Just got home from lunch with Holly and Rene after the surgery consult.Holly went with me to meet Dr. Constant, whom we both really liked. He was very direct. What he said was at best, the surgery might give me 5 to 9 months of freedom from recurrence, but that the surgery would definitely result in a lot of discomfort and would mean I'd have an open wound for the rest of my life along with the possibility of infection, the need to have drains in it, possible edema in my upper arm and various and sundry not-nice stuff. That was certainly enough to dissuade me from having the surgery, but he finalized my decision when he said, "If you were my brother, I would advise you against having it."
In a way, I'm relieved, as I was worried that if I had the surgery, I'd experience a lot of discomfort recovering from it and then, too soon, the cancer would recur somewhere else, if not in the same place. Now I know I can have my art show, go on my cruise, come home and make more of my art, and just enjoy my life. I feel very strong in my body, and frankly, my gut says it is far from my time to die. I plan to be around for awhile and to be fairly active during that time, so don't cry for me, Argentina, and don't count me out yet.
Oh, and be sure to come see my art at Cafe Sophie! Love to you all.
Great attitude, Dennis - enjoy what you can while you can. Sometimes the cure is worse than the problem. I'm always thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the show - wish I could be there.
John
Love you! How long will your show be at the Cafe? I've told some of my friends about it. I would love to come see you when we're home for the holidays!! xx me.
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