Keith Ahrens

I went in for a biopsy on my bladder on November 24.

A couple months prior, a lighted scope was done on my bladder and it showed an area that the doctor said needed to be biopsied. The biopsy had to be completed in a hospital.

When the doctor said that I needed a biopsy during this procedure I had a flashback to when the surgeon told me I needed open-heart surgery to save my life.

While lying there, I kind of had an anxiety attack as far as softly shaking and just feeling all-alone.  I’m OK today and have a positive attitude. I’m not sure where I’m getting the positive attitude from but I know it’s deep. I’ve been through a lot the past few years.

Very briefly, almost 2 years ago this Thanksgiving I was in San Francisco writing my book and had blood in my urine… I freaked out, flew the next plane back to Vegas to see my doctor and was OK.  Later it was determined (Cat Scan) I had a Kidney Stone but it was not blocking anything.

I had approx 10-12 occurrences of blood in my urine since then, mostly after a treadmill or heavy workout.  In June, I went to the ER for kidney pain.  A severe Kidney infection was diagnosed and treated.

To be on the safe side, my primary doctor sent me to an urologist who ran some tests.  All came back negative except for that Kidney Stone which was still there.  He didn’t want to stop there. I actually praise this doctor because he just wanted to rule everything out except for the kidney stone.  He wanted to be thorough and a scope was done on my bladder a few weeks later.  That was an experience in and of it self.  When he went in to look at my bladder, the doctor saw something on the monitor and immediately said that was where the bleeding was coming from and it needed to be biopsied and removed.  He, and I, saw the problem area on the monitor.  He made me look.

I just couldn’t figure out, why me… again? First my heart and now I had to think about the “C” word. Could I have bladder cancer? Perhaps I could handle it better than someone else. I’m thankful, however, that it was I, and none of my family or friends going through this.

I met with the surgeon today and the pathology reports came back negative.  I don’t have cancer.  I was diagnosed with cystitis glandularis.  I’ll be doing my research but this is great news compared to what I expected to hear.

My message today is to get regular checkups, don’t ignore your body when it’s trying to tell you something, eat heart healthy and get regular exercise and activity.

Healthy days ahead for us all, Keith

Thanksgiving’s a day to give thanks.

I give thanks for my continued health and that of my family and friends.

I’m thankful for having the most supportive family anyone could ever ask for.

I’m thankful for the paths I’ve traveled and the people I’ve met this year that have enriched my life.  I’ve met some very strong people.

I give thanks to the troops and veterans who serve and served unconditionally and without reservation.

I give thanks that I am who I am and I can be what I want to be.

I’m thankful for knowing that I have the strength to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.

I hope you each enjoy a day of reflection, health, and love with many more to come. – Keith