Friday, January 06, 2006

Hurdle (mostly) cleared

This is being written in haste, so I'll likely go back and polish it later.
In a nutshell, the consultation went as good as I could hope for. The surgeon agreed with me that my four surgeries in the past four years were proving more problematic than the cancer, especially considering that each procedure was unsuccessful.
He said that as medical science stands now, there's little hope for a surgical cure for my parathyroid cancer. Instead, hope rests in the development of medications to control its symptoms, and the use of existing drugs, such as the one I'm taking, to do the job until better ones are available.
He added that surgery would be a likelihood in the future. Whether it's in a few months or a few years is the question. Though surgery likely won't result in a cure, it will buy time, and thus it must be included in any approach to this disease, at least in my case.
As he put it, it's not living with cancer that's the problem -- it's dying of it. And I have some of the greatest medical and surgical minds in the world -- in the world -- working on my behalf.
I have no right to ask for any more than that, especially when there are so many people on the planet who can't get even a simple infection properly treated.
The doctor -- who really set me at ease with his calm, straightforward demeanor and no-nonsense talk -- said he doesn't think I'll die anytime soon. But, I'll have to face a lifetime of surgeries and a side career as a human pincushion, what with all the tests, for the rest of my days.
After the consultation, I went to my "home" hospital, the one where, "Cheers"-like, everyone knows my name, for a blood test to check on my serum calcium level. If it is elevated, then the dosage of oral medication I'm taking will likely be increased and the prospect of adding an intravenous drug to the mix becomes that much closer to reality. I'll find out Monday. How I hate needles!
But, I'm alive, I'm in excellent physical shape, I have a will to live, and I am grateful for all my many, many blessings -- especially that of having people concerned for my well-being.
Thank you all for your support! Now, on to other topics...

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bravo, Michael. I was thinking about you this morning, and now I'm smiling.

Michael said...

Thanks, Kitty! Never a dull moment...

Michael said...

Thanks, Beachy! I'll do my best ...

Kim said...

you have an amazing attitude. i've checked back a few times today for news. thanks for posting an update. wishing all the peace, wellness, and perseverance in the world.

Michael said...

Thanks, Kim. If I'm able to navigate my way through this reality, it's only because of the tremendous support I've gotten from every quarter. I am truly blessed.

Michael said...

Hi Greensleeves,

That sounds like good advice! Thanks for your kind wishes.

Lone Wolf said...

I'm glad your consulation was favorable Mr. HEALTH MIRACLE.
I keep you in my prayers.

Michael said...

Hey Cross-hatched,
Thanks for the thoughts and the prayers! They really help!

Hi Anu,
May we both continue to get good health news!

Hey Lone Wolf,
Thank you! I really enjoy reading your comments on some of the Zen blogs. Your words come straight from the heart and are an example of how to express oneself without trying to impress or intimidate others. Thank you for being a good teacher!

Hi g,
Amen to that! By the way, your "Childhood memories" photo is my computer "wallpaper" at work, and several people have commented on what a striking photo it is. Come to think of it, I should have asked your permission to use it in that fashion...

Mommy and Addie said...

You are brave and patient.
Take care... my thoughts are with you!

Michael said...

Hi Ali,

I don't think I'm particularly brave, but than you very much for your kind words. Thanks especially for your empathy.

Anonymous said...

MIchael-san,OMEDETOU GOZAIMASU!!!

joy said...

I wish you the best.

Michael said...

Hello JZD,
Thank you! Very nice definition of bravery.


Ohayou gozaimasu, Miki-san,
Yokatta desu. Arigatou gozaimashita!

Hi Joydivision (a fantastic band, by the way!)
Thanks for your kind words, and welcome to my blog!

Hi g,
Thank you! Yes, every time I post a photo that features or includes people, I always feel like I'm walking a fine line between expressing myself safely or getting sued for it. I understand your trepidation. Your photo, though, is superb!

Hi Anu,
I'm feeling pretty good, other than trying to shake this cold I've had the last couple days. In fact, I'll remedy that lack of posts right now...

LBseahag said...

I am glad made it over this hurdle.
You get stonger each day. You're here for a reason :)

Michael said...

Thank, you, LB.
Yes, I have much work to do: I haven't bugged all the people I need to bug just yet. :) ;)