Cancer And Me: 1-Year Anniversary
I came face-to-face with cancer a year ago and I've spent that time learning how to live with it and looking forward to the day when I can live without it.
No news is good news … unless you're a journalist trying to fill the pages of a newspaper. In that case, even bad news can be good news.
That's not the same with web-based journalism, since we're not trying to fill the entire World Wide Web. We're just trying to help people find out what's going on out there.
At the doctor's office, no news is perhaps more frustrating than any news — good or bad. Sure, no one wants to get bad news from the doctor. But as long as there's a cure for the problem, how bad can it be?
My most recent CT and bone scans at Stanford Medical Center weren't entirely positive or negative, so I'll be going back for more scans and blood tests to see if there's been any progression with my carcinoid cancer.
I'm a little concerned by the continuing abdominal pain I'm experiencing near one of my surgical sites. I know it's not my appendix — the doctors already got rid of that. My oncologist, Dr. Alex Metzger at the Marin Cancer Institute, was a little concerned too but there's not enough solid evidence to be worried about anything. In other words, we're in watch and wait mode.
So, after thinking about it for a day or two, and as frustrating as it might be, I've decided in this case no news is good news. Why let fear ruin the holidays when we don't even know that there's something to be afraid of?
Things are a lot better than they were a year ago. December 6 is the anniversary of the discovery a good-sized neuroendocrine tumor in my abdomen. My wife drove me to the emergency room at Marin General Hospital in the wee hours of the morning after I had spent most of the night doubled over in pain and vomiting.
The quick work of the doctors and hospital staff helped save my life that day last year, for which I am grateful.
It was confusing and terrifying, lying in a hospital bed trying to come to grips with the notion that I had cancer. I've got a better handle on it now. I understand better what the cancer is. I can better deal with it, even though it's been an emotional nightmare for my family and me. And, I can better face the future.
I'll continue with my course of monthly Sandostatin injections and trust that the drug is helping to keep the cancer at bay.
The side effects from the long-release formula don't seem to be too bad, although it can leave me listless and nauseous for a couple days. Small price to pay if it helps lead to a cure — for me or even someone else.
I'll hope that the data gained from my case will help other patients. Most of all, I'll hope for a long and fun-filled life ahead.
LP
8:45 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
Derek, hoping Santa brings you a present of good news this year. Maybe it'll be zebras pulling the sleigh instead of reindeer. My sister has been going through the same thing. Not fun when those little buggers hide from all scans.
Sylvia Barry
9:06 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
Congratulations for the one year mark! A tough year, and a big achievement.
I am with you, Derek, no news is good news, as long as you continue to search for the reason and cure,
I know you have already worried plenty, so, just enjoy the holidays and wait for the good doctors' good news soon! We are all rooting for you!!!
Derek Wilson
12:23 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Thanks for all the encouraging words. It's been a heck of a year, with the highest highs and lowest lows. Next year will be so much better ... and I'm hoping to hang out with the zebras some more. I'm also looking forward to helping with fundraisers and any support I can offer.
Karen Dionne
8:53 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Hi Derek, So very glad you are doing better and made a decision to not live in fear. If you haven't already, look into the Gerson Therapy http://www.gerson.org/ for an added protection. Happy holidays to you and your family and a healthy new year!
Bobbie Henry
9:08 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My husband was diagnosed with a stage 3 aggressive lymphoma 4 years ago. I think that it was an instant decision to go by the old saying, "I have cancer, cancer DOESN'T HAVE ME!" From that day forward, through waiting & watching, multiple hospitalizations, and, well, you know the scenarios, we did & still do, treasure each day for the gift that it is, stand in the sunshine, laugh everyday, enjoy the simple things in life. Living in fear robs us of our joy, and, yes, it is sometimes a while until we are able to push that fear into the background, but we are so thankful for this time together with one another, our precious grandsons, our children & amazing friends. We wish you all good thing & know that you are not on this journey alone!
Don Harte, D.C.
4:25 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Derek, Medicine is at its best when it is doing emergency, life-saving work, like that first night for you at Marin General. (They saved my life once.) But this waiting around for news... the terribly toxic chemo. No one has addressed the CAUSE of your cancer. Cancer happens when an immune system is low-functioning for a long time. The immune system, like every other system, is run by the nervous system. Though some may be horrified, duty binds me to advise you of a wise path. Find a straight chiropractor. He (or she) is THE expert on correcting interference to the nervous system, allowing the body to heal, to function better. The Power in not with the oncologist or the drug or the surgery. The Power is within you. It always has been.
Tracy
10:32 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Derek, happy anniversary! And here's to many more!
Pat Ravasio
6:02 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2011
Derek, best wishes for ONLY good news this holiday season!