OzSTOC
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Sabie on January 31, 2015, 03:23:18 PM
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Hi fellow OzSTOCers
What I'm about to tell you isn't a joke it's real and serious.
A couple of weeks ago I went to the Doctor with pain in my side. He said up to the hospital I think you have appendicitis. So up the hospital I go and the doctors want to do a CT scan to make sure it's appendicitis, so off for a,CT Scan I go. After a little while two Doctors turn up and say they think it's Cancer
So after more tests and being pocked and prodded visits to surgeons and oncologists here are the results.
I have Stage 4 Bowel Camcer which has matastasised into my liver, It is in-operable and incurable.
The options I've been given are:
No treatment just go home - 6 months to live
Commence Chemo, 50% chance to make it to 2 years
If I take to the chemo well them maybe 6 years maybe more.
Remission - There's a 1 in a 100,000 chance, that's 1 in a 100,000 people diagnosed with bowel Cancer achieve remission.
Surgery isn't an option because of the size and complexity and the amount of cancerous cysts in the liver around 7 or so
Well that's it I suppose, shitty scenario I know. But Pauline and I are going to fight this thing as hard as we can.
Michael
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Sad to hear that mate.
All you can do is what is right for you!
I wish you and Pauline all the best in your treatment.
:blu13left
Sent from my S5 using Tapatalk.
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Sabie, What an awful break. I know how gutted I felt on getting a cancer diagnosis. I was lucky , I was able to have radiation treatment and that was six years ago. A cancer diagnosis isn't necessarily the end. None of us know how long we have left on this world. Keep your chin up, hope for the best.
Thinking of you
Philbo
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Thanks Gadget, Thanks Philbo
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I have no words...
:eek
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Sabie,
That's pretty devastating news, and you and Pauline will be in our prayers. We trust that your treating doctors will have insight and wisdom, and that you will find some peace of mind, and the strong support of friends and family, as you battle this horrible disease, .
Pete (and Chris)
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Truly a shocking blow to both of you.
You've hit the right note- the best way to tackle it is head-on with optimism.
The way I see it, you make it the best 6 years of your life.
Always bearing in mind the astonishing rate of progress medical science makes. In less than 6 years other strategies may well emerge. Only this week they claim to have found a weapon against peanut allergies that were severely limiting many people's lives.
So keep the bike so you can go for a ride when you're feeling down, as will be sure to happen from time to time.
Keep reading the Forum to keep up with the ride events. When you're not feeling like a ride, one can be organised to meet at your place.
See- there's a future... :thumbs
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:eek
Sorry to hear. Keep positive and enjoy what ever you do.
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There is too much of this cancer stuff around. One of my sisters was in remission from breast cancer but it has spread yet again so more chemo. Sabie, a positive attitude from both of you is great to hear. The thing with chemo is finding out what quality of life you will have with the possibility of more years. Doctors are not always great on telling you that, and I know of others who would have decided differently if they knew.
Hope to see you up at Toowoomba or round abouts as I have time to have a look around
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As I said when I met you the other week it's a shitty thing to happen.
I seriously hope to see you in Toowoomba if you are able to make it but I would much rather see you in WA for the following Nat rally.
Fight hard and fight long.
Spanner
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Sabie < I'm really very sorry to hear you news.
Pretty matter of fact report that...but how else can that be written.
Chin up and bat on mate.
Chris
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Mate I don't know what to say.. You've been dealt a crappy hand there. Keep positive bloke our thoughts are with you..
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:dred11
Sabie sad to read above, dont be shy when asking questions seeking info etc from specialiSTs,
personal exp says "Dont over think it",
harsh as it may sound, you mayB able to claim ur super and enjoy it.
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Hey Sabie............what awful news mate, I'm so sorry to learn of your dilemma. I hope you're able to stay positive in dealing with this monster, and remember, miracles can happen, you've just gotta make sure you're in line for one !!! Good luck my friend !!!
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Hard to find word's the say to this...
Phone is on if you want to vent or chat, happy to ride down the hill and chew the fat.
Teela and I cant possibly know how your feeling, I know you will put your best foot forward to combat this devastating news.
Cheers
Streak and Teela
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A truly tough assignment has been set you and your family. As evidenced by successful placebo treatments it can only be explained by self-belief and positive step-by-step progress. Become Dr. Self with your own research into chemotherapy and join your doctors and challenge them in a combined quest to extend your life for the longest possible time.
