part 2 of 2
Within a few weeks after that roller coaster ride I started chemotherapy at the Vermont VA Hospital. So that all is clear, I would like to remind you all of the fact that all this was to buy me more time to live. Now, this brings me up to my latest CAT-Scan and the results that it gave. My Vermont VA Doctor, Dr. O’Donnall told me that I didn’t need to have my last three day round of chemotherapy because the CAT-Scan had shown such great results. Now, don’t get me wrong, I knew this was great news but, I was a bit reserved and slow to fully jump with joy and thanksgiving. After all, this new report was the findings of the same Tumor Board that had twice before slammed me with a death sentence. Needless to say, I wanted a second opinion with the use of a PET-Scan. I was given my wish and a PET-Scan was scheduled. It was completed and showed the same great results. Nothing lit up. The PET-Scan was clear, no cancer. I asked for an additional reading of the scans by a Doctor outside the VA system. This too was granted to me. The additional report was by Dr. Mahadivide at the Concord Hospital. He called me and gave me the confirmation that I had doubtfully waited and also hoped for. Since he was my second hope for Radiation, I knew he was familiar with my previous Scans, so I asked him if it was possible that a wrong Scan had been sent to him. He assured me that it was a Scan of me and the report was a great report. He agreed that I not only didn’t need to continue to receive chemotherapy but I also didn’t need to receive any radiation treatment. He also agreed that I should keep the monthly follow up appointments with Dr O’Donnall my VA oncology Doctor, as well as the CAT-Scans set up for me every three months. So, now I can say with all the assurance I can muster, I believe intervention of my God has been given to me and the miraculous outcome of this bumpy road has bought me time as was my prayer.
I also know that if and when this thymic carcinoma cancer shows it’s ugly head again, the right recipe of chemo drugs will be at the ready, to beat the cancer to the mat once again. I do know that at some point down that road the chemo will have no more effect against this cancer. But, know this for sure, the cancer has been beaten to the mat this time and I have won yet another round in this fight for time against a foe, that I stated in an earlier post, (this cancer doesn’t know who it’s up against). At this time I do have a problem with my breathing due to the phrenic nerve damage that was done during my surgery. This damage has paralyzed and caused the permanent loss of use of my right side diaphragm. While I’m sitting, I breathe OK, but, with much of any excersion I’m out of breath and I find myself gasping for air. I’m hoping that exercise will help this problem. I also need to gain some weight and muscle mass that I have lost since the surgery last November 12th. I am still on the mend from open chest surgery as well as the level of fatigue and exhaustion I deal with daily. So to sum it up, I'm still on a bumpy road, but not as bumpy as it was.
I am thankful for the Doctors that took part in the success of my yo-yo ride of events. I am thankful to my God for the many prayers that He listened to and answered in a mighty way. I am also thankful for the many of you that took the time to pray for me during these many months. I am also thankful for those encouraging words that you sent by e-mail and cards and letters and gifts you sent by USPS, UPS and FED-X.
Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I keep my Doctor and CAT-Scan appointments and walk vigilantly looking over my shoulder at the ready to do battle against my foe, cancer. Also please keep me in mind as I build my endurance to ride my motorcycle for another summer riding season. My first long distance ride planned is the Cabot Trail in northern Nova Scotia, Canada. Now I have to get myself into shape and I have about 6 or 7 weeks to do so.
With sincere thankfulness to you all
Dad, Sam, chappy, friend