Yes, Cancer Sucks

You've probably seen the t-shirts and bumper stickers that say "Cancer Sucks".  No argument here.  I know I'm very blessed and very fortunate when it comes to my diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.  The support from my family and friends has been out of this world.  Insurance has made this stressful time much easier.  Regardless, Cancer Sucks!

Without going into great detail, my family's cancer history was/is pretty scary.  With that knowledge, I've made several decisions.  I don't drink.  I don't smoke.  My diet has improved with time.  I exercise 3-5 times per week.  I stick with my annual physicals.  Monthly self-exams.  Routine colonoscopies. I wear sun screen and broad rim hat when I golf and mow.

You might attempt to read between the lines and come to the conclusion that I'm suggesting that if you're going to get cancer, you're going to get cancer; so go ahead and enjoy life's pleasures. On the contrary.  Do everything you can to avoid this despicable disease!

Lots and lots of good news

Thanks to Ty for getting me to the train station on Monday. As always, thanks to Bo for a place to stay. Thanks to Danny for getting me home, today.

I've started round 3 of 6. This round is supposed to go a little quicker, 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

• My blood work came back looking good. Red, white, and platelets were good. Kidney numbers were good, too. 
• Yesterday's CT scan was good. The fluid around my right lung is gone. The fluid around my left lung is still there, but "significantly" less. At my next visit, if it's still there, they're going to go ahead and drain it. My left kidney is back to normal size.  That news and the news of the good blood work, the stent will likely be removed on September 8th instead of November 6th. The size of the tumor has shrunk significantly! The day before I started my first round, the tumor was the size of a football. Today, after two rounds, the tumor is smaller than a baseball. 
• I met with Dr Ma and she is very pleased with the response, especially since it's only been two rounds. 

CT Scan Scheduled

A CT scan has been scheduled on 8/24, the day before my 3rd scheduled treatment.  The purpose of the scan is:

• Check the size of the tumor
• Check the amount of fluid left on the lung(s)
• Check the kidney function. My blood work shows very good kidney function. If the scan shows the same, then a discussion will be had to remove the stent sooner rather than later. 

...gone tomorrow

Look for our house on the next Swiffer commercial.

Round 2

I'm about finished with the second round of chemo. I came up yesterday by train.  Spent the night at Bo's. (If she ever started charging rent, she could own her boat instead of leasing it.) Mary Lou is here and will be taking me home.

Four more to go!

Blood work came back looking very good.