* I told subscribers this earlier today…
A routine medical exam found some cancer in my body.
Several doctors, oncologists, surgeons, etc. have told me that this cancer will not kill me. It’s very curable, I’m assured.
I’ll be undergoing chemotherapy and then surgery to remove a tumor. The side effects of the chemo are said to be mild, and should be very close to the symptoms I’m already having. I’m thankfully in no pain at all, and that should continue. It’s unlikely that my hair will fall out, so at least I have that going for me.
I’ve been very tired for weeks because I have an iron deficiency likely due to the tumor. I underwent an iron infusion late last week and it relieved most of my fatigue, but if you’ve been wondering why Isabel has been writing so many stories lately, that’s the reason. Now that I’m feeling better, I hope to be able to continue those infusions so I can work and function like a near-normal person.
I have only one request: Please don’t tie up my phone with texts and calls. I’m still working, after all, and plan to keep on keeping on as much as I can, so I’d rather that you send any well-wishes, etc. to my email account: capitolfax@gmail.com.
Thanks for your understanding. And I’ll let you know if anything changes. But, again, I’m assured that I’ll live through this. And what I can’t handle, Isabel can. She’s progressed a lot and is simply invaluable.
Discuss.
- Edge - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 8:45 am:
Hang in there. I was diagnosed with cancer in June, and am cancer free now. Yippee!!!
- Linus - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 8:45 am:
Sending you best wishes, Rich, and I’m sure I speak for Cap Fax readership writ large. Hang in there!
- Huh? - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 8:47 am:
Best wishes for a quick recovery and a long and healthy life.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 8:48 am:
Best of luck to you on your treatment and thanks for letting your readers know what is going on even if that may not really be our business to know
Best wishes also to Isabel in her efforts to hold down the fort
- A Guy - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 8:55 am:
Heal.
- Occasionally Moderated - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 8:59 am:
Rich, after reading your stories about traveling as a young man, I thought “This ink stained scribe is a badass.”
I still think that and know you will approach this with the same courage and purpose.
- Jack in Chatham - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:02 am:
Every six to eight years, Universities give professors a six month sabbatical. This gives them time to write-up some of their research and observations into articles which they then submit to interested journals. This helps to share knowledge, increase prestige for the institution and provides a break for the professors. This might be a good time to unplug from the daily activity and sort through old notes and start a draft of your experience reporting on government to date.
I had radiation treatment. Cancer treatment continues to improve including the blood immunotherapy which a friend had. He was supposed to die in six months about thirteen years ago. Try to take Oscar for a short walk daily. Good luck.
Glad Isabella is around to keep the coffee fresh and hot.
- Hmmmm - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:03 am:
Sending you and your loved ones strength and healing energy. Thanks for all you do, Rich and Isabel, to keep us informed.
- Blair - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:03 am:
Wishing you the speediest recovery!!!
- Save Ferris - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:10 am:
Sending well wishes here.
- Niles Township - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:11 am:
In our thoughts for a complete recovery and continued strength as you tackle this.
- Northsider - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:12 am:
That’s lousy news about having cancer, but I’m very glad it’s non-fatal and easily curable. I wish you a speedy recovery.
- Walker - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:12 am:
Best wishes. for your full recovery.
Cancer treatment ain’t what it used too be — they’ve made miraculous progress in recent years. And I’m sure you asked them all the right questions.
- Rivers Gently Flowing - Tuesday, Oct 6, 26 @ 9:20 am:
Best wishes. I’ve been through it - chemo, radiation, iron infusions, surgery, immunotherapy. It was a three year long shlog but I am alive. Work the plan, get that sleep.