Post-surgery results

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:05 pm

I haven't wanted to say anything, but figgered that an explanation of my sort of absentia is in order. As it turns out, my neck mass that was partially removed on 10 December is cancerous. It has been Dr. this and Dr. that ever since the results were made known to me on 20 December. I have had another CAT scan, that showed the problem spreading into the lymph glands in my neck from the base of my tongue, where it started. No pain was felt until after the cutting was over, either. Lucky for me it is still quite small and very treatable.

Next Tuesday we visit another Oncologist who will tattoo the targets on my neck where the radiation will be aimed. Hmm, targets, eh? HAR! Maybe he can be convinced them to make them interesting, since they are permanent.

Long story short, the plan will be for 7 weeks of radiation therapy with chemo twice a week. From what they are telling me, it ain't gonna be a picnic, with some permanent damage to my salivary glands highly likely. Whatever, my faith is strong, and I have many friends and family members to offer support throughout this bloody ordeal, including you fellers.

My plan is to stay on this site throughout the sessions and beyond. After the treatments are over, the docs say I will heal and be back to normal, whatever that is, in a short time. The outlook is bright, so I see no reason to panic. In the meanwhile, it will be back to duck and goose shootin' until the season ends, or I become debilitated from the treatments, whichever comes first.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:13 pm

It sounds like the doc has a handle on it, but we will certainly keep you in our prayers.

azoil · Post by **azoil** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:20 pm

Mike D.,
Sorry to hear this. Sounds like you have as good an outlook as one could under the circumstances. Prayers for you and yours.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:31 pm

Mike -

You'll be in my prayers!

Guncase · Post by **Guncase** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:35 pm

I'm glad you have your faith to get you through this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as well. It is refreshing to hear your positive approach to the hand you were dealt.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:37 pm

Prayers up Mike and good to see your posts Sir!

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:38 pm

I will be thinking of you in the days ahead Mike, prayers have been sent.

Hagler · Post by **Hagler** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:38 pm

Mike,

You will be in my prayers.

My friend, Raymond, had a tumor like yours. He has a scar on his neck, and is doing fine. I will ask him if he has any thoughts on your situation.

Shawn

20cows · Post by **20cows** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:42 pm

We're pulling for you!

canonsix · Post by **canonsix** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:46 pm

Mike ,know that all of us are wishing and praying for the very best result possible take care pard . Doug

RKrodle · Post by **RKrodle** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:48 pm

Good luck, and will keep you in our prayers.

Last Spike · Post by **Last Spike** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:54 pm

Prayers sent!

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:01 pm

Kick it's ... Mike!

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:19 pm

my prayers are with you

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:26 pm

Mike, I'm very sorry for the turn of events. Chemo and radiation is a tough road, but it sounds like the prognosis is good, and your attitude is positive, which makes a HUGE difference. I will say prayers for you too. Please keep us posted as you can comfortably do given the circumstances.

Hang in there, Pard. This is a short-term thing, and it will all be a memory some day.

-Tutt

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:31 pm

Mike-
Thoughts and prayers are with you...and I think you should feel free to shoot as many leaded bullets in the state as you want dammit. I will hoist a few fingers of Old Potrero on your behalf. Jim

claybob86 · Post by **claybob86** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:47 pm

I'm praying for ya, Mike. Sounds like you and the docs have a good handle on things. Keep us posted.

Dewight · Post by **Dewight** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:57 pm

Mike glad to hear that you gotten a positive prognosis. I know that a diagnosis of cancer will cause that nasty knot of dread. Wishing you all the best for the next couple of months..

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:04 am

I'm pulling for you Mike and will say a prayer. Do stay in touch with us whenever possible. Besides, we gotta work on finding some bullets to satisfy that danged CA lead ban.

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:10 am

Aloha Mike, I know you'll be fine but sending out an insurance prayer just to be sure. My mom beat lymphoma at age 76 so I know a strapping young buck like you will be just fine especially since you have the best docs working on your case. I still owe you a drink the next time i'm in the area so you hang in there. I know OT but keep us updated with your waterfowl hunting reports as they happen, no waterfowl hunting here in the islands so always like to hear about it, one day wanna give it a try. Take care buddy.

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:21 am

Live your life to the fullest - the best treament. I wish you a strong and speedy recovery.

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:40 am

Making my prayers of intercession Mike D. A tough ol' pice of wang leather like you will do just fine licking this bugger. Keep your faith & the fight up mentally....we'll be with you pard!

LeverBob

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:17 am

Hang in there Mike, I'm rooting for you.

Joe

Post by **Hobie** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:25 am

You've got my prayers, too. I can't say anything that hasn't already been covered except I was hoping we'd get to meet and talk guns.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:32 am

Mike - I know how you feel. Keep a PMA, and things will look up !

You're in my thoughts - Please check your email.

foxtrapper · Post by **foxtrapper** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:24 am

Good luck Mike.

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:15 pm

I was just wondering the other day how you were doing. I will continue to pray for you and the doctors that are charged with your care.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:17 pm

Thanks for all the help, Friends. this cancer isn't all that rare and I know a couple of local guys that have beaten it, plus another that told me this AM.

Ji, I will be going hunting on Saturday, despite the forecasted "fearsome" storms about to descend on us. LOL The last barn buster they predicted managed to give us a 1/4" of rain and some 20 mph breezes, so we remain a little skeptical.

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:24 pm

Will be praying for you Mike.

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:54 pm

Good Luck Mike, a buddy of mine beat it and celebrated by buying a brand new Harley!

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:18 pm

Mike, you of all know that there is plenty of fight in a levergunner, history has built it in them. Gods speed to ya, Nathan.

don Tomás · Post by **don Tomás** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:26 pm

Yes, prayers up for you and yours'...
Tom

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 5:54 pm

On the list . . .

Noah

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:35 pm

Good luck Mike. Your prognosis sounds good. You'll be in my prayers.

OD* · Post by OD* » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:39 pm

You're in our prayers, Mike.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:42 pm

Hang in there Mike. I don't think you will ever be "normal" though

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:45 pm

Prayers outbound from SE Texas.

edsguns · Post by **edsguns** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:48 pm

Mike, I think you seem to have a very capable grasp on what's.... goin' on. We cannot control evrything we have to face in this life...merely work through, or over it! The statement that you made referencce your wanting to continue your typical hunting routine tells me that you are much more than a "looker". The best of luck with whatever life puts in front of you.... somehow I think "M" is gonna be OK!![/i][/b]

Scott64A · Post by **Scott64A** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:54 pm

I'm sorry to hear that it was cancerous, but it sounds like you will overcome this.

Chemo and radiation S U C K.
My neighbor Clyde has had those treatments on his lymphatic tissue, too, and he's beat it twice so far. The last time he got into it was a year ago, and he's 75 now.

Glad to see you here, and keep us posted.
You'll be in my prayers.