Many of you may remember my friend of over 10 years, Steve Atkins. We met back in college when a friend from Berry studied abroad at the University of Reading where Steve attended. Steve then came back to Georgia to work at Camp Winshape. We've been friends now for over 10 years. The picture above is one of our oldest photos, taken I believe during college! Note the awesome light denim shirt I'm wearing. Ahh!
About three weeks ago, 29-year-old Steve was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. Fortunately, as he works for a company that insures employees with private healthcare, he was seen by a specialist and the tumor removed within 10 days of discovering it. This was great news! The operation went smoothly and he was back home within a couple of days.
However, last Friday additional bloodwork and tests showed that the cancer had spread into some of his lymph nodes. As you are most likely aware, this is not a good thing. As of Wednesday, Steve has been inpatient at an NHS hospital in Brighton receiving his first round of chemo. The drug he's on is called Cisplatin and is very harsh on the kidneys. This morning, Steve has started to experience lots of nausea, which is one of the most common of the side effects and can last up to 10 days post treatment.
Please keep Steve in your prayers. Cancer, especially this form, runs in his famil, and although he is trying to minimize his concern, I know better. I have talked to him just about every day since the diagnosis and treatment has started. I know any prayer support will be appreciated.
