"Mr. Bobet is a 21 year old young man who has been in my care since his diagnosis of gastroesophageal high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma in May 2011. He is currently with metastatic (stage IV) cancer and is receiving chemotherapy every other week. Given the metastatic stage, hence systemic nature of his cancer, he will continue to be on chemotherapy throughout the course of his like. Treatment is for palliative purpose."

Soon, the university will receive a letter which states what you see above. Technically it is correct: the metastatic nature of my cancer means I have reached stage IV. Terrible news - absolutely. That shouldn't be diminished. Normally treatment at this stage is palliative* in nature. That's what my Dad faces.

But, what you see above, it's not quite - right. My oncologist and I have a different plan. After systemic treatment (ending sometime in late November or early December) we will begin targeted treatment of the tumors in my liver. I plan to be cured of this disease.

This is a comma, not a full stop.

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Ruel A. Bobet | ruel.bobet@gmail.com | ruelbobet.com

*pal·li·a·tive - (of a treatment or medicine) Relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the underlying cause