Or, My Story of Cancer
I’m approaching my 5-year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer. In recognition of this date, I wanted to jot down a few things as I remember them in the seven month ordeal, as it were.
1. On May 17, 2004, Dr. Brad Bell, Urologist, called to tell me I was diagnosed with Stage I Seminoma Cancer.
2. This was six days after he had performed a left inguinal orchiectomy.
3. On this same May 17th, Tami told me that we were expecting.
4. How do you suppose I felt, knowing that I had cancer of my reproductive system, and yet I was capable enough to fire a live round, and have it hit it’s exact and perfect target? Pretty damned stoked, that’s what I say. It was also a very good distraction.
5. On May 19th, we obtained medical confirmation that we were expecting.
6. I turned 43, and took my oldest daughter on a graduation trip to New Orleans at the end of May.
7. At the consultation of Dr. Leonard, Radiation Oncologist, we determined to have radiotherapy.
8. On June 8th I went to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, had my radiation field set and double checked, and received three small tattoos to align the equipment in the same location each time. These are the only three tattoos that I have, and hopefully the only ones I’ll ever have. I’m a big fan of silk-screening and t-shirts.
9. On June 14th, I began radiation therapy. This was the first day of three weeks, five days a week, at a relatively low 2500 rads.
10. I didn’t have many side-effects from the radiation, just tired and a loss of hair in the shape of a rather large block numeral “1.”
11. My last radiation dose was delivered on July 3rd. I rented a jack hammer and removed our back patio that afternoon.
12. When something like this happens to you, I think we all start looking for different anchor points, or lighthouses. As cliché as it might sound, I admired Lance Armstrong’s story, and his perseverance. I read “It’s not about the bike” during this time and was inspired to Livestrong.
13. I went to London on business July 18th through 25th. I had plans take a quick trip to see Stage 19 of the Tour de France in Besançon. I became worried about my well being, and canceled at the last minute. I regret that decision.
14. I began a testing protocol of a CT scan and a chest x-ray every three months for the first year, every six months for the next two years, and once a year after that. They’ve all been clear.
15. I have a few earned nicknames as a result of this ordeal.
16. One Ball. And I’m not crazy, I’m just Half Nuts.
17. On December 20th, I saw someone work harder than I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Nothing I’ve ever done comes remotely close to the energy Tami expended when she gave birth to our son.
18. I Livestrong for these seven specific reasons:
19. Tami Kay Feeney Worthington
20. Eric Andrew Worthington
21. Brittany Louise Worthington
22. Danielle Charlene Worthington
23. Amanda Elizabeth Worthington
24. Rebecca Catherine Worthington
25. Alexander Kenneth Feeney Worthington
I have something big, something significant in the works for May 17th, 2009 – my 5 year anniversary. It’ll probably include some kind of physical challenge, as you all know I have to suffer in order to know that I’m alive. And you can count on a party of some sorts.
Details to follow.
