Update On John (Member Class of 2011)

I know that is has been a while since I posted, (I do try to read others post most days). John has bounced back from all the EC issues and then my Mom kind of fell apart (sound familiar Loretta/William) and I started a new position (promotion, thank you very much) at work. Life has not calmed down but enough about my crazy schedule. I thought I would give an update on John. He saw the surgeon last week and Dr. Meredith told John that he was his “poster child” patient. He even took pictures of John’s incision (very small) scares. John has gained 16lbs since last visit on October 5, 2011. He is 2 lbs above the weight he was at diagnosis of EC.
Dr. Meredith ordered a CT-Chest, Abdomen, & Pelvis in 3 months and we will meet with him for results. John is back working out at gym everyday. He is pretty much back to pre EC self. He still does not have the energy level that he did but it is such a great improvement from what it was and his energy level goes up everyday. Dr. Meredith explained that he is still not healed 100%. He told John that he is 3 -6 months ahead of most of his patients and the fatigue will continue to improve. John is still battling cigarette smoking. My friends and boss keep telling me to “tell” him to quit. I cannot do that it HAS to be him that does it and me nagging him will just make it worse. He told our neighbors (they just returned from six months in England) that he knows he has to quit. So I pray that he will kick the cigarettes.
I just wanted to encourage all of you that are preparing for surgery that it does get better.
Oh and John is back cooking dinner again-tonight Grilled Salmon with yogurt dill sauce, Brown Rice and Broccoli.
Thinking of all of you often!
Erica-Wife of John
Diagnosis-T-3, N-1, M-0 on 5-17-11
Started Chemo with concurrent 28 Radiation treatments on 6-1-11
-Chemo= Cisplatin on Day one and Day 16, 5-FU M-F for 5 weeks (via pump worn 24 hrsx5 days)
MIE surgery on 9-9-11 performed by Dr. K. Meredith at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Fl.
Tumor and 29 lymph nodes-cancer free