Targeting Charmin

     It's August 21, 2013.  I'm sitting in a room at the University Inn adjacent to the Emory University Hospital.  I've been up since before 5:00 am with lots of thoughts wandering the myriad spaces of my mind.  I've chosen to begin this blog to allow those who are interested to follow along on my (ours really because Muggy is definitely a part of this too!) journey that I never even remotely considered a possibility.
     I've got cancer.  That's one of those statements that no one ever wants to make, but, sadly, there seems to be more and more of it in our world today.  My cancer was/is in my tonsils.  I say was as the tonsils were removed on July 29th.  So, the tonsils are gone, but now begins the radiation and chemotherapy.
     A lot of folks, friends and family, are aware of this situation and I can say that it is absolutely amazing to consider the throng that surrounds me in support, thoughts and prayers.  My intent in creating this blog is to provide a place where anyone who cares to can catch up with what's currently happening, or can learn the chronology of these circumstances.
     Muggy and I traveled here to Winship Cancer Center yesterday for an appointment with the radiation oncologist, Dr. Kristin Higgins.  Emory University Hospital is an incredible complex of medical technology and innovation....and it can be a very, very confusing place.  Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately for me, I've become very familiar with these surroundings.  We spent a lot of time here 2 1/2 years ago when Muggy's lupus flared.  Now we're back for my care.
     As I sat in the waiting room yesterday, I was provided a new perspective on one's circumstances.  Yes, I'm here because I have throat cancer and it might be really easy to settle down into feeling bad and simply saying "why me?"  But, I'm not going to do that.  The primary reason for my determination to not lapse into remorse is I know the God that I serve and I am determined that through this He will be glorified.  But yesterday I was given a new perspective.
     As I waited to be called into the examination room, I overheard a conversation from a couple talking to another patient.  The wife has a tumor the size of a lemon on her brain.  With treatment her prognosis is a five year life expectancy.  She's in her late 40's.  They don't have health insurance and her medications alone are about $10,000/month!!  OMG!  What have I got to feel sorry about.
     The recovery rate for the cancer I have is 90%.  I've got wonderful health insurance.  I'm seeing some of the best doctors in the world.  My otolarnygologist (never knew that word until a few months ago!! Most of us call them ENT doctors) has told me that he fully expects my cancer to be cured.
     So, after being called into the exam room and the nurse had taken vitals, she said Dr. Marcus (fifth year radiation oncology resident) would be in and then, Dr. Higgins would be in after that.  Dr. Marcus arrived a few minutes later and he looked like a fellow that should be on the cover of Gentlemen's Quarterly magazine!  Very pleasant and knowledgeable as he went through the history of how we got to where we are and a brief examination of my throat.  He departed and said he'd be back with Dr. Higgins.
     Now understand, we had been given a handout with Dr. Higgins biography and a picture.  Very pretty young woman, but I have to admit thinking the picture probably was a very flattering photo.  Wow!  Was I wrong!  When Dr. Higgins came in I was struck with how beautiful she is...no kidding!  And knowledgeable, friendly, desiring to be helpful and put our fears and concerns at rest as best she could.  (In conversation later, Muggy said it was like we were in an episode of "Punked" or some reality show like that.  She was waiting for the host to yell "punked!" as the two models who were portraying doctors would step out and the fat, old gray-haired doctor would come in!  For now we have our Doctors Barbie and Ken!)
     Anyway, it was an informative and (strange word for a doctor's appointment) entertaining session. I will likely begin radiation therapy the day after Labor Day.  The therapy regime will last for seven weeks.  There will be a lot of pain, lots of meds and lots of lost weight (a benefit in the midst of the other negatives!).
     We are starting down a path that will prove to be long and arduous.  I am saying now I'm ready for anything, but I know too that there will likely be days I get pretty fed up and overwhelmed.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers please.
     Today we go to Emory Midtown to meet with the medical oncologist (Chemo doctor) for his insights and instructions.  I will also experience a CT simulation.  As I understand it now, it's the creation of a mask for the radiation treatments to ensure the spot is accurately targeted.  More to follow.  Thanks for reading!!