Category: Health

On Friday, I had a CT scan and met with the oncologist today to discuss the results. This was the first scan since surgery on November 17, 2023 to remove a cancerous tumor. One of the pitfalls of modern technology is that I received the results over the weekend on an app before the doctor.

Aside from a few minor issues that are of no concern and weren’t even mentioned by the doctor, there was no evidence of cancer. Welcome news.

I’m hoping the results are as favorable after my first follow-up colonoscopy next month.

I had my first colonoscopy on November 1st and a large mass was found in the transverse colon at the splenic flexure. The biopsy identified it as invasive adenocarcinoma, a malignant cancer. On November 17th I had a laparoscopic partial colectomy to remove the diseased portion of the colon and surrounding lymph nodes. After a brief stay at the hospital, I was discharged on November 21st.

All lymph nodes tested negative and CT scans showed no metastases. It’s stage 2 colon cancer but because of the size of the tumor, listed in the colonoscopy report as a “partial obstruction”, the oncologist wants me to go through six months of chemotherapy. Because of other issues for which I have no energy to write about here, I lost all confidence or trust in this oncologist and I’m awaiting a referral to another doctor. I have no idea what happens next.

Update February 2024: I was referred to another oncologist in December. He determined that chemotherapy would do more harm than good and recommends periodic lab work and CT scans to monitor the situation. So far, so good. I hope.

Because why not?