A new battle to fight, a war to wage

[PKI]

Tony - get best treatment and stay close to family every minute. March forward and beat the "C" with a very big stick. Good luck and best wishes.

Hope to see your smiling face down the road. Pat

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by knunut

Tony, I always saw someone worse than me tho. And i thought of my sister and she has MS.

Yeah, my younger sister too has a very aggressive form of MS. I haven't told her about my cancer, for fear of pissing her off that there was a chance I beat her into the ground. She wouldn't like that.

Thanks for all the support guys.....first bout done.

Good news today was they didn't find the cancer in the outer stomach wall or beyond it but still awaiting Pathology on some wipes the Thorasic surgeon took.

Bad new is, they're now having to have me hydrate with an IV bottle for the next three days after chemo.....but hey, you have to be flexible.

To all those concerned about the trials, tribulations and side effects of chemo, think like I did, chemo saves your life forever; the effects wear off eventually.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[J. Morgan]

Awful news, you are in my prayers.

[Hittenstiehl]

You CAN cer Vive!!!!

F Cancer

Prayers are with you.

[Smartstream]

Hang in there Tony, we can't afford to lose our most infamous "Sidekick."

[PeterH-350LE]

Tony, you have a lot of buddies here to lean on, just do me 1 favor and don't let the chemo kill your dry humor. I count on it as a daily dose.

[Herm and Debby]

Healing thoughts and prayers coming your way!

[OTRA15]

May The Force be with you!

[Paddledipper]

Of course you’ll beat this... it sounds like there is still an Airstream that needs polishing! In all seriousness, I wish you large doses of strength and healing.

[A W Warn]

Keep positive! You can beat this!
I have two close friends who have been through it. Both still living full lives.
One has been 25+ years since diagnosis. He watched his son grow into a fine young man, and now he's enjoying his first grandchild.

[cwf]

Prayers up!...

[dnas]

I am a 31 year cancer survivor, ovarian cancer. Big surprise to me, had no symptoms, nothing. Here is my advice from my experience, and it is a metaphor. Float. Bob up and down in the experience, let the chemicals, surgery and doctors do their thing. Live your life as much as you can during the experience. Gilda Radnar had ovarian cancer when I did. She splashed around in the experience, seeking alternatives, only wearing cotton, etc. I floated. I didn't intend to drown from all of the splashing around and losing my energy. By the time she decided to go conventional, it was too late. Cancer is a marathon that only you can run. Relatives and loved ones are on the sidelines cheering you on, giving you orange juice, and hugging you at the finish line. But they aren't throwing up right along with you. (you might not experience that nor hair loss, but 31 years ago, I was subjected to the worst experience where they almost kill you. things have changed). As for my Airstream dreams, I had them all along. We just got one last year, and are loving it. But one thing cancer taught me is not to put your dreams on hold. After I could stand up and my fuzz head grew back, I want back to work. Then I went back to school for 2 more degrees, we built our house from scratch, I travelled to Europe 15+ times, etc, etc, etc. and I bought an Airstream. Know that you are loved by your family and friends, and that the experience will change you. Good luck.

[Jan Tillman]

Late this fall I will make the 5 year mark after 9 rounds of chemo and a bout of neutropenia.
95% of your recovery will be in your attitude. You are in my prayers

[flyerboy]

Several things my wife and I have learned with her bout with cancer, surgery, chemo and radiation. 4 years and doing well!
1) Eliminate as much sugar as possible from your diet. Cancer thrives on sugar.
2) Educate yourself on an alkaline diet. Learn about the ph scale. Cancer loves an acidic body. Become as alkaline as possible, the opposite of acidic!
3) Eliminate stress!
4) Check out marijuana/ hemp CBD oil, especially oil high in the CBG component. CBG disrupts the cancer cells ability to become a tumor, among other things.
5) Order apricot seeds from apricotpower.com. LOW doses of apricot seeds, about 5 per each meal, each day. Apricot seeds contain a form of cyanide that is only released by chemicals contained in cancer cells which results in self destruction of the cell.
6) On Amazon, order the easy reading book, "Cause, Cure and Cancer Free". A phenomenal story and a MUST READ for any cancer patient.

ALL this to AID and ASSIST conventional surgery, chemo and radiation.

God helps those who help themselves. Do lots of homework, burn up the internet but also be aware there is a lot of BS stuff out there as well.

These are all things to help ensure being awarded the title, "Cancer Survivor".

We donated a big brass ship's bell for the chemo department at Silver Cross Hospital in a southwest Chicago suburb. Chemo patients get to ring that bell after their last treatment. The inscription we had engraved on the plate beneath the bell (which was plagiarized) reads: "IF I CAN TAKE IT, I CAN MAKE IT"

God Bless and good luck!

Bob & Patty
"The Jetstream"

[CoolCat]

Best thoughts and prayers for perfect outcome. You’re certainly going into this with the warrior mindset, an inspiration to us all! God bless you and loved ones on this journey.

[Gene]

Tony,

I haven’t been posting much in the past few years, but I do remember seeing your posts sometimes. I notice them because we owned two Izusu Troopers starting 31 years ago. I hope you look better than the ‘86 one we had—a simple, reliable vehicle that was kind of dorky looking. When I saw this thread, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.

I know several people who have chronic cancer and do quite well. Others who have had cancer and been successfully treated and are done with cancer. Treatment has changed to recognize that some have chronic cancer and some recover without problems. I am not saying you will have chronic cancer, but for most of my (long) life, cancer was something terrifying and relatively untreatable. As a doctor friend told me, once you are diagnosed with cancer, it is hard not to think of it all the time.

