Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Roller Coaster

First of all, I do not have cancer.

That's not a lead sentence one reads a lot. Nor is it one I thought would even be necessary to write. But, being new at this, I thought I might go ahead and get that out of the way in case what comes next isn't clear about whether or not I have cancer.

You see, I was recently diagnosed with cancer. Turns out the diagnosis was wrong. But, for a while there, I didn't know that. So, it's been an interesting time lately. Interesting indeed.

Since the winter, I've been fighting all kinds of aggravations related to health in one way or another. I've not come back from fighting colds like I used to. I've been sore a lot. I've been tired a lot. And then there have been difficulties that I won't go into, but I knew that something just wasn't right.

I'm not going to suggest that you click on this link to see the symptoms of colorectal cancer, but suffice it to say that I have experienced all the symptoms ... except "unexplained weight loss." My fat ass ain't lost no weight. And maybe the "anemia."

But the rest of the symptoms were something I have been experiencing for some months now. Yes, months. You see, I didn't want to see the doctor about it. If I went and nothing was wrong, I was wasting money. If I went and something was wrong, I just paid someone money to tell me bad news.

Okay, I know that's stupid. But that's how I am. I'm stupid, okay? So, after several months of these discomforts, I finally went to see the doctor. And he told me I had colon cancer.

Being told you have cancer is, I suppose, something only someone who's been in that situation could experience. And I didn't like the experience. No, not one little bit.

The doctor scheduled me a visit with a surgeon. He said the surgeon would perform a little procedure (click here if you really, really want to know about it; I sure didn't) that would be able to remove some tissue. If small enough, actual removal of the cancer. If larger, a sample for biopsy.

For a couple of different reasons, the doctor rescheduled me with a different surgeon who could see me at an earlier date. First visit would be me meeting the surgeon and finding out about the procedure. Second visit would be the procedure. The first visit was last week. The procedure was this week (Monday).

They gave me some really good (or at least, effective) drugs. I remember lying there and closing my eyes. Then I remember a pattern of small white and yellow boxes. Then I was awake. Turns out the pattern of small white and yellow boxes was what one of the people in the room wore during the procedure. So I must have opened my eyes. I bet I know when!

I wasn't present for the doctor's post-procedure discussion. Well, I was there, but I wasn't there. The wife said that the doctor said I did not have cancer. And that I could eat real food again. Including animal parts.

Next week, I go back and see the doctor again. I don't know what he'll tell me. But something is causing these symptoms I'm still experiencing.

But it's not cancer.

Oh, by the way, I've been wearing on my wrist, for about a year now, a yellow "LiveStrong" band. A friend of mine I met at the Catfish games last year is a cancer survivor. And Chris (his real name) is a joy to know. He told me about the WearYellow.com and LiveStrong.org Web sites, and asked me to wear the band and to purchase some. So I did.

So, now I'm asking you. I'm not a cancer survivor. But I have family members who are. And I have friends who are. And there are some really special bloggers I know who are. So, I'm asking you to support the fight against cancer. If you don't know of a way to help, visit one of those sites and buy a $1 band and wear it.

And, it might be a good idea to get yourself checked for cancer. You can get some information about that at WebMD.

11 comments:

  1. I am very happy to hear it is not cancer. I have dealt with that in my family and wish it on no one. I hope they find what it is soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad to hear the good news. Hope you do find out what the problem is and it's something simple to fix.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Mean Sister (who if 5'6")June 30, 2005 at 3:24 AM

    That is a relief!! Now go find out what is wrong and get yo'self fixed!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am relieved to know it is not cancer, and wish you better very soon!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a story. The upside is that you come to realize what really is important.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is good to hear, Sir basil, that you do not have cancer. I hope that whatever is ailing you turns out to be not serious. Prayers are with you and your family.

    I actually have a bunch of the Live Strong bands, but, I will be happy to buy another one.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fight cancer: Buy a bracelet

    Basil survives a cancer scare but urges everyone to do something to fight cancer.So, now I'm asking you. I'm not a cancer survivor. But I have family members who are. And I have friends who are. And there are some really special bloggers I know who are. S

    ReplyDelete
  8. To all:
    Thanks to each of you for the kind words and support. It's much appreciated. Sorry for not responding earlier. I was out of town today, but it's great to get all these messages of support. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

Please choose a Profile in "Comment as" or sign your name to Anonymous comments. Comment policy