Well, crud! So sorry to hear this. Don't let your thoughts get too dark until you visit with the oncologist. Then, develop a plan that is consistent with who you are and how your family chooses to live life. We're all pulling for you!
I am trying to be strong in the presence of my wife, and Son, but its tough.
Rick.
Rick, I have a cousin that has been fighting stage 4 colon cancer for over 4 years. He's a chemical engineer with his degree from MIT. He has gone through 55 rounds of chemotherapy. His latest counter attack is based on these findings.... http://www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index.php?journal=oncotarget&op=view&page=article&path%5B%5D=3174
He currently is taking 2.5 times the recommended dosage of prescription antibiotics and his last CT after 30 days of treatment showed reduced size of his tumors. Look into this, he's experiencing vary little side effects.
Best of luck, thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
A few weeks ago there was an episode of the news program on HBO called vice. They documented three cases and explained research being done that CURES cancer. It seems they found a way to genetically modify virus's to seek out and destroy cancer cells. They leave behind a patient that is in a cured state instead of remission short or long term.
What is upsetting to me is all the talk on the media lately on cancer and so called breakthroughs but no mention of the cure. Just listened to a multi day 6 hour report on NPR and no mention of the new virus cure.
I wish you all the best and my prayers are with you.
Walt
A few weeks ago there was an episode of the news program on HBO called vice. They documented three cases and explained research being done that CURES cancer. It seems they found a way to genetically modify virus's to seek out and destroy cancer cells. They leave behind a patient that is in a cured state instead of remission short or long term.
What is upsetting to me is all the talk on the media lately on cancer and so called breakthroughs but no mention of the cure. Just listened to a multi day 6 hour report on NPR and no mention of the new virus cure.
I wish you all the best and my prayers are with you.
Walt
Your circle of friends is now larger than before and includes us all.[/b][/size][/size][/size]:+1
Be true to yourself. Worry not about pretense. You are what you believe, regardless of emotional speed bumps. In a small way we are with you. Blessings.:+1
Praying for you Rick and hoping you will find support from all your unknown Guzzi friends helpful.
Not good news Rick.
I have no experience of cancer (yet) but I did go go through a medical event that was life threatening and involved open heart surgery a couple of years ago.
I want to say things here about attitude. I just hope it's appropriate and helpful.
You know, when we are born to this world we all come with a death sentence. It's pre-agreed that this is a temporary adventure, but many seem to go through life ignoring this.
You have a "body failure" and will need to fix it. That's not going to be the best time of your life, but from what has been posted previous it seems that there is no reason to suppose that it won't be successful.
So enough of this 'being tough' for your family. You don't have to do that. Your family (which you are lucky to have) will support you in this time.
However there is little point in worry either, though it is hard not to.
In my case I knew going in that the operation I was going to have has a 6% mortality rate. That doesn't sound to bad, but consider, if a lottery gave you a 6% chance of winning you would surely buy a ticket.
During the op I had one of those Out Of Body experiences you hear about. I think it occurred when my heart was stopped. ( they cool it until it stops beating) In that state I had a close look at what the surgeon was doing to my leg (extracting arteries for the bypasses that were part of the deal) then decided that the surgeons would do what they would do and I would survive or I would not, so I might as well buzz off and do some other stuff. There the memory of the experience leaves me.
A couple of things about that were noticeable.
First off the actual experience of the OOB state was proof positive to me of our continued existence without a body. (It's only proof to me of course. A personal experience like that does not hold up under the scientific method, it remains anecdotal) I found this very reassuring.
I was struck by the "whatever happens, happens" attitude that I had in that state. I wasn't worried at all.
In all it gave a sense of proportion to the whole deal.
I'm not sure that I'm finding the right words to express what I'm trying to say here.
It amounts I suppose to what others have been saying all along. Be Positive. Attack the problem with all that you can bring to it, but learn to relax and dispense with fear.
Richard Bach summed it up nicely;"Here is a test to see
if your mission on earth
is finished.
If you are alive,
It's not."
You are alive Rick, so there are still things for you to do and experience. Take hope from that, and keep that hope safe and well fed.
