On May 3rd, I underwent a colonoscopy that found a growth in my lower intestine, very near the exit. The doctor was extremely confident it was cancer, and the test results on the sample taken would later prove her correct: rectal cancer, stage 3.
While I had been experiencing relatively mild symptoms since the beginning of the year, this discovery certainly came as a shock. Our plans for travel, for home renovation, even for summer activities were upended as we faced a new reality of tests and treatments. We still grieve that other version of 2024.
As it stands, I am scheduled to begin radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously on June 20th, followed by another round of chemo and ultimately bowel surgery in which they will remove what remains of the growth. I’ve been told this cancer is serious but treatable, and we are aiming to eradicate it completely.
A lot of new information has come at us pretty quickly, and it has been challenging to keep up and keep others in the loop. I knew right away that I didn’t want to take this journey alone, so this site is intended to have regular updates so folks can follow along with us as we go through this.
These last few weeks have been a flurry of tests and consultations. Lori and I have treasured the moments of joy, calm, and connection in our home as we awaited a more definite treatment plan. We are continually humbled and encouraged by the words, deeds, thoughts, & prayers of folks supporting us. Thank you all so much!