I truly apologize for this late post. I hope I’ve reached out to each one of you who has been following my journey. If not, please tell me, and I’ll try to make it up.
Five months had passed, and October brought the day of my follow up scans. Scan o’clock! I was awaiting my doctor’s feedback.
But then it struck me as a bit odd that I was excited to go to see the doctor? But then I realized I was looking forward to seeing the doctor who made my life better. Without him, I’d be toast! I took a long while to acknowledge that I am really lucky to look forward to going to the hospital, and it is something that I don’t take for granted.
We arrived in Rochester, and I felt like I was taking a trip down memory lane! This town actually doesn’t revolve around luke warm blue drank post surgery and a gas station for slushees and calories during radiation days. Felt kinda weird. It wasn’t really about cancer though. I was thinking more about the people and the place who guided me through my journey. Rochester, you charming town you, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Mayo is family. It’s a place where everyone truly understands, and it’s where I fought my battle with cancer.
First was the MRI. We finished and my doctor sent us a message that the scans look great. Which felt so good man. To celebrate, dad surprised me with Pink tickets, so we headed up St. Paul and had the time of our lives! She was absolutely incredible, and I met some cool folks. Hey guys!
The next day, a scan and a stop at the proton radiation crew. Of course I barged in like an idiot and I’m pretty sure I let out a “TERRRR!” That’s my girl! I’m working on keeping it down I promise. I gave her a huge hug.
Then everyone started going “Call him! Call him!” calling my fishing buddy down. And let me tell you, I was ready to hear all of his fibs. Then I spotted someone special through the window, and I started waving like a dork through the glass. Before we knew it the whole gang was there. Let’s just say, we were loud. Apologies to anyone in the waiting room trying to meditate.
We caught up like no time had passed. They actually told me they were checking my schedule and noting that the machines were running behind lol! Apparently my girl was “vacuuming” keeping an eye out for me, peaking out and hoping I’d arrive! And there I stood, head banging to Pink.
We hugged and she said “Bye family!” I might have shed a tear. Cancer, bless your weird little heart. You have introduced me to the best people. I remember my grandma talking to her, saying how awesome she’d been to us. She said, “It’s cancer, of course.”
They just had me. They made me feel like a legit human, not a sick one, just with some extra spice. I’m so lucky to have had them.
They just kept me laughing. Being hours away from my usual gang of fun bringers and bad idea doers, they filled that void. They brought me fishing gear and took me fishing, blasted my favorite music so I couldn’t smell that fart smell I always did, always reminded me to lock my damn door, and they gave me the best tour of Rochester. I have so many stories from those days, I’ll tell you them all someday. It’s just wild to think I had a bunch of fun because of their support. Mayo makes you forget you’re sick.
When I arrived at my doctor’s office, the receptionist asked, “Did you see your fishing buddy?” It was a fantastic question! Indeed!
It was time for the Doctors visit, and he officially revealed the news that scans are clear. It was such a good feeling, and I’m so grateful for his skill and dedication to his craft.
And shout out to my parents for taking me to Mayo and getting me the best care possible. I love you guys with all my heart. I owe you a beer or 2!
This truly was a group project. You guys gave me so much more to fight for. My cancer touched everyone in my life, my family, my friends, incredible people who read me, I’m so grateful for your sacrifices. For example, the stress induced grey hairs I’ve caused. I’ve heard I’ve got a real talent for that. You’re my people. Even if we haven’t met yet. Love you all.
Not everyone gets this chance, especially thinking of our Grandpa Jim, Aunt Joyce, Adrien, Ms. Engel, and countless other beautiful souls. I’ll never stop fighting, for them and for everyone. It’s us and the world.
Love,
Kam
Leave a comment