My best to you Rick in this trial. I'm going to assume a positive outcome and that you will regret giving those bikes away.
Rick,
Thoughts and prayers are with you today for your Dr appt.
I am feeling kinda "lost" right now, this has thrown me for a "loop" I must admit.I am trying to be strong in the presence of my wife, and Son, but its tough.
Rick.
Sounds as though you like your doc. That's a good thing. Good for your morale.Thanks for the update. It's great that your doc and you clicked. Maybe you can convince him to move up his timetable and get on 2 wheels before long! Glad you got a plan of action that seems reasonable and a physician you like and trust to guide, treat, and advise. All the best and keep the shiny side up!
On a more happy note, Guys....
When I left the Drs. office I grabbed one of his cards on the way out, on the back,it has an area titled "about the Doctor" it states he has 5 children, his 3 oldest daughters are in college, He states" I love riding motorcycles,but my wife has made me promise not to ride, until my youngest daughter is out of high school" " I read all Jack Reacher, and Mitch Rapp novels. I appreciate our military, and Believe I am blessed to live in America.
"My patients might be surprised to learn I have a G.I. Joe collection that I set up, and play with my daughters"
" I want a cherry red Corvette!"
What do you all think?
Rick.
:bow Thanks John. That's a keeper. What a fine letter.
"My patients might be surprised to learn I have a G.I. Joe collection that I set up, and play with my daughters"
" I want a cherry red Corvette!"
(https://patchesofpride.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/jeannie2.jpg)
Thanks Jeannie, It's just what the doctor ordered. I have one more wish. There's this guy named Rick....
Hello, Folks! I havent been on here for a while, but I wanted to give all of you an update, I completed my first week of chemo, and radiation yesterday. I have been up in Tucson for that, but have returned to my home in Douglas, for the weekend/ mothers day. I will be back up in Tucson for the second week of treatments Sunday evening. I just wanted to let all my friends here know, that I am doing ok, 3rd day after chemo, I was down for the count, spent most of that day stretched out on the recliner, sleeping on and off.
It feels good to go back to my garage, and dust off the Guzzis. I actually plan to take my sidecar rig out for a little ride today, as my wife could probably benefit from that ride, as well. Its been a bit of a tough week for her, holding my hand during chemo, and basically doing everything, including most of the driving in that crazy Tucson traffic.
Its nice to be back in"the sticks", where the pace is much slower.
I will try to post a couple of pics, sometime this weekend,
Warmest regards, and love to all !
Rick.
Good to hear from you Rick ;-T
Best wishes. My doctor just told me last week that I had an aortic aneurysm and it had grown from 3.2cm to 4.6cm in the last 3 years. Freaked out and then the Psych calmed me down. Now CAT scan next week, but Doc says not to worry about it.My father had one of those. The doc waited until it was 5 cm before surgery. He is doing fine now.
Not good news Rick.
I have no experience of cancer (yet) but I did go go through a medical event that was life threatening and involved open heart surgery a couple of years ago.
I want to say things here about attitude. I just hope it's appropriate and helpful.
You know, when we are born to this world we all come with a death sentence. It's pre-agreed that this is a temporary adventure, but many seem to go through life ignoring this.
You have a "body failure" and will need to fix it. That's not going to be the best time of your life, but from what has been posted previous it seems that there is no reason to suppose that it won't be successful.
So enough of this 'being tough' for your family. You don't have to do that. Your family (which you are lucky to have) will support you in this time.
However there is little point in worry either, though it is hard not to.
In my case I knew going in that the operation I was going to have has a 6% mortality rate. That doesn't sound to bad, but consider, if a lottery gave you a 6% chance of winning you would surely buy a ticket.
During the op I had one of those Out Of Body experiences you hear about. I think it occurred when my heart was stopped. ( they cool it until it stops beating) In that state I had a close look at what the surgeon was doing to my leg (extracting arteries for the bypasses that were part of the deal) then decided that the surgeons would do what they would do and I would survive or I would not, so I might as well buzz off and do some other stuff. There the memory of the experience leaves me.
A couple of things about that were noticeable.
