Side Mission

I will continue to explore Mars, but will be also narrating a side mission. Back in November of 2011 I experienced a head cold which quickly moved into my lungs and stayed for about 2 weeks before I visited a doctor at a local clinic. They prescribed antibiotics and I recovered well. However, when I went to a follow-up one week later, I mentioned that a lymph node on my neck, near my collar bone, seemed to be swollen and growing and I was feeling some mild pain along my collar bone. They sent me for an ultra-sound and then a CAT scan.
On the 12th of December, I and some other clowns entertained at a luncheon banquet for kids with special needs and then I came home. Later in the afternoon the clinic called to say that the CAT scan showed a neck mass that was compressed on the jugular vein and I should go to a hospital right away. I asked if I could wait til the next day. They said no and to go right away--which I did. I was admitted. It was a Monday. During the week that I was in the hospital, I had another ultra-sound and CAT scan and a biopsy. Several doctors came by to examine me and all of them suspected a malignancy. I argued that I didn't have any other symptoms and that my blood work and everything showed no abnormalities. Although they thought that this was a good sign, they still suspected cancer.
Finally, on Thursday, a doctor came in and sat with me for half an hour and explained that I had advanced cancer and that it was most likely emanating from the lungs. I immediately began lobbying for release because they wanted to do a PET scan and an inscision and that would not take place til the first of the next week. I didn't want to lie in bed all weekend with nothing to do but worry.
I had been visited by 6 1/2 clowns ! Calls from my brother and son. Visits from my in-laws. Visits from my wife. Visits from friends. But, I wanted to go home and be somewhere familiar so that I could resume my usual activities and avoid too much dreadful thinking.
My pastor had called and visited me frequently. I was released Friday evening and went to church on Saturday evening. It is Christmas time and I am trying to experience the joys of the season.
Since the biopsy, I have had a lot more marked pain in my shoulder and left arm. I don't have trouble eating or swallowing or breathing.
Next week I have an appt with an oncologist who will interpret the PET scan that I had this past Monday and attempt to determine what stage the cancer is and where all it is located. Then, the first week in January I will have a Neck surgeon remove some of the neck mass to further study the type of cancer involved. Treatments should begin shortly thereafter.
By keeping this blog up-to-date, it is hoped that other people going through cancer diagnosis and treatment can compare notes and find some support and share information.
At the present I don't have any deep thoughts about this dilemma. As a clown, I know that laughter has healing properties. As a clown, I know that performing for others and sharing smiles enhances one's soul and affects one health.
As a Christian, I know that prayer is a power. I trust in the Lord and know that he will lead me through the outcome.
I had a really enjoyable 2011 with a lot of parades and clowning. 2012 should prove to be a challenge for my clowning if my treatments take a lot of time and energy. I will persevere and clown every chance I get ! And, I will continue to follow the news about Mars and the Science Laboratory and the Mars Society and Space tourism and Exploration. The coming year will be full of excitement and mystery.