Author Topic: Some years are just tough - brain cancer (Read 10669 times)

mjptexas · « **on:** September 10, 2019, 03:06:47 PM »

Hello,

I had been having some difficulty with my reading and peripheral vision since the start of August. I had planned aboubt a 1,000-mille ride through the twisted sisters in the Texas Hill country over Labor Day. The BOSS was not going to let me go until I had the vision checked out.

I checked into the emergency room on Friday, August 31, and had an MRI. They did find a brain, but they also found a brain tumor sitting right on my visual processing area. The tumor was removed on Monday morning Sept 2nd. I was released from the hospital and came home Wednesday September 4th.
We received the initial pathology report on Friday the 6th. The tumor was Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), stage 4 cancer. This type of tumor can be very fast growing, and is a particularly nasty primary brain cancer. The surgeon removed the tumor.

I saw my first oncology doc on Monday September 9th, and see a second one Friday. I’m tentatively headed to MD Anderson in Houston on September 17th for additional analysis.

Chemo and radiation treatments begin in about 3 weeks. The actual chemo treatments are based on the tumor’s specific DNA structure, which is still under analysis.

So this thing will kill me, I just don’t know when. Statistically, I have 18 months, but I could have considerably more (or less) time. (I’m reworking my bucket list for the 18-month timeframe and will adjunct as I get additional information. I still have WG 2020 on my list, so I’m counting on God giving me enough time to make it at least one more time.

Fortunately my affairs are in good shape, so I just need to make sure Mrs. Prentice can take care of all the things she needs to do to forge aged when I’m gone. Having two grown daughters in town has been a Godsend.

Physically I feel fine, and I’m feeling little or no anxiety regarding my condition (the wife and daughters have that part well covered). I'm anxious to get back on two weels, but I have to at minimum wait until I can get a helmet safely on (currently have 20 stitches in the back of my head). I suspect my VESPA will see a lot of my initial ride time.

I may make an occasional post on this thread, since this is the only easy way to communicate with many of you who I consider friends I thought I would provide an update. Feel free to Private Message me anytime, and, if you pass through Austin stop by and say hi! I’ll always have a cold beer in the refrigerator.

Lumpy Idle · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2019, 03:18:40 PM »

mike,

this is rough. hang in there (sorry for the platitude.)

there are more and more glioblastomas showing up these days.

my neighbor was diagnosed with one about 5 years ago. she had the full range of treatments and was given a conservative estimate for her longevity. she is still out and about and seems to be fully functioning. so, there's that. one of the things they told her though was that she cannot drive. she sold her car.

i wonder if the doc's will be giving you some sort of similar warnings about riding the bikes?

chuck peterson · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2019, 03:42:49 PM »

Thanks for letting us know your condition...i can say...a life threatening illness can give you a life, real quick..peace

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2019, 03:53:04 PM »

^^^^^ What Chuck says. Death has a way of focusing your attention.

I know it has mine. Occasionally though, the Grim Reaper gets a wrong address or maybe there will be a clerical error. Keep that great attitude..

fubar guzzi · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:12:21 PM »

Thats a tough call,I will say at least you told us---thats friendship---we all feel your pain,we are all in this together,talk to us

Two Checks · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:15:51 PM »

Here is something I can't understand.
Mind you, I have had family members die from cancer, TB and AIDS....
If the tumor has been removed why is there a need for chemo and radiation?
A long time friend died two years ago from cancer. His docs told him it would kill or cure...
Hang in there and best wishes!

bobrebos · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:23:15 PM »

Thank You for sharing the info. I am a cancer (Bladder,) survivor. Had bladder, prostate, some lymph nodes, and the Gall bladder all removed then the chemo etc. Ive made it five years, so lets hope for the best for you also! Best Wishes sent your way.

Kev m · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:30:08 PM »

Don't know what to say but wishing you the best.

I lost one of my best friends to that when we were in our 20's.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:34:25 PM »

Hi Mike , great attitude you have sir

Dusty

Adk.IBO · « **Reply #9 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:34:52 PM »

Sorry to hear your diagnosis, praying for good doctoring your way. I have always enjoyed your 2 wheel adventures shared here and look forward to more (even on a Vespa!).

LowRyter · « **Reply #10 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:35:49 PM »

Mike, so sorry to hear the news. Hang in there. Your buddies are here. Hopefully you'll have many miles left to ride.

John.

Rough Edge racing · « **Reply #11 on:** September 10, 2019, 04:38:47 PM »

Mike, ...I'm dealing lethal cancer also right now....We'll both get our shields and swords and slay that f***ing cancer dragon!

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #12 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:03:51 PM »

Thanks for posting and wishing the best. One never know where life leads. Good news that your wife talked you into the initial exam. Timing seems to be a big deal with these things. Attitude goes a long way and you seem to have a good handle on that.
Take care,
GliderJohn

Markcarovilli · « **Reply #13 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:09:27 PM »

Some years are tough - and some tougher......

Praying that you’ll have more years.

Mark

Sasquatch Jim · « **Reply #14 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:20:22 PM »

Getting old really does suck. best wishes!

Lannis · « **Reply #15 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:31:42 PM »

Quote from: Two Checks on September 10, 2019, 04:15:51 PM

If the tumor has been removed why is there a need for chemo and radiation?

You can't ever be sure you've gotten all of that kind of tumor, it's not a well-defined thing. You've got to go after the tendrils that get into the healthy tissue.

