Girls taking advantage of an early swim season
With surgery approaching, my anxiety levels have increased quite a bit. I know that I’m in the best possible hands and doing what I need to do, but it’s still scary.
The weird part is that I don’t think I understood the gravity of my situation until I met with the surgeon. You’d think that 12 weeks of chemo would have opened my eyes. Sitting with the surgeon, we meticulously inspected my CT scans. Obviously, we were pleased to not see any other cancer in my body, but I did get a very close look at the tumor I have in my body.
Testicular cancer is very predictable. It originates in the testicle, spreads to the lymph nodes near my kidney, then to the lungs and brain. My cancer only went to one lymph node and did not spread beyond that. Chemo has done 70% of the job and surgery will finish it.
So here is where I’m at. My surgeon is very talented and with the Mayo Clinic. The procedure will be done robotically using a machine called the Da Vinci Surgical System. The surgery is minimally invasive and I should have a pretty quick recovery.
In preparation for the surgery, I must see a pulmonologist to ensure that my lungs are healthy enough for surgery. This should be fine considering I ran three miles over the weekend and just did 30 minutes of cardio at lunch today. After I get the all-clear on my lungs, I will go through a complete physical exam by the Mayo Clinic in preparation for surgery. After that I will meet with my hypnotist to get my head straight and to better deal with the anxiety. Surgery will follow on Monday April 16th.
It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself when you have cancer, But, I keep asking myself, if not me, then who? My dad? My brother? Someone else I love?
No way. I’m glad it chose me.
By Camille Harris April 3, 2012 - 2:01 am
Marc, I am an OR surgical nurse and I work with the Da Vinci Robot. I have seen many many successes with this procedure. You are a strong healthy man and you will sail through this surgery.
God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Camille
By Penny April 3, 2012 - 4:11 am
Good luck. You are in my prayers.
By Melanie Johnston April 3, 2012 - 5:36 am
Must be daunting to stare back at your enemy on the CT scan. But just like all those opponents you beat during your esteemed college wrestling career, you have it weakened and ready for a takedown.
By Erin April 3, 2012 - 5:40 am
Sending lots of love your way, Marc!
By Justin Long April 3, 2012 - 11:26 am
Marc,
You have handled this situation like a true champion, a wrestling champion that is. Head on, constantly pushing forward and never backing down. You are a true inspiration to many. Go kick this surgeries ass and our family will be praying for you.
By Donna Gibson April 3, 2012 - 2:40 pm
Much support and love to you and the family!
I am always here if you all need anything.
By Roger Williams April 3, 2012 - 6:20 pm
Marc -
I see this as another bout with a challenger who has no chance against you. As you put it before in terms of your wrestling prowess – you will work harder, and you will win.
Best,
Roger Williams
By sam April 3, 2012 - 10:46 pm
Hi Roger! It is great to see you are still tuned in. This is just snother “bump in the road” for Marc. He is doing great and will do fine with this operation. We all appreciate your kind thoughts and words.
By Jill Aycock April 3, 2012 - 9:58 pm
Praying for peace and a quick recovery!!!! Love from Texas
By johnefaber April 4, 2012 - 1:44 am
Well I think it is really normal to be queasy about surgery, I have had a couple and it is natural to feel freaked out about someone prodding around. They stuck a tube down my neck and had to chisel my spine apart to stick cadeavor bones in there. I would have no use of my arms had I not had this surgery and who knows if they slipped and hit the spinal cord, I’d be a quad. The one thing that was tremendously calming was my surgeon had gone to the same school as my Cousin Antoinette Mattia. Her words of how good a school USF was rang in my head and I felt assured. I was in good hands.
I sense the bravery, but the Mayo, you should be very confident as well; keep doing your part- taking care of yourself and doing things you want done. Make those calls, talk to those people and feel at rest, your decision and care is your part. It’s up to the team you chosen and have inspired, yes you have there best wishes as well as ours. When you wake you won’t be done there will be a long road ahead that I am sure your wanting to do. Your only in the beginning stages you have so much more to go. Keep it up.
By Brad April 5, 2012 - 5:55 am
Boss,
You are almost to the finish line. The worst is over and no these last couple of steps will finish this once and for all. Looking forward to GREAT things ahead!!!
Thanks so much for all you have done for me and my family. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
Brad
By Adriana Garza April 24, 2012 - 3:54 pm
My prayers continue to be with you. You inspire me to be strong . God bless you.