!

rebecca said...

i just sat at my computer smiling at this post!!!

love you!

Patty Kuntzmann said...

You look great & I am so happy for you!

Dana Travis said...

Dr. Anderson. My name is Dana and I am a 41 year old diagnosed in 2006 with Amyloidosis. Your blog has been a wonderful source for me. I have to admit - very scary also. I have a 7 year old son and a wonderful husband and I wish to be here for many years to come. You inspire me..... I hope to find the same care you have found throughout your journey. I am so happy to hear you are doing well. God gives us what he feels we are able to handle. You are touching lives with your story. To you and your family - thank you for sharing your life - it inspires me. I will pray for your continued good health.

All my best to you and yours,

Dana Innocenti-Travis
Lancaster, OH
danatravis@columbus.rr.com