Friday

February 13, 2026


    Friday the 13th but nothing scary going on here. I just received the results of my blood test, and it came back with another 0. Never any guarantees, but a year's worth of zeros I think means that my cancer was confined to the one spot and my surgeon, and the radiation, got it all. There are still tests to go and another year to monitor, but lots of reasons to feel confident and hopeful. 

    Now, on the other hand, my colonoscopy was another test/procedure that is going to lead to more tests and procedures.  I was more inflamed than two years ago (even though my condition has never been more under control) and there were polyps. Because of my situation, my GI wants me to see a specialist at UCI and undergo another colonoscopy in 3-6 months where he will check things out and remove anything that looks fishy. I'm not overly worried because there is no rush to get this taken care of. My GI said we will talk about it at my appointment in March, and the follow-up with the UCI doctor won't be for months. Compare that to my Merkel cell diagnosis. I received the phone call on a Thursday, Friday the surgical oncologist called to set up an appointment for the next Tuesday, and three weeks later I was in the operating room. 5-6 weeks later I started radiation. 

    I can only wait and see how the rests of the tests and procedures work out this month and next. Blood test next Tuesday, consultation with the radiation oncologist on Wednesday, and then PET scan on Thursday. I'll keep you posted. It's ironic that all of this is going on when I've never felt better and so many of my vitals are great. I started my walking regime again the day after the colonoscopy and am now 11 days in.  I have listened to Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and the first 11 chapters of Deuteronomy. One thing that stood out to me... when God is creating, or giving Moses plans, or listing the commandments and statutes for the Israelites He hasn't had to think about them, He just knows.

    Tonight, Cathy and I are going to a marriage event dinner at our church. Over 250 couples have signed up to come together for dinner and then to hear a message from our pastor on Malachi 2:14-15. Valentines Day, Cathy and I are going to lunch at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach. We had our first date there, 21 years ago on March 6. I asked for outside seating, I hope the weather cooperates. 

    Updates next week.

2 Chronicles 20:6... And said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven?  You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.  In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to wish stand you." 

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