The Scan

Met with my Oncologist today to go over this week’s CT scan.  The good news is that there were no signs of cancer noted in the film.  This was a good follow-up piece of news after getting good lab results.

I’m still a bit puzzled with the lymph nodes that popped up in one armpit not long ago.  Those and some general discomfort lifting that arm over my head made me a bit concerned.  Oh, and there was the lower back pain which also worries me regarding the kidneys where the cancer had last appeared.  Still, no cancer in the scan means no cancer.  The Oncologist told me I could stop worrying and keep on defying the odds of metastatic bladder cancer.

While leaving I asked Marvina about that last comment.  Remember, I don’t pay attention to statistics regarding my cancer.  She told me that I was indeed defying the odds, that truthfully I should be dead.  The fact that I’m still breathing six plus years after they found it must be a good thing.  As she said, every day with me is a precious gift.

So I’ll keep accepting those gifts one day at a time.  I’m going to relax a bit now and not give much thought to my body.  A mini-health vacation of sorts.

Vacation.  Now there’s an idea…

One more thing before I wrap up this entry.  I’ve talked about the Kansas City Cancer Center before.  This is who treated my cancer.  I truly love them.  They are currently in the process of merging with the University of Kansas Medical Center.  While any merger of this type is frightening for those involved, I feel that what will emerge is an exponential improvement in the care and treatment of cancer here in the mid-west.  While I certainly don’t want to have to return to the center for active treatment I am confident that if I do I will receive no less quality of service and compassion that I received in the past.

Oh, and I should mention, my Oncologist has been awarded the title of Assistant Professor for the University of Kansas.  Way to go Jeremy!  KU Med has added a star to their collection!