Personal Note - cancer update

It is hard to believe that it has been only 6 months since I completed my cancer treatments. To me, it really seems like much longer. I guess that is an indication of how quickly my life got back to "normal" - whatever that is. Many people have commented that they believe this is because of my positive attitude going through this process. I guess there might be something to that theory - but to me, I just can't imagine it being any other way.

I talked with some of the nurses in the treatment center yesterday, and they couldn't believe that it had already been 6 months...to them, it seemed much shorter. I am really quite impressed with all of those who work in the Central Utah Cancer Center. They all remember my name, as well as the specifics regarding my treatments, and they all make very kind comments each time I return for a check-up. With the number of patients that go through that facility, I am really surprised that they even remember my name.

I have been meeting with my oncologist every month since treatment ended, and have been on blood thinners for that entire time, since we have been trying to get rid of the blood clot caused by the PICC line which was inserted for my treatments. Yesterday I had another monthly visit, and we have now crossed another bridge in the recovery process. I am now off of the blood thinners, and my visits to the oncologist are reducing to once each three months. For now, I am in complete remission, and all is well. If we keep this up for 5 years, then I can be considered "cured".

I still find it strange that I am a cancer patient. I signed up for a blood drive last week, and my wife asked me if I really thought I would be able to donate. I couldn't figure out why she was asking me that question - then she gently reminded me that I am a cancer patient...sure enough, it will be between 5 and 10 years before I can donate blood again. This was not the first time that my wife had to remind me of my new health situation. I am not sure I will ever get used to it, but as of now my situation is not disruptive in the least - just the occasional CT scan and more frequent visits to the doctor than I have historically done.

I truly appreciate the notes, e-mails and comments from everyone as my family and I went through this process. Please know that all is well, and I am settling back into life as normal.