Cancer Report

[[email protected]]

Cancer Report
for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700

I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. The
diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. X-ray and MRI located the
tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. Over a two-week period X-
ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. Following the X-ray
therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
tests.

The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
lower back. On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.

On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
vertebrae. The procedure was successful. The cessation of pain
allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
chemotherapy.

Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
not have the side-effects of the original regime.

I still have cancer. I'm still as weak as a cat. But the cancer has
been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.

--R.S.Hoover

[Copperhead]

On Nov 19, 7:47*pm, " > wrote:
> Cancer Report
> for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
> I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. *The
> diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. *X-ray and MRI located the
> tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. *Over a two-week period X-
> ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
> damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. *Following the X-ray
> therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
> adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
> tests.
>
> The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
> tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
> lower back. *On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
> compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
> On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
> which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
> and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
> setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
> vertebrae. *The procedure was successful. *The cessation of pain
> allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
> musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
> chemotherapy.
>
> Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
> success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
> not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
> I still have cancer. *I'm still as weak as a cat. *But the cancer has
> been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
> weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
> --R.S.Hoover

That's very good news Bob......

[Tim Hickey]

On Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:47:11 -0800 (PST), "
> wrote:

>Cancer Report
>for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
>I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. The
>diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. X-ray and MRI located the
>tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. Over a two-week period X-
>ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
>damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. Following the X-ray
>therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
>adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
>tests.
>
>The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
>tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
>lower back. On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
>compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
>On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
>which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
>and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
>setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
>vertebrae. The procedure was successful. The cessation of pain
>allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
>musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
>chemotherapy.
>
>Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
>success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
>not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
>I still have cancer. I'm still as weak as a cat. But the cancer has
>been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
>weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
>--R.S.Hoover


I am one of those guys who don't post a lot, but I read everyday. I
have often been amused by some of the outlandish rhetoric that flies
back and forth, telling me that there are some real oddballs out
there.

But you, sir, have proven to be a solid gentleman, and I am glad that
you have received this news. Enjoy the best parts of every day. You
deserve it.


Best of luck.

Tim Hickey
Zenith CH-300 Driver.

[Dave S]

Give em hell, Vdub.. and thanks for the follow up.


wrote:
> Cancer Report
> for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
> I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. The
> diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. X-ray and MRI located the
> tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. Over a two-week period X-
> ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
> damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. Following the X-ray
> therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
> adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
> tests.
>
> The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
> tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
> lower back. On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
> compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
> On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
> which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
> and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
> setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
> vertebrae. The procedure was successful. The cessation of pain
> allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
> musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
> chemotherapy.
>
> Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
> success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
> not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
> I still have cancer. I'm still as weak as a cat. But the cancer has
> been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
> weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
> --R.S.Hoover

[[email protected]]

Well, Bob, you're kind of like a medicine man of aircraft nuts and
bolts, and, alot of other stuff that's relevant to doing well for
yourself, and unselfish with your knowlege. The cancer thing has
definitely written a check with insufficient funds.
A.L.
Phoenix

P.S. cats might be weak, but they "take a licking. and keep on ticking"
(or in your case: kicking as in "to the curb").

[Harry K]

On Nov 19, 5:47*pm, " > wrote:
> Cancer Report
> for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
> I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. *The
> diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. *X-ray and MRI located the
> tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. *Over a two-week period X-
> ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
> damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. *Following the X-ray
> therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
> adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
> tests.
>
> The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
> tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
> lower back. *On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
> compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
> On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
> which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
> and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
> setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
> vertebrae. *The procedure was successful. *The cessation of pain
> allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
> musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
> chemotherapy.
>
> Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
> success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
> not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
> I still have cancer. *I'm still as weak as a cat. *But the cancer has
> been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
> weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
> --R.S.Hoover

Great nkews! I especially appreciate the infor on the collapsed
vertebra. I have a pinched nerve in that location that has been
worrying me and was leery of an operation. Your info cured that.

