Well a 2nd recurrence. The prognosis for success is dropping. I do not know to what level, and I don't care to ask. The colo-rectal tumor has reappeared right next to the part of the colon the previous two surgeries occurred. It is small, 2.5 X 3.5 cm, about the size of half of my small finger nail. It has not spread, but seems to be contained.
It is in an area that does not lend itself well to further traditional surgery. There is so much scar tissue from the radiation and previous surgeries that the doctors feel a heightened risk of creating a fatal bleed if they go in there again.
Right now I am taking further chemo to reduce the size of the tumor and buy us time to search for alternative. There are several. There is a new technology called nano-knife that uses small electrodes implanted in the tumor to collapse and destroy the cells which are then reabsorbed by the body. However, it is new technology and doesn't have much history.
I am to meet with a cancer surgeon in Little Rock sometime soon, I hope. He also expressed concern over the surgery, but is willing to talk with me. What I want to really explore is what is possible and what the efficacy is? It is a small tumor. I've had two unsuccessful surgeries and would like it clean up so I can get on with a cancer free life for some years.
I originally would like to have beaten my dad's life span of 94 years. I've shortened that. Ten more years would be great so I could experience the wonders and enjoyment of retirement and living with my lovely wife Terry. I'd also get to see my grandchildren grow. That is very important to me.
In the meantime am trying to take one day at a time. I do find my mind wondering if I'll be here next year, or the next year. I worry about that, but I am adjusting and just trying to enjoy the work I have to do today, the sun and the breeze and the afternoon pleasantries with my lovely wife. So goes this life.
