Trust me, I’m glad you’re all still here

Now that five years has come and gone it’s awful ironic how so many things have changed and that I had a series of posts related to the “change” in my life. I have caught myself looking in the mirror taking time to reflect and yes talk to myself, I swear I not that crazy, well….only a little and isn’t life is much more interesting that way. Although the physical being staring back at me hasn’t changed that much, on the inside a lot sure has. I have learned, sometimes the hard way what’s important inside. Like the disease that has infected many parts of the interior organs I have learned to acknowledge it’s (they) are there. However just like the medicine I’m administered I choose to keep those at bay and simply remove myself. In medical terms they and the cancer become non-functioning in my life. With zero facks to give I just don’t care, many more great humans deserve that oh so precious commodity “Time”. People sometimes say that all you need is a few close friends and your life is full. Sure, I won’t argue with that, but I have my own thoughts. I’m fortunate to have much more than a few, some I have managed to hang onto since public and high school. They are some of my most reliable partners in crime the type whether a week, months or even years goes by the moment we gather it was like there was never a gap at all. The love that we share for each other is sometimes bent, but never broken. When times go to shit, simply need a hand or during life’s greatest moment they are always there to share that time with.

Along my life and different places lived and worked through the pre-cancer years I’ve met many great souls as well. Tight bonds form when common ground and inside jokes become part of life. Making long shifts, household fixes or a beer by the fire, so simple things much more enjoyable.

A Fresh Start

Well, once again you haven’t heard from your favourite blogger in quite some time and the two paragraphs above were from two months prior. While I see where I was going with that and mean everything I wrote I’ll have to get back to the thoughts at a different time as a lot has changed since we last touched base here. For those of you that have reached out to see where or how’ve I been it means a lot and to know many of you worry about me is humbling (yes, I use that word a little to much, but it fits.) The last couple months have been full, busy and yes my life keeps on changing…let’s say evolving. There is quite a bit to talk about, so we won’t go ahead and put it all down it one post. Yes, Yes I’ll do better at being regular at my posting, but when life switches up on you it takes some time to adapt and also make sure the content is still grabbing your attention and is up to my standards (always my own worst critic). That being said let’s get going here again and try this writing thing and see if I still got it.

Change of Scenery

For some time now I’ve hinted or basically out right told you that I had asked for a transfer of care. With my former Oncologist moving out west I was getting my scans and results done by fill in doctors while Brantford searched for another permanent replacement. Speaking with my Doctor of five years I asked him to just go ahead and see if I could be referred to London, that was back in December. Usually in the cancer world these requests are normally done pretty quick, however in March I found myself back in Brantford under the CT scan machine and two weeks later a follow up with another Doctor. Not exactly where I wanted to be, but I was receiving very good care and the doc (to his credit) was very interested in my case and spent about 15 minutes discussing it with me. As NET cancer becomes more common younger oncologists seem to be taking a real interest in it, which to me is a great step forward into better understanding my disease.

A few days after that appointment, which I believe I gave you all the results in a past post a letter appeared in the mail. It was confirmation that my transfer of care was complete and I had an appointment with the Oncologist in London that I had requested…”Yes!” I had the privilege of meeting this Doctor last year while getting a second opinion and enjoyed his company and demeanour while we briefly chatted. The date was scheduled for April 15th, Victoria Hospital is set up much different than what I was used to. A- it’s of coarse much bigger and able to deal with many more people with complex cancers. B- my blood was taken (again) an hour before my appointment, so no more going in for lab work only to drive back two weeks later for results. They are already on the Doctors screen when I arrived in his office..win. To sit and wait in such a bigger in environment really gives you the understanding of how incredibly massive the problem of cancer is. So many people (if you people watch) for what is seemingly so many different backgrounds. Really tells you this disease doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, black or white it only cares about attempting to destroy your life. Maybe we can all learn a lesson from this, we are truly all equal as humans and nobody is immune. Funny how the thought of a life altering disease could be used to bring people together? Why can’t it just happen naturally? It leaves me shaking my head.

So, back to me, after the bloodwork is done again the wait starts to be called into see the oncologist. Surprisingly enough it’s only an hour (which the scheduling said) we are led to his office and as per the norm a nurse asks her routine questions, how do you feel mentally and physically? Any symptoms? Fatigue? All of the regulars. Oh, shit, wait, did I say we? Interesting, but let’s wait for another post. Besides who knows what I mean? Let’s just say although I asked to be moved to London back last year in a strange way the timing of it all was impeccable. My new Oncologist sat across from me and once again introduced himself, he’s a well spoken, kind man with an infectious positive attitude and a great first name. Talked over my treatment plans, which haven’t changed, told me my bloodwork was normal and everything looked good, then lined up my next scan. The best part…he agreed the pee jug is an inconclusive test and he only wants it done once a year instead of four times, another big win.

I left the hospital feeling very comfortable with my choice to move, although nothing has changed in my diagnosis it feels like the next level. Probably based mainly on the sheer size and volume of people in this hospital. My drive has been cut by twenty minutes and my treatment or injections have also been moved to the city of London. So, any of you reading this from the area give me a shout I’d love to come by and visit and say hi, especially if it’s been a while. Well, I’m going to leave it as this for now. There is much more to write about and my goal now is to be sure to find the time to continue this blog and more videos. Life just sometimes gets hectic and unpredictable (for very good reasons). Be assured I’m very happy in my life and the changes to come will all be very positive. All my readers are extremely important to me as you have followed along on this rollercoaster ride of a journey. Thanks for taking the time to read, please subscribe, comment and like if you enjoys the content, anything I could do to improve is always welcome as well. I have miss missed you all and wish you well. Be back soon!