Hal Wilson’s Blog

   100 apologies.  I have been very negligent in writing my Blog for several weeks.  So let me ask that you allow me to bring you up to date on my life of late.   As some of you know I was admitted to St Thomas Hospital via the emergency room on Jan. 8, where I spent 5 days undergoing numerous tests. One I shall remember for always was an MRI on my brain and yes they found one although there was no disclosure as to the content.   Being claustrophobic, I was scared to death so they sedated me and that was the last I remembered of that test.  I also underwent a dozen or so other tests for lungs, blood, blood pressure, etc.   After all the tests it was determined that I was run down and dehydrated.  Also I was having reaction to my chemo which they have taken me off of.  After my release, I started feeling much better and continue to regain my strength.   When I was admitted, I was truely afraid that I was dying, a very scary feeling.   As I mention St Thomas Hospital, I must say that the care I received there was a 10, the entire team of nurses, doctors, technicians, dietary staff, yes the food was actually very tasty.  I can’t describe how pleased I was.  Having been to Nashville’s other 3 large hospitals there is no comparison although Baptist is also very good.   After returning home, I spent about 3 weeks recuperating and trying to get my strength back.  Also during this time, Dickie and I spent 3 days in Gulf Shores on a search for sun and warm weather.  We did find sun but temps were 30 to 50 degrees about the same as Nashville.   During my little sabatical, I have had the opportunity to see several good movies and read several good books.  My movie picks are Fireproof, Flywheel, Remember the Titans;  some of the books I recommend are The Bear, a biography of Bear Bryant, Lou Holtz biography, The Darkest Night by Dean Koonz and The Uncommon, the Tony Dungy biography.
In closing let me just mention that everyday I find that life becomes more precious to me and I further realize how fortunate I am to be who I am. God has blessed me with a strong faith, a wonderful wife, a successful business with an excellent team to help me, not to mention my 3 children and 2 grandsons and all my many friends. I encourage each of you to the thank our Lord each day for all your blessings.
I also thank each of you for all your prayers and support as I continue my cancer battle.
Fast forward to 3/22/09.
Well I think spring is finally here about 70 degrees today.
My arm and shoulder pain is very intense as is my back pain. I go to the orthaepedic doctor on Wed. and hopefully he will find what is wrong. Next week I see the surgeon to schedule my gall bladder surgery. They discovered gall stones earlier this month when I was admitted for 2 days to St Thomas for abdominal tests. The good thing about severe stomach pain is that you don’t notice your arm pain as much.
One of the highlights of March was the opportunity to speak at The Gathering Church in Franklin for Prayer Night. The title of my talk was “Why Am I Still Here”. We all may ask ourselves the same question. I think that the reason I am still here is twofold: 1. Prayer is the reason. As some of you know in Oct. 2006 I was given l year to live. The doctors underestimated the power of prayer. #2 is the purpose. I think we all have a purpose here in this life. I seem to have a very busy life. To determine your purpose, I encourage you to set goals on what you can do to have a positive influence on others.
In closing, please let me say thanks to each of you for all your prayers and remember to visit our website www.christianswithcancer.org.
God bless - Hal.