THE FINAL CHAPTER

Hopefully my journey with cancer is almost over. I had a PET scan and a CAT scan that both came up negative of any sign of the cancer. Yesterday I had a biopsy as a follow up test. After that it will be regular testing to make sure noting comes back. I was apprehensive about being put under again; I have had just too many chemicals put into my body over the past eight months. I just want to feel normal and healthy again.

Over the years I have had a torn Achilles tendon repaired, a deviated septum fixed, torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders surgically fixed, and arthroscopic surgery to both knees. All of these attributed to the aging athlete syndrome. There were two surgeries for the cancer followed by the radiation and chemotherapy. During all of these procedures I went to the hospital by myself in the mornings with a “lets attack this thing and get it over with” attitude. Yesterday was a bit different.

I guess I was more aware of my own mortality and knowing anything can happen when you are put under general anesthesia I was apprehensive. I really didn’t want to go to the hospital again. I walked around the house looking at family pictures. I drove around Red Bank staring at the many sides of Red Bank I have grown up with. Finally I sat a boat looking at Riverview until it was time to go in. There wasn’t a spring in my step this time.

The procedure went well and Dr. Prabhat did his usual great job and told me everything looked great. The results of the biopsy would be in in eight days. I had a sore throat but I have had one for the last eight months…so no big deal…it would heal in a day or so. Without a doubt this has been the greatest test of strength I have ever had to endure. It has changed me hopefully for the better. I am looking at life differently now. I appreciate everything in my life a good deal more today then yesterday.