#1. Intro

Hello Anyone,

Thought I should lay out what's happening with me, in case you didn't already know.

Yes, it appears I have cancer.  Colo-rectal, as they say.  We have caught it early (a good thing, of course) but I will be undergoing "treatments", and surgery will be required (ugh).

After much running about, consultations, imaging, second opinions, interminable waiting, and driving, driving, driving, we have decided to go to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto for the treatments.

This will involve 5 weeks (!) of chemo/radiation, 5 days a week.  So we will be living in Toronto during the week, and spending our weekends at home (whoopee).  This will shrink the tumour and ready it for surgery.

The surgery will occur after about two months' rest, which means sometime in April or May.  Having talked with the surgeon, it does not sound very nice.  Beyond that, probably more chemo.

Well, we shall see.  I'm not really thinking much beyond that.  One day at a time is about all I am capable of.

I will keep you posted.

So, Cheers!  (No, really!)  Although our life has been totally disrupted, and we must live in Toronto 4 days out of 7 for the next 5 weeks, there are no symptoms, no pain, no indications at all.  I'm still just me.  Slightly more disgruntled than usual, but just me.

Details of the experience, tastefully edited as to be suitable for dinner conversation, will be forthcoming.

Pat