Well, I’ve done it: I’ve given myself cancer. (I’ve treated my body very badly over the years, and so I have no one to blame but myself.) I had a biopsy on Wednesday; and although I haven’t seen the official test results yet, the pulmonary guy who did the procedure told me that it’s a virulent form of cancer, but we caught it early.
I won’t be doing anything about it until the end of next month. I have a trip to Varna, Bulgaria that starts in a couple of weeks and includes some train rides on this side of the Pond and a meeting of the ISO standards comittee for the C++ programming language…basically the only thing that’s keeping my otherwise retired brain active. It’s all bought and paid for, and I really really don’t want to miss it.
I’ll have no clue what I’ll eventually want to do about the cancer until I meet with a surgeon and a cancer specialist, which I hope can happen in the next couple of weeks, to find out what the treatment will be like. My current guess is that I’ll opt for being kept as comfortable as possible while I kick off. I’ve had a pretty good 76 years so far, and there’s nobody who depends on me for anything. We’ll see…
Update as of 2023-05-26:
My appointment with the surgeon isn’t until the end of next month, so I guess decisions about the cancer treatment aren’t all that urgent, and I’ll definitely be going to Varna. I’ll probably start rambling on about the trip on day −1, Tuesday, the 6th.
I’m so sorry for this diagnosis. Keep optimistic; it was caught early, and there are all kinds of targeted treatments now. It doesn’t have to be an immediate death sentence. The trip might perk up your spirits.
Keep us posted on how you’re doing.
I hope if the same happens to me I also have the wisdom and grace to accept it as you do. My father passed away 6 years ago on his 81st birthday. When he first was diagnosed he went through the first round of chemo and when the results were insignificant he decided he was done with treatment. He went on his own terms. I hope to have that wisdom and grace.
I wish you all the best on this new journey. I hope you have people that are close to you to talk with and to be physical and mental assistance. I can tell you my father was as much assistance to my brothers and me as we were to him. It also helped me to realize that my two oldest brothers are assholes that I never want to interact with again. But in reality that was a good thing.
Sorry to hear that Bill, but you have plenty of company. When I was diagnosed with it, one doctor told me that within a year, or two at the most, I’d be in big trouble. But it’s been 4 years now, and all in all I’m still getting around well enough.
One odd thing: a friend of mine told me I was doing well because I’m “a fighter”. I felt almost insulted. I’m not fighting the thing. I’m right at 70 now, so a long enough life, and I’ve just accepted the reality of the situation. I don’t like it particularly, but I accept what I must.
My nephew’s wife died of cancer last year. 38 years old, and left 2 young boys, besides her husband, behind. I’ve decided that if you get cancer when you’re a kid or a young person, that’s truly a tragedy. If you get it at my age, it’s just bad luck. Something’s going to get you sooner or later, and whatever it is, it isn’t going to be fun.
Hi Bill,
Sorry to hear about the cancer.
I was on a tour through Varna a week ago. In my view, the best extra thing to do there is to see the “Retro Museum”, which is now on floor +1 of the Grand Mall there.
It has lots of old East Block cars, all repainted and polished and looking great, with mirrors underneath to admire the mechanics.
The museum has several other exhibits from the Warsaw Pact era. But the biggest draw is all the cars. You shouldn’t miss it.
It’s also nice to see the Golden Dome cathedral, and the pedestrian area, etc, too.
Bruce @4: thanks for the tip about the Retro Museum. I’ll check it out.
Best of everything as you deal with both the news of your diagnosis and your disease.
Sorry to hear this Bill.
Fk cancer. I’m sorry to read this and best wishes for as smooth and speedy a recovery as possible.
Virtual (((hugs))) from me if you want them.
goddammit, dude. just, goddammit.