Karen and I have some good news today. My CEA number is 1.5, well within the normal range. The CEA is kind of a confirmatory indicator for colon cancer so as I see it, combined with my colonoscopy, this means I don't have colon cancer. I have rectal cancer, closely related to colon cancer and maybe the CEA has no bearing on predicting the occurence of rectal cancer. My CT scan also came back with good signs. The med-speak used in official reports is a crazy language, all unto itself. The human body is an amazingly technical contrivance and there is a medical term for every nook and cranny. All my nooks and crannies look good. My colon was full, (tell me about it. I haven't pooped since Sunday) and I think even my gizzard is good. I know we have gizzards because Grannie Clampet always talked about them. Some mention was made about lymph nodes but there was no detail to tell us much one way or the other so I am going to assume the best until I know differently.
We have an appointment on Monday the 1st of June with Dr. Sahin of the Masonic Cancer Center of the U of M, down in Mpls. Probably an office consult and not much else. Hopefully we will come out of there with some kind of a plan and hopefully the plan will work.
We are both happier and more relaxed today. Good news helps and good wishes from all of you help us too. We find laughing really takes the edge off, making it easier for us to cope. A small rain shower is patting down the dust in the garden. Karen worked in our garden today, helped by the bluebirds, the hummers and the sparrows and crows. And now the rain falls, settling the dust at the end of a long week. Our best to all of you.
Mike
4 comments:
Hey. Welcome to the blogging world. I wish it where under better circumstances but maybe you will get some helpful advice from someone out there in cyber space.
Hey, brother...there's been a lot of ducks in and out of Ess Lake since I last talked to you. I learned of your cancer from our friends at Grace Lake, and was provided a link to your blog. Your quiet strength will sustain you through this, I have no doubt...know that your old roommate carries you in his heart even out here in the Alleghenies. At our campfire here tonight I will stand in the oak and cherry wood smoke a while remembering those many great times we had, and send whatever healing thoughts I have your way. You were on my mind often when I read Nathan Jorgenson's 2004 book "Waiting for White Horses" recently. Keep a tight line, my friend...
Good news! I waited all day Friday for this post. Am finally getting a chance to comment on it today. Thanks for keeping us up to date. And may the force be with you!
Reid,
I cannot tell you what it means to find you here. Karen will attest that my tears say what words cannot. Thank you for your healing thoughts. I do believe in the magic of a fire and friends. We spent the afternoon with Wiebe and got a bit of woodsmoke ourselves. The House of Three Moons still stands and was for sale about a year ago. I have not heard from Larry since Christmas but would not be surprised to see him sometime this year. I have not read 'Waiting for White Horses' but I do know he has been interviewed on KAXE. Please say hi to Gail and the girls. And thanks for coming to visit. I will be here quite a while I expect. My best to you Brother.
Mike
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