Hello All,

It has been quite a while since I updated everyone on my condition. I wanted to first point out that since I've been diagnosed and dealing with cancer for the past 6 months, my new found association with AR and its members has truly made my life better.....


I've had my various scans and tests post chemotherapy, and sadly things are not going that great.

While the cancer has gone in some places, it has increased in others and metatstisized into new areas of concern. The primary tumor area in my urethra has grown back and I've had another surgery (last Friday) to address.

The cancer has also spread into my spine into my L4 & L5 vertebrae. I have started radiation therapy on my back to hopefully address the severe bone pain now associated with this part of my cancer. I am at a bit of a standstill on new technology therapy (molecular gene mutation associatedn drugs) until I can get the bone cancer pain to a manageable level, via radiation.

My oncologists have run molecular, genetic sequencing tests on the cancerous tissue, identifying 5 separate gene mutations. Without getting too technical and well beyond my undertanding, there are cancer fighting drugs associated with 3 of the main mutations Ive got. Now I've to get the insurance to pay for the drug therapy. I've told my docs that I could pull together funds for these drugs, but it would seem some of these can get quite expensive ($10K month) and the docs/drug companies won't get involved unless everyone is singing from the same sheet music, so I should hopefully get this sorted in the next week or so.

I have been in the hospital getting radiation and dealing with associated bone pain all this past week and will be here for at least a few more days.

I'm hoping I can get on the top side of fighting this pain and get on with the more aggressive cancer drug therapy very soon. I wish I had better news and was planning what I'd be packing for my hunting trip, but it looks like I'm on postponement for the foreseeable future.

I can promise you one thing, I will NOT be giving up, I have a lot to fight for and plan on fighting this with all I've got. Thank you all again for your great support, I truly appreciate it.

Best regards

John

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! Prayers coming your way!

Wishing you all the best John!!

Thinking of you John and wishing you all the luck in the world!

John - keep up the fight. Wishing you the best.

Mike

We wish you all the best in your fight.

Keep strong.

It sounds like your oncologists are on the cutting edge of cancer treatment. GOOD LUCK!

465H&H

Godspeed in your fight brother!

May it please the Almighty to grant you comfort, peace, serenity and strength for your fight.
Just remember that there a number of folk this side waiting to take you hunting.

John,
Keep up the fight! My older brother lived 20+ yrs with a malignant brain tumor
with an original "6 month prognosis".
He also had chemo, rad tx & surgery.
Be strong!
Jim

Keep up the fight John. We are all pulling for you!

John-
My most positive thoughts for you, prayers as well.

It is all in the mind,fight fight fight,you can do it,you can beat it! All the best!

You sound like a rock, strong & steady.
Don't know that I would be the same.
I will be praying for you.

Well wishes and prayers sent!

As per my PM to you, best wishes for a recovery and don't forget you have a hunt in Africa waiting for you! There are lots of fine folks here on AR pulling for you.
Cheers, mate.
Cal

Best to you for your courageous fight brother. Can't wait to see you do your safari hunt...prayers on your behalf for comfort, peace, and victory!

Roland

John,

THE VERY BEST TO YOU, FIGHT ON BROTHER,

BEST REGARDS,

BUTCH

Best of luck in your fight, John. We are pulling for you.

As Jimmy V said during his fight with cancer:

NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

NEVER!

We're all praying and pulling for you.

John hang in there we are all pulling for you! Positive thinking is a big part of recovery. I know some of what you are experiencing, and I’ve just last year been given good news after a six year fight with throat cancer and a cancer on the forefinger of my left hand where it likely started, and metastasized to my throat. I lucked out with only surgery and radiation! As they supposedly got it all with the knife, and radiation got the rest.

Like you I've had to forgo Africa for nearly ten years, get well and go hunting! God be with you sir!
........................................................................

Prayers for strength, courage and endurance for the fight. Never give up!

My hunt offer stands firm, so get well soon!

Best wishes and don't give up the fight!!

Look forward to when you are well and on the mend. You will be always welcome around my campfire mate.

Best wishes and hopes for a good outcome for you.

My dad was diagnosed with cancer at 62 and told that he would have 6 months at best. He died at 84 from unrelated natural causes. It can be beaten!

Hang in there and keep up your positive attitude, which helps in dealing with this disease. Don't give up, you can beat it. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Good luck and god speed. I hope it works out for you in the best way possible. My grandma went down the same road and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray they can ease your pain!!!

Thoughts and prayers are with you... keep up the good fight!

Thanks all, the prayers and thoughts are truly appreciated.

Just a note and observation if I may.

There are two sides to every story and when this topic surfaced I asked Bushwack for his viewpoint which he promptly made. Most of us disagreed with the "letter of the law" stand he took. It was his legal right.

Now some time has passed and there are some changes. I note that Bushwack has not sent his thoughts, etc., to Carolinasman regardless of the business deal. This speaks volumes to me of the man's character and heart (of which he has none or little). I doubt he will successfully advertise a hunt here unless he changes his name.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, Carolinasman. I hope to share a campfire with you someday soon (maybe in Alaska, if you'd like to hunt caribou). As to Bushwack, I hope you never post here again.
Cal

Thoughts and prayers are with you!!

John,

It is great to hear from you. Positive thinking and keep plugging away.


Mike

Keep fighting, you are in my prayers

Hang in there John, we're all pulling for you!

All my best wishes John. Keep up the good fight!

“When the road looks rough ahead, remember the Man Upstairs and the word Hope. Hang onto both and tough it out.”- John Wayne

Hang in there, John! Y'all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for the update John.
We are pulling for you and keep the positive thoughts going strong.

I hope for your recovery. My mother was diagonsed with mestatized lymphoma at 62 and after radiation and chemo she went cancer free and lived well and happily to a ripe old age of 93.

Cal,

You are correct! Didn't focus on this forum for quite some time now (can you blame me?).

Please don't say bad things about me if you don't know me! like you have said yourself, "there is two side's to a story" and how would you know if Carolinasman is not in my prayers... Who says i have to be loud about it...Do i have to make it public?...come on...

PS - don't use this forum to do JUST marketing, i actually try to be an active member with other community members...

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Just a note and observation if I may.

There are two sides to every story and when this topic surfaced I asked Bushwack for his viewpoint which he promptly made. Most of us disagreed with the "letter of the law" stand he took. It was his legal right.

Now some time has passed and there are some changes. I note that Bushwack has not sent his thoughts, etc., to Carolinasman regardless of the business deal. This speaks volumes to me of the man's character and heart (of which he has none or little). I doubt he will successfully advertise a hunt here unless he changes his name.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, Carolinasman. I hope to share a campfire with you someday soon (maybe in Alaska, if you'd like to hunt caribou). As to Bushwack, I hope you never post here again.
Cal