In 1983 our 8th grade English teacher at Hill Middle School in Denver Colorado read a book about a troubled youth who is sent by his father to live in a remote cabin with an old man. During his stay, the old man becomes ill and has to have his appendix removed. Because of the remote location there is no way to get to a town and/or doctor, so the man makes the boy cut out his appendix while awake lying on the cabin table. I recalled he used a spoon and knife and as an 8th grader it made quite and impression on me. Of course I have searched for this book but have not been able to locate it. Hoping you can help. Hoping you could help me identify the title of this kids novel so I can find a copy.