Keep on, keeping on!

Harry K

[flash]

> wrote in message
...
> Cancer Report
> for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
> I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. The
> diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. X-ray and MRI located the
> tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. Over a two-week period X-
> ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
> damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. Following the X-ray
> therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
> adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
> tests.
>
> The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
> tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
> lower back. On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
> compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
> On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
> which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
> and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
> setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
> vertebrae. The procedure was successful. The cessation of pain
> allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
> musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
> chemotherapy.
>
> Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
> success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
> not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
> I still have cancer. I'm still as weak as a cat. But the cancer has
> been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
> weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
> --R.S.Hoover

Good deal ! Sounds like a nice sunrise, after a long dark night. Best to
you.

Flash

[[email protected]]

On Nov 19, 5:47*pm, " > wrote:
> Cancer Report
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, guys.

I don't especially care for hanging out my personal laundry in
public but enough of you have expressed a sincere interest -- and
backed it up with action -- that it would be churlish of me to not
provide a public update of my condition.

Five months ago I thought I was going to die before Christmas. But
the more I read, the more I came to understand that the outcome of
this particular form of cancer -- a TREATABLE cancer -- depends
largely on the attitude of the victim. (Being diagnosed with Multiple
Myeloma impacted the income of many victims, especially if they drove
an airplane for a living.)

By pushing the physicians (and myself) it was possible to skew the
odds in my favor. But doing so would impact some projects I was
working on with a number of you, which is why I announced my
condition in a public posting. (You've got to admit, when it comes to
excuses "I've got cancer" out-does "The dog ate my home-work.")

This 'fight,' as some called it, attracted a lot of attention and
produced a lot of mail, which to answer individually would have been
impractical. Hence the public airing.

Another way for you to look at it is that YOU have had an influence in
the outcome. Think about that one for a minute. We are all hairy-
chested individuals here, Masters of the Sky, etc. But we have had an
influence on the outcome of a case of cancer. Which should cause you
to wonder what else you might influence by simply banding together.

-Bob

[Flyingmonk[_1_]]

On Nov 19, 8:47*pm, " > wrote:
> Cancer Report
> for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
> I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. *The
> diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. *X-ray and MRI located the
> tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. *Over a two-week period X-
> ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
> damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. *Following the X-ray
> therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
> adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
> tests.
>
> The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
> tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
> lower back. *On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
> compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
> On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
> which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
> and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
> setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
> vertebrae. *The procedure was successful. *The cessation of pain
> allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
> musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
> chemotherapy.
>
> Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
> success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
> not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
> I still have cancer. *I'm still as weak as a cat. *But the cancer has
> been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
> weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
> --R.S.Hoover

Glad to hear Bob. You'll get your strength back soon.

Monk

[Morgans[_2_]]

> wrote

Thanks, guys.

I don't especially care for hanging out my personal laundry in
public but enough of you have expressed a sincere interest -- and
backed it up with action -- that it would be churlish of me to not
provide a public update of my condition.

Jim: And thanks for being a big enough man to put aside your personal
feelings, and keeping us up to date. I for one greatly appreciate it, and
have been happy to keep you in prayers, at least once, each and every day.
I fully believe in the power of prayer, (without getting ultra religious,
here) and have seen miracles take place for other people in my life.

Vee: Another way for you to look at it is that YOU have had an influence in
the outcome. Think about that one for a minute. We are all hairy-
chested individuals here, Masters of the Sky, etc. But we have had an
influence on the outcome of a case of cancer. Which should cause you
to wonder what else you might influence by simply banding together.

Jim: Yep. Strength in numbers. Strength in pulling together, as you said.
It _is_ a powerful force.

Jim: What we have done, I hope, is to give you hope, too. But YOU have
been the one with all of the strength. The strength to not lie down to die.
The strength to believe in the chance for a cure. The strength to keep on
with your life, as well as it could be lived.

Jim: YOU have done that, by keeping your projects alive, and going, as best
you could. Keep up the good fight. Your news today, I believe is just one
in a long line of successes.

