There’s a first time for everything.

I have successfully avoided going to the ER despite all that has taken place in my life medically the last seven years. That is, until this morning.

Over the last several weeks, I have had increasing pain in my abdomen and back. Dr. Robinson believed it to be due to disease progression and on Monday offered a prescription for narcotics, which I declined. He reminded me, “You don’t have to be a hero.”

I should have listened to him because the pain continued to increase, resulting in little sleep last night. About 4:30 am, I realized I needed help, and I asked Rick to take me to the ER.

Thankfully they were not busy, and I was seen right away. The attending physician ordered a small dose of morphine for me, and I felt immediate relief. He also ordered a CT scan which revealed disease progression.

I’m home now and planning to take it easy the rest of the day. It would appear I am entering a new phase of this journey - pain management. I was prescribed morphine in pill form to take until I see Dr. Robinson again on July 20.

Please continue to pray for me as we navigate next steps.