Well, today we got some really good news. The tumor has shrunk and there is no sign that the cancer has spread to my lungs or liver. My surgery is scheduled for December 18th. I know I am not through the woods yet (not sure that I will ever be), but this is a major relief for me. Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers. I will post a little more detail later.
Peace
Josh
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Catching-up After Thanksgiving
I know it has been awhile since I last posted on the blog. There are a myriad of reasons why, but here are the top two:
1. I am feeling the best that I have felt in about five months. That means that I have less symptoms to deal which means less to talk about
2. Thanksgiving holidays
In the first place, I know I could spend a lot talking about how cancer has affected my life, but I am just not prepared to do so. So, I usually write about the physical symptoms that have arisen. I know that I occasionally speak of some spiritual changes that have taken place, but for the most part my discussions focus on the physical nature of the disease. I still constantly reflect on what a cancer diagnosis means to my life, and that constantly changes with time; and I am sure that it will continue to do. So, how cancer has affected me has not completely revealed itself and I am constantly growing and trying to better grasp life’s trials.
Secondly, I have been away in Mobile and not able to blog frequently. Although I had access to a computer, it was nice to step away for the holidays and enjoy spending time with friends and family. Not only was Thanksgiving on the calendar, but we had my grandmother’s 80th birthday party on Saturday. Between the two events I got to catch-up with a lot of people that I had not seen in awhile. It is extremely nice to know that you are loved!
Here are a few pictures from the week.
Treatment Updates:
I met with my radiation oncologist last Monday for my one month follow-up for radiation treatment. He talked about the healing process after termination of radiation and what I experienced. I mentioned that I had some pain still when I went to the bathroom and he thought that there were three reaons: (1) that I had an anal fissure that was separate from the tumor, (2) that I had an anal fissure caused by the tumor, or (3) the tumor had invaded the anal sphincter and the pain was caused by the muscles being utilized during a bowel movement. Other than that discussion, he seemed pretty confident that treatment had been positive when we discussed my symptoms.
On a heavier note, this is the week that I finally go for my follow-up CT-scan and surgeon consultation. Everyone please pray that the tumor has shrunk, and the treatment plan has been successful. I will have the CT-scan first and then meet with my surgeon. Hopefully, I will have a date of surgery to post for everyone after this meeting. Next Monday I meet with the medical oncologist who will talk to me about my second round of chemo. I am not looking forward to that conversation.
Well, everyone take care. I hope to speak with you all soon!
Josh
PS. My good friend Mark and his wife, Emily, are probably at the hospital now waiting to bring Maggie Christian into the world.
1. I am feeling the best that I have felt in about five months. That means that I have less symptoms to deal which means less to talk about
2. Thanksgiving holidays
In the first place, I know I could spend a lot talking about how cancer has affected my life, but I am just not prepared to do so. So, I usually write about the physical symptoms that have arisen. I know that I occasionally speak of some spiritual changes that have taken place, but for the most part my discussions focus on the physical nature of the disease. I still constantly reflect on what a cancer diagnosis means to my life, and that constantly changes with time; and I am sure that it will continue to do. So, how cancer has affected me has not completely revealed itself and I am constantly growing and trying to better grasp life’s trials.
Secondly, I have been away in Mobile and not able to blog frequently. Although I had access to a computer, it was nice to step away for the holidays and enjoy spending time with friends and family. Not only was Thanksgiving on the calendar, but we had my grandmother’s 80th birthday party on Saturday. Between the two events I got to catch-up with a lot of people that I had not seen in awhile. It is extremely nice to know that you are loved!
Here are a few pictures from the week.
Treatment Updates:
I met with my radiation oncologist last Monday for my one month follow-up for radiation treatment. He talked about the healing process after termination of radiation and what I experienced. I mentioned that I had some pain still when I went to the bathroom and he thought that there were three reaons: (1) that I had an anal fissure that was separate from the tumor, (2) that I had an anal fissure caused by the tumor, or (3) the tumor had invaded the anal sphincter and the pain was caused by the muscles being utilized during a bowel movement. Other than that discussion, he seemed pretty confident that treatment had been positive when we discussed my symptoms.
On a heavier note, this is the week that I finally go for my follow-up CT-scan and surgeon consultation. Everyone please pray that the tumor has shrunk, and the treatment plan has been successful. I will have the CT-scan first and then meet with my surgeon. Hopefully, I will have a date of surgery to post for everyone after this meeting. Next Monday I meet with the medical oncologist who will talk to me about my second round of chemo. I am not looking forward to that conversation.
Well, everyone take care. I hope to speak with you all soon!
Josh
PS. My good friend Mark and his wife, Emily, are probably at the hospital now waiting to bring Maggie Christian into the world.
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