Cancer follow-up

January 10: Had a CT scan on 1/2 and met with my oncologist 1/8. Everything checked out as normal. She now wants me to come back in 8 months (out from every six months). Then after that, she's putting me on a five year return (from the time I was declared cancer free) - so 2012.

Shoulder Improving

January 10: My shoulder is improving. Using a sling for six weeks. No lifting for two months. Back to meet with the surgeon 1/13. Some of the muscles seem to be getting strained - not sure what that's about since I'm not using them.

Surgery

December 3: Surgery went well. The tears were fixed and the bone spur was shaved down. He found the bicep tendon was detached. So a 4th incision was made and he re-attached that. In addition to general anesthetic, they did nerve block using nerve in the neck. It can last 6 - 24 hours. I slept throuh the night but was told when this wears off, I need to keep on the pain meds.

Next medical adventure

December 2: Tomorrow I am going in for surgery on my left shoulder. I have a torn rotator cuff, torn labrum and bone spur pushing on a tendon. Hopefully, this will eliminate the pain I've had since March.

It's arthroscopic surgery unless one of the tears can't be fixed this way and in that case, the surgeon will make a longer incision and make the repair. He expects the surgery to last 1-1/2 - 2 hours and I'll go home after coming out of the anesthetic.

Recovery time is unkown until he sees the extent of the repairs. I'm expecting to be home for a week.

Still good news

April 16: CT scan and blood tests were normal. No signs of cancer. The contrast dye has made me sick this time and the last, so the doctor wants to go back to a chest xray every other time. So, alternating between a chest xray and CT scan every three months. Each time the tumor marker blood tests are done and a exam by the doctor. Next year it should move to just 2 CT scans per year.

Good news

December 14: More good news. My quarterly review went without any trace of cancer. Blood tumor marker tests and CT scans were clean. The doctor now will move to a four month testing cycle. So, the next tests are in April 2008. The difference is that she wants to do a CT scan every time instead of alternating with a chest x-ray. This is due to the microscopic cancer cell they found in the surgery. After 2008, the cycle will go to twice a year. After five years, it will go to once a year. I'm feeling well - with a few lingering chemo effects; ringing in the ears and some muscle cramps in my feet. Life is good.

Another good report

September 12: Met with the Oncologist today and the tumor markers and chest x-ray were clean. Still have ringing in the ears and some numbness in my feet - it's been 8 months since the last chemo treatment. The doctor said it could take 12 - 18 months for these to go away or they may never go away. Next check-up is in December with a CT scan and tumor marker blood tests.

Clean again

September 5: My colonoscopy was clean - so to speak. No polyps. Next one is ten years out. Next test date is September 7. Blood tumors markers and chest x-ray. Then, meet with the doctor the following Wednesday to review the results.

More good news

June 13: I met with the Oncologist today to review results of the CT Scan and blood tests from last week. The tumor markers and CT Scan were normal. My cholesteral is higher than it should be and up from a year ago. She said there's no connection between the chemo drugs and an elevation in cholesteral. Just need to work on diet and exercise.

Next steps include a colonoscopy in August (because I'm turing 50) and surveilance with blood tests and chest xrays in September. This will be the longest time not seeing a doctor in the last 8 months!

Relay for Life (post event)

June 9/10: The event was very inspirational to me. So many people walking to support others who have been touched by cancer. Our team raised over $3,000 and the event brought in over $130,000. It was a great gathering of my work friends, family and other friends. Some of the participants are shown in the photo.
Relay for Life