OT Bad News from Doctor

[CKE]

Well, about 2 months ago I noticed a lump on my tongue and never tought much about it. Fast forward to today, tests and a couple appointments later and it is confirmed I have cancer. I can't really describe how I am feeling right now. Well tired and scared obviously. It feels good to put it down in words. I have just started the road and by the sounds of it, it is a long one. I have to have surgery in Toronto and can have cancer treatments here in Thunder Bay as we have an amazing cancer clinic here.

So today as I tell my family and friends the news I share with my online <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> family. I am not a religious man but praying would probably not hurt any either I'll probably start tonight. I go for a cat scan on Monday and find out more then. Looks like a long weekend for me. Will be off work for who knows how long. Will be coming here as much as possible as this is good heatlh and therapy as we have come to love all that is the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Forum.

As Daywalker would say...go and tell the people you love the most that you love them. Cherish the time you have with family and friends as you never know. I am very positive and hopefull. I WILL BEAT THIS!!!! Take Care<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Craig



"everything else is just a jeep"

[thombrogan]

Prayers sent, Craig. You get well.

-Thom Brogan <a href="http://www.tntbrogan.com" target="_blank">Pictures</a> of our daughter, Cynthia

[dialex]

Sorry to hear this, but there's no need to worry yet. I heard recently a story at the news about this 60 yrs old guy (from England, if I remember well) who was diagnosed with cancer and te doctors told him he's having very little time to live. So he took all his savings and went to Bahamas (or similar) with his wife, for a prolonged holiday. Problem is that when he returned home they (doctors) told him it was a mistake and he is healthy. Great news, great relief, but his life time savings were gone for good. Well, not for that good, as he brought that clinic in the court of law and made them repay him. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Be optimistic, and trust your God. We'll keep you in our prayers Craig.

<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>

[UK KEN]

CKE

That's a great attitude Craig. Good luck!

Regards Ken

Do not condemn the judgement of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong.

[king-of-mars]

CKE,
Best of luck, half the battle is having the right attitude, and you seem to have that.

"it is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not."

[CKE]

Thank You<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

"everything else is just a jeep"

[Ted]

Craig, I hope you can beat it!

Take care,
Ted

[Jimd]

Craig, I'm sending you some prayers right now. I can't imagine how much of a shock that must have been to find out the news!

At any rate, keep a positive attitude, as you are. I know quite a few people who beat cancer and have been cancer free for a long time. You can beat it.

Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com

[Simon G]

Prayers and best wishes to you Craig.

Simon.

[SURLY]

CKE NEVER GIVE IN ! You will be in my thoughts and prayers <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Bro.

[charlie]

Craig:
Our prayers are with you, keep a positive attitude. from a Spyderco fan and a Cancer survivor.
<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>Collector # 47

[silverback]

My best wishes and keep fighting!

Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week. -George Bernard Shaw

[GrossPolluter]

I know that as you maintain that terrific attitude, all good and all healing are yours!

All my blessings, Craig.

[CKE]

I really appreciate all the support. Thank you<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Craig

"everything else is just a jeep"

[swede]

Hi Craig,

I must share with you that I had a big basal cell cancer on my right upper arm diagnosed in June. I had ignored it, hoping it would go away or something stupid and macho.

It started to bleed. It was hard to even say the words &quot;I have cancer&quot;, even to my own family. Big surgery and plastic surgery in July, and I'm all clear and recovered. No further treatment needed. Reflecting back on how scared sh**less I was, I know what you're feeling. Find the best doctors, get second opinions if needed and keep that positive attitude going. It'll pull you through!

Prayers to you,
Dave

[fredswartz]

Craig:
I haven't been on the forum for a while but when I saw your post I had to respond. I am just a faceless person living in an obscure state but I share your concerns and will be praying for your recovery. I wish you all the best and know that lots of others are praying for you also.

[vampyrewolf]

Craig:

You'll pull through, we all know that. With the size of this support group you have no choice but to <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>.

Hopefully they get it all the first time, good luck.

<img src=

[samosaurus]

Craig ~ Prayers sent my man.. Take good care and live strong! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

Spydies for life!

[jyork]

Craig-
Thoughts are with you this week. Good luck at beating this. We are all wishing you well. Enjoy your friends and family no matter how it turns out.
Jyork

[J Smith]

You will beat it.Just thank God it is not 20 or 30 years ago.With the treatments they have now there is a very good chance you will come out 100% cured.

