As many of you might already know I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer at the end of November. For some people when they hear the word cancer they think of this terrible desease that can seem hopeless or even devastating in many ways. I can say I have not felt that way from the day I found out that I personally have cancer. My first reaction when I heard that it was most likely cancer is "well that sucks" but outside of that I have felt nothing but love and support from friends and family.
To help everyone understand what has happened since the end of November I will give you all a little rundown.
On the 30th of November I had the preliminary diagnoses of cancer after seeing my doctor and having an ultrasound (they cannot say its cancer until they do a biopsy on the tummor). They day following I met with a Urologist to discuss my options and what I was going to look forward to for the next month. After meeting with that doctor I had an appointment for a CT scan and a date to have the tummor removed.
From the CT scan we found out that I had enlarged lymph nodes, meaning that the cancer had spread into those lymph nodes in my back. Because I had spread this would require another surgery and handing me off to another specialist and the Huntsman Cancer Institue.
Here are a few fun pictures.
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| Picture of me drinking my dinner or breakfast of champions prior to my CT Scan. |
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| Randi really loved my yellow socks they gave me. |
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| This picture was taken after I got out of surgery and I don't remember Randi taking it. |
After my surgery I met with my Urologist once more and he traded me off to the Huntsman Cancer Institute for Chemotherapy and to discuss a second surgery. At the Huntsman we met with both my new Urologist and Oncologist and decided that I would go through Chemo to help shrink some of my lymph nodes prior to surgery.
While I am only a few days into my Chemo I feel that I am doing rather well. I have not had any nausea or other major side effects that many people hear about, the only thing that I have had is some fatigue.
Just to let people see a little of what I go through here are some pictures of the infusion room where I get my chemo. Most of the chairs have a great view looking over the Salt Lake Valley.
I know that I am just starting this process but I thought I would give a few lessons or things I have picked up along the way.
1. Being active in religion has been a great blessing at this time. The countless lessons taught every sunday and a number of scriptures I have read only reaffirm my faith in Jesus Christ and that I know he cares and loves me dearly during my short time of difficulty. Whenever I feel that my problems seem rough I only have to think of stories like Job or Christ's sufferings for all of us. This past Sunday during a lesson we read a scripture that has really changed my perspective on the reasons for my challenge.
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9
7 and if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9 Therefore, held on they way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are know, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
2. I have an amazing family. Randi has been a great help in giving her time to get to all of my appointments and in keeping me company during long infusions at the Huntsman. Alden has also been a great help in showing me that some of the littlest accomplishments in life are the greatest joys.
3. Extended friends and family. As more and more people have found out about my cancer I have received large amounts of support and comfort. I cannot thank everyone enough at this time; from the people who are too far away to do anything physical your prayers and love have been comforting and necessary relief. For those who are closer, and that have taken on the challenge of watching Alden, or bringing meals and treats, again I cannot thank you all enough for your help. For many that know me I don't really like to be served upon, I usually like to be the one doing the service. This experience has forced me to be humble and allow for so many great people to receive the benefit of serving me.
4. Trusting in my medical team. Cancer is a new element to my family and with that I don't really know all that much about cancer. I have put most of my trust in my doctors and nurses to tell me what to do and where to go. I can say now I am thankful for the great medical care that I have received and that I live so close to state of the art facilities. I have an oncologist who I can tell is brilliant in doing research and in his field, but has a hard time with using social skills. I have nurses that have taken the time to get to know me on a personal level and make my long days as comforting as possible.
It is still going to be a long process. I have to finish two more weeks of chemo before we start the whole thing over again two more times and then have another surgery. Hopefully more lessons will be learned along the way and we will continue to have so much support from friends and family.