This would be a rough thing to wake up with every morning, wondering what it's going to do to you today. But if positive attitude has any effect, your chances are as good as anyone's ever has been!

Thanks for this testimony - no telling how many people you may help!

Lannis

Texas Turnip · « **Reply #16 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:32:41 PM »

Best of luck to you Mike. I'm a 16 year cancer survivor. Or as my SIL sez, "he's to mean to die." Hope you have a better reason to keep sucking air.

I'm come to Austin and visit you if I was still tuff enough to face the Austin traffic

I'll meet you at Greens in Zabcikville when you feel up to it.
Tex

JC85 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:40:25 PM »

That's incredibly rough. My granddad went from the same thing, back when I was a kid. Wishing you all the best, and I hope I get to see you at WG 2020.

lucian · « **Reply #18 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:45:06 PM »

Sorry to hear , wishing you the very best outcome . Dave

TN Mark · « **Reply #19 on:** September 10, 2019, 05:53:23 PM »

It sounds like you're a man of faith which is awesome. I have a friend that was told he had less than 18 months to live due to his melanoma organ cancer in his lung that took root in his brain. He had two operations but never doubted he'd be healed. Every specialist at Sloan Kettering told him he's foolish and that the cancer will kill him quickly, period. He told the head brain surgeon at Sloan Kettering that "you'll (the doctor) die before I will." His local cancer doctors all told him he's simply being foolish to refuse chemo radiation treatment and that he won't make 18 months.

Fast forward 8 years. My friend remains cancer free and that younger hotshot head brain surgeon at Sloan Kettering died over 6 years ago from a stroke. My friend is the second person known to survive this type of cancer. Former President Jimmy Carter being the first.

Prayers inbound for you.

YMMV

JJ · « **Reply #20 on:** September 10, 2019, 06:28:25 PM »

Hi Mike -

Very sorry to read this thread....hang in there and prayers / best wishes sent from northern AZ...

guzzi771 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 10, 2019, 06:30:22 PM »

I'm in Austin too way south near Cowboy Harley and a Guzzi rider also. My wife is dealing with Cancer too so I feel your pain she had her tumor's removed around the same time you did at St David . We also going to MD Anderson soon I wish you the best of luck and hope you get back on that bike soon !

JediMasterII · « **Reply #22 on:** September 10, 2019, 06:42:24 PM »

Hi Mike:

I fashioned my Cal 1400 Custom after yours. One of the best bikes I’ve ever had.

Our thoughts are with you.

Don

DougG · « **Reply #23 on:** September 10, 2019, 06:48:32 PM »

Hello Mike, 9-10-19

We all 'leave the building', in our own time. Some by the front door, some by the back.

According to your words..."Fortunately my affairs are in good shape, so I just need to make sure Mrs. Prentice can take care of all the things she needs to do to forge aged when I’m gone. Having two grown daughters in town has been a Godsend."

Clearly sir, by your actions and in your own time, you will leave... by the front door, with your head held high. Congratulations Mike, in the great game of life, you have won. You are an inspiration to us all.

Cento anni,

DougG

Zoom Zoom · « **Reply #24 on:** September 10, 2019, 07:22:50 PM »

Hi Mike. It saddens me to read this. Having said that, let's hope you are one of the success stories.

Well wishes and I'll keep you in my thoughts.

John Henry

PJPR01 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 10, 2019, 07:33:28 PM »

Mike...thanks for sharing, that is rough news indeed.

When you come into Houston and if you feel up for company, do let me know and we'll come down for a visit.

Near MD Anderson are some nice cafes in Rice Village and a good place to get some sun and fresh air. Would be happy to meet you there.

Hang in there!

Paul

LowRyter · « **Reply #26 on:** September 10, 2019, 07:43:28 PM »

Quote from: Texas Turnip on September 10, 2019, 05:32:41 PM

Best of luck to you Mike. I'm a 16 year cancer survivor. Or as my SIL sez, "he's to mean to die." Hope you have a better reason to keep sucking air.

I'm come to Austin and visit you if I was still tuff enough to face the Austin traffic

I'll meet you at Greens in Zabcikville when you feel up to it.
Tex

We'll he's not a mean man in temperament but has some real badness in him. First he can be contrary, like many Guzzi guys and he's a Texas Longhorn fan, well that's just mean man, mean.

My guess, he'll live to 100 and raz me for years.

Sheepdog · « **Reply #27 on:** September 10, 2019, 07:55:07 PM »

Peace and comfort to you, Mike.

pete mcgee · « **Reply #28 on:** September 10, 2019, 08:00:08 PM »

Well Mike,
That just plain sucks.
All I can add being a cancer survivor, although nowhere near as severe as yours, is stay positive.
Do what you can while you can.
Roll with the punches, you wont really feel sick until they start to cure you, also everyone is different and reactions vary from not a lot to not nice.
The worse thing is it removes your ability to plan for a future, look forward to things ect, chemo and radiation may also effect your reasoning and logical thought processes, but once again everyone is different.
My best wishes to you and your family.

knockerjoe · « **Reply #29 on:** September 10, 2019, 08:02:19 PM »

Sorry for your bad news. My sister had the exact same brain tumor as you and
she is doing ok 5 years later. I wish you the best of luck. You have more riding ahead!

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Author Topic: Some years are just tough - brain cancer (Read 10669 times)

bobrebos

oldbike54

Rough Edge racing