<img src=http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif

[jaxon]

Craig,

Sorry to hear of your concern. You didn't say much about the type of cancer. To encourage you though, I have chronic Basal Cell Skin Cancer and in the last decade + I've had about 3 dozen sites surgically removed starting with a large skin graft on my forehead. Any number more treated with liquid nitrogen or chemically. Not life threatening but a real pain. Best part is it made me quit smoking years ago. Keep the faith Bro. You can beat it, and maybe benefit in the long run.

Best luck,

Jaxon

Live to Ride....Ride to Live

[Jeff/1911]

CKE,

I am having a good thought for you.

Best wishes, Jeff.

[JDEE]

CKE - Keep your chin up. Having been given bad prognosis in the past I found my partner, my dogs and my knives saw me through. Yes! My Knives! I kept thinking about the next one I was going to buy.

Jdee

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha CKE,

I will be praying for you my friend...and know this:

No matter what your head tells you, BELIEVE that you have received healing from the Lord, and you shall receive it! BELIEVE from your HEART, not your mind. (Mark 11:23)

Also remember, John 14: 13-14!!!

I also agree...you WILL beat it!

Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!

[4 s ter]

Craig

You have my sincere wishes for a quick and complete recovery!!

David

"Not all who wander are lost"

[CKE]

Thank you all. I found out later yesterday that it is squamish cell, post oral tongue. So I will have to have reconstructive surgery I believe. They don't know the stage yet as I have not had the Cat Scan. I will be in touch with the cancer doctor here early next week and she will have more information. Until then everyone tells me to keep my mind busy. Again everyone thanks for the cheering up. This internet is truly amazing. Take Care and have a great weekend<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Craig

"everything else is just a jeep"

[Luvbug]

Craig,

We are all pulling for you. Keep the positive attitude, it truly is a valuable asset in your upcoming battle.

[rorschach]

CKE! Prayers and SoCal sunshine sent from the House O' Spyders! Get well man!

-Rorschach :][: <a href= http://www.scarysharp.com>HOS</a>

[BigDog96]

Sorry to hear of this misfortune in health . I will pray for you to have the strength to beat this terrble disease . Have Faith !

[Jimmy_Dean]

Good luck tough guy! Prayers sent and keep hoping for the best!
-Dean

[dyad]

Hello Craig, great support team you have from this forum !
In 10/28/1984 I was diagnosied with &quot;metastatic carcinoma to skull and sinus.&quot;. Had cranial surgery and radation.
Living Well is best revenenge along with postitive attitude which is hard some days. Cancer is a word..not a sentence.
Many prayers to you.

[CKE]

Well tomorrow is my Cat Scan. The waiting is truly the hardest part. I was feeling pretty ill today. A very low key Sunday to say the least. Hope you all had a great weekend. Take Care!!!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[AllenETreat]

Craig -

Most &quot;terminal&quot; illnesses can be stopped
if caught in time ( the question is, is the lump &quot;benign&quot; or &quot;malignant&quot; ) If it's any
comfort Craig I've been livin' with HIV for
20yrs!

It's all in the mindset : Are you gonna give up? Or fight? Hell my disease is more
terminal than yours! Cancer treatment has come a long way, treatment is on YOUR side!

E-mail when ya' can : allenetreat@yahoo.com

AET

Some things are necessary evils, some things are more evil than necessary. John Le Carre

[danzomekahiro]

Hi mate

Take care of yourself; your loved ones and all of us around the world are thinking of you and wishing you well. Be strong.

Danzo

Edited by - danzomekahiro on 9/13/2004 6:42:57 PM

[thombrogan]

Craig,

What'd the CAT scan say?

-Thom Brogan <a href="http://www.tntbrogan.com" target="_blank">Pictures</a> of our daughter, Cynthia

[Joyce Laituri]

Craig,

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your direction.

Joyce @ Spyderco

[CKE]

Go for the Cat Scan results in about two hours. A little nerve racking but hey it is just a matter of getting better. Thanks again all.
Allen &quot;e&quot; on the way<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Glad to see you up and around here again<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Craig

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[java]

Hiya Craig!

Been away and just found this out. Thoughts and prayers headed out to you and yours. With all these positive thoughts and prayers here, you can't help but beat this. Live strong! Live long!

