Cancer...never thought I was immune, but thought I wouldn't ever have to personally deal with it. It's fine with me at this point. It's not crippling by any means, and I imagine a large part of that is due to the type of cancer, it's non-aggressive nature, and the great prognosis.
Metastatic Seminoma is the type of cancer with which I have been diagnosed; it's a type of testicular cancer. At this point my oncologist is reviewing my blood work (or waiting to find time to tell me the results) to establish the stage of the cancer based on my tumor markers (levels of AFP, HCG, and LDH). I got a call today and I start chemotherapy on Monday, May 4th. The regimen calls for five consecutive days of treatment and two weeks after the treatment for my body to recover (one cycle). This will continue for four cycles (at least that's the latest information I'm aware of).
As far as I know, at this point, I will be given two drugs in my chemotherapy...Cisplatin and Etoposide. There is the potential that another drug will be used, but I don't know yet, and I want to avoid that if at all possible...this drug is called Bleomycin.
Backing up a little, I went to the doctor in November after having significantly swollen lymph nodes for over a month. Eventually, I got referred to have an ultrasound on these nodes, and was subsequently referred to an oncologist. A CT or CAT scan later showed additional, affected lymph nodes behind my sternum, near my upper (thoracic) spine, near my lower (lumbar) spine, and in my pelvic area. Interestingly enough, there appears to be no cancer in the testicles (this will be confirmed with the results of a recent testicular ultrasound).
Wrap up:
Bottom line, "it is what it is." I can't control what it is at this point, but I can control my attitude toward this disease and how it impacts me. I'll talk later about how I have been processing this journey.
This site affords me the opportunity to talk about life and insights received from life's challenges (opportunities), the growth experienced by changing (or attempting to understand alternative) perceptions, and the struggles to live in the present and to avoid falling into old behaviors.
Fam
Grayson & Jessica Chillin'
About Me
- Heath
- Extremely fortunate husband and father, endeavoring to live a more fruitful, understanding, giving, and love-filled life.
2 comments:
What a great attitude Heath - I had tears in my eye as I read your words! We are never immune to anything in life nor do we know what challenges we are going to have to face. Thank goodness there is no crystal ball because would we really WANT to know?? Uh uh!!!! We all have phenomenal strength deep down inside of us that we do not realize... prepare to be amazed - this will affect you and many others in ways that you could never imagine! Be strong! Rely on others as much as you can! Know that you are in your Wisconsin families thoughts and prayers - we hope you feel that support and wish we could do more!! "It is... what it is..." I love it!! - that has been my motto for the last year and a half of my "journey" - I have come out of it a much better person and I am actually thankful for the "unchosen" events! BIG {{huggs}}to all of you...
Thanks Colleen. You were making tears well up in my eyes reading your comment. I think that the hard times are important, for they help us realize and cherrish the wonderful things in our lives and all around us! And tell everyone thanks for the thoughts and prayers...due to the compassion, concern, prayers, and support, I have felt better the last 2 weeks than I've felt in several months. I've never felt, nor did I think I would ever feel the impact of such an overwhelming display of love! Big hugs from all of us here! We are thinking of all of you as well, and hope that the thoughts and prayers we send out to all of you are felt and provide comfort to you all.
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