As my regular readers will by now have noted I have been running fewer games this year, particularly of Dog Wars which there have been none, and my participation in playing is way down as well. The explanation for all this is cancer.
In late November I went into the hospital for what I thought was an appendicitis attack. After a long series of tests, it was determined to instead be stage four colon cancer. Given my family history of this disease which has claimed the lives of the past two generations of my family, I was not all that surprised. To make a long story short I had multiple surgeries to remove a part of my lower intestine, then spent over six months receiving chemotherapy. Following all that was a HIPAC procedure which involves both surgery and more chemo treatment. When all is said and done, I went from stage four cancer to presently they cannot detect any of it at a cellular level. I'm not cured, as that takes five years of it nor showing back up, but I am as healthy as one can be.
On other positive news was I lost a lot of weight, which is good. My blood pressure is excellent now. Now I need to rebuild my endurance and general mobility. The only thing that is holding me back some is neurotrophy which effects my feet and the tips of my fingers. The later makes fine motor skills like painting difficult. This too should pass but could take as long as a year.
To all the other bloggers a big thank you for helping me feel connected to this wonderful hobby.
As time goes on and I recover more there are plenty of new projects and games in the works that I will be presenting.
I am really pleased that you are recovering well from such a serious illness. The hobby is such a great sanctuary during difficult times, hopefully you will go from strength to strength really quickly now.
ReplyDeleteThank you. So far, I have crushed the odds. I wonder if the means I will win or lose every game I play for the rest of the year?
DeleteGlad to hear that things are sounding positive. My thoughts remain with you and for your recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind thoughts.
DeleteSorry to hear about your health problems but glad to hear that it seems to be on the mend. Neuropathy is hard to bear, same happened to me after my bout with colon cancer some years back, fingers came back rather quickly, feet never recovered fully! All the best and look forward to you getting back to the table sir!
ReplyDeleteI have been dealing with the neuropathy for about 8 weeks now. I am told it can take up to a year to recover. Prior to this last time, it came and went in under a week. Best news is I now have the time for that.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about what you have had to go through this past year, but happy you are on the mend now. I hope the hands return to functionality so you can get back to painting soon. I know the importance of that in this hobby. Arthritis is beginning to limit my productivity now, not to mention the diminishing eyesight. All the best!
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