Times have changed and many people survive it and have many good years left. I am sure you have learned this, but it is good to hear it again. My father had cancer twice and my mother once and they survived well for years without further treatment. My father had an aggressive adenocarcinoma in his stomach and they removed most of his stomach, but he did very well in recovery and still ate well as his stomach grew back. So far, I have had no problems (with cancer, lots of joints are a mess and other problems of aging).

I remember when doctors would not tell patients they had cancer because it was a death sentence. Things have changed, but the fear lives on for many people. Getting past the fear is a challenge for everyone and your practical approach is a help. A friend who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two months ago came to a party at our house this past weekend. She expected to be in hospice by now, so what a surprise to see her looking good and enjoying herself. I think everyone knows pancreatic cancer is very hard to beat, but there are lots of positive stories with all types of cancer.

One other thing. When people are diagnosed, many look for changes and the most common is they change their diet. I’m all for a healthy diet—I haven’t eaten meat for more than 40 years and watch out for processed foods and sugar intake (except when combined with chocolate)—but radical changes made under stress usually make people very unhappy and feeling good is very important now, so make changes gently.

And, Lynn, glad to hear you are doing well. I remember seeing you when you were having treatment back in Santa Fe and I think we saw you there at the CG even though I think you were crammed in amongst some park models. I hope you and Maria are happy in your next stage of retirement.

[obsail]

Hi Tony, I hope this message reaches you on a good day. It is likely that you will have some good and not so good days. My story is diagnosis of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) June 2015. That was a year after my wife and I purchased our first AS. 2013 25FB International signature. We had grand plans for traveling to Southwest and doing the NP tour. Treatment involved Chemo, total body radiation and stem cell transplant. I developed significant graft vs host disease from the transplant. The good news is that I am doing well now. Always some ups and downs, but mostly up now. Spent 2 most in AZ last winter. Heading upstate NY for Metro Unit WBAC rally this weekend. Have enjoyed camping with my 3 grandsons. Looking forward to FLA. trip in January. I feel like I have been given a second chance at life. I am thankful for my excellent medical care strong family support and so many prayers and good wishes. I now believe in miracles. I wish you the best during this difficult time and encourage you to just take it one day at a time.
Howard Simon

[RJJ]

Hello, Tony,

We're not acquainted, but we're members of that club.

Your positive attitude is your strongest medicine. The chemo works better because of it. I am 6 years a survivor of metastatic breast cancer. My cancer is genetic... BRCAII. It runs in my family... Breast cancer (mother, sister #1, sister #2, and me), prostate (uncle), multiple myeloma (brother #1), lymphoma (brother #2), pancreatic (sister #2). My brother's MM was the result of Agent Orange from his time in Viet Nam. Sister #2 had pancreatic and breast cancer. Geeze... Sister #1 and I survive.

I was diagnosed in late January 2012, progressed through several weeks of testing and exams, had the port implanted in mid March then began the chemo. During the chemo, I was surprised with the lack of appetite I was experiencing. I really had to take notice as my weight began to plummet. I had to remind my self of the last meal I had. Food lost all it's flavor, the chemo created blisters on my 👅. Since I could not longer manage solid food, I was prescribed all the liquid dietary supplements available. The chemo shut down all the keratin in my body and I was soon hairless and eventually nailess! Well... it cleared up that pesky ingrown toenail! My chemo had to end early as my body was loosing strength... but, not my mind. After testing in late July and early August, the chemo had killed the cancer. I didn't need radiation! 👍 The chemo left me with neuropathy in my hands and feet. (Ever walk on sharp gravel?? &#128099 In August, since it was my "girls" that tried to kill me, I got rid of them! That'll teach 'em! 😒

Due to the genetic factor of that deliterious gene, I had the rest of my internal lady bits removed. I now take a daily 1mg dose of medication that blocks the progestin my cancer feeds on. My sister and I are on the same medicine. What's left on the major list is my pancreas. I'll deal with that, too, if the time comes.

Now, my love of Airstreams began when I saw my first during the summer of my 10th year. I bought my first last year and my second (and larger) in February. At age 70 and with an empty nest, I go wherever I want whenever I want. I mostly travel alone and really like it that way. If you're not ready when I'm ready... "see ya!!". 👋 🤗 💅🏕🛀🎣📷🔭😎,etc., etc., etc.

I expected and looked for my cancer for 30 years, because I knew it would come. Upon diagnosis, I had tears, not of devastation, but of relief, relief because now, I could do something about it. And do something, I did. Today I am cancer free, happy and travelling. So many wonderful people I've met in so many beautiful places. Still so much more to do.

For you, my friend, I feel you will keep looking forward and I can read your attitude is right where it needs to be. A huge part of moving through to the other side. All the best to you and hope to see you down the road. 👍💐 God Speed.

Regina

[dlkershaw]

Hello Tony, All the best wishes, and prayers. We live in a time when a diagnosis of cancer holds much hope for recovery. As a child of the 60's this was not always the case.

3 years ago, after a trip to the ER for a violent case of hic cups, I was diagnosed with a large tumor in my Abdomen ( so large the tumor had crushed my diaphragm ( thus the hic cups). Pet Scans and Cat scans revealed Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After surgery, and an infusion port...6 months of Chemo, weight and hair loss and 6 months recovery I found remission.

During treatment my Oncologist suggested I have a goal to work towards. My wife and I picked out a 2016 Bambi 22FB and our bucket list trip of 40 years, Glacier NP.

We leave next week for 45 days, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota.


You can do this.... always look forward... NEVER look Back....

[Mansderm161]

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you are feeling better soon!