Happy anniversary?

So, today is the first anniversary of the day I found out I had cancer -- July 29, 2008.

Back then, I had no idea the treatment would last so long (ignorance truly is bliss).

After my diagnosis, I spent the month of August getting various tests: colonoscopy (even though I had had one two years before), chest X-ray, Pap, mammogram, and CAT scan, to name a few. They were all intended to discover if the cancer had spread (all were clear, thank God).

Also that month I found a top-notch surgeon at the primo hospital in St. Louis: Barnes-Jewish. Dr. F. was suggested by a doctor my sister-the-nurse works with. He's the head of his department, a professor, and one of those guys who contributes to medical textbooks, so I feel like I've been in good hands (surgically speaking) ...

My actual treatment started in September, and I think that's when the radiation guy (also world-class) discovered the cancer in my left lymph nodes. I went through five weeks of radiation and 24/7 chemo (yes, that's when "Fanny" and I started our relationship) and got horrible mouth sores the last couple weeks of treatment (and lost 15 pounds 'cause eating was too painful).

Surgery was Jan. 5, and my six months of post-surgery chemo started a few weeks later.

Now, here I am, with one treatment left ... Happy anniversary ...

Until next time ...
P