Dear Dr. Behm, surgical team, and “butts and guts” floor staff,
I would like to wish you all a happy holidays and extend a heartfelt thanks for all you did for me this time three years ago. You probably remember my complicated 6-week postop stay. It has been rough sailing since, but I am still here, still living my life, and you are a big part of that.
I did unfortunately have a recurrence in the pelvis that is still there and a couple of lung mets that were removed. I also have 2 other lung nodules that we’re watching. The available chemo agents became intolerable and stopping those actually improved my quality of life a lot. I’ve been off of chemo for a year now and the tumors have thankfully grown only a few millimeters in that time.
My cancer journey has now extended over 8 years and your excellent care is undoubtedly why I’m still alive. I am enjoying getting ready for Christmas and turning 47 tomorrow. Our family bought a house this year with a lovely backyard where I can watch countless birds and squirrels prepare for the winter. My wife has been busy decorating and my 14-year-old son is in 9th grade and plays the tuba in band. I am resolved to live my life to the fullest, whatever that may be.
May everybody at Mayo continue to benefit your patients both aggressively and compassionately.
Warmest wishes for a merry Christmas and happy holidays,
Matthew Shook, MD
P.S. I would appreciate it if you could distribute this to the colorectal department, the inpatient floor, and the doctors involved in my care.