Well, it's been nearly 6 months since I found out I had throat cancer. At times it has been the longest six months of my life. But today was a very, very good day. Yesterday, I had my first post-treatment PET Scan, but didn't get the results until today when we met with Dr. Grossman and Dr. Hitchcock. I had a bit of Scanxiety but not bad. I knew I could not change the results but I was hoping I didn't need anymore cancer treatment. I must say Dr. Hitchcock, my radiation doctor, came out into the waiting room when she heard I was there. Geeze, she was more excited to give us the good news than Jane or I were when we heard that the Scan was CLEAN. She was so cute and it was so refreshing to see a physician so excited about the good news. Hurray!!!!
I feel humbled looking back over the past months. If I was alone and had no support group I doubt I would be where I am today. Of course, first I have to say Jane was, and IS, my Angel. Without her love, support and everything she did to help me cope with the side effects of treatment and drugs I would have been in big trouble. I am forever in debt to her. There is nothing I can think of to repay her. I will try to be the best husband I can be in our remaining time together. It will pale to all she has done for me. I want you all to know how thankful I am to her. Thank you, Jane.
My kids, I realize, are not kids anymore. Their support and love and maturity left me awe-struck.
I became closer to each of my children during these trying times. For that I am grateful. During my treatment, my daughter-in-law, Rachel, was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. Tony's wife underwent surgery to remove her Thyroid and still responded to me with all her love and support as she went through her own trials. I am so proud of her. Heather, Katie, Tony, Rachel, Joey and my brother and his family went above and beyond to visit, help and support Jane and me during this time.
Oh, what a village I live in. You ALL have been so supportive to both Jane and me. There must be over a hundred people I need to thank personally. I hate to try and list everyone here just because I don't want to leave anyone out because of my lack of acuity. I felt loved and supported everyday of the last 6 months. I don't think a day went by that Jane or I didn't hear from someone offering to help, cook, drive, visit or just say they loved us. We are so lucky to have each and everyone of you as friends. You are the cream of the crop, the best, one of a kind, and we will always be grateful to EACH and EVERYONE of you for all the help and love you shared with us.
This will be my last blog, I hope you have learned a little about going through something like this. I hope it helps someone. It helped me immensely during my journey. It helped me center and think of what is and was important to me during this time. I recommend it to anyone that is going through something hard.
I am heading off on a new chapter of life. My religion is compassion and love towards my fellow man and woman. I hope to be a shinning example to others. To make other's lives easier and happier. I want everyone to know they have a friend. I pledge this because I have been the recipient of that kind of love for a long, long time but especially the last 6 months.
NAMASTE
