The Lewis County Herald 10-24-23

Since my last installment, I’ve passed another milestone. A visit to the hospital for a CT scan and review by my oncologist.

The CT scan results were compared with results from six months earlier, and about six months before that.

Tammy and I traveled to Mt. Sterling where we met with Dr. Scott Pierce to review the results of the CT scan taken a couple of days before.

We received good news. One of the primary indicators he was checking had to do with how my remaining lymph nodes looked. If you recall, the surgeon removed a bunch of them (23) along with my colon on September 27 last year.

The doctor said the scan reflected normal-sized lymph nodes that are stable.

The doctor who interpreted the results noted several other observations about what the scan, enhanced by the ingestion of a berry flavored barium laced beverage, revealed about what was left of my insides.

He commented in the detailed report that the majority of my organs are “normal” and added there is “no evidence of metastatic disease.” No indication that the cancer had spread.

Dr. Pierce reviewed some statistics for us. 

At this point, he said, the likelihood of recurrence for my cancer is about 20 percent. In another year the chances of that cancer showing up again drop to less than eight percent.

If the next two scans, at six month intervals, are clear, we’ll reduce the frequency of those check-ups.

My next follow-up with the surgeon? In three years.

A year ago, as I was recovering from that first surgery, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to plan anything that far in the future.

There is no doubt that prayers have been answered. We are thankful for each and every prayer said and ask for continued prayers and positive thoughts. 

We are truly blessed.

If you missed any installments, or would like to go back and review my record of this journey (as I frequently do) visit www.denniskbrown.com.

We frequently hear from those who have followed along on this journey. The positive comments reaffirm our decision to share the details of our experiences, chronicling whatever turns we encounter. 

In that first installment, that appeared in The Herald on the day of my first surgery, I wrote that “with most stories, when I begin writing I already know the important details and the outcome, and have a pretty good outline of the whole thing in my head.”

With this story, I didn’t. I hope there are many more chapters to share.

I’ve written this part before. It’s important. If you haven’t already (and you’re in the category), get tested. If you have colon cancer, catch it early, eradicate it, and be a survivor. 

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