Java

[spyderknut]

Craig,
Sorry to hear about your bad news. You can beat this. I assume this is a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Freqeuntly these are curable with some combination of surgery and/or radiation. If you use tobacco or alcohol it may be a good idea to stop. Your doctor may already have given this advice. A difficult time though to stop old habits that provide psychological comfort.
If you have a wife and kids, love them. Know that the things your family does are out of love although it can be difficult to see at times. The support of family, friends and those with common interests are invalulable at times like these.
Lance Armstrong's &quot;It's Not About the Bike&quot; is a tremendously powerful and inspiring story about cancer survivorship. It is also an easy read for the hours sitting around waiting for appointments.
Good luck to you and take care of yourself. Educate yourself and ask lots of questions. It is part of the responsibility of those who will be caring for you to educate you. There are lots of useful web resources.

[CKE]

Thanks for the support java and Spyderknut. No I don't smoke or drink...guess I just got lucky<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Take Care all<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[Ray.Hood]

CKE how are you doing today? You my new friend, have one heck of a support group here. Any good news? I do empathize w/
you, lost 2 beautiful family mems. a few years back. Stay strong and you will beat this thang! Good day gentleman. Ray out.

[CKE]

Thanks for the support Ray<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Today is a good one. Have my flights booked and talked to the dietician today. Got some very good ideas to get my calories and protien into my diet. I lost 10 pounds in the last 3 weeks so getting a good meal is important. Being a oral cancer makes that difficult, but I try hard to eat as much as possible. Enjoying a shake right now loaded with lots of good stuff. Take Care!!!

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[Ray.Hood]

Not a problem guy.Keep the faith.

[Rger No. 1]

Good luck, CKE. We're rooting for you.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution." Albert Einstein

[Ray.Hood]

Hey CKE, pick up a Bible and read a little.
Can I get an Amen? I'm not a christian, but God has been there for me thru a lot, a whole lot of trying times. To quote Mark Twain, &quot; The man that does not read good books has no advantage over the man that cannot read them. Later, Ray out.

[HoB]

Damn! Thats the spirit: Keep the positive attitude!!!! All the best!

[captain hook]

Craig,

My friend's dad had the same thing, a tumor on his tongue. It was removed with surgery, and the tongue actually heals very fast. Look at all the kids these days with tongue piercings. I don't know the medical stuff, but he's still around today after the treatment. You can beat this thing! Humor, and high spirits are the best medicine. Tell the doctor, use this! -- and hand him your favorite sterilized spyderco! Teach that temporary thing a lesson!

[AllenETreat]

Craig -

So what's the story thus far? Anything?
&quot;e&quot; me - allenetreat@yahoo.com

AET

Some things are necessary evils, some things are more evil than necessary. John Le Carre

[CKE]

Well...I head for Toronto on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday will be spent drooling over knives a George Tichbournes place and S&amp;R Knives. Friday is my consultation with the surgeon and hopefully the following week I will have the tumor removed. Not sure too many details as of yet. Will know a lot more after the appointment on Friday. Take Care and hope everyone is having a great weekend<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Craig

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[jbake]

Prayers sent CKE...
Hang in there buddy!

-jb

[i.v]

crossing my fingers &amp; praying for you.. hang in there

[Tech a Billy]

Best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. Good luck Craig.

[jaxon]

Best to you Craig. Kick @$$ on that tumor.

Jaxon

Live to Ride....Ride to Live

[KBR]

CKE, I hope and pray the best for you, Buddy. You'll be in my prayers.

Survive, Adapt, and Overcome...

[Rex G]

Prayers sent from Texas! Hang in there. While I have not yet suffered from cancer, my father and other relatives have. I read Lance Armstrong's book and found it very inspirational, and will probably read it again, especially if diagnosed with a major illness.

[sal]

Hi CKE. Sorry to hear of your situation.

We'll pray for you here.

Never, never, never give up.

sal

[CKE]

Thanks again everyone.

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[ricknhman43]

I just had half of my thyroid removed on Sept. 3rd. It was tested and was found to be benign. I am fortunate that it was not cancer. That is what the doctors suspected with the original pathology. Only with removal and complete testing of the whole tumor, could cancer be ruled out. I will say a prayer for you tonight. You will be well soon, keep up the fight.

Rick

[disorder]

Hiya craig
..as Sal stated , never give up.
i (40 next 20 october) got about 12 "black spot" of melanoma removed during years - probally a gift from windsurfing without sun protection, and my father got lung cancer and melanoma too..
but we are still here.
never give up.. my father was sentenced with 6 months still to live, before a secure death..
6 years ago !
he 's still alive and active and carries a Calypso as EDC :)

keep on kickin and FTW .

my best thoughts are with you.

[dialex]

It is true what Cpt. Hook said, tongue, throat and stomach recovers very fast.
I'm glad to see that your morale is that bold. It is OK to be scared (I think I would), but I don't see this for your part :)