The Best of Times
November 8, 2013 18 Comments
Recovery from colon surgery is going well and has had its ups and downs. The recovery is far less painful compared to that of my lung surgery. I met with my oncologist today who told me to focus on healing from surgery and then begin a schedule to get CT scans every three months. I was very excited and relieved by this news because I was worried I would need additional chemo or radiation immediately following the surgeries. So it looks like I will begin to have CT scans every three months to see if the cancer comes back. Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts. Going five days on a clear liquid diet was tiresome. I should be able to return to my normal diet by Thanksgiving. I have lost a lot of weight over the past two months and hope to gain it back in the next three months.
When I began chemo, I expected to lose my hair or experience thinning of my hair. My thought process was…why should I pay for a haircut when it’s just going to fall out? So I haven’t gotten a haircut during this time and it looks ridiculous. Janie and I think my hairstyle is similar to Kurt Russell’s in pretty much any of his movies. The funny thing is I went from a No. 5 guard, buzz cut, to Kurt Russell and many people that see me don’t know why I haven’t gotten it cut. I told myself I would get it cut when I’m cancer free. Now I’ve found myself strangely attached to my hair and how it’s a symbol of rebellion in my fight with cancer. Every time I see myself in the mirror or a person comments on it, I think about all I have experienced during the past nine months.
I do not want to go back to living my life the way I was before being diagnosed. Cancer turned my life upside down and I never want to lose the clarity my mind has now. I notice and appreciate everything I see and I know I would not have this perspective unless I went through something traumatic.
Early on in my treatment I befriended John, he is young and has the same diagnosis and is now 4 years in remission. In a discussion of how grateful and blessed I felt and the clarity I had, he shared this with me…I can experience what someone would call a “bad day” and think Wow! I am so glad to be alive and have this bad day today. What a thrill! Suddenly, your “bad day” starts to turn around.
I like this because it’s an example of what I mean by clarity. I know life is stressful, but it is also beautiful. When I start seeing more beauty in life, I am less stressed. I hope to hold onto this mindset forever.
Reno Hightower
backstagefour 
Kevin, you are an inspiration! I am sending my love to you and your family.
Thanks Maridy. Your girls taught me the importance of MT.
a wonderful perspective!! we’re thrilled with your progress and continue to pray for complete healing! love to you and yours.
Thanks for the prayers Mary. I’ll take every one of them.
Kevin- you are an inspiration to all of us, for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing and reminding us what it’s all about! And don’t be afraid to consider a little business up front, party in the back, when you’re ready to cut your hair!
Thanks Jen. When I do get it cut, I’m sure I’ll have a little fun with it.
We have to be reminded every day how lucky we are to be well and when something happens to us what you have gone thru we can appreciate it every day.My brother died of pancreatic cancer 1 / year ago and it went very fast for him. There is no cure for this cancer. He was only 69 years and is missed a lot. Hope all goes well for you and Janie and your little family
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Thank you. It’s been tough but the family is doing well
so happy for you and proud of you man. try not to sweat those scans too much as they come up. cause three months can go by quickly!
Thanks Ebare. I don’t have scanxiety yet, but I’m sure I will come December 16th.
Kevin, coming from a man with long lochs in college, keep the hair!!! It compliments you.
Thanks JG. I might channel my inner College JG with the hairdo.
You’re a rock star and an inspiration!!!
Thanks Yoder. I might pass for a lead singer. Anybody listening from Nobody’s Monkey.
You are amazing, Kevin. God bless you and your family…we are so happy to hear your news. I love what you said about your hair, and I think it looks great! Continued prayers for a complete recovery. You’re an inspiration!
The first time I met Nick he had a mowhawk. I think it’s funny how we ( young cancer folk) react to getting chemo. Thanks for the prayers and letting others know about my situation.
Beautiful outlook!
You remain in my thoughts and daily prayers.
God Bless,
Sue
Thank you Sue. It’s very kind of you to include me in your daily prayers