Health Update

I spoke with my surgeon this week and the news is good! The tumor (which apparently IS cancer, although it is not the aggressive carcinoma that it could have been) was still fully contained in the capsule surrounding the thymus. He successfully removed the entire organ and tumor, and no radiation or chemotherapy is needed, thank heaven!

I asked about the irritating thumping in my ribs when I move and he said that is a normal result of punching holes through the ribcage and its nerves and will take “several months” to resolve. Ugh! So, like Linus and his blanket, be ready to see Dick and his Thoracic Pillow for some time!

I asked about my fatigue. I really only have about 120 minutes of energy in me before wanting to slither off somewhere quiet to rest. “Dick, you had major surgery, you know! Yes, it was robotic, but it’s still major. Give yourself time to rest and heal.” OK!

Looking at this experience spiritually, I have to admit that lately I have been THANKING God for allowing Myasthenia Gravis into my life. Yes. A chronic neurological condition. Thank you God! Why?

If you follow my posts you have seen me struggling with this condition. How can God allow this into my life after three years of intensive caregiving right when I was beginning to move into “normal life” mode. I knew there was blessing there, and as with all unpleasant things that come into my life I asked God to be sure that I don’t miss the blessing in the unpleasant. I know it’s there. Even when I can’t see it or imagine it.

So, as it turns out I had cancer in my chest. It had no symptoms. No pain. No discomfort. There were no signs of anything wrong. Then two months ago, my eye closed of its own accord. Recognizing this as a potential symptom of stroke, I went to the Cape Cod Hospital ED, where a CAT scan cleared me of stroke, but found a mass on my thymus. Two days later, my ophthalmologist said the eye symptom might be serious and I needed to get to the Mass Eye and Ear ED to be seen by a neuro-opthomologist, which I did the next day. I walked out with the MG diagnosis, and a referral to a MEE neuro-opthomologist to manage my myasthenia gravis condition.

This doc, works on my case, adjusts my meds, and is very concerned by the growth on the thymus and refers me to the Mass General thoracic surgery department. Two weeks later I have a name and a virtual appointment. The surgeon is very concerned by the growth and wants it out of me, and said Melissa will call to schedule surgery. Two hours later Melissa calls and schedules me for surgery in SIX DAYS. Do you know what a miracle it is to see a top surgeon at the top hospital in Boston in six days?

The next day I was at MGH getting scanned and poked for pre-operative screening and I met my surgeon in person. five days later I had the operation.

What is the point?

This was cancer. Yes, the less aggressive of the two types, but cancer nonetheless. It was fully contained, but had already begun eating into the capsule to try to break into the chest cavity where it could migrate to the lungs or heart. That would be bad. And I had no idea it was there.

By the grace of God, I had this eye problem which brought the cancer to light, and in a series of unusual, almost miraculous scheduling favors, the tumor was removed and evaluated very quickly right before it broke out. This is God!

Why God works this way and not some other way, I can’t tell you. I think my preference would be for God to tap me on the shoulder and say “Have your doctor do a chest MRI” but he didn’t. He brought the eye problem. Thank God!

I am very sore and very tired, and will be so for several month. Right now my eye is behaving well on medication, but the medication is not designed to cure the MG condition, it is designed to counter the symptoms. Some people DO get remission from MG a year after the tumor and thymus are removed. If you are a person who prays, there is my prayer request for you: That I would have complete remission from myasthenia gravis now that my cancer is gone.

Meanwhile, the next time something unpleasant comes into my life, maybe I’ll be a little more grown up and receive the positive blessing that it brings to me rather than cry like a toddler who had his lollipop taken away.

And when you see me, be sure to sign my hug pillow!

Blessings,

Dick