Life and circumstances are changing quickly. Since last week, we spoke to arguably the best surgeon who specialized with HDGC (Sam Yoon from Sloan Kettering in NYC). Thankfully, the hospital is in-network so I was able to book an appointment directly with his office. Thus, I have an appointment for a prophylactic total gastrectomy for Jan 6th, 2018. That’s 80 days away. Which doesn’t seem very far from now. I have to get an upper endoscopy in November and I’m praying the results are negative and Dr. Yoon can proceed as planned.
I felt really good after speaking with Dr. Yoon. As of last week, he has conducted 51 HDGC prophylactic total gastrectomies and countless TG’s from cancer patients. His results are very good and his name is referenced in nearly every HDGC documentation/medical guidelines I have reviewed.
People keep asking me, “how are you doing”? However, I’m struggling to find emotions for this whole thing. I’m more in reaction mode as I feel I don’t have a choice other than to have my stomach removed. Thus, I have to take steps in the right direction. I literally can’t imagine how I’m going to feel when I get in NYC and lay on the operation table. I have anxiety just thinking about it.
I also didn’t understand how expensive this whole thing will be. Airfare and hotel alone will be more than $3,500. It will also max out my deductible ($10,000) and who knows what else. Again, I don’t have a choice.
On a different note, I’m competing in my first Ironman 70.3 event this weekend in Wilmington NC. It should be awesome and I’m sure I’ll have to push through some uncomfortable feelings to finish the race with a respectable time. (1.2M swim, 56M bike, 13.1M run). I’m going up with several friends from church.
Thanks for reading. This is going to be an interesting next few months.