New Results and some sad news

Hello all,

Well I got the results from my latest PET scan. The liver seems to be clear of cancer lesions and the tumor in the colon seems to be shrinking and non active. The doctor suggested that I take a couple of months off from chemo to let the body heal a bit. That floored Cheryl and I. We must have had that chicken shit look on our face because he quickly asked what was wrong. We told him of our concerns regarding the last break (all be it very stressful) and we came up with a new plan. I am going to take chemo 2 more times (August) and then take September and October off to finish up hunting and camping season. We will monitor my blood every month and do another PET scan in two months like normal to monitor my health and the cancer activity.It is still exciting and nerve racking at the same time, but I am really ready to handle a break to get healthy. I swear sometimes I think the chemo is doing more damage than the cancer.

I am going to the doctor Friday to figure out the swallowing malfunction I seem to have. It may be a hernia around the stomach and esophagus due to the size of the liver when infected. I should know later Friday on that issue whether it's medicine or surgery. That would be cool to get that shit fixed cause it's really a pain in the ass. (No that wasn't intended to be colon cancer humor, but it will work now that I am laughing).

Since I wrote last, I have gone to Yosemite National Park with great friends and family. I have also just gotten back from Marysvale riding the Paiute trail. It was just Cheryl and I. We met some very nice people and will be going back soon. We really had a good time even though we got rained on constantly. The drinks and the wine were cold, the cribbage games were fun, and it was just nice to hang out with the bride.

Sorry to have to finish out with a sad note. A friend of ours has passed away from cancer. Karen Howard went to chemo with me in the "chemo caravan" and will be missed. It was so nice to have someone to talk to during treatment and help keep distracted from the process. We laughed more than we cried and I will miss and cherish that. I cannot say goodbye, but instead, see you later Karen.

PS: I know you already have one, but please have a cold drink ready when I arrive.

Thank you all for caring,

Jeff