THRIVE

Paul's Daily Dose - Medical update

Good news!

 

As you know from my previous post, my tests came back positive for tumor growth.  Since then, I have had additional tests, I have received the definitive results.  Defying the odds, these new tumors are NOT a recurrence of GIST!  I have another growth; they're called fibromatosis or desmoid tumors. 

 

 

Desmoid tumors are somewhere in between truly benign tumors and the malignant tumors. Desmoids are not truly benign because they are locally aggressive, but they do not metastasize like malignant cancers. Long story short – Desmoids don’t grow like metastatic cancers but can cause associated problems due to their size and location.  As mine are inoperable, they are just going to monitor.

 

To quote Gary Schwartz, one of my amazing doctors:  "Paul, you dodged a bullet."  Needless to say I am very fortunate.  Thanks to everyone for your support. 

 

Thrive on,

Paul

Paul's Daily Dose - Medical update

Howdy,

 

To steal a line from Elton John, “The Bitch is Back!”

Yes, I am very sorry to report that my cancer has once again has shown its’ ugly face. 

A week ago, I had a PT/CT scan and got the disturbing news: “We saw something we don’t like”. 

 It’s a refrain you never get used to.   

The scans showed multiple growths in the abdomen that were not present 3 months ago. Subsequent tests confirm that my cancer has mutated and is now resistant to my current drug therapy.  As I have said so many times before, I have the BEST team of doctors and I am confident they will come up with a new “cancer cocktail”, as surgery is not an option. I know that they are going to do everything possible and you know that I will fight with everything I have.  I did not pick this fight with cancer, but it’s a battle I will win.

As a cancer Thriver, I have learned to count the victories, not the setbacks.  Last year, I finished the NYC marathon for the second time, and the PMC for the 11th.  This year, I hope to complete my 12th PMC, but may need to compete in a different sort of marathon between now and then.

 As always, I will draw more strength than you can imagine from the support my friends my original diagnosis, and for that I remain eternally grateful.

 Thriving is a mindset in which one is careful to avoid regrets and embrace opportunity at every corner.  Yes, cancer is back, and that sucks, but things could be worse:  I could have allowed the illness to keep me away from the marathons, the triathlons and the PMC.  I could have let the disease change me.  Instead, I have, and will continue to do my best, to define what it means to be a cancer Thriver.

I Thirve on,

Paul