Radiation…Too Be or Not Too Be? The Final Answer is in

Hello again everyone I have noticed lately how fast time has been flying by and that it’s been a while since I’ve published anything. I’ve had plenty of appointments as of the last month, which has thrown a wrench into some of my planned canoeing trips, but I’ve been able to pivot (everyones favourite word since covid, not) and come up with some alternate plans. Which is a testament to my better half telling me to get out there, even if it’s not the original plan and role with the punches. Something I never used to to be very good at, but am starting to get adapted to and yes I did get out for another great solo adventure and have the video ready and will share here on the post.

Do I have a Final Answer yet about Treatment?

The short answer to this is yes I have an answer, but nothing is ever simple and I guess nor should it when dealing with a complex disease. After having to cut short my latest trip I raced home to be sure that I didn’t miss the phone call. Ya, I have a cell, like everyone, but news like this there’s only one place I want to be when I get it and that’s home. A week ago today, yes I’m sorry it took so long for me to get this out there, the specialist from London called and broke me the news. My case was reviewed for the second time and presented before the tumour board, this time with all the supporting documentation, including the most recent Gallium 68 scan. The call started with what everyone always wants to hear “Good News Stephen”. “After the second presentation in five weeks the board still finds that although there is more activity, the growth and/or spread just isn’t bad enough to move onto radiation treatment at this time. “So, go ahead with your summer plans for now you’re in the clear.”

It’s funny even with this good news I wasn’t completely happy about it, I had basically told myself that I was for sure getting this treatment and had completely psyched myself up for it. To hear the news, although very good news, I had kind of an energy dump, almost feeling a little let down, but only in that moment. After a good run and nights sleep that days I woke up the next day and really understood what had happened, I got my summer back and my body wasn’t going to have to under go any further treatment, I’m truly fortunate!! I will be followed by the specialist for about four to six months and have another routine scan in that time and if nothing changes, which he figures it won’t, I’ll be kicked back to my regular oncologist and continue on the same path I have for the past four and a half years. Until the time does come when I’ll be referred back to the specialist, hoping that will be years away. So a good news post just before the long weekend and I can now go about planning my very busy August and Fall schedule, coming up with content now to write about, as I was honesty figuring on writing about the treatment I was for sure thought was coming.

Although that was very good news I sit here still with the understanding things will still never be the same and will eventually change over time. My sore ass cheeks remind me of that as today was treatment day and those injections will never stop. I have been asked by many how I manage my disease and how I’m still able to be only on step one after what is close to five years of dealing with this now. The main reason is this cancer is slow moving and the Sandostatin injections must work well with my genetic make-up. Other reasons would be exercise, a very underrated and effective way to fight cancer; it’s the first thing my oncologist told me I should do for myself. I’d like to say my diet, while it’s not the worst there is definitely room for improvement. Being mindful and spending plenty of time outdoors is a big one, canoeing, hiking or whatever, also getting those shoes off and grounding myself while I’m out there, powerful healing comes from the earth itself you just have to believe. My blog and writing, along with reading and thirst for learning new things to help (try) to keep my mind sharp. One last important thing is the support my wife and kids always look and watch and find things that I may not even pick up on, whether it’s a tired body or when emotions get overwhelming they are there to listen. When they aren’t I speak regularly with a social worker the psychiatrist to have that third party, outside the family opinion and who are trained to speak and listen to cancer patients specifically. It’s a team effort and I definitely have a great team.

Thanks for reading and following along be sure to subscribe, comment and like. The same goes for my new YouTube channel, which if you’ve ever thought about what it would be like to camp in the bush and get back to nature I hope theses videos can give you a glimpse into what that’s like. If anyone is ever interested you know how to get a hold of me, trust me once you try it you’ll love it. Cheers!!