I had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon today. All went well. There is always someone who does a preliminary exam and then the surgeon comes in and has a second look. They reviewed my CT scan images and report, examined and re-examined me, listened to my lungs and felt around for new tumors. At one point they asked me if I had noticed any new masses in my armpits. I said that I hadn't. Mostly I wanted to say that if I had found something I would probably have mentioned it without having to be asked. They're all very kind there. I don't think I present much of an interesting challenge for them. I'm glad of that.
I have now progressed to the point that I won't see the surgeon himself at my next appointment. I'll meet with some of the doctors on his team. They all seem remarkably competent (while being annoyingly young) so I know I'll be in good hands. So, now I'm officially documented at the two and a half year point. That's a good feeling.
About this blog
I had a lung carcinoid tumor. It was removed, along with the lower and middle lobes of my right lung, on November 6, 2007. This is a slow growing form of a malignant tumor. I considered the title "malignant me" but that seemed too negative. I locked in on "Not by myself" since that captured how I have felt during this whole, long run. I have set up this blog for people who want to know how things are going. I'll update it regularly, I hope. I'll probably be posting all sorts of things in here. Please check the Category List below to find posts on a particular topic. 