Happy New Year Dear Friends!

Dear Friends of Bob:

I thought I would share what I intend to be the last update on my health at least for a long time.  And for all good reasons.   I dont know how many of you are still getting notifications from Caring Bridge, but here goes.

Earlier this month I had a chest CT scan and an abdominal MRI.  All is clear.  The once concerning liver adenoma has not grown in these years, and is now dismissed as anomalous.  I also had a colonoscopy, just one polyp.  The big picture:  I am now three years out from my major surgery.  The statistics say that clearing the three year hurdle with stage four colon cancer is a big deal, significantly lowering (but of course never eliminating) the risk of recurrence. 

But wait there is more -- as of December 29 which fittingly would have been my father’s 101st birthday:   They did a new test that scans blood for tumor DNA.  My oncologist has told us multiple times that just because no tumors are seen on scans or in colonoscopies, doesn’t mean that tumor cells aren’t in my system communicating on social media and discussing the next attack.   Well the new result was a shutout.  0.  All would be tumor cells thrown out by Roberto Clemente at home or sacked by Mean Joe Greene.  Really terrific because despite the fantastic scans, Dr. Shah said based on my history to prepare for a positive (i.e. negative) test result.  A year from now, all these tests will be repeated, and a year after that, and so on.  At some point the tide could turn again, but there is no reason to think that will happen anytime soon.

I guess I should add that I am damaged.   Down a colon section, half a thyroid and one kidney barely if at all functioning.  The lasting effects of two years of chemo dozens of surgical procedures and enough prescriptions to open a pharmacy.   And the PTSD I described in the last update.  It still visits me regularly in strange and frustrating ways.  I guess I have to live with that, but the key word there is live!  Four years ago when this all started, who knew where it was going.

So that is hopefully your final update!   It is a cliche I know, but it is not possible to describe my gratitude for all of your kindness and support over these trying years!  Paraphrasing Its A Wonderful Life, I am wealthy with family and friends. 

And now I return you to your regularly scheduled New Years preparations. Fittingly, a visit from Covid Claus will have Saint Vivian and I toasting with the finest 2023 Paxlovid.

Happy New Year! 

Love Bob