It’s not over yet, but the metastasized tumor on the left side of my face is gone.

Under the skilled hands of my surgeon, Dr. Andrew Larson, in the Kaiser Sunset Medical Center hospital, the killer got successfully removed more than a week ago, and now I remain in recovery at home. I have one eye wide open temporarily (I hope), but that should improve, I am told by my ophthalmologist.

Celebrating 54 Years of Sobriety

And today, November 2, is my 54^th anniversary of sobriety in AA – no drinking or drugging or pilling. Thanks be to God!  My last drink was in Annapolis before 2 AM 11/02/1969. I had a two-week hangover and suffered on all levels.

I had first come to AA nine years earlier, knowing I had a drinking problem, but fought the program all that time, until I hit bottom and wanted to drink no more. The moment I stopped drinking and came into AA gave me a new life and hope.

Colon Cancer in Past

This was not my first bout with cancer – in 1994, colon cancer polyps were removed in my first colonoscopy by the late Dr. Long in the old Midland Hospital HIV Ward. No, I don’t have HIV, but I did have cancer. And I felt afraid.

To ensure the cancer cells were eliminated, it was necessary to have endoscopic cancer surgery at USC’s Norris Cancer Center, followed by colonoscopies. The cancer was gone. My fear subsided with each clear colonoscopy results.

‘Nowhere To Go But Up’

Upon the news that I had colon cancer in ’94, I gazed out my apartment window up at the sky, somewhat depressed, and thought to myself, “I have nowhere to go but up.” 

And throughout the surgeries and whole six-month ordeal, I kept the faith – and a positive AA attitude.

Thus, I have done the same this time around. I must admit, it has become more difficult with age to remain positive. But I do. My sobriety helps me.

Radiation Treatment Looms

I just got word that my first radiation treatment consult is to be from 8:30 AM to 1 PM November 17, 2023. I hope to discover how many treatments, at what intensity, and for how long. Then let radiation begin.

No fear. My Higher Power is with me, and really has been all my life. I am blessed, indeed – and grateful.

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BLESSED BY THE BEST, A Memoir By David Kearse, is available on Amazon and Apple Books and throughout the world. Please review after reading.