E-mail update sent on May 05, 2001:
I have some great news to share. But first, let me thank those of you who responded to my last update. I had some of the most touching and encouraging e-mails, letters, and phone calls from many of you, and I appreciate each one.
Subsequent conversations with both my infectious disease doctor and my orthopedic surgeon reveal there isn't the sense of urgency to amputate my foot as I originally thought. The orthopedic surgeon still recommends it, but more for an increased quality of life reason than for any threat to my health. The infectious disease doctor concurs with that diagnosis.
Having this new perspective has caused me to postpone the amputation surgery indefinitely. Meanwhile, I am exploring alternatives. At the moment, several alternative treatment avenues present themselves and require investigation. I'm in that process as I write this note. None have been ruled out and I'm open to any other suggestions.
Current treatment alternatives:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
This is considered as "snake oil" by some but several doctors are researching it's capability. I might be a candidate for such treatment.
Other opinions or recommendations
An avenue may have opened wherein I can be seen by the head of the infectious disease dept of a medical school. This is still unsettled and the appointment may not materialize. However, it could mean access to cutting edge treatment in any applies.
I am very pleased with the time afforded me to investigate these alternatives. And who knows, one could work. But if none do, I'll be in a position to make the amputation decision knowing I've exhausted all possibilities.
Just knowing I have some input over the "when" of the amputation decision relives my mind greatly. In fact, I think I'm coming to terms with the idea such that I'm not feeling as if it is being forced on me. Maybe that's my stubbornness showing
through.
Anyway, thank you all for your support. Several have reminded me that they remember (I don't, you know) when the doctors said I wouldn't live another 24 hours and, yet, I'm still here. So the best trained opinions of doctors are sometimes just guesses. I suspect I'm LIVING proof of that. Therefore, I'll commit the matter into God's hands and allow Him to dictate the next chapter of history for me.
Again, thanks for your support. I continue to be overwhelmed by the love of my friends and family.
John