The Lewis County Herald - 11/22/22

The next step in my journey has taken us to the oncologist for an initial visit.

Tammy met me at the facility entrance and we donned the required face masks before taking an elevator ride to his office.

We reviewed the past three months, since my diagnosis, with special attention to the pathology report following the surgery to remove my colon.

The prognosis, he said, is promising and suggested an experimental blood test that will compare cancer cells taken from the mass that was removed in the September 27 surgery with cells currently floating around in my blood stream.

If there are matching cancer cells found remaining in my body, we will address an appropriate treatment at that time.

If not, we’ll regularly monitor with the intent of catching any sign of cancer before it has an opportunity to establish and spread.

The test requires three vials of my blood which are sent to a lab for the comparison testing.

Prior to my surgery, there was never an issue with collecting my blood. I have donated regularly at blood drives for the Red Cross and Central Kentucky Blood Center. My blood type, they tell me, is desirable and I receive personal reminders whenever reserves are low or they are collecting nearby.

The first issue I noticed with blood collection was one week before my surgery when the nurse made several attempts at locating a vein. A cooperative capillary was eventually found by a lab tech who was summoned for the task.

Each blood draw since then has resulted in multiple attempts before success is achieved.

The required sample at the oncologist’s office was as difficult to acquire as those other attempts but the desired amount was eventually obtained.

The test results are expected in about five weeks and a follow-up visit has been scheduled to review the findings.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

I’ve had plenty more learning opportunities since I sat down to write my last update.

I had been having some issues with the ostomy appliance I’ve been using and have been swapping it out more often than recommended.

At Tammy’s insistence, I contacted a couple of other device suppliers and spoke with knowledgable representatives who gladly sent samples of their products that may be more suited to my situation.

I look forward to trying them out to see if the issues I have been experiencing are improved.

I have also received some very useful tips from “ostomates” who have been following my journey and found solutions to some of the issues I’ve encountered and shared some steps to help things go more smoothly.

We have traveled in the past week and the TSA security checks at airports went smoothly.

Tammy planned the entire trip so close proximity to available restrooms was always the case.

With some special planning and care, we encountered no issues and had an enjoyable and relaxing few days before getting back to a more regular work schedule.

I’ve been medically released to return to a “limited duty” schedule and look forward to getting back into my work routines.

I’ve always been a morning person and, even if I’m up late the night before, I am awake by 4:00 a.m.

NEW TESTING OPPORTUNITY

My cancer was discovered early. Not because I had any symptoms, and there was no family history. It was a regular screening and routine colonoscopy when the mass in my colon was discovered (stage II adenocarcinoma).

Last week I learned of a new colorectal cancer screening that allows pharmacists to dispense non-invasive test kits to those who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. (See the story elsewhere in this week’s edition.)

A Frankfort pharmacy was the first to offer the screening, making Kentucky the first state to offer the procedure.

I urge everyone to take advantage of health screenings, especially those recommended for your age group and risk categories.

The screenings can detect problems early when chances for successful treatment are greatest.

I am thankful and appreciative for all of the thoughts and prayers on our behalf. I give thanks to God for His blessings and for answered prayers.

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