View Full Version : Possible career ender
WELLAGEDEMT
05-04-2005, 11:46
Monday of this week I had some tests and the Doctor told me that I had cancer. I am a little apprehensive about what follows. I have surgery scheduled for May 20th. The Doctor assured me that he was quite sure that he would be able to get all of it, and my biggest problem would be the checkups every 6 months. I don't want this to come across as a way to garner sympathy, I would appreciate any prayers however. In all my time on earth, to date, I haven't had broken bones or any operations of any kind. Heck, I've only spent 2 nites in the hospital in my life. Had a few stitches for a couple of miscues. My son-in-law died August 18, 2004, at the age of 38 from cancer, so some of the feelings are pretty intense. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to vent some of this anguish. I will be fine and the cancer will be gone. I'm 62 and I have totally enjoyed the EMS, being able to help others in their time of distress. I've spent almost 40 years as a volunteer. I've only been an EMT for 4 years and hope to continue but I'm leaving the options to God. Thanks for the time.
Well I will definitely keep you in my prayers. I am so sorry to here that news. Like you said, they cancer WILL be gone and you WILL be okay. Keep your head filled with those good thoughts.
I'm sorry to hear that wellaged. I will certainly keep you in my prayers. I hope everything works out. I have witnessed many relatives and friends battling cancer. It is never an easy fight, but it is certainly one that you can win. As hard as it is, try to say focused on the positive things and never give up hope. God bless, take care.
SteelMaiden
05-04-2005, 13:02
Wellaged, after last year, I am sure that this is a very hard situation for you. But, remember that doctor's very seldom ever tell you the best news, so if he says he is confident it can be removed surgically you have got to remember that is absolutely the best news under the circumstances. Usually they will say something like, "we think...." Docs just do not put themselves in the way of a potential lawsuit over a good diagnosis that might turn bad.
You and your family will be in my prayers. Take care of yourself, try not to get too stressed, get plenty of sleep and eat right in the meantime. Feel free to drop me a PM if you ever need someone to talk to. I know that there are a lot of people here who care about you, and somehow I think that you probably have a lot of people in your community who think highly of you and will be happy to help you if you need it. The one thing you need to do is to let other folks help you out if you need it. It's hard to ask for help, I learned that the hard way when I had my brain bleed, but you might just be surprised how many people will be happy to give you a hand if you let them know.
God Bless
Sorry to hear the bad news...but I know you'll make it through. After all who is going to keep me in line when I say something stupid? :hehe: You'll beat this and I know that everyone here is behind you 120%.
I'll say a prayer for you too.
DaSharkie
05-04-2005, 13:32
Best wishes to you bud. I'll say a prayer for you now........
As you know, cancers vary from system to system with better and worse prognoses and 5 year survival rates. Faith, patience, and good follow up are the key.
celestialdaisy
05-04-2005, 16:08
May God be with you as I send prayers and best wishes your way. You can come through it, although it won't be an easy battle. I've seen (and am still watching) people fight it off, and i have faith you can too.
mcaldwell
05-04-2005, 16:41
Ray, I'll transfer any credit I may have with the man upstairs into your Kharma account for this one.
The Doc sounds positive, and like SteelMaiden says, you don't usually get a lot of sunshine blown up your a$$ in a situation like this. ;)
You've got a pretty good medical history, and your still healthy overall, so you shouldn't have any complicating factors there. Give-er hell, follow the doctors orders, and whatever you need, we'll be there for you. :wave:
SteelMaiden
05-04-2005, 16:48
Give-er hell, follow the doctors orders, and whatever you need, we'll be there for you. :wave:
or as the boys, down here in nascar land would say.....
Git'er done
edit: you have to say that with a southern drawl to get the real effect.
WELLAGEDEMT
05-05-2005, 11:15
THANKS FOR THE REPLIES, WITH ALL THE HELP I HAVE IT'LL BE OKAY! I do have to comment that if the followups are as nasty as the original exam, I'm going to have to figure out where to put the hand grips in the bathroom.:lol: There's only one thing to hold onto and that's what hurts the most. I swear to God that when they ran that camera in there, the cameraman was still attached to it. Yeh! I'm a lightweight when it comes to pain, but when it comes to that much activity with that part, I would at least like to smile afterward................
Ray,
Good thoughts your way and prayers already headed up to the Man Upstairs.. You've already gotten the best advice, that being to take care of yourself and above all, keep smiling. A positive attitude works wonders.
