+ 22 Finally Some Good News (Of Sorts)
Last Monday I finished up my 14 rounds of radiotherapy from the past 3 weeks, this morning I had to undergo a Bronchoscopy to allow my doctors and surgeons to view my progress and for them to be able to view what was going on inside, today I finally got to see what my lung cancer tumor actually looks like.
After today's procedure, my doctor explained to me, after showing me the scan pics, that the radiotherapy has shrunk my tumor 32% from its original discovery size of 1.4 cms just 7 weeks ago. The tumor has shrunk enough for it to allow approx 65% of my air intake to enter into the one remaining lobe of my right lung which is therefore allowing me to be able to breath slightly better than I have been. Which is good.
I was already informed before my radiotherapy sessions started that the radiotherapy itself was an attempt to reduce any further growth of the tumor, which could/would bring further complications before my due removal surgery. It was explained to me that because the tumor is attached to the remaining upper portion of my bronchos from my previous surgery and is growing from the inside of my body, through the walls of my bronchos, the removal surgery would ultimately result in me losing the remaining upper lobe of my right lung also. If there's no air piping going to the remaining lobe, there's nothing for it to be attached to or to work with. So being told today that my surgery will still be going ahead on May 12th, didn't really come as a surprise, just more of a, "Aye Ho - Oh Well", kind of shrug of the shoulders moment that I was already expecting. Which, deep down, if I'm honest, still SUCKED to be told.
BUT AT LEAST I NOW KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, WHAT THE LITTLE F-ER LOOKS LIKE AND WHY I'VE BEEN FEELING LIKE SUCH A BUCKET OF $HIT THESE PAST FEW MONTHS.
Which is good.
So to EVERYONE who has helped me along on my latest journey of what we all call life these past few weeks, with all of your supportive PM's and the uncountable numerous comments I have received in helping to cheer me up, I THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, I TRULY do thank you. Admittedly, I have been a right miserable ba$--d over this past week with everything and MY Baby Darling has put up with it all, even she has told me, "Just go on Eroids and go and have a laugh with your Mates on there. It always cheers you up when you do". Even she recognizes the help and support you have all given me.
As I've already said, my surgery is now set for May 12th, and for me, I'm just trying to look at it as just another walk in the park to getting back on my feet and back into the gym where I feel I'm alive as soon as I can.
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knock knock, How ya doin Bro? Hope all the tubes are gone. Yea, I know. It takes a while but just wanted ya to know we're thinkin bout ya! Hope your pain is gettin better or your at least Blasted into outer space my friend.
Keep us updated !! As all of us Wish you the Best !!
Thank you, Mate.
I will. I promise.
All of the support, best wishes and prayers have made a HUGE impact on me these past few weeks.
EVERYONE has helped me AND mine be able to cope so much easier with everything that has been going on and for what we are about to go through on Monday.
I will NOT forget these MANY comments during my recovery.
And I'm not too proud to admit that a slight damp patch appeared within the corners of my eyes after reading them too.
+1 for being excuse my language bad mother fucker for beating the curve balls we as humans get thrown at us every day. You my friend are an inspiration to us all.
WOW!!! That means a lot coming from you, Mr M.C.
Thank you, Mate
You know brother, you are one very strong individual! You take things in stride always with a positive attitude and promising outcome! Keeping you close to my thoughts and in my prayers! You'll get through this and emerge victorious!
From one brother to another - Much love and respect!
From one Mate to another, I thank you, Mate.
Your support is VERY much appreciated.
Good luck with the surgery and recovery. Looking forward to positive outcomes.
Thank you, Mate
It'll take time, but any steps moving forward after the surgery are going to be a step in the right direction
your always in my prayers sir
Thank you, Mate.
Very much appreciated
stay strong mate, you're a good dude.
here's something that's sure to lift your spirits!
LOLOL
Thank you, Mate
Prayers your way brother much love.
Thank you, Mate.
VERY much.
that's awesome brother ,you keep fighting and you will win this battle
Thank you, Mate.
Just another day in the lives of us Brother & Sisters-In-Iron.
Just, 'One More Rep', Mate.
The very best of luck to you! A positive attitude is especially key when going through all of this (it's been scientifically proven). I'm sure you'll do great.
Thank you, Mate.
Being negative just brings its own pains and issues to deal with. But as I'm being pumped with pain meds to help keep the rainbows as bright as possible, I have no time left in the day for negativity (LOL)
Your in my prayers brother. I've known a lot of people and had family members affected by cancer and for your head to still be up high is pretty inspiring.
Thank you, Mate.
Your prayers and kind words are VERY much appreciated.
I wish you the best with your surgery. You'll be in my prayers.
Thank you, Mate.
VERY much appreciated and humbly accepted too.
Hey Bro, I too, had no idea abt this. just wanted to let you know. I've lived for the last 23 yrs. minus a third of my lung. Was hit in Mid East. My Bros saved me. Have 5 staples across my lung. Was on all the pain stuff and inhaler shit for a while. I feel for you and know exactly what it is to be short of breath and dizzy alot. Your body will eventually equal out pretty good. When I breath deep my 1 side is full before the other, but it still works. I finally quit goin to docs after they all said the same thing, Hey, your short of breath. Well, No Shit! You will learn to speak in smaller sentences and the dizzyness will go away most of the time. I can run abt 5 miles everyday and even took on the Insanity Class instructor in wind sprints. Neither of us won, so for me at 49 and on 1 1/2 cylinders, I won. I'm NOT trying to make this abt me. I'm just trying to impress upon you, that there is a life after this turmoil and you WILL be back my brother!! I got off of all the inhalers by carring a pocket full of cough drops, menthol helps you breath. When it rains and is hot out is some of the hardest times to get air. I then eat ''Fisherman Friends'' tabs. They are in the cough drop section in US and all over in Europe. They come from England. Blue Pak is best! These MF ers will help beyond anything else!!!! They are made of herbs and taste like shit but when you need some air quickly pop one in and bite and chew slowly. Fuck the taste, the result is FANTASTIC!!! Deep breaths of joy!!! I really hope some of this helps you bro. Fuck, I wish you and your fam only love my brotha!!! I understand and if you ever need something or want to ask or talk just PM me. I'm sending you a request now. Stay tough you Bad MF er!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And YES, You'll be back in the gym, earbuds in, Rockin the Zep, and throwing the FUCK down!!!!! Everyone will think your just a crazy MFer having the best time. That's because you are!!!!! Hahahaaaaaaaaaaa.