First off the actual experience of the OOB state was proof positive to me of our continued existence without a body. (It's only proof to me of course. A personal experience like that does not hold up under the scientific method, it remains anecdotal) I found this very reassuring.
I was struck by the "whatever happens, happens" attitude that I had in that state. I wasn't worried at all.
In all it gave a sense of proportion to the whole deal.
I'm not sure that I'm finding the right words to express what I'm trying to say here.
It amounts I suppose to what others have been saying all along. Be Positive. Attack the problem with all that you can bring to it, but learn to relax and dispense with fear.
Richard Bach summed it up nicely;"Here is a test to see
if your mission on earth
is finished.
If you are alive,
It's not."
You are alive Rick, so there are still things for you to do and experience. Take hope from that, and keep that hope safe and well fed.
My best to you Rick in this trial. I'm going to assume a positive outcome and that you will regret giving those bikes away.
Hey Rick I just ran across this thread. (I hardly get on the computer anymore) So sorry to hear about your cancer. I know you enough to see that your attitude has always been great, and to me that is one of the most important things you can have. Last July I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Chemo sucks but it does seem to work. There are so many cancer research opportunities on line, a lot of trials going on for specific types of cancer. Have you looked into any of those? We're currently waiting for a package from the "Pancan" network that will show us all the trials going on within a 100 mile radius from here. They tell you there's no guarantee, but I don't think I'm getting any better with the chemo and it's knocking the shit out of me. I'm reaching the point where we start looking at other things. Keep your attitude the way I remember it and hopefully we'll talk soon. Be well Rick.
Tom in tucson
Good health, happy rides.
We're still thinking about you Rick.
Hello Folks, I have been debating for a couple of weeks if I should mention this here, but have decided to, as you fine folks have helped me with your sage advice, and experience on many topics over the years. I have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, tonsils, and neck, about 3 weeks ago. I had a biopsy of what was thought to be a "suspicious" parotid gland. ( salivary gland) and then had a CT scan, and a PET CT scan that shows the tumor to include over half of my tongue, with metastasis to my neck muscles, and some lymph nodes in my neck, as well as the salivary glands, on the right side. The PET shows it has not spread to my brain, lungs, bones, lymph nodes in my armpits( axillary) or any abdominal organs. I have an appt. this friday with an oncologist, that will tell me where we go from here. I am 57 years old. My mind has been running full speed trying to assimilate all this, and thinking of what to do. I have already given my 73 Eldo to my son, as well as my 84 Cal II convert. I had done this before the diagnosis. ( Guzzi Content) Any advice, suggestions, support from you guys is most welcome. I am feeling kinda "lost" right now, this has thrown me for a "loop" I must admit.I am trying to be strong in the presence of my wife, and Son, but its tough.
Rick.
Rooting for you hard man, I only just got here so you gotta stick around for a really long time at the minimum. The good thing is, though, that there's been a lot of progress in cancer research and treatment discoveries in recent years, and we're starting to see those advances make it to general availability more and more. I think maintaining a positive outlook helps a lot, and that's something that I personally would probably think about if it were me. I would also say, don't be afraid to try anything and everything, skepticism isn't very useful when seeking what works with an open mind. I also think this means getting second opinions and not being afraid to ditch one oncologist for another, don't worry about hurting people's feelings or anything like that.
I sincerely hope you meet with a quality oncologist and come up with a plan to smash this thing, and that you'll be celebrating your cancer-free-ness in due time.
Great news. That LeMans is sweet.
Dave
Galveston
Thanks Guys for all the kind words! You guys are awesome!
Steve( Vagrant) I have a little retirement house in Sahuarita( Rancho Sahuarita) my wife and i go there most weekends.Thank you, for the offer, we will have to get together sometime, for coffee or lunch my cell is 520-249-2180. I am located a stone's throw from you in Green Valley. Also if you ever decide to take a ride to the Douglas/Bisbee area, I am down in Douglas, monday through friday usually. Great riding roads down here also...
Rick.