Jim: Besides that, you are way to ornery to let a little thing like the "C"
get you down, right? <g>
--
Jim in NC

[Gregory Hall]

> wrote in message
...
> Cancer Report
> for Wed, 19 Nov 2008 @ 1700
>
> I was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on 14 June 2008. The
> diagnosis was confirmed on 20 June 2008. X-ray and MRI located the
> tumor in my pelvic girdle and lower spine. Over a two-week period X-
> ray therapy was used to kill as much of the tumor as possible without
> damaging the adjacent healthy bone & tissue. Following the X-ray
> therapy I was put on an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was
> adjusted from week to week based on data provided by periodic blood
> tests.
>
> The blood tests indicated I was doing quite well with regard to the
> tumor but I was wracked by a constantly increasing level of pain in my
> lower back. On 22 October a series of X-rays revealed I'd suffered a
> compression fracture of the #3 lumbar vertebrae.
>
> On 30 October I underwent vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure in
> which the crushed vertebrae is first returned to its original length
> and configuration then fixed in that position by injecting a fast-
> setting cement into the voids the tumor had created INSIDE of the
> vertebrae. The procedure was successful. The cessation of pain
> allowed me to devote more time to the exercises needed to restore the
> musculature that had been destroyed by the tumor... and by the
> chemotherapy.
>
> Today, the 19th of November, 2008, the aggressive regime was deemed a
> success and was replaced with a more benign regime using drugs that do
> not have the side-effects of the original regime.
>
> I still have cancer. I'm still as weak as a cat. But the cancer has
> been reduced to a manageable state that may lead to remission. The
> weakness now depends on my determination to overcome it.
>
> --R.S.Hoover


The five-year survival rate for MM is not the greatest.

http://cancer.emedtv.com/multiple-myeloma/multiple-myeloma-survival-rate.html

One in three. But, I'm sure you've done the research. Hope you manage to
buck the odds. To do that you've got to eat and get your strength back. This
includes exercise. Swimming might be good for you as your spine probably
precludes impact activity. This "weak as a cat" stuff just won't get it. Too
bad chemo tends to suppress the appetite. Try smoking pot. Anything to get
your appetite back.

--
Gregory Hall

[[email protected]]

On Nov 19, 9:46*pm, "Morgans" > wrote:

> Jim: *YOU have done that, by keeping your projects alive, and going, as best
> you could. *Keep up the good fight. *Your news today, I believe is just one
> in a long line of successes.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Jim, et al,

Now my hat don't fit... How are we going to solve that one? :-)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm scheduled for another MRI today, this one will focus on my right
hip which has formed an unexplained lump.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The most worry-some side-effect is neuropathy along my left side.
Neuropathy is a fancy name for ANY kind of pain or unusual behavior.
In this case it means my left arm & hand have 'gone to sleep.' I'm
unable to grasp things with my left hand. AND I CAN'T TYPE. I'm
doing okay now but the tingling will become worse as the day wears on
until my left hand becomes disabled.

The problem here is that neuropathy resulting from a drug interaction
or side-effect is often PERMANENT. The physician has discontinued the
drugs that are the most likely candidates for causing this particular
side-effect but it will take several days for my system to flush-out
the remnants. My worry here is that if the effect proves permanent, I
may not be able to type. I'll just have to wait and see.

-R.S.Hoover

[Flyingmonk[_1_]]

