Up until today, I've been telling people individually about my cancer diagnosis mostly because we didn't have complete tests run on all aspects of the disease. As of earlier today, the final (biopsy) results are in and it turns out my seminoma from 2009 and 2011 has returned. I have three swollen lymph nodes larger than 1 cm. There are two in my neck I've nicknamed the twins (20mm and 17mm) and one (14mm) in my upper chest just behind my esophagus. I found the twins and after a CT scan earlier this week and a biopsy last Friday with final results today, the doctors have determined that it's all completely Seminoma (Testicular). Organ invasion is negative, which means my prognosis is very high.
There are enough successful treatment options for this type of cancer that managing long term side effects become more important in determining the particular course of treatment. These days, the choices are between BEP and EP. The 'B' in BEP is Bleomycin, which is known to cause irreversible lung disfunction in a non-insignificant percentage of patients. As post-chemo lifestyle is important, particularly continuing my athletics, I have opted to avoid the Bleo. Instead, I'm doing four cycles of EP. This does increase my lifetime chances of getting a nasty form of leukemia (from 1% to 1.33%), so it too is not without risks. Everything's a trade off.
Chemotherapy starts April 29th. Each cycle is three weeks (1 week infusions, 2 weeks rest). So, that's 10 weeks elapsed with a few months recovery. Checking the calendar, I'll have Chemo one week in each of the next four months (Apr 29, May 20, Jun 10, Jul 1). It's so nice of San Francisco to schedule some fireworks the night before my last infusion day. I'm hoping you all will celebrate with fireworks wherever you are, too.
To whatever extent possible, I will continue to exercise (run and CrossFit) through this period and rest when I can't. I have plenty to keep me busy, including getting a product launched for the company Rupesh and I are building.
In the meantime, for those of whom I've already told, thank you for your concern, advice and well wishes. Your support buoys me. If any of you have any doubt about me fighting through this and winning, I refer you to one of my favorite XKCD comics (yes, I had radiation treatments for my first recurrence in 2011).
2 comments:
No doubt at all.
You are an inspiration for us all Andrew. Thank you for being part of my life. May we both keep on truckin'!
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