A year ago today at about noon I got a call from Dr. Saddler, the GI specialist who had been working up my liver lesions that were discovered on the ultrasound I got in the ER. I had a colonoscopy/endoscopy done earlier in the week, and Dr. Saddler had found a mass in my esophagus. On this day, the biopsy results were in, and she was going to call me with the results. Well she called, but she told me to come down to her office to discuss the results. For the record, anytime the doc tells you to come to their office to get results, they're not good... And this time they weren't... She sat me down and gave me the news, that it was cancer in my esophagus. She tracked down the GW GI oncologist, Dr. Ahlgren, and had him come over and make a quick introduction. It was less than encouraging... He told me that he had "a few patients who were long-term survivors" on his home-brewed chemo cocktail. And so this long, strange trip had begun.
Jen put it pretty well in her post - it's been one weird year! It's amazing what a diagnosis like this does to your life. I've become a lot less tolerant of BS, be it at work, the doctor's office, or home. There's just not any reason to waste time on anything. This past year has seen me discover Jesus for the first time, and that's been a wonderful journey.
The trip back to MT was excellent. The harvest was a little frustrating - I saw Jonny get a few more grey hairs out of it. But it was great to see everyone again. I saw several friends that I hadn't seen in several years. I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to - the time flew by. I feel better now than I have in a long time. It's amazing what a month off of chemo can do to your body!
The drives each way were good time for some reflection and introspection, and much needed brain-clearing time. With the exception of the "harvest from hell", according to Jon, it couldn't have been a more perfect break.
I can't say it enough how helpful all the comments, prayers, and well-wishes have been throughout this journey. It really feels like we're heading for the finish line now, and we'll need you all more than ever as he make the turn down the homestretch. Thank you all so much for all you've done!!! Here's to another great year!
2 comments:
You are right. It has been quite a year.How time flies. So, belated happy birthday. . . (I am sure you have heard that I am late most of the time. - and they are right)Glad you had a good visit at home. We will now move on to another year with that faith you have found and we will continue to watch for your updates ... keep us posted and keep the faith. Love you both.... Grannie Channie
'Twas so good to see both of you last week. I can't do much for you all, but I will keep you before God, and will continue to ask HIM to give you, the doctors, the supporters, & all your medical team, WISDOM from God. You definitely have been on my mind a lot since I saw you. I pray that you'll have a great week at work, as you continue to heal. Be diligent in what you know to do; I'm sure that will help your situation. If there's anything at all, that I can do, Kurt, you just have to ask.
(Aside to Grannie Channie) I'm so glad I'm not the only one who forgets B'days -- Another Belated B'day greeting to you, Kurt. Sorry about that ---
Keep standing on the PROMISES!!!
Love & Prayers -- G'ma D
Post a Comment