The Checkered Flag…

12/8/22

It’s the final lap. We’re drafting and ready to make the pass. It’s go time! The inside lane opens up. We move into position and approach the final turn. The checkered flag is in site. The crowd waits in anticipation of the outcome. And that’s when the phone rings.

The test results are in and they’re not exactly what I was hoping for. I am not in remission. There are still tumors. It’s still difficult to pass stool. The blood work tests should be in by January.

My colon is now classified as diseased due to the damage the radiation treatment has caused. There’s still mucus discharge and apparently there always will be. There’s internal scarring. I bear through intense abdominal cramping and have difficulty passing anything remotely close to normal stool.

I said previously the results were not what I was expecting. I was really hoping for remission. Instead what I got was the term “Cancer Free!” This is greater then remission. This is the best possible news I could have received. The biopsies showed no traces of malignancy so the tumors which shrank are now benign. Best of all I get to keep my butt hole!

Cancer reared it’s ugly head and I presented the mirrored shield. Since I didn’t know what the outcome would be I continued to live my life as close as I could to how I would if things were normal. Even with a lifestyle my team frowned upon, I’m convinced it was my own personal drive that got me through this. It was the love and nurturing I received from my family. And it was the support I received from so many people in so many forms.

I’ll get with my team and find ways to control these permanent issues I now have. Regardless how uncomfortable they may be, it’s a small price to pay in the bigger picture of things. Once that is done and the blood work comes back I’ll be ready to return to the workforce. 2022 was the year of milestones. 2023 is the year I come back with a vengeance!

We make the pass and the checkered flag is waved. We’ve won the race! It’s time to celebrate! Let’s start by you leaving a GIF that describes the way you feel about the news. I’ll be stepping out this weekend to celebrate. Maybe I’ll see some of you as well. And even if I don’t always remember: WE DID IT!