I have one primary cancer site, about 8 cm into my lower intestine. We've done multiple images through ultrasound and CT scans, and everything has come back negative for spread, meaning that this is the only site where there is any cancer. The polyp I have is considered a T3-N1 lesion, which means that it's a large tumor (which is what's causing the constipation and pain), but the N1 means that there has been no metastasis - it hasn't spread.
The surgeon believes I'm very likely to have a permanent colostomy after surgery; however, there is a small chance he will be able to complete a resection without the colostomy - that we won't know until the time of surgery when he can examine the entire colon. (A resection means that I'd still have use of my bowels without a colostomy bag.) I've got a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, which will also help determine how extensive the surgery will be.
For sure I'm going to be going through a course of radiation/chemotherapy. I'm seeing a radiologist at John Muir Medical Center on Tuesday, and we'll determine the start date and the length of treatment at that time. We're not sure how long I'll be on the chemo/radiation, but surgery will probably be scheduled "six to eight weeks" out (from ending chemo/radiation). Given that the surgeon wants to see me six weeks from now, I'm assuming, but not certain, the chemo/radiation will last 6-8 weeks and then surgery will be scheduled after that. So the surgery might be around June/July - possibly earlier depending on how I respond to the chemo, his schedule, etc.
The chemo they're having me start on is called Xeloda. Unlike most other types, this is in pill form, so no injections or shunts. Also, I won't be losing my hair or facing any of the other usual side-effects, except I might get dried skin on my hands. A good hand lotion will alleviate any problems there. After the surgery I'll be looking at maybe another four to six weeks of chemo, just to make sure we got all of the little bastard.
Both the surgeon and the oncologist are of the opinion that we've caught this super early, and that the chances of getting it all and having no recurrance is in the high 90%. I'm gonna be sick for a while, that's for sure (
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britgeekgrrl's father's wife is helping me get my disability paperwork together, because for sure I'm going to be out of work for about a month just before and after the surgery), but things look good otherwise.If things go as scheduled, I'm going to be getting pretty under the weather right around Kublacon, so I'm thinking it'd be a good idea now to pull my proposed game. I don't want to, but better that than putting on a bad show because I'm too sick to run the game effectively.
More posts later, as it looks to be a slow day here. Comments and cheerful distractions are most gratefully appreciated.
- Mood:
exhausted - Music:Men at Work - Who Can It Be Now?
dancingshaman 1, Radio 0
Damn you. Damn you to hell.
Recently, I've been getting asked by some people about what happened on Friday night at ConQuest 2006 between myself and a "reporter" from KCBS. The simple answer is this - yes, there was a guy taking interviews, and yes, I did chase him off. For the more complete answer, and for my myriad reasons for doing what I did, ( I explain myself here )
- Mood: good
- Music:Alan Parsons Project - I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You
