Beating Cancer

“It's nice to hear news of someone beating the beast.”

“That's wonderful news! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.”

“FANTASTIC news Le Subtil!”

“YEA!! Congrats LS! I'm so happy for you!”

“Good news Le Subtil.

Go for a hike to celebrate!”

“V pleased for you LS. Enjoy the holiday season.”

“

LIVESTRONG Challenge
last edited: 12/22/07 8:09:57 AM”

“le Subtil, we sure did need that good news!
Great!”

“I've been glad to hear the good news from your battle Le Subtil. Thanks for updating us. Have a memorable and merry Christmas.

My condolences on the loss of your grandmother.
last edited: 12/22/07 10:05:54 AM”

“le Subtil, I had written RichB that, after Bearmagnet's death, I was finding it hard to post here...your wonderful news rejuvenated this thread in the best way possible...have a Very Merry Christmas!”

“Love you Mata :-)”

“

Register Now!”

“No offense Pathman, but seeing this thread pop up again just made me choke.”

“I know treebait. I wasn't sure how to present it, so I didn't.

Last year's events raised over $8 million, in the hope that this thread would read "We Beat Cancer".

My Portland Photos

LIVESTRONG Challenge 2007 Promotional Video

Financial Information
Since our inception, the LAF has raised $181 million to support cancer survivorship programs and initiatives to make cancer a national priority.

LAF Milestones

Join the LIVESTRONG Army”

“Although it is hard Tree there are plenty here still battling. I think Bear would want us to keep it going :-)”

“I had the same reaction as Tree, but I'm all for Livestrong. I also miss seeing Bear around.

And, I'm waiting for my blood test results. No reason to worry, its my twice yearly test to make sure it ain't back but I always take cancer more personally while I'm waiting and hoping for another "all clear."”

“I'm glad to see this post continue...

And pedxing, I know what that waiting period is like...fingers crossed!

Thank you, Pathman...”

“Hi guys, I wish I didn't have to post here, but I now do. Some of you already know. To those who have sent me emails of encouragement and information and assistance, thanks!

Jon has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma which has metasticized to at least one lymph node. He was medevaced from Baghdad to Landstuhl, Germany, and then to Ft. Benning, Georgia. I have been here at Ft. Benning with him for the past week and will remain a while longer.

Medically, we don't know a lot yet. The Army has its procedures, which are painstakingly slow IMO. The first appointment with an oncologist is this Thursday. He is also scheduled for a PET scan. Jon had melanoma many years ago. That skin tumor was removed early enough so that he never needed chemo or radiation. This is a recurrence of the original melanoma according to the doctor.

I have been educating myself as best I can, and Jon is relying on me to handle much of that. I am anxiously awaiting the oncologist appointment to get more information specific to Jon's situation.”

“Rest assured, Ruby, that there are a lot of people here, myself included, pulling for you and Jon. Be strong.”

“This is number two person out of a lot of people pulling for you, Ruby. My stepmom is cancer free after surgery and chemo last March-July. Lung cancer. Don't let it ruin anything...kick it's ass!”

“Pulling for yall here as well.”

“hoping for the very best for you guys, Ruby..”

“what wolfeyes said...kick its ass.”

“Stay Positive, Stay Positive, Stay Positive! There are TON's of people out there kicking cancer's azz everyday - join the crowd! :)”

“I hope all goes well, Ruby.”

“Oh my god, Ruby...your post took my breath away...my prayers, my heartfelt prayers go out to you and Jon...keep in touch, please.”

“praying for Jon and you Ruby”

“Hey Ruby,

More prayers. You know you can reach me.”

“and more, some strong ones.”

“I'm sorry to hear that Ruby. I hope the news is positive from here on out.
last edited: 1/28/08 7:39:25 PM”

“Ruby, I am so sorry to learn this. I know your support will make a big difference. Its great to have someone you can rely on when you face this kind of thing.”

“Sorry, Ruby. I'll think positive thoughts for you and Jon.”

“Ruby:
Very sorry to hear your news.

If you are looking for some support, you will find mailing lists on www.acor.org
You can join a mailing list specific to your disease. They have been and continue to be
a great resource for me. Information can be a rare comfort.

It's not the end of the world. I wish you all of the best.”

“Ruby, I am so sorry to hear this. Many people beat cancer every day. I will keep good thoughts for you guys.”

“Prayers for you guys...”

“Ruby,
I lost my father to melanoma two years ago. It's a really unpredictable form of cancer.

I know you both will fight with all of your hearts. Be strong and let love conquer all!

Diane”

“Hang in there darlin.”

“Jon is having surgery on Monday morning to remove all his lymph nodes in his left axilla (armpit). They decided to remove them all as a precaution. That decision will present potential issues for Jon to deal with in the future. Jon told me he would have his entire arm cut off if that would get rid of all the cancer so he figured he can learn to deal with lymph edema if necessary.

I am going to fly back to Georgia this weekend to be with him for the surgery and then for a week following. I had hoped that he would be able to drive home with me after the surgery, but he will have to remain for at least two weeks so that the lymph drainage can be monitored. In the meantime, I am hopeful that the slow process through the military red tape can speed up and get done so Jon can continue and finish his treatment and recovery from home.”

“RUBY :( Hugs. We will be thinking of you, jon and the kids everyday!!”

“Good luck and I hope everything goes well with the surgery.”

“Thoughts and prayers your way Ruby.”

“Big time! Ley us know if there is anything you guys need.”

“Hugs & Prayers coming your way!”

“I am trying to get information on staging. I have read all the info I can find on it. I understand how melanoma is staged based on the location of the cancer and the size of the tumor, ulceration, etc. However, in Jon's case, it originally eight years ago was a skin tumor only, presumably just an early stage. Now it has come back in his lymph nodes. There is no primary tumor site anymore. I am assuming it's a Stage 3. So what stage would that be? I cannot find any information at all on this. Anyone be able to help me?”

“Ruby, drop an email to sass (or I will mention this thread to her) she is doing her oncology program and probably has the info close at hand.”

“Will do, Birch. Sass has already given me more info on lymph edema than any doctor has.”

“That's why I love these forums...so much knowledge from people we trust..

Ruby, my prayer flags are sending prayers and so am I...may all go well for Jon...”

“You are so right, Mata!

I am off once again to make the 800-plus mile drive to Fort Benning to be with Jon during and following his surgery. I'll check back in a few days I hope.”

“Ruby, I just saw this. I'm ssending good vibes your way. Driving huh? Let me know if you need halp with travel details. I would be more than happy to help you get something lined up enroute, or near the fort. Shoot me an e-mail.”

“YGM Ruby”