No Longer An Oncology Patient

Last Monday, August 22nd, I went to the cancer center for another set of bloodwork, a CT scan, and a follow-up with my oncologist. After that follow-up, I wrote this:

Usually, I hope to come back from these visits being called #boring. I’ve spent the week reflecting on this news – I knew it was a possibility and it is really great news. And I am slowly but surely getting used to the fact that the safety net of these follow-ups is no longer there. I am cautious though. And I will be vigilant. I have to be. I’ve already had one recurrence. And while you and I both want to think that Hodgkin’s won’t come back a third time, the fact of the matter is that is just a wish, a hope, a dream.

What I know today is

that I am still cancer free after five years,
that I am healthier physically and hopefully mentally than I have been in years,
that I have a strong support system around me,
that I am inspired and committed to do my part to rid the world of cancer,
that I am indebted to my wife and our daughter, our family, and our friends for all the love and support during these tumultuous days,
that cancer is beatable and I will advocate until my last days for the treatments to continue to improve so that a patient’s quality of life can be maximized
that I need to figure out what this whole ‘not being a cancer patient’ thing is all about
that my #lifewithcancer continues, because it has helped shaped my thinking, defined a purpose, and focused my passions.

In this space, in the very near future, I will share some stories from my 10th PMC, which was earlier this month. It was a fantastic weekend for a bike ride. Til the next time…

Yours in life,

Andy