Saturday, June 20, 2009

cured?

There’s a nasty rumor floating around saying I’m cured of cancer. I know ‘cause I think I started it – and it’s even mostly sorta true. Read on.

I had the now far-too-familiar PET/CT scan the Monday before last just after Jon and Tommy arrived from Berlin to accompany me to the hospital where they could nap in upright comfort while I was injected (purposely) with radioactive glucose directly into my right hand (accidentally) bone (or whatever the technical term is for those bones in your hand) which spent the rest of the day as an arthritic useless claw:

I called my oncologist on Friday to get the results. “No cancer!” she said. I said, “What do you mean, ‘no cancer’?” She said, “No cancer! Come see me at the end of August.” I took that to mean no cancer. When picking up the radiology report yesterday though, I noticed it actually says, “We don’t find any masses of glucose hypermetabolization that would clearly indicate any neoplasm (tumor). Post-radiation fibrous changes in the left lung.” Or, in other words: no (detectable) cancer and sorry about the radiation.

But comparing the two scans, this and the one from March, there’s been little change – the two tumors in the lymph nodes remain the same: 13 and 17mm respectively, and the ‘mass in the lung is without obvious changes’. But none of the above appears to be viable or active in any way. Very good news, mind you, but pretty much the same (very good news) as last time, if you account for the wildly different writing styles of two wacky radiologists.

I also got my Czech visa finally registered last week – the end of a very long and tedious process. So that’s it! Got visa, European-wide health insurance and am cured of cancer. Thanks everybody! My exhibition was a blast and I had a great time with Jon and Tommy, when Jon wasn't yelling, that is:

I’ve spent the last week contemplating everything from my own navel to the universe, but mostly what the hell am I going to do now that I’ve got my health again, but no money. I guess I need to get a job of some sort. Any ideas would be most appreciated.

I’m escaping the craziness that is ‘museum night’ here in Prague in favor of a solstice party in Kolín, leaving in a few minutes. More soon and, as always, thank you for your support.

16 comments:

Pamela said...

WAHOOOOOOO!

Jiffz said...

We. Win. You're doing it, Mikey!

Anonymous said...

heh mike
Bloody great news.
With love ..Kate and John

chihuahua lady said...

hoooo-fonky-ray!!

me and johnny are beaming at the news!! so is mum, sho just rang on skype to deliver the blog update :))))

loads of love mikey!!!

Una on Tour said...

Mike

totally fantastic news. Only you ... I am sitting here shaking my head and thinking only you.

you should write a book about this ... show other people who recieve this horrible diagnosis not to give up!

Only you!

Ingrid said...

Never doubted it for a second. If mind really can overcome matter, you've got lots to spare. How does it feel to be a bona fide medical miracle!!

Best,
IT.

Shay said...

Cancer v. Mike? It never stood a chance.

Heart,

greg said...

I like the book idea mike. If www.latfh.com and www.hcwdb.com can both turn their blogs into lucrative book deals, i think you can too.

Congrats buddy :)

Anonymous said...

Happy for you....

natasha

Anonymous said...

Great to see you and even better to hear the good news/writing style of the new radiologist.

I second the book idea. The idea has come up before, but, judging by what gets published, people seem to like extremes: extreme cases, extreme perspectives. Starting with the tennis ball,covering your dealings with and views on the cancer industry,and then ending with this "news" telling you what you already kind of know...well, it's a book I would read.

Keep the faith, Mike. Remember that only having to worry about your navel (or the universe)--and not cancer--is a very good thing!

Jon L.

Anonymous said...

Best news ever!
You're amazing, as always.
- thomas

Sarah Loving said...

That is truly some awesome news, Prickles. High time to come back to BsAs to celebrate with some steaks and blow, don't you think? :)

On a side note, I can see why Jon might be full of Yell, upside down glasses wearing will do that.

Anonymous said...

Does this mean no last-minute-trips-to-Buenos-Aires-because-I-have-Cancer-trips? Love you.
Ann

Unknown said...

WOW! That is phenominal!! I love the book idea. That could net you a small fortune and keep you beer for a bit.

dominik said...

its been awhile since I checked up on your health status and it is really a miracle to come true. I am very happy to read this! mike, you have an incredible inner strengh!

also I I have to admit that it is somewhat comforting to know, that even though this country does not have proper leadership for a long time, cant unite even for the 6 months EU presidency and is facing national budget provisorium, so in spite of all this, there is a strong world class medical enviroment that can help to those in need...

Greg said...

How 'bout a little wrap up post eh miku?