There's a lot of good people here pushing your barrow. :like
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It's most upsetting to hear news like this.
Get the bucket list out and start ticking off the items as you fight this cancer.
Please ask us if there is anything you think we can do to help you on your road to recovery.
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It's all been said above Sabie, thoughts are with you guys and enjoy every minute you got (hopefully lots)
:o :bl11
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Sabie,
That's pretty devastating news, and you and Pauline will be in our prayers. We trust that your treating doctors will have insight and wisdom, and that you will find some peace of mind, and the strong support of friends and family, as you battle this horrible disease, .
Pete (and Chris)
I can only concur with Petes thoughts. We specially pray wisdom from your doctors and keep up the positive attitude
Garry and Chris
Sent from my iPad
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I will drop a prayer to the bloke upstairs, you know the one sitting on a ST that never runs out of fuel and ask if it is possible to help you and your family through the time ahead.
Always available for a chat, drop me a pm for the number
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Thank you everyone, I'm inthe Nambour hospital tonight getting treatment for a side effect of the disease, but should be on my way home soon.
Pauline and I are still coming to terms with the news and asking all of the questions one asks, like why and how. I'm worried for Pauline and how shes coping and going to cope in the futre.
chemo starts in around 3 or 4 weeks.
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:dred11
Sabie your in good hands then at Nambour General, thats where my cancer was firST found. I have a 20 yr medical hiSTory there and know MoST of the staff there are very caring people. :thumb
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But Pauline and I are going to fight this thing as hard as we can.
Michael
Sabie
That's not good news at all, :cuss but like you said "Fight this thing as hard as we can". Go hard mate :like
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Sabie,
So sorry to hear about this. Don't let it define you and keep your resolve. Best wishes.
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Sabie,
All I can say is that cancer sucks! You and Pauline are I'm my thoughts and prayers. If there's anything at all I can do, please yell.
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I am truly sorry for your news Sabie...my wife told her oncologist last year that "her cancer was cut out of her breast, but never out of her mind"
Try as best as possible to stay calm and rational, embrace those around you for support as they need you as much as you need them...
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Sabie,
I'm so saddened to hear this news.
Our thoughts are with you guys.
Please try to stay positive and keep us updated
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Sabie,
I don't know you, have never met you, but was really sad to hear that news.
My thoughts are with you and Pauline.
You obviously have a great bunch of friends here to help you both through it.
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Thanks everyone for your support and well wishes.
The strange thing is I don't look sick and I don't feel sick, just a slight pain in my lower tummy from time to time and in my side again from time to time. Panadol usually takes it away.
So I'm told the pain in the lower tummy will be from the colon cancer, the pain in my side will be from the liver cancer.
They've now discovered 2 spots on the lung that are suspicious and my thyroid in the neck is swollen but can't be felt from the outside as the swelling is protruding into my airway. But again no problem breathing or swallowing but there going to check it out with an ultrasound.
Yes, it is the silent killer. Queensland is currently working on presumptive legislation for current and retired firefighters (if you are or were a firefighter and have certain listed cancers you don't have to prove that's where the Cancer come from) so if they hurry up with it I'll have access to additional funding if needed.
Just about every other state already has the legislation in. I'm not sure who has and who hasn't.
I remember when I was a young firefighter we had a Station Officer who wouldn't let us wear Breathing Apparatus because of how much they cost, this was in the board days where pressure was felt from the board of business men to reduce or save costs. Hmmm that was in the 80's.
Again thank you everyone for your well wishes and I'll keep you updated on my progress.
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Sabie,
That’s terrible news to hear mate, there’s no words to describe what you & Pauline must going through.
You sound positive which is a big + to start with.
Remember the OzSTOC community are here for both you & Pauline.
Hope to also see you in Toowoomba or if not in WA in 2016.
Stay positive & we will pray for you too.
Pete & Mel
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F*&k Cancer!
Hang in there Sabie we're all with you.
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Quite shocked to hear this terrible news Sabie. You have plenty of well wishers here, and I'm another one of them.
Thanks for the updates too, as we are all keen to hear how well you are doing through this. :thumb
We're all supporting you and Pauline on your big upcoming fight mate. :-++
Cheers, Diesel.
