Greetings everyone. This is my first blog, so it might be a little rough until I get this process figured out.
I thought a blog might be a handy way to keep friends updated on my cancer journey.
Then when the journey’s over, I can pester folks with my thoughts for the week, perhaps an occasional poem, maybe a successful bowel movement, what I had for breakfast…all that sort of stuff.
Anyway, here’s the background on the cancer situation: I was having trouble swallowing for a couple months, and finally went in for an endoscopy on June 1st. The finding was a large mass in the esophagus, which was biopsied and found to be cancerous.
A PET scan was ordered for the following Monday, so over the weekend Carol and I stressed quite a bit, fearing the worst. At one point, Carol looked at my brand new, Spanish leather Pikolino shoes, and said, “What size shoe does Andrew wear?”
But there was good news: the scan showed the cancer had not metastasized elsewhere. So, the medical consults began. We saw a thoracic surgeon and two oncologists who specialize in chemo and radiation. And a treatment plan was decided upon: concurrent radiation and chemotherapy, with the radiation five days a week and the chemo one day a week, for six or seven weeks. Then a recuperation period for about 6 weeks, followed presumably by surgery after the mass has been greatly reduced in size (who knows, maybe it will all go away!).
Before the radiation and chemo, which started last week, they inserted a ‘port’ by my clavicle for the chemo drip (the chemo takes about four hours once a week), and a stomach ‘peg’, which is a six inch tube that sticks out of my abdomen and goes into my stomach, as a feeding tube for later in the treatment. The expectation is that it will be painful to swallow as the tumor is bombarded with the radiation.
That’s the background. On my next post, I’ll let you know how the first week went.
Cheerio, Chris
Hi Chris glad to see you are keeping us all posted as the process begins. Wishing you nothing but positive thoughts and good bowl movements😜
PS great pic of you and Carol
Looking forward to more
I love this, and love the pictures, keep it up chris, I’m praying for you and carol. peggy
Great start, Chris. Right to the point.
You’re on my prayer train; so you’ll be fine.
Dear Chris!
What you are doing with your blog is pretty cool….. besides people can feed you with some positive thoughts which is always good to feed off.
We all are your big supporters and I can hardly wait for some of yours anecdotes and poems!!!! Keep it coming!!!!
This blog idea is great, Chris, as I’m sure the bombardment that the tumor receives will be nothing compared to all the questions, emails and phone calls you and Carol will receive about the treatment process and how you are doing with it. So thanks for taking the time to dive into the blogging process on top of everything else you have got going! Needless to say we all love you and are wishing for the best possible outcome. Love, John
Thanks, John.
I’m just figuring out how the “Comment” section works. Apparently they don’t show up on the blog site until the administrator approves them (that’s me!). I guess that’s to keep nasty comments off the site.
Ok, Chris; good start. Look forward to your updates. Great attitude, son, so keep it up. Fight the good fight. You have all of my best wishes for success.
Hi Chris. I think you read my mind as well as the minds of your many friends and family members who are thinking about you and want to follow your treatment and recovery. It’s very thoughtful of you to have established this blog. Great idea and Thank You! You are in our thoughts daily.
Christopher!
You son of a gun you! You did figure out the blogging process and have aptly demonstrated your brilliance once again. Obviously all of us fortunate to have you in our lives are pulling as hard as we can for you, Carol and the family.
Erbo
Chris, Thanks for sharing this difficult journey that lies ahead. I will look forward to more and will keep you in soul and prayer. Btw, I still think back on some very enjoyable rounds o’golf. And some interesting hikes! Fore!
Christopher, since I haven’t been swimming so often on Tuesdays or Thursdays I have missed seeing you. These things are always shocking and Gitta and I are very sad to hear of your fight but you must know that I, as a fellow Bellarmine classmate will be there for you if you need any help. You and Carol will also be in my prayers. Call if I can help anytime.
Chris, of course Mary and I are thinking of you. Your blog is a great idea. I expect to see some SF Giants poetry someday soon. When people ask me, “What do the Giants need?” I truthfuly answer, “A little iambic pentameter… and a power hitting outfielder.” You can deliver the first part.
Very good, Mark!!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the update, sounds like a good plan, and may even help you golf game. Thanks for the picture, never realized Carol was that much younger than you. Make sure you keep the post up about your Bowl movements, most interesting!
Good Luck Chris, your in our prayers.
Paul Brossier
What a good idea…this blog!
If there’s anything I can do to help you and Carol, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
A positive attitude is the only way!
Hugs from your fellow fighter.
Thanks, Chris, for sharing your journey. All best thoughts to you.
I love you Chris as in I love YOU Kenny
Ditto what everyone else has said. I think a blog is perfect for whatever random thoughts and energy you have, whenever you have them . And apparently you also get an administrator! Nice to know so many friends and family (and cats) are rooting for you, both of you, sending good wishes and love all the time.
Do you get the 4th off as a holiday? 😉 love, HA
Thx for doing this Chris. Appreciate it and thinking positive thoughts
Good Luck. You are in Our Prayers
Good job Chris! Sending love from beautiful Tahoe. I hope you are feeling ok! Love, Ann
Hey Chris, never done a blog before. A grog yes.lol good thoughts and lots of love coming from the Zanes.
Uncle Chris,
Happy to hear you have a kickass attitude! Always know you have a huge and loving family beside you to kick that ass when you’re feeling pooped. Keep the faith and the fight!
Love, Jer & Claire
Christopher….I like the blog & look forward to following your recovery….who knows maybe the radiation/chemo will “blast” the tumor away!!
Happy 4th Chris and Carol! Love the blog idea and if it’s anything like your poetry, sure to be entertaining. Keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers.
You and Carol shall overcome this hurdle because of your positive attitude. We love you, Connie and Ronnie