As some of you know, I was diagnosed with an aggressive bladder cancer this past summer. I had no symptoms and was thus taken completely by surprise. What is more, the biopsy showed stage 3 development and a CAT Scan suggested the possibility of some metastasis. I entered a very rigorous schedule of chemotherapy which I began to think might well kill me before the cancer had a chance to complete its mission! I have been very ill, and miserable for the past 6 months.
Imagine then, my disbelief when I was given the result of a new CAT Scan, performed last week.
My Oncologist and the Radiologist, both reported that there is no sign of cancer, anywhere...
Every organ is clear.
My first question, of course, was, "Are you sure that there has been no mistake? Is that MY CAT Scan?"
How do you adjust from carefully preparing yourself, and all of your loved ones, for your impending and miserable death, to a declaration that you are cured? Why have I been the recipient of this particular medical marvel?
I do know that aside from the diagnosis of cancer, my health was extraordinarily good. None of the burdens of aging seem to have touched me. My blood pressure is 122/68, no diabetes, no arthritis, low cholesterol, the functioning heart of a 20 year old... The sound New England stock of my father, married to the health and stamina of my Creole mother, have always made me immune to the travails of regular mortals. I have gorgeous hair, clear skin, and a well proportioned figure. I never went to doctors because I never got sick. No colds, no flu, no nothing.
So you may see why I had no health insurance. I even begrudged the withholding of Medicare payments from my Social Security Insurance checks! Well, Medicare paid over $80,000 for my treatments (I paid $8,500) and that system kept me alive. I will never complain about Medicare. Never again.
Anyway, I was not prepared for a diagnosis of cancer, and I am having a great deal of difficulty dealing with the diagnosis of "All Clear".
I go back for a follow up CAT Scan in March to verify that none of the little bastards have escaped detection. But, for now, I am not dying, I do not need to label my possessions for distribution, and I can look forward to 3 months of not having vicious toxins pumped into my blood stream.
I can eat. My hair may grow back. I may even be able to put on a few pounds to fill that sack of wrinkles that is my skin.
It has been a very Merry Christmas!!
And to all of you still facing the "C Word", have hope. Modern medicine can, indeed, perform miracles.