This just in

This year roared in like a lion, and it looks like it's going to go out the same way.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dr. B1 emailed the pathology results of last week's biopsies, and they reinforce the observations made by my radiation oncologist late last month. "The results of your biopsy unfortunately showed a recurrence of the cancer," Dr. B1 wrote today.

Dr. B1 went on to say that he has spoken with other doctors on my Kaiser team, and their recommendation is for chemotherapy treatments. I'll be meeting with a new chemo doc Wednesday at 4, right after seeing Dr. B1.

I would have been surprised if Dr. B1 had told me that there was no longer evidence of cancer, as he said following the biopsy last summer. Just by looking in the mirror, I can tell that something wacky is going on with me from the neck up. This has been obvious to me for weeks. And on Monday, I noticed that the same kind of numbness that I began feeling months ago in my jaw was now advancing into my left ear.

So the bad cells are gaining ground. And the sooner that my doctors and I can initiate a vigorous counter assault, the better.