Oncology

Tom met with Dr. Campbell today. They went over the results of Tom's scan in April, which were clean. Dr. Campbell also talked about somostatin therapy. At this time he feels that there is no reason for this treatment. He will continue to monitor Tom's scans and calcitonin levels. If there is any indication that the cancer has returned, they will start this therapy. As far as he is concerned, for today, Tom is cancer free. As we left the Dr.'s office we could see heavy smoke rising above Grand Rapids. Tom said something big must be burning. We turned on the radio in the car and horrified to hear that Aeromed had crashed into Tom's hospital. Tom was worried that someone he knew may have been killed. We were relieved to hear that the pilot and his passenger were able to escape onto the roof of the hospital before the helicopter blew up.

Tom will have to return to Ann Arbor in July for another follow-up appointment with his surgeon and of course blood work. He just can't get out of there without getting poked once. During the July visit we will make his appointment for his next Octreotide scan which we anticipate to be scheduled sometime in September.

Tom is otherwise feeling well. He is staying busy with school and work. He got a little break last week when his friend Dan was in Detroit and invited him over for a Tigers game. They had great seats. Tom had to get up early the next morning to be at work by 9:00 a.m. and was dragging all day, but I could tell by the excitement of his voice that it was worth it. Kyle has decided to take up golf so the boys have been hitting the driving range. Tom was happy that he was able to swing a club (thanks to all the physical therapy). Unfortunately it has not improved his golf swing as he was hoping for.

I thought I would leave you with this poem that Tom found and shared with me:

Paranoia
© Copyright by Linda Nielsen
I know I have aches and pains,I've had them both for years.
But now each brings a panic,and a fresh new set of fears.
If I even feel a tiny bump no matter of its size,
I feel my cancer has come back,to claim another prize.
Fear is with me all the time,it haunts me night and day.
To think this batch of cells gone wrong,just yet might get their way.
The doctors nod when I dash in,and send me on my way.
Assuring me that once again,I'm really here to stay.
For in a car I could crash,or get stung by a killer bee.
Maybe take a header down some stairs,this all could happen to me.
I have to learn that dangers lurk,and recurrence is but one.
But not worrying over trivial things,is easier said than done.
Having lived through such a scare,it's hard NOT to be afraid.
For if they'd only say I'm cured,I'd really have it made.
I know in time this will subside,my worries should be less.
Life for me will once again,be filled with happiness