The beginning

Thanks for joining me on my new (and first) blog - Time to Climb. As an avid pilot and mountain biker, there is one thing I know very well - climbing is inevitable. When I received news on Christmas Eve that I would be facing a battle with esophageal cancer, it signaled my next "time to climb". I have a very good co-pilot and riding partner in Rose, and she will be my anchor through all of this, but many of you have offer to jump in the saddle or slip behind the yoke with me on this journey. For that I thank you. 

The diagnosis is cancer of the esophagus, one of the most serious forms of cancer in that it is usually doesn't present itself until it is too late to cure. Score one for me - while it is at an advanced stage 3, it is in a position to treat and eradicate. Based on its location, it usually spreads to lymph nodes, liver, lungs, stomach, etc. Score two for me - this is localized in the esophagus and is moderately differentiated. The 3rd thing I have going for me is the world-class, state-of-the-art facility treating me at City of Hope, only 12 miles from home. Yes, I have a lot of positive things going for me in this battle! But most of all, is my network of family and friends who are sending me prayers and positive thoughts that really make the biggest difference in all of this. (BTW - keep your tears, none here. And never say "sorry" - I'm glad I have it and not you)

My first visit to City of Hope was Jan 3rd. As positive as I've been through the diagnosis and my own research (fairly extensive for me!), I have to admit to being sucker-punched by my surgeon yesterday when he outlined my treatment plan. It was significantly more aggressive than I had planned in my head and I wasn't prepared for it. Everything I read pointed to surgery alone, but that wasn't to be. I'll start with 5 week plan of tomotherapy radiation 5 days/week, along with low-dose chemotherapy once per week. Their objective to reduce the size of the tumor (8-9cm)and kill any cancer cells that may not present as tumors at the present time. Radiation/Chemo treatment will be followed about 6 weeks later by surgery to remove the tumor, surrounding esophagus and small part of the stomach where the esophagus enters. 

Surgery will be performed robotically, which is the least invasive method currently practiced for this type of procedure. Recovery will land me in the hospital for about a week (7 days in bed - that's worse than the surgery!) and then on the road to recovery in about 2-4 months. Prognosis is good based on my health, age and condition. I have no doubt that I will be cancer-free following this treatment plan. If you care to visit, here is where I need your help - but bring your bike, kayak, etc. I'll need a push to get back into physical shape and should be about 15 pounds lighter (see that, REAL benefits!).

The outpouring of love, thoughts and prayers has been overwhelming. I can't tell you how much your support has made a difference in my attitude, which has been positive from the moment that I received the news. "Why?", "Why me?", "I can't believe it" have never crossed my lips or my mind. The challenge is best conquered with a strong and clear outlook - I have that. I accept it for what it is and will follow the recommended treatment plan to the letter to give myself the best possible results. Many of you have stated what I feel - I am a fighter and won't attack this challenge with anything less than my best effort. I'm not fighting cancer, I'm simply working to remove it from my body. It's a vicious disease and I have respect for the damage and tragedy that is associated with it. But I have an unwavering dedication to work with my medical team on its eradication. Simple as that. 

I've created this blog to keep my friends updated on my progress. I'm sorry that I can't return each call, email or text - there are simply too many of you (I'm so fortunate). I do humbly appreciate each and every one of those calls, emails, texts, and especially your prayers. I will find out a way to make it up to you once this process is over. 

Stay tuned for frequent updates. Treatment starts Thursday 1/17 and I'll be posting my status often so you can can follow along with me. Thanks again for your loving concern and support.