What I have been diagnosed with is a rare and aggressive type of cancer.
Selfie outside the Precision Cancer building at the UCSF Mission Bay campus
It has scared the crap out of me, and I am just starting to call it out by name in order to face it directly.
Cholangiocarcinoma. AKA Biliary Tract carcinoma. Or just bile duct cancer. Its specific location earns another label, a Klatskin tumor.
It’s a nasty cancer. The general prognosis is dismal.
But it looks like I could be among the few who are candidates for “curative” surgery, the only way to beat this thing. Tests done this past week at the University of California San Francisco Precision Cancer Building in San Francisco’s Mission Bay appear to have found no evidence the cancer has spread beyond the original location. That would seem to make a surgical approach in my case more viable.
i’m awaiting the “official” assessment of the surgical oncology option, which I expect to get soon.
Ths is, of course, only a very short version of what has been happening over the past seven weeks as the process of diagnosing and devising a treatment plan has been underway, initially in Hawaii and then in San Francisco.
The selfie was taken early Monday morning, April 13, as I waited for the building at UCSF to open so that I could check in for another CT Scan. I was probably looking more beaten up by the end of the week.
Please keep those positive vibes coming!
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I am wishing you strength and peace in this difficult journey. I hope all the stars align to create a positive healing environment. Your great zest for life is inspirational, and your love for Meda and the kitties brings joy to many of us. Know that you are supported by the many people you have touched over the years. Please keep us informed.
What a shock, Ian. I’m glad you’re receiving care from one of the best medical teams in the country. And I’m hoping you and Meda will stay strong and hopeful. Sending you both virtual hugs from Hilo.
Sending positive thoughts & prayers your way from Waimea Big I. ????
Your good genes will give you a sturdy basis to weather this surgery and come through recovery. Hang in there Ian. You have a huge number of people sending positive emotions to you and Meda.
Ian – we’ve never met, but I have read your blog nearly daily for at least 20 years. So, while you don’t know me, I feel like I know you. I cannot imagine what you are facing, and I could not be more impressed by your strength. You have so many people praying and rooting for you in their own ways. I hope you can feel it from these comments. Stay steady-strong through the ups and downs. And know that you have this large community – that you created – supporting you.
Wishing you Strength and positive vibes in this time, you are an inspiration to many and have revealed many things. Sharing your journey in all facets of your life has always been an eye opening experience, Mahalo Ian!! love light And aloha to you and your ohana ?
We too send good thoughts to recover. Aloha from Nuuanu. Poi is always helpful. A glass or two of good wine is nice. If can.
Our Times out of Poi this morning.
All the best Ian!
I’m sending you so much love and praying for your fast recovery. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I have been such a long time reader of your work and I feel honored that you let all of us into your little world even in these more challenging moments.
I’ve been following your thoughts and reporting for a long time now though I haven’t seen you in years. I remember spending time with you at Kuhio Grill during the 70s. Fun times, young times. Now my prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for what you have brought to all of us. Aloha.
Thank you, Ian, for informing us. Best wishes to you and Meda.
Ben
While the diagnosis is concerning, the finding that it hasn’t spread and the availability of a surgical treatment are very encouraging. We send good vibes and positive thoughts your way.
Sending positive thoughts and solid mana to you and Meda – stay strong and ku’e!
Dear Ian,
I’ve been a fan of yours and Meda’s since my UH days in 1984.
Saddened to hear about your cancer, and cheered to know there is hope for a pathway through and out.
Thanks for sharing so we keep you company on this journey.
Best wishes for recovery, and healing.
Sending love and light your way,
Kathy
Continuing to lift you up in prayer and petitioning the Lord for your healing. Also praying for all the medical professionals caring for you. May they have steady hands, hearts, and minds as they bring their powers to bear in treating you.