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Shocked to hear your news Sabie. Like many others, I hope to see you out and about again soon. However, if you feel you're not up for the ride to join us, I'm sure we could arrange a home visit. Just say the word. Thanks for sharing with us Sabie.
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Thanks Skip, I am up and about, word today from the oncologist
- 12th Feb education session with the oncological nurse
- 13th Feb CT Scan to measure the cancers size as a baseline
- 13th Feb insertion of a port under the skin below the collarbone
- 18th Feb first chemo session commences
- few days later removal of chemo
- 27th revisit the oncologist before next round of chemo
Depending on how I feel I intend to ride on the RTE on the 14th February and attend the national rally. We have a Son at Merringandan and at this stage look like staying there and commuting. I can't make a cabin booking because I can't guarantee I'll be there and can't afford to loose a deposit.
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This cancer is a real bastard Sabie, and having it as well, I can understand what you and your Pauline are thinking and going through even though mine is minor by comparison.
I can only send good thoughts and vibes your way.
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Just read this-I am utterly gobsmacked Micheal.
Fight the good fight Papa Smurf !!!!
Thinking of you & Pauline.
Duncan.
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Sabie, although I haven't met you, I admire your openness and the positivity that is evident in your posts.
We will send good vibes your way!!
Dave & Jenny
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Thanks Dave and although we haven't met I do have a lot of friends here, most I've met but there are some who I haven't.
Duncan, your gobsmacked !!! That's an understatement :p
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Hi Michael,
Just caught up with your shattering news. Ros and I are thinking of you and Pauline. We will keep in touch.
Dick
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Sabie our thoughts are with you from the western members. We are looking forward to meeting you on the NR 2016 even if you fly and are welcome on the back of my STead.
Regards Wombat and Pit Crew
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Hi Sabie,
Mate so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Marissa and I wish you well in your journey ahead.
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Hi Sabie. Best of luck mate. From a survivor from 1989 Bowel to malinomer (not correct spelling) 2008 and ops every three months to middle of last year you can make what time you get enjoyable and fun. Never let(Murphy) get the Better of you. Thinking of you and Pauline Denis.
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Thanks everyone for your support and well wishes.
The strange thing is I don't look sick and I don't feel sick, just a slight pain in my lower tummy from time to time and in my side again from time to time. Panadol usually takes it away.
So I'm told the pain in the lower tummy will be from the colon cancer, the pain in my side will be from the liver cancer.
They've now discovered 2 spots on the lung that are suspicious and my thyroid in the neck is swollen but can't be felt from the outside as the swelling is protruding into my airway. But again no problem breathing or swallowing but there going to check it out with an ultrasound.
Yes, it is the silent killer. Queensland is currently working on presumptive legislation for current and retired firefighters (if you are or were a firefighter and have certain listed cancers you don't have to prove that's where the Cancer come from) so if they hurry up with it I'll have access to additional funding if needed.
Just about every other state already has the legislation in. I'm not sure who has and who hasn't.
I remember when I was a young firefighter we had a Station Officer who wouldn't let us wear Breathing Apparatus because of how much they cost, this was in the board days where pressure was felt from the board of business men to reduce or save costs. Hmmm that was in the 80's.
Again thank you everyone for your well wishes and I'll keep you updated on my progress.
Interesting comment about the BA and service in the fire brigades Sabie.
A little while back I stumbled upon and article about Fiskville Fire training centre. It has history regards cancers from guys like myself who attended regularly in the 80's.
Perhaps its time I followed up on that issue.
I hope your going along OK mate.
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Sabie,
Mate, I don't know what to say, and there will be nothing we can say that makes this any easier, but listen, my uncle had some sort of cancer, bowel possibly, and he fought it for about 6 yrs, he didn't lie down to it, he just got on with life as best he could, for as long as he could, you do the same mate,
Our hearts go out to you and Pauline and the rest of your family and friends, they must be all devastated at this news as are all your ozstoc family too,
Live life to the fullest Sabie.
Big man hugs from me and hugs from Una, hope to see you in toowoomba.
