Since April 14th when I stopped the radiation and chemo treatments, I have progressed rapidly in my rehabilitation, and for the next seven months, I regained my strength, energy, balance and coordination to the point of where I could once again fish my 40 foot stern trawler, Petrel, single handed. The last MRI and full body PT scan in November showed that I was free from any lingering cancer cells.
A great deal has occurred in those months, and I would like to summarize the treatments, procedures and assistance that was instrumental in both my healing and my rapid recovery, for the year has gone by rapidly.
First, I would like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the strength, healing and guidance during the physical and chemo therapy, for He has made me stronger spiritually as well as physically. I was guided to the doctors who could treat my condition and the physical therapists who provided the therapy and exercises that helped me restore the strength and coordination on my left side. This past week, I have gone on four 2.5 to 3.5 kilometer runs and have felt good after each. It was the first time running since January 7th of this year. I keep up with my exercise program every day and have been blessed with good health.
Second, I want to thank my wife Lynda who was my logistic support, soul mate and even ship mate as I went to over eighty appointments for medical consults and treatment as well as physical therapy during those months. She made several trips with me to and from Greenport, NY where the new gallus frame, net reel , trawl door racks, railings and winches were installed. Like a true companion, she stuck by me throughout this whole period and gave me encouragement as well as kept me in line so that my fishing operations and travels were conducted safely and productively. I was so happy to give her the news on November 17th, that I was free of cancer, for it brought great relief and joy to us both! Of course, I will have to continue the monitoring of my condition for the next thirteen months with bimonthly MRIs starting in January.
Third, I want to thank my family for their prayers and support over this entire period of rehabilitation. I feel that all of our prayers have been answered and our faith in the Lord has increased as they observed consistent improvement over these months and particularly while we all gathered together for a family reunion the third weekend of August. I particularly appreciate having a family counsel with Lynda, my children, and there spouses for it gave me a true perspective of their concerns about my fishing after Zack had to return to Utah with his family. I didn't want them to worry about me out on the water by myself and for the remainder of the season, I had a shipmate with me. I especially want to thank my son Zack who helped me rebuild the Petrel's after deck and prepare its hull for launching on June 2nd. This was two months behind schedule, but we were doing it even while I was still undergoing monthly chemo treatments. Zack and I started fishing on June 24th and for the next eight weeks we fished every good weather day except Sunday. The daily catch of fluke was good so that piqued my interest to keep fishing at least until November. Zack and family returned to Utah on August 18th and he returned to fish with me for five more weeks in September and October.
Fourth, I want to thank my friends who prayed for my recovery during this whole year and the several friends who filled in as shipmates on fishing days while Zack was away . Because of their help, I was able to fish up to Thanksgiving even though the catch dropped off significantly and Fall storms went through routinely limiting the number of productive days. Rob, Brayden and Nicholas were good shipmates whenever we could get a day of fishing in. My shipmates over the course of the fishing season all helped me advance to the point where I could once again safely fish the Petrel single handed and the last days of fishing on butterfish were very productive!
This year has truly been one filled with blessings as My Incredible Journey has continued and became a Miraculous Year of Recovery. As Lynda and I celebrate the Christmas Holiday in Tokyo, Japan, we wish that all of you felt the joy that our Savior brings into our lives as our Faith in Him grows ever stronger. May He bring you peace and happiness this season and throughout the New Year. I testify to you that He lives,that He loves each one of us, and that He answers the prayers of the faithful! I share this testimony in His Holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