Speaking of which... I'd add that we're all behind you on this, but from the sound of things, that's where the doc is also. :lol: :rotflmao: :D
Don't forget, since nothing is ever static, when things seem at their worst, they have to get better.
God bless,
Bill
WELLAGEDEMT
05-05-2005, 13:13
I have to clear up any misconceptions as to the location of the cancer. It is located in my bladder. I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea that I was enjoying the experience. The doctor checked that area and almost lost his Rollex, I also had to inform him that my brain did not itch, so take it a little easier. No, the direction of travel was thru another path and I now have a new appreciation for women and childbirth.:lol:
I have to clear up any misconceptions as to the location of the cancer. It is located in my bladder. I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea that I was enjoying the experience. The doctor checked that area and almost lost his Rollex, I also had to inform him that my brain did not itch, so take it a little easier. No, the direction of travel was thru another path and I now have a new appreciation for women and childbirth.:lol:
I don't think that the location of the cancer matters much; from either direction, it's still a pain in the @$$!
EMSsquirrel
05-06-2005, 00:45
Ray,
Stay strong. My grandfather's been battling bladder cancer now for about 6 months I guess. It's amazing the options that are available now. If they have to remove it (and I hope not), they have the ability to make these things called neo-bladders. They take a section of intenstine, and turn it into a bladder! It's great -- you get a new bladder, and it's like getting part of a gastric bypass done too... Anyway, keep the faith, we're pullin' for ya.
- Greg
hageremtp
05-06-2005, 09:25
Man sorry to hear the bad news, just read the site today and found this. Shocking! Take care of yourself and stay out of trouble, let me know if I can help in any ways, my prayers are with you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you wellaged.....
I'm sorry to hear your bad news. We'll always be here if you need a few cc's of encouragement, and as you can see, we've already got the dual large-bore prayer infusions, WIDE OPEN!!
How did I miss this thread??
Sorry to hear about your results, Ray. Good Luck and let me know if there is anything I can do for you....besides coming back as the Director. :rotflmao:
WELLAGEDEMT
05-07-2005, 11:20
Sorry, Brad, they already hired another Director. He starts Monday. Not sure yet who or what we are going to get. I know he's from near Sioux Falls but you know how those SD emts are educated. :lol: I'm not sure yet what is going to happen with me. I have surgery scheduled for May 20th and the Doc said that chances are that he can take care of all of it. The hard part is all the questions running thru my head, bouncing off the walls of the vacant areas. I have so many fears about them not getting all of it and what will my wife and family do without me. Kinda selfish, Huh? I know that was a poor choice of wording but it was a ricochet from all the bouncing thoughts. Hell, my wife will probably find some rich old codger and wonder why she wasted all those years with a putz like me. I certainly appreciate all the prayers and words of encouragement from all my friends, it makes the worrying seem so second place.
firechic
05-08-2005, 00:24
My prayers go out to you and your family.
Stay strong
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wellaged, I am sorry to hear of your latest obstacle. I will say many prayers for you and your family. Please have your daughter get on line here and let us know how you're moving along in your recovery. You will get well and you will be back on line here soon, I am sure, to continue to keep us on our toes with your off-beat humor that I so look forward to reading! Good bless you, Ray.... speedy recovery and keep in touch with us.
celestialdaisy
05-19-2005, 13:57
Yeah, make sure you keep us posted as to how you're doing. You're in all our thoughts and prayers.
WELLAGEDEMT
05-19-2005, 15:01
I really appreciate the well wishes and the prayers. I have surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning. Doc told me everything would be OK and that he was sure he could get everything that he saw on the camera. That was fine with me except the camera wasn't the one with cancer. If I sound a little flippant about this, it's because of the nerves. Scares the hell out of me to think about the alternatives, you know, like if he doesn't get it all or if I'm alert enough to hear someone in the ER say "OOPS". I am trying very hard to keep the faith that all will be OK, but tomorrow A.M. is getting awful close. I know that my daughter will keep you informed, but for now I will! THANKS!!!!
Dr. Nate can come save you....I'm sure there is a book somewhere I can read that will tell me what to do! :D
Think positive!
jmcmulle3
05-20-2005, 09:05
Wellaged and I are so blessed to have such a wonderful EMS family. Your thoughts and prayers are greately appreciated. Ray is on his way to the hospital now and I will be going as soon as I get the kids to school.
I know I haven't posted in a while but I am still here and check the site daily.
I will post later today with an update. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.
julie
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