Last Trip to Johns Hopkins

Today's renal ultrasound was unremarkable, which means it was good!  There was a fluid filled cyst next to my neobladder, but Dr. Schoenberg says that I am allowed that. 

He said that he believes the cancer is behind me.  He continued that the chance of recurrence is in the single digits.  Dr. Schmidt will take over the follow-up for the next four years.  I see him this Thursday.

I asked Dr. Schoenberg all my big questions.  One was about my feet being numb.  He said that was a result of the chemo.  The reason it didn't show up until surgery is that the chemo pounded the nerves and did most of the damage while the surgery finished it off.  He indicated that the feeling should return within a year.  I forgot to ask him about the ringing in my ears that began with chemo and continues.  I have an appointment with Dr. Fintel at the end of August, so I will ask him. 

Obviously, I feel like we have reached a long-awaited goal of getting the this chapter behind us. I recognize the multiple roles these experiences play in shaping me to become more like God intended me to be.  It has been quite a ride.  I thank God for Kelli and for all he has done and is doing in our lives.  The door is not quite closed, but it appears to be just clean-up now.