Got my results back from last week’s MRI and CT scan. Although I have not yet discussed with the care team (that happens next week), it’s clear that surgery is a go. The MRI results describe my treatment response (this includes all the radiation and chemo I’ve gone through, for six months) as “partial” and the overall tumor regression is categorized as “moderate” (TRG 3 — see categories below):

Clearly surgery is needed to take care of the rest. So I’ve been looking into how much time off from work this will entail. Based on what I’m seeing in the Colontown forum, looks like I’ll need 4 weeks off after the Jan 3 LAR surgery — and then another 4 weeks off after the reversal surgery (which I believe will happen in the April timeframe). What needs to be reversed, you ask? It’s the ostomy: technically, the ileostomy which will be created in the Jan 3 surgery.

I’m actually currently at a work “off-site” summit meeting in North Carolina — and feeling good, by the way — the timing for this was perfect (post-chemo, pre-surgery). Got a chance to meet my new boss (he’s based in India) and reconnect with many colleagues. I’ve started to spread the word with these folks about the upcoming surgery. It’s really weird having cancer and knowing when/how to bring this up at work. I shared the info back in early May, with a small group, and strongly encouraged my colleagues to share the news on my behalf (I don’t really enjoy telling people directly). While many at these summit meetings knew about my situation, many also did not, and it’s been a little odd to explain the whole thing — although everyone is very supportive. I have received many big hugs.

Next week, I meet with the surgeon on Monday, and then do a scan review discussion with my oncologist on Thursday. While fortunately the CT scan indicates no metastasis has occurred, it does say there is “mild coronary artery calcification” — Google indicates this can indicate a risk of heart disease, so that’s concerning. I’ll ask about that next week (assuming that I’ll be directed to follow up with my primary care physician?)