Us, 'One & A Bit Lungers', have to show 'em how it's done, Mate (LOL).
And being an Ex-Pat now living in the USA, I've already discovered the benefits of the NASTY, NASTY, NASTY, Fisherman Friends too. I reckon they have a taste that forces one to get well sooner rather than suffering longer (LOL). After my first removal surgery in December 2012, where they took the two lower lobes of my right lung, and then having to be taught how to breath again, (Sounds dumb, I know. But after undergoing your own surgery, I'm positive you know what I mean, Mate), and then having to cart them damn air canisters around everywhere you went, the best item I bought was a shoulder-carrying unit. But it still didn't help to take away that, 'Fogginess', one gets when it hits. But fisherman Friends, hell, they clear EVERYTHING up (LOL).
In regards to getting back into the gym? The docs told me after my first initial surgery that it would take me a MINIMUM of a year before I could expect to touch the iron again. IT TOOK ME A LITTLE OVER 7 WEEKS, THE FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2013 IN FACT, before I could walk in through the front doors of my gym again. This time, my Mrs has already told my docs not to bother giving me a time frame, because, and I quote, "He'll only ignore you anyway", end quote. (She knows me so well LOL).
Thank you for your words of support and encouragement.I know they don't just come from the heart, but from experience too. I have of course humbly accepted your FR too, Mate.
Iron TimesHopefully things are going to start heading uphill for yah after the 12th Mate - we'll keep yah in our prayers!
Thank you, Mate.
I FULLY understand what you mean for things to start going UP-HILL again. (Just wish UP-HILL was as easy as going DOWN sometimes. The free-heeling and going, "WEEEEEEEE"all the way down, is so much more fun. LOL). See!!! Your kind words just made me smile again.
Thank you for that
Saying prayers now bro. God bless!
Thank you,Mate.
Humbly accepted with utmost respect for your support.
Good luck buddy. Wish nothing but the best for you and your loved ones. Keep the positive attitude and and always stay moving forward.
Thank you, Mate.
Your kindness and encouragement helps to make each footstep forward a much smoother one for my journey ahead.
You are an inspiration and a true friend mate. I love you bro. Wish I could bring you a protein shake and a bowl of chicken and rice. Slap YOU on the back. ;)
YOU'RE AN ANIMAL with a heart of gold.
Thank you, Mate.
I'll tell you what. You limp and I'll gasp for air as we race to the dining table. Whoever gets there first, gets to choose which flavor protein shake we want. How's that for a challenge for us in the future? (LOL)
You got it mate
good luck to you and yours mate, wish you all the best. p.s fuck off cancer you dirty c..t.
Thank you, Mate.
My sentiments towards cancer, exactly
All the best for the 12th bruv. Be thinking of you.
Thank you, Mate.
Very much appreciated
Hi bro didn't have a clue u had this situation going on, makes really sad, man I pray to God Ulla get better, now is the moment to power up man! U got to get trough it, I can only imagine bro, but u sound like a thogh mofo, again in my prays that u get well, sent u friend request wanted to pm u, see ya bro get better
Thank you, Mate.
Your solid words of support and encouragement helps to make the harder times of the day so much easier to deal with.
I am HONORED to accept your Friend Request too.
Man this shit scares me, you have balls to endure this kind of pain and suffering good luck with ur surgery bro!
Thank you, Mate.
(Coincidentally, it scares the $hit out of me at times too. LOL).
You've shown us that you are made of some pretty stern stuff.. and that nothing can keep you down. .. You have always had an incredibly positive attitude and spirit and it shows .. I admire your strength and determination. I m sure that this will be just another speed bump on the road you call life.
Thank you, Lady Mate.
WOW!!! Your kindness and words of support humble me, AGAIN. We have chatted many times and you have ALWAYS helped to give me an extra smile whenever I've needed it.
Thank you, Lady KodiakGRRL
I will always have a smile for you ;-) it goes without saying Mate
I hope it all works out mate your a true warrior my friend. cancer is no joke as I said when I first added you ive lost a little over 3 quarters of my family to cancer it is a horrible disease. its good to hear it is shrinking and its great to hear your spirits are up mate, my prayers are with you. its also awesome to see even tho your fighting for your life your also excited to get back on your feet and back to smashing the iron. keep your head up man and just approach the surgery and recovery like youd approach another day at the gym and I have no doubt youll pull through like it was another day at the office. cheers buddy
Thank you, Mate.
As I've already told you, "Us fighters fight for the ones who paved the way ahead of us. FOR ALL WHO HAVE BEEN TAKEN BEFORE US".
I'm trying to look at my surgery as being the, 'One More Rep', I NEED to get before getting off that bench. And I TRULY am getting the strength and determination to get that ONE MORE REP from the respect and support I've gained from so many individuals such as yourself here on Eroids.
really sorry to hear about the tough time your having hope everything go perfect on the 12th and you can get back in the gym very soon best of luck to you and your wife
Thank you, Mate.
I take your kind words and encouragement to heart.
Dang man hope everything goes well