January 30, 2024
Thank You
Thanks to all of you for the well wishes regarding my colon cancer diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
The surgery was successful. I am still sore from the incisions, but that is a small sacrifice to have the tumor excised from my body. My body also seems to be getting accustomed to its new normal. Other than that, I feel tired but my stamina is improving.
During my follow up discussions with my surgeon, he indicated that it looked like the tumor had not spread beyond the initially affected region. A follow up analysis of the region’s lymph nodes did not show any signs of cancer. This probably means I will not need to undergo chemotherapy.
Once again, I will point out that I had no cancer symptoms. The only reason we caught this early was because of a regularly scheduled screening. Please make sure you keep up on your screenings and check ups.
Beginning this week, I have follow up visits with my surgeon, general practitioner and oncologist. The main purpose for these visits is to make sure we all agree on the present assessment, post-op care, and my future cancer screening plan.
I will start a gradual return to work soon, hopefully beginning February 1. That return will probably only amount to a couple of hours per day initially, but I will build from there. The work during this time will be remote. This is just a precautionary step on my part. My plan is to resume to full workdays by February 19.
One of the reasons I am able to step away for this is because of colleagues willing to step up and provide coverage for me. Family steps up for each other, and the Kansas State University family has definitely stepped up to help me in this situation. Thanks to everyone for that, and, in particular, Chris Onstad, Rick Peterson, Deborah Kohl, Tim Steffensmeier and Susie Wilkinson.
Once again, thank you all for your well wishes. Thank you all, too, for all you do in helping Kansans be successful at improving their lives, livelihoods and communities. Kansas is a much better place because of all you do.