[InHam] Re: Indiana Section Manager Election

[Ray, K9DUR]

Bob,

Yes, I am negotiating a speed bump of life in the way of a serious but not
debilitating health issue.  In July, my doctor found a squamous cell
carcinoma in my throat.  It was in the area of the left tonsil but above the
larynx, so my voice will not be affected.  When 1st diagnosed and before the
tests were complete to determine the extent of the cancer, I decided that if
the prognosis were not 100% positive, I would withdraw.  However, a PET scan
revealed absolutely no signs of cancer anywhere else, not even in the nearby
lymph nodes.  This resulted in an extremely favorable prognosis and, after
consultation with my doctors, I decided to proceed with seeking the Section
Manager position.  If there had been any doubt at all that my doing so would
compromise in any way my ability to serve Indiana amateurs, I would have
withdrawn a month ago.

I have just completed the 5th week of 7 weeks of radiation therapy
supplemented with infusion of a monoclonal anti-body to enhance the
effectiveness of the radiation.  Mid-treatment examinations last week showed
no visible signs of the tumor remaining.  Of course, the real test will be a
follow-up CT scan after the radiation treatments are complete.  I will
follow the radiation with 4 rounds of chemotherapy to clean up any
stragglers that the radiation may have left behind.  The entire course of
treatment should be complete in January.

During the treatments, my overall physical condition has been excellent.  I
have a persistent sore throat and do not have my normal physical stamina.
However, we are proceeding with plans for a camping trip during the Illinois
QSO Party in October to activate one of their more rare counties.  Also, we
will be making the trip to Fort Wayne for the ARRL State Convention in
November.  Both of these activities will be during the chemotherapy phase of
my treatments, and the doctors & I do not feel that I will have any problems
whatsoever.

That was the long answer.  The short answer is that I do not believe that my
current medical condition will in any way impact my ability to serve Indiana
amateurs as the Section Manager.  If I had any doubts as to that, I would
already have withdrawn.

73, Ray, K9DUR