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r76/bigbikerrick/85%20Guzzi%20Le%20Mans%201000/20151225_142955_zpsir5ksyly.jpg) (http://s141.photobucket.com/user/bigbikerrick/media/85%20Guzzi%20Le%20Mans%201000/20151225_142955_zpsir5ksyly.jpg.html)
Hey George, Great picture for comparison! I had forgotten about that one! I feel pretty good now at 186 lbs, I was about 355lbs in that second picture, thats about 2-3 years ago, when I had just brought home my new to me Cal II.
Thanks for posting that,
Rick.
Last post was from Muzz on the 13th Jan.
How are you doing Rick?
Rick
First I want to say that prayers are coming your way and I believe in the worth of prayers.
Next , I have a neighbor that was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to other organs. They did all the usual chemo and radiation which produced little results. A few months ago she was allowed to participate in an experimental program. I don't know all the medical terminology but they injected something into her blatter and she had to hold her water as long as possible. They repeated this procedure a few times over the period of a few months. A couple sundays ago her husband made an announcement during the service that that week her doctors had determined that after her last cat scan that she was CANCER FREE, all tumors had shrunk to the point of non detectable. Miracles still happen, even today. God bless my friend:)
A few weeks ago there was an episode of the news program on HBO called vice. They documented three cases and explained research being done that CURES cancer. It seems they found a way to genetically modify virus's to seek out and destroy cancer cells. They leave behind a patient that is in a cured state instead of remission short or long term.
What is upsetting to me is all the talk on the media lately on cancer and so called breakthroughs but no mention of the cure. Just listened to a multi day 6 hour report on NPR and no mention of the new virus cure.
I wish you all the best and my prayers are with you.
That genetic treatment offers the best hope for your cure, make sure you make your doctors work for you and do the research for this treatment. It's being used everywhere. You are in shock and probably
Depressed with good reason, you will adapt and we are all supporting you. Keep us informed
Walt
My wife needed that. And a miracle . She got neither. I don't want to rain on a parade, God bless all those who have beaten cancer. I'm very happy for them all.
They need to realize what a gift they got and to give thanks every day.
My wife's funeral will be on the 4th of May. She will be buried in a 'Friedwald', or forest cemetery.
My wife needed that. And a miracle . She got neither. I don't want to rain on a parade, God bless all those who have beaten cancer. I'm very happy for them all.
They need to realize what a gift they got and to give thanks every day.
My wife's funeral will be on the 4th of May. She will be buried in a 'Friedwald', or forest cemetery.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iUcW35/20170419_152139.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iUcW35)
The area around this tree will be our family plot.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/diFJi5/20170419_154603.jpg) (http://ibb.co/diFJi5)
pix image (http://imgbb.com/)
Congratulations Rick!Hi Jim, No Sir, Not yet, Ive come close a couple of times, but then something else takes precedence.... you know how that goes! The nice ones are coming down in price some!!
Did you pick up a quadcopter yet?
Stupendous news.
Must confess to some cowardice about posting when I saw the revival of the thread notwithstanding your great news of progress last year.
I saw a specialist about knee issues this a.m., and, on leaving, mused to myself about health, etc.
Knees? Yeah. A joke compared to your own battle.
Kathi and I are so pleased for you and your family.
Bill
Have your thyroid hormone levels tested occasionally. Radiation treatment to the neck will diminish thyroxine (thyroid hormone, T4) production.
It's an easy fix though. Synthroid is a cheap synthetic replacement.
Thanks for the heads up, Sir. You are 100% correct! I was started on 137 mcg. of synthroid daily about a year after my last radiation treatment.
Rick
If no one has told you yet, changing your thyroid medication (especially the brand) should only be done under a doctor's supervision. Don't let the pharmacy tell you they are all the same. They are not. Generics for a brand name are different.
My wife has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and has been on synthroid for decades (started with Levoxyl but it got pulled when the company was bought). A bit of an ordeal finding what worked for her during the change. Constant communication with the doctor (daily) was the key.
Nice that a life sustaining medication is so inexpensive.
jdg
Nice that a life sustaining medication is so inexpensive.
jdg
Since the last post on the subject of thyroid medicine ("synthroid" and other names), the price has quadrupled. Big Pharma must be reading the board and said "HEY, wait a minute ...."
Thanks a bunch! :wink: :wink: :laugh:
Lannis