“It takes a village to raise a child.” We've heard that expression before. If it is true, and I believe it is, then “It takes a community to heal an illness”.
My life as a doctor came to a crashing halt two weeks ago when I developed fevers, night sweats, itching, and fatigue and was unable to work. I was already under investigation for swollen lymph nodes, and initial investigations including bloodwork and chest xray were negative. Fine needle aspiration of a lymph node and biopsy of the skin rash were inconclusive. Mono was suspected briefly, but when mono tests were negative we proceeded to open lymph node biopsy, and two days ago we got the diagnosis: Aggressive immunoblastic lymphoma (to be confirmed Tuesday).
You may ask why I would want to blog my cancer? Purely selfish reasons. I have many friends and family and patients and rather than explain it to each and every one, I can post it once and it is done. And, it is therapeutic and passes the time.
Of course, if it helps someone else survive a trial in their own lives, then that is a bonus.
Of course, if it helps someone else survive a trial in their own lives, then that is a bonus.
Now, whenever you have the word blast in your diagnosis you can imagine it is not a good thing. These are aggressive tumours that multiply quickly. The good news is that lymphomas are highly sensitive to being blasted by chemotherapy agents and I have already been in contact with my cancer specialist and he is planning to start CHOP or CHOP-R next week which should "chop" it down to size.
Incidentally, the workup is a package deal, and with that you get a bone marrow biopsy. This is much like getting a root canal but instead of getting it in your mouth, you get it in your butt and it is way more fun. I had mine 2 days ago and awaiting the results.
Friends and family are calling and dropping by as they learn the diagnosis and help out. Beware, because I will put them to work, running errands for me and doing odd jobs around the house that I did not get to before my hands and feet became ridiculously sensitive. Of course, my wife Caroline and daughter Zoe help me out. And Jason will soon be coming back from McGill for the summer.
So you can see there is a tremendous team of people helping me, and I am just at the beginning of my journey....
I am holding a marble-sized ball of shock in my hand, staring at it from every angle and wondering where to put it down for the evening--or even if I can.
ReplyDeleteLike I said to Chas, Steve: get a big boat for this journey, 'cause there's a lot of us coming along for the ride (until you get completely fed up and push us overboard).
Love you guys,
(and yes, I will do windows...)
Julie
Steve, thank you for sharing with all of us, I think this blog is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is going to have questions, to wonder what you're experiencing and how we can help you, Caroline, Jason and Zoe. But the task of communicating with everyone 'one-on-one' would be overwhelming even if you were not coping with this health crisis..
Gloria and I send all our love and best wishes to you all, and are of course at your disposal if you need any assistance.
Mark
Dr L, I know with your positive attitude & strong determination you have in everything you do, that this will not keep you down for long. With the help of such wonderful family & friends you can bathe in the healing love that surrounds you. That should blast away all those bad molecules! Journaling is terrific healing & therapy as well as it propelled me to find out how to post a comment! I know what it's like to suddenly have your life change & not be well but when things happen in that way we have this great opportunity to grow & change our life in a dramatic way that we may have not done otherwise. We can strip away all the distractions & focus on what's important. For all of us each day is a precious gift & there is so much beauty around us that when one focuses on that - each moment is a little miracle to be savored & enjoyed & that is so healing in it's own unique way. Take pleasure in the small things & quiet moments & may this time be a renewal of body & spirit for you. You are so much more than my doctor & I'm sending you all my good vibes & thoughts as well as my prayers. May all your well wishes be like a ripple in your wellness pond. Be well my friend & good doctor, & continue to do whatever you need in your healing journey. Stay strong & carpe diem!
ReplyDeleteRon Said,
ReplyDelete“Carpe diem” indeed!!
My shock came when the office called to cancel my “annual”. “Dr. Larigakis is on extended medical leave.”....PERIOD!!
“My Gawd”..”the Arizona grapefruit”……”the dates”????
Yesterday, I found out thru Dr. Basset that your illness was more serious than I had imagined. I took small comfort in knowing that you missed your chance to give me “the finger”. And, if size matters, you should know that Basset’s is finger IS smaller than yours!
I’ll follow your blog with care….but first, what’s with the “chicken soup”?? I was sure that you had a GREEK heritage??
Finally, over a decade ago, when you first took me on as a patient; you promised ( perhaps too strong a word) to “take” me thru my old age. On May 24th I officially joined the Octogenarians, and, many would think that their job was done…However, you’ll recall that my mom almost made it to 103!! So, get well, there’s work left to be done.
Now, being 80 years; I feel that I’ve earned the right to pontificate. So, I say, “In the final analysis, good health and good friends are all that counts”! QED
Ron Fenwick