Nothing says "optimism" like a happy golden.
Ok, here we are again, claiming victory. This time we really mean it.
I've had lots of advice from people since my diagnosis of testicular cancer. The most frequent advice is to take it one day at a time. I'm starting to understand it now, because just when you think you've got cancer beat, it throws another curve ball at you.
For example, my oncologist Dr. James Choi, claimed victory after I was done with chemo(turned out he was right), but we had to wait six weeks for the results of a CT scan. The scan showed a tumor remaining so we had to go in and get it out. After my surgery on Monday, they had to test the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes that were removed and see if there was any cancer remaining. More agonizing waiting. If there was cancer detected, I would have had to go back for more surgery, and maybe more chemo, yikes.
The tumor ran about 5 inches down along my aorta and a few inches to the right along my renal artery. My surgeon, Dr Erik Castle of Mayo Clinic Phoenix, is a miracle worker. I should have lost a kidney over this, but he cleaned me up.
Fortunately, there is no remaining cancer. It's gone. Hopefully forever, but if not that's okay. I'll be ready for another fight if necessary. In the meantime, we're just taking it one day at a time.
Thanks again for the outpouring of support. We all did this together.
By Brad April 23, 2012 - 3:51 pm
Such amazing news and I’m blown away by how you and your family have handled yourselves through this entire process! May God continue to bless you and your family. Onward!
By Cousin Anthony (Toledo) April 25, 2012 - 3:40 am
God Bless Marc. Enjoy life each day and know that your extended family will be traveling with you along the way. Hugs and Kisses all the way around your family. Oh yeah, did you get your Montini special dinner yet?
Cousin Anthony and Peggy
By johnefaber April 27, 2012 - 5:06 am
WOW, along your aorta an renal together, no wonder your MOM was a freaken’ mess and it was hard for her to even explain. I guess they weren’t even sure about things, Doctors mostly are humans and have apprehensions and disappointments. So glad you weren’t a a a dissappointment, you have been living with this stuff and fighting it, you are one strong buck. Saw something on the machine they use for this kind of surgery and the whole human race is blessed to have such a thing, they chose well for their clients as well. I am sure not everyone gets to ride the DaVinci, sort to say.
Now time to get strong, stay health and always monitor, we will see you around soon I hope. Got a bunch of stuff to take care here, and a new gig at the power plant. See ya soon.
By Randy May 16, 2012 - 9:05 pm
Thought I’d check in on the blog while waiting for a render to finish and another to upload. You’re an inspiration to anyone who may have to go through this experience. Blessings to you and the girls for all being strong – I’m sure they fed off your strength. I may not have logged much talk time but the thoughts and prayers were never unaccounted for. Keep on keep’n on!