On Nov 20, 10:06*am, " > wrote:
> On Nov 19, 9:46*pm, "Morgans" > wrote:
>
> > Jim: *YOU have done that, by keeping your projects alive, and going, as best
> > you could. *Keep up the good fight. *Your news today, I believe is just one
> > in a long line of successes.
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Dear Jim, et al,
>
> Now my hat don't fit... *How are we going to solve that one? *:-)
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I'm scheduled for another MRI today, this one will focus on my right
> hip which has formed an unexplained lump.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> The most worry-some side-effect is neuropathy along my left side.
> Neuropathy is a fancy name for ANY kind of pain or unusual behavior.
> In this case it means my left arm & hand have 'gone to sleep.' *I'm
> unable to grasp things with my left hand. *AND I CAN'T TYPE. *I'm
> doing okay now but the tingling will become worse as the day wears on
> until my left hand becomes disabled.
>
> The problem here is that neuropathy resulting from a drug interaction
> or side-effect is often PERMANENT. *The physician has discontinued the
> drugs that are the most likely candidates for causing this particular
> side-effect but it will take several days for my system to flush-out
> the remnants. *My worry here is that if the effect proves permanent, I
> may not be able to type. *I'll just have to wait and see.
>
> -R.S.Hoover

Thanks for the update Bob. It is in the early stages, I'm sure you
can flush out that side-effect.

Monk

[Steve Hix]

In article
>,
" > wrote:

> On Nov 19, 9:46*pm, "Morgans" > wrote:
>
> > Jim: *YOU have done that, by keeping your projects alive, and going, as
> > best
> > you could. *Keep up the good fight. *Your news today, I believe is just one
> > in a long line of successes.
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > -----------------------
>
> Dear Jim, et al,
>
> Now my hat don't fit... How are we going to solve that one? :-)
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------------------------
>
> I'm scheduled for another MRI today, this one will focus on my right
> hip which has formed an unexplained lump.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------------------------
>
> The most worry-some side-effect is neuropathy along my left side.
> Neuropathy is a fancy name for ANY kind of pain or unusual behavior.
> In this case it means my left arm & hand have 'gone to sleep.' I'm
> unable to grasp things with my left hand. AND I CAN'T TYPE. I'm
> doing okay now but the tingling will become worse as the day wears on
> until my left hand becomes disabled.
>
> The problem here is that neuropathy resulting from a drug interaction
> or side-effect is often PERMANENT. The physician has discontinued the
> drugs that are the most likely candidates for causing this particular
> side-effect but it will take several days for my system to flush-out
> the remnants. My worry here is that if the effect proves permanent, I
> may not be able to type. I'll just have to wait and see.

There are ways to deal with that problem, such as chording keyboards.
Helped a friend of mine who lost one side to a stroke.

But worry about that when it's definite. Sufficient unto the day is the
evil thereof, and all that.

[Morgans[_2_]]

> wrote

I'm scheduled for another MRI today, this one will focus on my right
hip which has formed an unexplained lump.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim: Good luck. Theere are bound to be ups and downs.

The most worry-some side-effect is neuropathy along my left side.
Neuropathy is a fancy name for ANY kind of pain or unusual behavior.
In this case it means my left arm & hand have 'gone to sleep.' I'm
unable to grasp things with my left hand. AND I CAN'T TYPE. I'm
doing okay now but the tingling will become worse as the day wears on
until my left hand becomes disabled.

Jim: I wonder if that is more problems with the spine, and nerves being
pinched. I have a bad back that often gives me similair syptoms in my leg.

The problem here is that neuropathy resulting from a drug interaction
or side-effect is often PERMANENT. The physician has discontinued the
drugs that are the most likely candidates for causing this particular
side-effect but it will take several days for my system to flush-out
the remnants.

Jim: Keep us up on how the "flush" goes. We will hope that does it.

My worry here is that if the effect proves permanent, I
may not be able to type. I'll just have to wait and see.

Jim: Plenty of one handed typers, out there. Plenty of one handed
mechanics, and everything out there, too. Let's not go there, yet, though.

Again, my thoughts and prayers will be with you on your journey. Good luck,
and best wishes to you.
--
Jim in NC

[Stealth Pilot[_2_]]

On Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:06:09 -0800 (PST), "
> wrote:


>
>I'm scheduled for another MRI today, this one will focus on my right
>hip which has formed an unexplained lump.

are you sure now that you arent a pimple on the arse of a very patient
frog?

(it's an old bar room joke :-) about a drunk ordering another beer...)

ol' snake unda the verandah.