Wednesday, December 02, 2015

December 2, 2015 — Ten-Year Cancerversary


Ten years ago today, Claire and I were sitting in the office of my oncologist, Dr. William Lerner, feeling stunned by the news of my diagnosis with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It was too much information to take in all at once. As happens with many who receive a cancer diagnosis, it rocked my world. I can remember sitting there and nodding my head as the doctor went into various details of my grading and staging and what to expect, but only retained about half of it. Thank goodness I had taken some notes to which I could refer later.

During the months that followed, I had surgery to implant a chemo port that would stay in my body for 7 or 8 years. I had six rounds of R-CHOP chemo, spaced at three weeks apart. I lost my hair, and dealt with all the weakness and queasiness that go along with a powerful chemo regimen.

I learned much about the love and support that come from family, friends and church during a season of serious illness. I ran up against the limits of my energy on numerous occasions, and learned how to step back and let others do things for me — never an easy thing for someone in a helping profession.

I had a subsequent diagnosis of thyroid cancer a few years ago, which led to the surgical removal of my thyroid gland followed by radioactive iodine treatment. There has been no recurrence, though I still see the thyroid surgeon, Dr. Jay Boyle, once a year for follow-up, as well as my endocrinologist, Dr. Stephanie Fish, who monitors my Synthroid dose. The thyroid cancer may or may not have been aggravated by radiation from the numerous CT and PET scans I’ve had, to look out for lymphoma recurrences (my doctors say it’s unlikely that the radiation from the scans contributed to the thyroid problem, but I do know the thyroid gland is the body’s canary in the coal mine with respect to radiation exposure — bottom line is I’ll probably never know for sure).

Because the type of lymphoma I have is an indolent form — one that can float beneath the diagnostic radar for years, and when it does recur is considered incurable but treatable — I’ll never be able to take comfort in being declared  cancer-free. But that’s OK. Life is good, I’m feeling fine and I’ve come to appreciate all the lessons this experience has taught me.

I’ve grown in faith, hope and love and am glad this blog has been a helpful resource to many others who are walking a similar road. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who have offered me support over the years.

17 comments:

Terry Chapman said...

Wow! 10 years. I am so glad you continue as a friend and ally on the path.
Thanks for you gifts and your courage!
Terry

Nicole.lascurain@healthline.com said...

Hi Carl,

First off, I came across your site and wanted to say thanks for providing a great cancer resource to the community.

I thought you might find this useful infographic interesting, as it shows the detailed effects of chemotherapy in an interactive format: http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body

Naturally, I’d be delighted if you share this embeddable graphic on http://cewilton.blogspot.com/ , and/or share it on social. Either way, keep up the great work Carl!

All the best,

Nicole Lascurain | Assistant Marketing Manager
p: 415-281-3100 | e: nicole.lascurain@healthline.com

Healthline
660 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
www.healthline.com | @Healthline

robert mary said...


WHAT A GREAT MIRACLE THAT I HAVE EVER SEE IN MY LIFE. My names are Robert Mary
I’m a citizen of United Kingdom, My younger sister was Sicking of
breast cancer and her name is Robert Jane, I and my family have taking
her to all kind of hospital in UK still yet no good result. I decided
to go to the internet and search for cancer cure so that was how I
find a lady called Sarah peter she was testifies to the world about
the goodness of a herbal man who has the root and half to cure all
kind of disease and the herbal email was there. So I decided to
contact the herbal man for my younger sister help to cure her breast
cancer. I contacted him and told him my problem he told me that I
should not worry that my sister cancer will be cure, he told me that
there is a medicine that he is going to give me that I will cook it
and give it to my sister to drink for one week, so I ask how can I
receive the cure that I am in UK, he told me
That I will pay for the delivery service. The courier service can
transport it to me so he told me the amount I will pay, so my dad paid
for the delivery fee. two days later I receive the cure from the
courier service so I used it as the herbal man instructed me to,
before the week complete my sister cancer was healed and it was like a
dream to me not knowing that it was physical I and my family were very
happy about the miracle of Doctor so my dad wanted to pay him 5
million us dollars the herbal man did not accept the offer from my
I should tell the world about him and his miracle he perform so am now
here to tell the world about him if you or your relative is having any
kind of disease that you can't get from the hospital please contact
Dr.ogididanspelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp him +2347067393105 for the cure, he will help you out
with the problems.

Norton Product Key said...

Norton antivirus is the leading antivirus in the market that protects you from any kind of security threats. if its a matter of your system security, you must trust Norton antivirus. here are some security links that may help you.

norton.com/setup Australia
www.norton.com/setup Australia
norton download Australia
norton setup Australia

Amazon Prime said...

Garmin Express – It is a software program used to update maps and device software by downloading and installing the newest versions onto the device. The latest garmin express updates renew vital data inside the GPS. Garmin releases software updates quarterly.

techmanoj said...


Roku activation code is a code meant to activate the software and confirm that when you are finished with the Roku activation process, you can add multiple streaming services like Netflix, HBO, NBC and many more .

Roku com link

techmanoj said...



After setting up a Roku account, you need to connect your Roku Device to a Roku account using the activation code.

roku.com/link

Vipin Suthar said...

Garmin Link is an android application. This program is used to monitor your fitness alerts to Garmin users. You should share your health problems as well. It then gives you instructions and helps you to finish it. It's possible to take your smartphone everywhere. You may also use it when biking or exercising. Garmin.com/express

Online Shopping India said...

Online Shopping India Provides best quality T-shirt, Watches, Electronic Gadgets in minimum price at one place. You no need to go anywhere...Online Shopping India

Productoffice said...


The Hp printer is the finest printer on the market with high quality home and office facilities for everyday use. You need to unbox them if you purchase a new HP

printer, then set it up with a PC or laptop. By visiting url: 123.hp.com/setup, the user can download and update applications and printer drivers.

123.hp.com/setup

techmanoj said...


Simply placed, via the Internet, Roku enables you to watch free and paid video content on your TV. Roku is the number 1 streaming device common in the United Kingdom and the United States.

roku.com/link enter code

Unknown said...

Norton.com/enroll is an official link that helps user to register Norton Account. After that user will be able to activate the norton product key online.

norton.com/enroll

techmanoj said...



Simply put, Roku allows you to watch free and paid video content on your TV via the Internet.Roku is the number 1 streaming device that is popular in the United Kingdom and the United States.

roku.com/link

norton.com/enroll said...

Norton.com/enroll is an official link that helps user to register Norton Account. After that user will be able to activate the norton product key online.

norton.com/enroll

techmanoj said...

McAfee is an antivirus program that helps user to fight against unwanted infection. To protect computer and network user should have an antivirus installed on their computer or laptop.

25 digit McAfee activation code

Unknown said...


McAfee Antivirus is dependable and protects your device completely.It offers comprehensive protection against a variety of online and offline threats.

25 digit McAfee activation code

techmanoj said...

Roku is offering not just best quality the also give you best experience of streaming and great variety user choice. Roku brand also offers streaming sticks, compact-sized streaming players and the ultra HD quality streaming devices.

roku.com/link