Ain’t summer vacations grand!

I went to Portland today to see my thoracic surgeon (who, coincidentally was Richard’s thoracic surgeon.) Actually, it isn’t coincidental. Other than the final outcome, I was very happy with the treatment that Richard received. My primary care physician, Dr. Foster made it possible, and Dr. Daniel, the thoracic surgeon, was happy to take me on. Dr. Daniel remembers me, which I find a little amazing. It was a year ago. I barely remember any of my customers from a year ago. But Dr. Daniel was able to answer all of my questions… “In comparison to Richard’s…?” He is pretty mind-boggling.

And my self-diagnosis was spot on. I have a Pancoast tumor in my right lung. And if you’re going to have a tumor in you lung, a Pancoast, while possibly the most painful, is also one of the most treatable. And Dr. Daniel has a plan, which could change depending on all sorts of variables, but…

I will need to have a PET scan to make sure the other little nodules and verities are what he believes them to be (scars of life), an MRI of my brain (I think this is just to ease everyone’s mind after Richard’s experience), a CT guided biopsy (I need that for my cancer insurance, and they need it just to be sure, but the doctor gave virtually no hope of any other result than cancer) and a lung function test. None of these are scheduled yet. They have to get approval from my insurance company. I should know more tomorrow.

Assuming all those tests come out as he strongly expects, I will then have 5 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy (a variety much more benevolent than Richard’s), 3 to 5 weeks of recovery, then a less invasive surgery to remove the tumor, 3 to 5 weeks of recovery, then another dose of chemo and radiation, which will be largely dependent on my status.

One truly bright note: Dr. Daniel said that there is a 60% chance I will still be here in 5 years.

A special thanks to Susan, for taking time out of her day to be my Portland sister.

Oh, and I scored big on the pain pills: two new prescriptions and a refill on my old one. I may have formed my last coherent sentence for a significant period of time. But the chemo and radiation should shrink the tumor, lessening my pain. And right now, being out of pain will be a major victory!

Sometimes, I’m mad at Richard for not being here now. But, in truth, I am glad he didn’t have to go through this. He didn’t need this weighing on his mind.

And have I told you lately what a good cat Max is? He met me at the door with slippers and pipe in hand and offered to catch vermin for dinner.

I respectfully declined.