Diary of a Network Geek

Well, I went to the doctor for my results today.

According to the doctor, I have an “unidentified mass” in my right lung, along with fluid and some excess fluid around my heart. Obviously, the concern here is cancer. I used to smoke, though not much, and I have a family history of cancer. On the other hand, it could just be an adenopathy as a result of having such a bad infection for so long. That’s sort of what I’m hoping for, but we’ve got a ways to go before figuring it out.
Friday morning at 9:45am, I have an appointment with a pulmonary specialist to see about getting a biopsy done. My doctor talked to MD Anderson, but going through them could take four to six weeks to get as far as a biopsy. That’s why my doctor went ahead and referred me to the specialist. My timeline should be compressed from many weeks to one or two. Not sure about what this proceedure will entail, but I know they’ll knock me out, so I’ll most likely have to arrange for someone to take me to the proceedure and take me home again. Luckily, I have legions of friends who have already volunteered.

I really, truly had no idea how many people cared about me. I’ve gotten several calls this afternoon already and, in spite of my protestations, I have friends coming over with food tonight. My minister is going to call later, as are several friends I’ve been in touch with via e-mail. I hope it will put my mother at ease to know that so many people are ready to take care of her little boy, so far away from home.

I don’t think I mentioned last night when I wrote that entry, but C. offered to help me with my dog and so on if I had to go into the hospital when we thought I might need to get the lung drained, though she allowed that I had plenty of friends that would be more than willing to help. I was talking to her on the phone, which is a good thing because I’m sure my jaw was hanging slack. I’m not quite sure what’s up with her, but she seems caught between wanting to have a friendly relationship with me and… Well, and keeping some kind of distance. I’m not sure if it’s because of the prohibition on her dating someone from work, or something else, but I definately feel the distance that she’s trying to maintain.  But, don’t judge her too harshly.  Her heart really is in the right place, even if she has some issues right now.  God knows, I’ve been through plenty of that kind of nonsense myself.

So, I guess I’ll update you all again after I know more from the pulmonary specialist.  If you’re the praying kind, now’s a good time to add me to your list.