Today, from an oncological point of view

I have developed a real phobia about doctors - every time we've been recently, we've left with a bit more stuffing belted out of us. Well, some movement forward today. We (Gaye and I hunt as a pack on these things!) visited the oncologist today, a bloke called Paul Craft (it turns out that he lives just down the street from us!), and from his point of view, things were pretty clear. Of course all this is being discussed at the case management committee meeting tomorrow, but what we expect is...........
Next week I will have either a stent put in by endoscope, or a by-pass of the tumour through surgery (it sets me back a couple of weeks, but I think I would like a scar to show for this!). Then soon after that, chemotherapy starts. Chemo is delivered through a semi-permanent canula in my chest. I will have "about my person" a little device which delivers a constant infusion of a chemical cocktail, day and night for the next five months, with a major jolt to the system in hospital every three weeks.
Testing continues during this time, but at the end of this process, 60% of people have a success, and success is 50% shrinkage of the cancer. If no success, then we go with a different cocktail! Simple. 60% of people lose their hair - as if that was a problem for me - and many folk have only a minor reaction to this type of chemo. Chemicals are as for other stomach-type cancers, as apparently no one has developed a specific treatment for this little bastard.
If success comes, then we try to consolidate that progress by more aggressive treatment, including the renewed possibility of a Whipple's. Now that really is something to look forward to......
So now that we have very close to the final answer, Gaye and I are feeling pretty good. We've got something to aim for. And another good thing? I will be able to work, as long as its sensible. Eating probably more normal through the stent or bypass, although meals will be smaller than the pig-like portions I am used to! More tomorrow, after the doctors' gabfest.
Exercise and meditation are going well. People often ask me if the meditation is doing me any good. I have no idea! Its a real skill, and so far I am at the bottom of the class. I do know that I enjoy it, even though I occasionally drop off while "in the position", and I am committed to being better at it. Any hints?