Had my appendix removed two days ago during a procedure called laparoscopy appendectomy.  I started having intense pain in my abdomen and lower back Monday night.  At about 6am Tuesday morning I made the call to head to the ER in hope for some relief so I could sleep.  Well 14 hrs later, I was an appendix short and very happy. 

As I laid there right before the surgery in a place that I felt at home (hospital) I could not help but to think about how people not affected by cancer might feel if in my current position.  I can honesty say, all macho bs aside, that I was not the least bit afraid of the operation, hospital, doctors lingo, nurses, drugs, multiple questions, or time spent waiting (14 hrs).  Even more so I felt at ease with the situation, almost as comfortable as I feel lying in my own bed.  Now this is probably due to a hospital-spent childhood, either way I smiled because I was appreciative.  Cancer now allows me to find peace in moments of normal despair and fear.  Thank you cancer...

Kick Cancer's You Know What,

Preston Presnell
Founder, TLN