For the past 9 years since my colon cancer diagnosis, I have been diligently doing my annual test to make sure that we keep cancer at bay, and we don't get surprised with any big news again. However, curveballs do come when you're expecting a straight one. And though you are already expecting it, it can still catch you by surprise.
On the 10th of August, I met with my Oncologist for my annual visit. I had done my colonoscopy a month prior to this and the report already said I was clear so I was expecting just the usual casual talk.
Rewind to a month back, I also went to my GP to consult on a lower back pain I was having. The doctor ordered back CT Scan, which I did on the 22nd of July. The result wasn't conclusive but it did mention some mild osteoarthritis so he referred me to a Physio to help me out.
Now back to my August visit to the onco, he confirmed that my bowels were clear. I brought my CT results so I showed it to him just for his info. He noted something in the report about inflammation in one of the lymph nodes so he booked a PET scan for me just to be sure.
On 1 Sep, I did the PET scan and it came back as the curveball that I have been waiting for. "Intense metabolic activity is seen at lobulated enlarged portocaval lymph node... Moderate update also noted at aortovacal lymph node... Further mild uptake seen at enlarged superior mesenteric node."
I met with my onco again on the 7th of Sep and I knew right away that there was a problem. Before he saw us, two other specialists entered his room and I was certain he was consulting with them. True enough, that was the case. Dr Nagrial confirmed that it was likely recurrent cancer and one of the doctors he consulted with was the endoscopist who was going to do biopsy to confirm the findings.
On 14th of Sep, I went through Endoscopy/Gastroscopy and Biopsy at Norwest Private Hospital.
Today 21st of Sep, our 21st wedding anniversary, Lani and I met with Dr Nagrial again and he confirmed that my cancer has recurred. Because they're now in the lymph nodes, it is technicall Stage 4.
What's next? I'm now booked for chemotherapy - well, technically immunotherapy. I'll have treatment every 3 weeks starting 13 Oct, finishing up after 1 year if my body responds well, or 2 years if I end up needing more doses.
The game continues...
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