Responsibility 199, what is it?

Responsibility 199 is a belief; I believe that to be healthy and to increase my longevity I need to weigh 199 pounds or less...
Responsibility 199 is a need; I need to reduce my weight, reduce my percentage of body fat, and the elevated threat of disease my present condition presents...
Responsibility 199 is a mission; I recognize that achieving 199 will be a challenge, perhaps the hardest I have ever undertaken...
Responsibility 199 is a commitment; I acknowledge that I must commit to action, commit to change, commit to myself and those I love to achieve this mission, to increase my longevity...
Responsibility 199 is ME.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Day 349 - Brass Tacks & Eeyore


source
 So the PET Scan results. I asked for a recount but the tech my medical oncologist's office was very clear that the electorate from Florida did not in any way vote on my scans results. Too bad, because I'd pay some nice long $$ for a recount.

Brass tacks; the scan showed activity up near my jaw which if there had to be activity this is where they would have expected it as that is the area where the lymph node my forehead drains into. So while that news was unwelcome, the scan cannot determine where just a single node is infected or more than one. And just how infected; just a tad of initial infiltration, or more than a tad (I think the medical term for more than a tad is TAD aka big-tad). That won't be known until my surgical oncologist gets in there and see what I have in there for her on April 13th.

Brass tacks pt.2, the scan also showed activity in my left knee. Now I wondered going into the scan if this might happen. Some of you who have been with me here for a while may recall I get gout flare ups 2-3x a year. For about 10-days now I have been fighting such a flare up. I chose not to mention in any recent blog posts as it was just another dose of sorry news and my posts have been gloomy enough.

My medical oncologist feels that this activity certainly could be gout related, but is not willing to rule it out on my word; smart! He has scheduled me for an MRI for this Saturday and also a blood test and consultation with him next Thursday.

The MRI will hopefully rule in/out whether it is gout, arthritis, a chicken wing bone, or melanoma that is causing the angst between my knee & I.

The blood test will be the usual battery I take annually as follow up from my 2001 colon cancer, and it will also include a LDH level test. This specific test is supposed is run for many reason but for patients with melanoma, it is used to determine if the cancer has metastasized (spread) to organs beyond the skin or lymph nodes. Sounds like a winner; I'll take one! I kind of thought that is what the PET Scan was supposed to do too, and I believe so and if so I should feel good that the scan only showed activity in the jaw area and knee. Right?

That is just one of the zillion new questions I have in mind. I look forward to seeing my medical oncologist earn his pay next Thursday when I hit run him through my gauntlet.

ENOUGH...
Enough cancer news for now. There will be plenty more to come in the comings weeks, I'd like to move on to something non-cancer related & more positive. However this post is long enough as it is and I do not write long posts for a reason. Therefore I will share that more positive hunk of my day yesterday for tomorrow's post.

Until then, remember...
When stuck in the river, it is best to dive and swim to the bank yourself before someone drops a large stone on your chest in an attempt to hoosh you there.

-Eeyore


Responsibility 199 - Gotta Do It!!

20 comments:

  1. Patrick, i'm sorry it wasn't better news immediately, but i found your post really positive sounding, and i hope you can keep your head up til the next round of results come through.

    I am very sorry that you are going through all this, but i know you are strong enough to beat it, and i will be sending you plenty of mental well wishes

    xx
    lesley

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  2. Patrick, I'm sorry that the news wasn't all good, but it sounds like everyone is on top of everything and working hard for you. I'm sorry that you are having to go through this again. I freak out every time I have to see my oncologist. (Ovarian cancer) It's been nearly 6 years for me, but the same nerves creep up every time even though it's just a routine appointment.
    I hope you find things to keep yourself busy in the next few days so you're not sitting around thinking about all of this!

    Sarah
    notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com

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  3. So sorry that u didn't get an all clear. Continued prayers will be said for you.

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  4. Patrick it sounds like you have a very good Dr.!
    I`m sorry to hear about the results but it sounds like they have a plan and your in good hands.

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  5. In these situations never know exactly what to say. I will be thinking about you and my prayers are there for you. Yes need some positive words here... My positive words for today are God works in ways we just dont understand and you are a positive force in many folks lives. People look forward to your words of wisdom and posts.

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  6. Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm sorry the news wasn't better. But so glad you are being diligent.

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  7. Thank you Patrick for explaining it all so well so we understand what's going on. So I understand what's going on. I am so sorry the results weren't negative. You do sound like you have a great team of doctors that will take care of you can get you back on the road to health.
    I will pray for you, your family and your doctors. Keep your thoughts as happy as possible, keep your body as healthy as possible and get some rest and relaxation in there too.
    Take care my friend, God bless!!

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  8. We care brother, so we like to keep updated. With the big C, news is news. It's not always good, but when it is . . . you get to party like its 1999, or late 2001 in your case once already.

    Stay calm, keep informed, don't let the stress and unknowns mess with you. Stay strong, have some fun, pretend the cubs have a chance, and it's nearly time for the lord stanley's playoff run.

    I am emanating positive thoughts down I-94.

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  9. Patrick, As always you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope this all turns out to be a tempest in a teacup and not as bad as it sounds. Sending you good and positive thoughts. Hugs. :)

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  10. I love Eeyore, but you know that. I'm sorry that you're feeling down about the results, but it sounds like it can all be treated, taken care of, cut out of you, etc., right??

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  11. Patrick,
    I am so very sorry that the results weren't what we all wanted. There is still a chance it seems that the news won't be all bad. I'll keep you in my prayers.
    Lori

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  12. Hang in there, bud. It's fixable.

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  13. That's hard new, my friend. Please know that you and your medical team are in my prayers. I can tell that, even now, you're diving and pulling hard and swimming for the shore. Eeyore got it right.

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  14. It doesn't sound like the news you were hoping for but to be honest, it was a bit over my head. Sending supportive and good thoughts your way this weekend.

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  15. Patrick, I really am at a loss for words because this is your struggle & not mine BUT I just want you to know that I send the hugest HUGS ever & will be thinking nothing but good thoughts for you! I will be talking to my mom & dad up there somewhere & ask them to put in good words for you with whoever it is that can help.

    HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  16. Positive thoughts to you Patrick. You are strong, though, so don't forget that.

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  17. Patrick, you will be in my daily prayers.

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  18. Patrick, you have the right attitude and you're doing the right things. I have confidence that better days are ahead.

    I thought of you today. My belt is finally too big and I'm trying to decide if I want to drill it - my favorite Patrick post topic!

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  19. It does sound like you have a great medical team.
    And you are in very good hands.
    Also clearly, you are well loved and supported!
    And A++ in the attitude department!
    Add my good thoughts to the others, Patrick!

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  20. My continued thoughts and prayers are with you Patrick

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