Statistics are just statistics, declared our oncologist, when pushed by us after a not so good CT scan Friday. But he added that “statistically” I have anywhere from three months to a year to live, depending on whether the chemo I just began is effective in slowing or stopping the cancer spread and growth.
He also reminded us I came into treatment healthy and physically strong from a lifetime of very healthy living. Although other types of chemotherapy have not led to a cure and this final chemo treatment is far from a sure thing, it has worked to slow — even stop — growth and spread in a few patients.
I feel fairly well most of the time after 31 months of treatment. My greatest recent adjustment has been going to 24-hour oxygen two months ago. However, Bud and I continue to go places and try to live a somewhat normal life with the help of portable oxygen units.
And we plan to continue doing exactly what we always have done — cherish each other, our devoted, loving family and our friends, as we enjoy those special ordinary days, and visits and calls that make life worth living.
