Cancer Treatment Update
Two days ago I went for my 12-month cancer checkup from my radiologist. Yup! – It’s been a year since my last radiation/chemo treatment for my neck cancer.
We discussed how 2022 had been a challenging year for me in terms of health: The cancer itself, a couple of Covid episodes, rotator cuff surgery, followed by a re-injury of my shoulder 3 months later. The re-injury was due to my overall muscle weakness and lack of balance. I’m still doing physical therapy for increased strength as well as range of motion/balance exercises.
Bottomline: Based on the recent PET scan the radiologist gave me an overall thumbs-up. No discernible cancer flare-ups anywhere. I asked about the R-Word – Remission. That cannot be addressed for several more years. “But,” he said, “most recurrences occur with 18 months. You are beginning month 13. I do not expect to see anything six months from now. Your treatment and recovery have been remarkable. You are doing much better than most of my patients with similar cancers - and – most of them are way much younger than you.”
He had said that several times during my treatments. It felt good to hear it again.
I have a little knot in my right nipple. Scans have indicated it’s not worrisome, but they will be watching it carefully. I’ll admit it did feel very strange to sit for a mammogram among all the women in the waiting room. The procedure was not fun. There was no soft music as the nurse pulled a non-existent wad of my breast tissue out far enough to be squished like a pancake – well let’s just say it was another unique and humbling growth experience.
I will see him again in September. He is anticipating another set of conclusions identical to these. I am also very confident that all will be well. If not, well, all will be as it is to be.
I am grateful to all of you for your prayers, affirmations, and positive energies you have sent for me.
My blessings are returned to you.
Don
How the Bible Became the Bible: Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.
We discussed how 2022 had been a challenging year for me in terms of health: The cancer itself, a couple of Covid episodes, rotator cuff surgery, followed by a re-injury of my shoulder 3 months later. The re-injury was due to my overall muscle weakness and lack of balance. I’m still doing physical therapy for increased strength as well as range of motion/balance exercises.
Bottomline: Based on the recent PET scan the radiologist gave me an overall thumbs-up. No discernible cancer flare-ups anywhere. I asked about the R-Word – Remission. That cannot be addressed for several more years. “But,” he said, “most recurrences occur with 18 months. You are beginning month 13. I do not expect to see anything six months from now. Your treatment and recovery have been remarkable. You are doing much better than most of my patients with similar cancers - and – most of them are way much younger than you.”
He had said that several times during my treatments. It felt good to hear it again.
I have a little knot in my right nipple. Scans have indicated it’s not worrisome, but they will be watching it carefully. I’ll admit it did feel very strange to sit for a mammogram among all the women in the waiting room. The procedure was not fun. There was no soft music as the nurse pulled a non-existent wad of my breast tissue out far enough to be squished like a pancake – well let’s just say it was another unique and humbling growth experience.
I will see him again in September. He is anticipating another set of conclusions identical to these. I am also very confident that all will be well. If not, well, all will be as it is to be.
I am grateful to all of you for your prayers, affirmations, and positive energies you have sent for me.
My blessings are returned to you.
Don
How the Bible Became the Bible: Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.