Xray Clear

My chest xray shows no sign of disease. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for mid November to look for bleeding to explain my low iron level. I've gotten some kind responses to my request for info about the procedure. Its not worth worrying about. It will also be nice to hopefully get a report of no sign of disease in my colon. I got sad news tonight about a friend who I admire greatly who I worked with for a few years that was recently diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. She is an amazing, strong, incredible business woman and friend. I wish I could transport myself to Cleveland tonight to hold her hand and be with her and her fear.

6 Month Checkup

So far so good! Had my checkup with Dr Schmidt last wednesday and my physical exam and tumor markers both brought good news. I should hear about the results of my chest xray today. They will compare the xray taken thursday with one taken in July. If anything looks fishy Dr Schmidt will order an MRI. Whew! I can relax with that good news.

I found out that my iron level has plummeted down into the 20s which makes me a little anemic. My iron level was up in the low 100s in July. Usually the cause is bleeding somewhere in the stomach or colon. Bleeding can be caused by something innoculous like a small blood vessel that needs to be cauterized, an ulcer or something more serious like colon cancer. So Laurie gets to experience a colonoscopy soon to look for the problem and fix it. I believe it will not be serious and easily fixable.

Anyone had a colonoscopy? Does it hurt? What kind of sedation did you have? Comment or email me okay?

I'll be back with xray results. Thanks for checking in on me.

Easier

Its easier to talk and think about cancer from a purely scientific perspective. Its alot less scary than focusing on emotion and fear. I think thats why I gravitate to books that discuss theories and action plans for keeping cancer at bay.

If you have cancer and haven't read Anticancer. Read it. Please. It will make you feel powerful. I worry less about recurrence because I am following the recommendations in this book. Really, everyone could follow the guidelines because its good healthy stuff.

My 6 month checkup is next wednesday. I am so happy that John will be able to go with me this time. My sister Anne was great company and support for my 3 month checkup. She made a nerve-racking 4 hour ordeal comfortable and even a little bit fun. Thats Anne for ya. God, she is a great sister.

Anyway, back to thinking about cancer scientifically. Viewing the disease from a cellular level allows me to consider what happens without emotion. Cancer is just cells. Cells refusing to die. Bully cells versus an immune system. But I believe I have a really strong immune system. I haven't been sick in years! Even during chemo at my weakest I did not get a cold.

Without estrogen fertilizer in my body feeding cancer cells, I think that any growth of cancer is surely slowed way down. So I am going into the 6 month checkup feeling good about my future.