My question to Dr Henning today was "what's next?" So far he has been very cautious to discuss the future, opting instead to discuss the present, no doubt due to his highly structured "Ready, Aim, Fire" approach to his trade, (unlike the "Ready, Fire, Aim" mentality I'm accused of possessing). Here's the Reader's Digest version of our conversation.
The ACS is reporting that overall cancer related deaths in the US are decreasing 2% yearly, which is fantastic news, but the 5 year survival rate for lung cancer patients remains at best 20%. Hell, I faced better odds making it out Jeff Haller's office alive ! (The Ford launch guys just had a chill run up their spines, believe me)
The reality is that I can expect a reoccurance as soon as several months to many years down the road after this round of treatments is over. The good news is we'll be ready for it, not blindsided and deal with it. Joann and I have met and spoke to people that are currently being treated for their second or third bout of cancer, up to and including one in her 90's. Amazing.
This disease just doesn't let go. I'm telling you this because I am told over 100 people read this thing regularly and I really don't want to be reading your BLOG one day. Live your life your way. I make no apologies for my past lifestyle and expect none from you - but do be honest with your doctor about your bad habits and get checked out yearly. The screenings are painless and early detection is paramount. Just a suggestion from a friend walking the walk....
LIVESTRONG
Who would accuse you of "Ready, Fire, Aim"? On the golf course it is just "Ready, Fire, Fore"! I guess it goes along with "I cut it twice and it is still too short" which we both are prone to do. For someone who couldn't spell BLOG when you started this, I think you may have found a new career. Betty and I continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up the progress. Golf season is only 4 months away.
ReplyDeleteCarl
Regarding the whole 20% thing:
ReplyDeleteI remember last summer when Amy, the boys and I were up in PA on vacation. We had planned to go to Caseville Putt-Putt, and the boys woke up asking to go.
But, weather.com said there was an 80% chance of rain -- hell, might have been 90%. Green all over the radar.
So we waited. 11:00 AM went by. Then noon. 1:00.
"Dad, let's go, it's not raining," they would say. "But it's SUPPOSED to," I would reply.
By 3:00, it was sunny and 75 degrees and we were on the lush green carpet of the Caseville course.
That 20% wins out more often than you'd think.
Youll be in the top 20%...Live every day to its fullest, and then some!!!! Hi Jo!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays-
Cindy
"Life is not a problem to be solved. It's an adventure to be lived, and a battle to be won" -John Eldredge, Wild at Heart (best book ever)
ReplyDelete20% huh? Well, I know how excited Joann & I get at 20% off sales, so I would be pretty damn excited to have a 20% chance of living a longer life. Some people don't get even that. My brother had only one prediction; live another seven weeks, which is what he did. Thank God for each and every day that he gives us one this great, green earth...that's my motto. And from your Aunt Helen: "every day that I wake up, I thank God for it." As long as you're still vertical, Life is Good.
ReplyDeleteLove, Peace and LIVEstrong!
Deb
Ken, just read a very interesting poem that I thought would apply here:
ReplyDelete"the clock of life is wound but once; and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. NOW IS THE ONLY TIME YOU OWN. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still."
This is true for each of us, not just those who are ill. So, buck up and know that with all of these great people rooting for you, you can't go wrong.
Deb
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeleteEveryone missed you and Joann at the luncheon. All are thinking, praying and like Deb said...rooting for you. Marilyn spoke of a friend she has that is a 5 year lung cancer survivior and doing well......and I am sure you are receiving better tx. than someone 5 years ago as so many advances have been made... so I agree with the post above that says "the 20% wins out more often than you'd think"...here's to a long, healthy life after this "bump" in the road. LD
Ken, you are so right about annual checkups and early detection...and I think that was smart of you to remind people of that. Here's something else that all of us "sun worshipers" need, and even if you are not a sun worshipper.... a yearly body check for moles. I have 2 friends who were diagnosed with melanoma...one an early detection and she is fine....one I am sad to say did not have early detection, and ignored the mole for years and unfortunely passed away ....melanoma is one of the deadliest of all cancers and nothing has been found in the way of "cocktails" that works for it... but if caught early, surgery will do the trick.....who would ever think a little mole could cause so much trouble. So in honor of my friend who passed, I urge you all to get annual mole checks at a dermatologist. Sorry Ken, I am now preaching on your blog....forgive me. LD
ReplyDeleteThis blog was the hardest one for me to write so far. I knew what I wanted to say but everytime I read it it sounded like preaching.
ReplyDeleteYou have walked the walk and like all those that have and are, don't want to see others be blindsided by this disease. It will always sound like preaching to those that don't want to hear it...including me for a long long time.
Okay, Ken, you can't be confusing me with numbers. 20%, 2% each year - I don't pay attention to any of that. What I do know is that every individual has to take every day as it comes, don't sweat the small stuff, know that everything happens for a reason, and have faith that each crisis that comes in life is going to work out. I especially believe in the "have faith" part of that. I remember reading about the old belief that to sell a house, you bury a statue of St. Joseph in the yard. But - you don't just leave him there and forget about it - you have faith that he will take care of things - you believe things will happen for the good and they do! I know I sound nuts but I really find this to be true. So - 20%, 50%, I don't care - it's about each person and what they do in life. Whew - now that the lecture is over - take care, only one more week and then you can celebrate the holidays!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Marianne
You know, Ken....I think you may have missed your calling. I think you could have been an author or a journalist! I never cease to be fascinated by your comments as you relate your story. It may be humorous, heartfelt, informative, but always interesting. Your attitude and humor in dealing with this situation have been a real inspiration to us, and I have no doubt it will conclude with a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteI'm convinced that with your positive attitude and spirit, this 20% deal will not be part of your story.
Take care and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lou and Dee