Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Stage IV

Had the CT scan today. The cancer is Stage IV. It appears to be in both lobes of my liver, and there's a tiny spot on my lung that may or may not be it as well. The next step is a needle biopsy to confirm the liver cancer. After that, radiation, surgery and chemo. And a colostomy.

3 comments:

patrizia said...

How much time before you begin treatment?

I feel very presumptuous writing you this and it's an uncomfortable topic to write about. But Mike -- make sure your house is livable before your treatment begins. Hire back the declutterer if the house needs to be decluttered. It will make your convalesence much more pleasant.

You have my love at a long distance. Because what do you call a relationship with someone you’ve never met but whose philosophical ramblings and narrative misadventures have diverted and entertained you for years and years and years?

You call it a true friendship.

Unknown said...

I just stumbled back on this blog on a whim, only to see this post. Please accept some positive thoughts/wishes/prayers from this stranger. I had actually Google-sleuthed this blog after years ago reading a (no longer existent) site you created referencing your years as a "cardboard haired news weasel", or words to that effect. You actually helped change the direction of my life in a dramatic way. I was working in commercial production at a FOX affiliate in New England (1997-2001), and your writings on your TV career resonated with all kinds of concerns I was having at the time about staying in TV. I didn't. I quit, headed to the desert Southwest (bringing wife and kids), diverted into PR, and despite the same heartache/bullshit/unemployment/etc that we all face, my life has benefited immensely. Just wanted you to know, and offer my gratitude, for what it is worth.

mcarp said...

Patrizia, I don't know when the actual treatment will begin. My next doctor's visit is Feb. 1, and that's for a needle biopsy.

James, you are not the first person to tell me that web site (the Mcarp Institute of Situational Journalism Ethics) influenced your decision to leave television. I'm glad I was of some service in that regard. Thanks for your kind thoughts.