:beer
Jack
:bl11
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Thanks Jack & Una
I've had many people tell me stories of how they have beaten this type of cancer, however the difference is how advanced mine is. Gone unnoticed for so long when it was finally picked up I'm already Stage 4 which is the highest stage or last stage of the disease. This means that the Cancer has broken out of the Bowel/Colon and spread to other organs, in my case the Liver. This complicates things a little as the Liver as the secondary Cancer has been impacted more so than the Bowel which is the primary, there is also 2 pre-cancer nodes on my lungs and my thyroid in my neck is enlarged and encroaching into my windpipe, so that's another biopsy in a week or so.
But thank you for your well wishes, I've completed my first round of Chemo this week which went well no drastic side effects so far eg no nausea or vomiting which I was happy about just limited movement due to having to carry an infuser around my neck for 3 days which was taken out today. 2nd round of chemo is Wednesday week.
I may have missed some people who have wished me well and if so I am touched and greatly appreciate your words of encouragement and well wishes.
Sabie,
Mate, I don't know what to say, and there will be nothing we can say that makes this any easier, but listen, my uncle had some sort of cancer, bowel possibly, and he fought it for about 6 yrs, he didn't lie down to it, he just got on with life as best he could, for as long as he could, you do the same mate,
Our hearts go out to you and Pauline and the rest of your family and friends, they must be all devastated at this news as are all your ozstoc family too,
Live life to the fullest Sabie.
Big man hugs from me and hugs from Una, hope to see you in toowoomba.
:beer
Jack
:bl11
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Just read this and its shocking news. God Bless you on this journey Sabie.
PiSTop & I will send some prayers upstairs for you and Pauline.
Cancer hasnt shown itself in my family but in my line of work I certainly meet a lot of people affected by it.
Having also been a firie with NSW Fire & Rescue I am aware of the push to have us covered for cancer if it occurs. I found the latest updates for you.
https://emergencylaw.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/landmark-legislation-to-protect-queensland-firefighters/ (https://emergencylaw.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/landmark-legislation-to-protect-queensland-firefighters/)
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CDwQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ufua.asn.au%2Fsite%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F12%2F2014-12-12-National-Bulletin-10.pdf&ei=g3_qVOTDDJCF8gWqnYCAAw&usg=AFQjCNE40iJVOmdIBAU7qPYwFrA995-wmQ (http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CDwQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ufua.asn.au%2Fsite%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F12%2F2014-12-12-National-Bulletin-10.pdf&ei=g3_qVOTDDJCF8gWqnYCAAw&usg=AFQjCNE40iJVOmdIBAU7qPYwFrA995-wmQ)
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Thank you Tony,
Yes the Government announced it would look into the presumptive legislation but it is yet to make it into law and with the change of Government recently and Cyclone Marcia its probably been pushed back further again.
Cheers
Sabie
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Hi Everyone
Just out of hospital for the last 3 days..... I come down with some kind of infection that gave me fevers and high temps...popped up to the hospital and they kept me for 3 day dosing me with antibiotics and trying to control my fevers.
So I'm out now but it scared a few family members and friends ... but I'm not going just yet......
Sabie
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Don't worry Sabie, you'll out live Keith Richards
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Hang in there, Sabie.
You've got the 2016 rally in Perth to go to, then the 2017 rally, then the 2018, etc. :blu13
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It's hard to keep a good man down ;-*
Don't forget about the Blue & White teapot ride in April young man :EatCake
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I should hope not!!
Looking forward to catching up with you and Pauline in Perth.
Cheers
Dick & Ros
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Thanks Guys
I've been off chemo for 3 weeks now, the first missed cycle was because of low white blood cells, in fact non existent practically, so they differed chemo a week to allow me to recover (It comes from your bone marrow) and then missed yesterday's because of the fevers so chemo differed another week.
As part of the tests trying to find the cause of the infection they gave me another CT scan and unfortunately the Bowel Tumours have increased in size.. by how much I don't know but time to get back on the awful chemo...
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Sabie. Praying for a quick recovery so that you can make Perth for the National meet up :like
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Take care Sabie
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As I once heard in the movie "Smokey & The Bandit"...... "Keep on Truckin' mate. :grin
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I hope you feel better soon mate
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Fight on Sabie. Thinking of you mate.
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I'm Hanging in there
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/pmdodds1/Michael/20160121_004903435_iOS_zpsfljd0yuz.jpg) (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/pmdodds1/media/Michael/20160121_004903435_iOS_zpsfljd0yuz.jpg.html)