In October of last year I
had a routine annual physical and it was time for my routine (every 3 years)
colonoscopy. During the latter a mass
was discovered in my small intestine that was diagnosed as a “carcinoid tumor”. During the next two months of extensive tests
I researched everything I could on this condition.
It is a very rare and unique
form of cancer. In one source I read it
was called “cancer in slow motion”. This all sounded great for me and the two
months of tests confirmed it was isolated to the one location.
In January I had surgery
where a section of my small intestine and the right third of my colon were
removed. I spent 9 days in the hospital,
but at the end of it I was declared “cancer free”. No need for chemotherapy or any other major
follow up. Indeed, I am very fortunate.
The months leading up to the
surgery and until the final outcome was secure were ones of emotional upheaval
and evaluation. I was in the midst of
other personal life issues which only added to the reflection.
The end result of it all is
a renewed understanding of what is really important. Careers give us both
personal fulfillment and frustration. Family life is no different. Love
and acceptance for who we are as individuals coupled with the love of family,
friends, and especially of those very special individuals in our lives is the
key. The best medicine possible! It is this realization that makes every other
aspect of life meaningful. A career
alone has little that matters in the longer scheme of a life time if it stands
alone as one’s means of fulfillment. Fun!!!! We all need to have fun
at work, at home, and with friends.
I’ll stop rambling now.
