Some Really Good News

Today was a good day. I got the results of the MRI of my liver, and it was confirmed that the spots are benign cysts. Then I had the long-awaited exam under anesthesia, and my surgeon seems optimistic that while the cancer did spread into my rectum from the polyp there (this was the first time he referred to the remaining cancer as a “tumor,” which was a little weird to hear), he thinks it will ultimately be removable such that I’ll need only a temporary — as opposed to permanent — colostomy bag.

Next up: another MRI, this one focused on the lymph nodes near the tumor, which apparently requires a special kind of imaging. Then there’s a meeting of the tumor board (here is a helpful Q&A if, like me, you didn’t realize this was a thing) to finalize the treatment plan, which obviously will include surgery to remove the tumor itself.

I was excited to write that personal update, but I’ve been even more excited to report back on the response I’ve gotten to my first few posts. Among the many amazing people who have reached out to send good vibes, no less than six have told me that the blog has inspired them to either have a weird symptom looked at or get a colonoscopy (in most cases due to family history). That’s exactly why I’m doing this.

Well, that’s all for tonight; short and sweet. But first, a big-time shout-out to the MVP of this whole ordeal, my incredible wife Alexis. She’s a million times tougher and more together than I am during normal situations, so you can imagine how superhuman she seems with all this going on.

And I guess Addie deserves a shout-out too, because when I got in the car after the exam, I said, “Addie, do you remember what Daddy had to do at the doctor today?” She replied, “Butt.”