|
Tom Cross: A Road Less Traveled 
Welcome to my SURVIVAL page. I was diagnosed in late Dec.'03 with stage IV lung cancer. Never a smoker, this news came as a great shock and with the news that the cancer was considered to be inoperable; no cure; a terminal condition and that I'd likely be dead within 6 - 10 months.
Well, here I am nearly 5 YEARS later and full of hope, determination and resolve to share what I have learned.
PLEASE SEE www.neversmokers.com FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LUNG CANCER AND NEVER SMOKERS!
Journal
November 26, 2008 7:02 PM CST TOM CROSS UPDATE 11/26/08 Thanksgiving
Sorry for the long silence. It’s bee an eventful 6 weeks or so.
Rather than drag you through all the tests and procedures I will plunk right down on the present. Scans of early Nov brought the results of all stable, although contrary results to how I was feeling (terrible on all counts: loss of appetite, weight, pain, extreme fatigue). The scans also revealed fluid build-up in the space between the body cavity and both lungs. Large in the left (where it has been for years), moderate in the right. There was also a large new accumulation in the abdomen, which made sense of the great discomfort I was having there.
This was drained, taking out 3L of fluid! The hope was relief of the pain and shortness of breath would result. Yes to pain, no to breathing. 1 short week later we were back at it again, this time yielding 2.5L Still little breathing relief and fatigue had escalated, relegating my days to all day couch days.
Concern was mounting that the fluid was not the cause. Liver function tests pointed to
some sort of problems brewing there.
This week included a trip to drain the fluid around the right lung. .5L taken. Still no breathing relief. Liver tests received today showed much worse results. Strong concern of cancer escalating there. Not good news.
What now? Options are few if any. No more chemo can be handled by my body. Trying a revisit to Tarceva, the twice-used prior targeted pill that worked before. No evidence of success with a 3rd try, but we’ll give it a swing while a frantic search for options begins.
Frankly, things look grim, supported by tests and distressful symptoms. I’m doing what I can to keep the boat afloat, but we’re taking on water at a rapid pace.
Things can go good or bad quickly now and I’ll do my best to keep all informed. Should the bleaker of outcomes result I as you all to throw you support to Patti and Amber. The culmination of any experience or ”phase” is rarely a joyful thought. Living a death is an odd ride to be sure.
I’d like to say that I’m prepared and not scared of the next act. Liar! And yes I have belief in forces and binding energies beyond my comprehension. It may not be religion in a conventional sense, but it is faith and confidence that the road forward will provide a safe haven. Please respect my “ways” as I do yours. Lend me your encouragement, not your judgement.
And with that I do revel in thanksgiving for the absolutely charmed life I am living, full of joy, growth and love. No words can describe the good I have found in this world and in my life. The fullness of purpose provided by Amber and Patti and all of you are a core reward to this life of mine. You are all a part of it and to this I do give thanks.
Down but not out,
As always,
Tom
Onward.
Tom
*and remember, you can always keep tabs on me and leave a message at the Caring Bridge site.
http://www2.caringbridge.org/fl/tomcross/
Oh, remember that at any time you have had enough of my blabbing and would like to be removed from receiving these email updates, just send a return email to this and put REMOVE in the subject field.
Read Journal History
Links: http://www.tomcross-artist.com tom's home page about his art
http://www.neversmokers.com lung cancer online registry and info. for never smokers
http://benefitshow05.tomcross-artist.com/indexnew.html Online & ongoing art show fund raiser
|
|
