A Sundance Update - News, News, and More News - Gearin' Up for the Next Battle

2»

Comments

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Craig
    "Perhaps, Strength and Courage is nothing more than doing what you have to do on any given day."
    Not everyone is able to do that though. You know it, I know it, some others know it. Wise words from a wise man. You've certainly had your share of 'doing what you have to do'. I wish you would be cut some slack by the powers that be. Keep doing the best that you can do Craig.
    You really are an inspiration to us all.
    -phil
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Love you, Craig!
    Dear, dear Craig.

    You don't have to do a thing to "restore our faith in you." I have a feeling Kim feels exactly the same. We already know what you're made of. You wouldn't still be here if you weren't made of the toughest steel.

    I hope you know that our love and admiration for you is not dependent on you being a strong, silent fighter. We love you and hurt for you and fully understand if you want to rail against the beast now and again. Every day, if you need to!

    I'm praying for you all the way, my dear friend.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    gearin up for battle yet again
    Hi Craig,

    I can so understand how you must be so, so weary of having to fight this. As you said, cancer wants to take us down and we have to keep fighting it. I'm sorry. You are a warrior and I know you'll keep fighting. I just found out today that my CEA count went up (38 to 81 in 3 weeks)- damn- it's August again. August has brought me bad news the past 3 summers in a row since my diagnosis. I have a PET/CT scan coming up on Aug. 30th & was expecting good things since my CEA had been coming down- until I got this latest reading today. I postponed my chemo an extra week while on vacation, but it's hard to believe just one week of postponed chemo would make the CEA shoot up again. We shall see what the scan shows in another week. I've been doing this a bit less than half the amount of time you've been fighting & I'm weary. I can only imagine how weary you must be getting. Yet, on we fight because we so want to beat this!
    You can do it, Craig- hang in there- so many of us are pulling for you and praying for you.

    Hugs,
    Lisa
  • amcp
    amcp Member Posts: 251 Member
    Superman
    I do not call you that to be sarcastic but instead to comment on your strength, courage, faith, determination, amazing ability to put things in words that we all can relate to and understand, and your thoughtfulness, support, encouragement to all of us on the board. You are always mentioned in my prayers but I will be saying some extras for you. You have been through so much but continue to fight and inspire. Cancer is so much like a wild roller coaster ride that has the really lows and fantastic highs. I know that is how I feel watching my husband fight the monster for now four years. We all only have today..we need to make the most of each hour of each day ...make wonderful memories with those we love and care about...Life is difficult enough without having to fight cancer day after day momth after month and year after year. My mother's fight started in 1973 and she endured the fight for 14 years. She died in 1987 a miracle to her doctors that she made it so long and make the most of those fourteen years. I only mentioned this because I believe her determination, faith, will power, and love of her family is what helped her to fight the battle for that many years. I would have loved for you to meet her. She as I am would be so proud of you and the inspiration that you give to each of us. Stay positive..stay strong...and know that we are pulling for you ...praying for you and your wife...keep us updated. Thanks superman...

    Love ya,
    Anna
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Thoughts
    Craig,
    I have so many thoughts right now. Unfortunately , none that I can express well.
    You know, of course, we all love you.
    You know, of course, we wish you the best.
    You know, of course, we think of you everyday.
    Craig, you are in my thoughts and my mind, prayers and many, many thoughts and well wishes your way.
    Winter Marie
  • vhtqm1
    vhtqm1 Member Posts: 107
    keep it simple
    well Craig; that's my prescription for you. 'keep it simple.' you've helped so many and now it's time to expect help from us. we'll all give it our best shot. hang in there brother!!

    ed
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    how your post speaks to me
    I also am in my 7th year of battling this disease, the 12th marked 6 years from initial diagnosis. 3 recurrences, as many surgeries and a lot of crap in between has me contemplating the same things you have stated. Sometimes I am just so tired and wonder how much longer my body will allow me to fight. I am in the process of moving in with my twin, which will make my burden much lighter, so I am blessed to have the opportunity. My daughter and granddaughter spent the past week with me helping me to pack everything up and it was an amazing blessing, one I am so happy to have experienced; despite the pain and difficulty I face these days! There are good days, there are bad days, but for now I am glad there are days. Fight hard and keep us posted.
    mary
  • iluvmms
    iluvmms Member Posts: 134 Member
    msccolon said:

    how your post speaks to me
    I also am in my 7th year of battling this disease, the 12th marked 6 years from initial diagnosis. 3 recurrences, as many surgeries and a lot of crap in between has me contemplating the same things you have stated. Sometimes I am just so tired and wonder how much longer my body will allow me to fight. I am in the process of moving in with my twin, which will make my burden much lighter, so I am blessed to have the opportunity. My daughter and granddaughter spent the past week with me helping me to pack everything up and it was an amazing blessing, one I am so happy to have experienced; despite the pain and difficulty I face these days! There are good days, there are bad days, but for now I am glad there are days. Fight hard and keep us posted.
    mary

    hero
    You are such an inspiration to this group!! and a great person. Please take care and keep us posted. I think of you often!!

    Christy
  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    Craig
    I really wish I had some great words or wisdom to share. I do however feel your pain, sadness and fear, I am not in the same situation as you are right now, but I have shared some of the same thoughts that you are sharing with us. Thank you for sharing, you have such a powerful way of getting your point across. I dont have any answers, all I can offer is prayers. I still get mad, then sad, and what always seems to be around is fear. I hate it, but after reading your post, I realize that even though we are all at different points in our journey, we are all dealing with very similar things. And thank you for being so strong and so vocal about your journey, it has helped so many people here. You are a SURVIVOR, one I am very proud to say I know. Love ya buddy...

    HUGS
    Beth
  • Kathryn_in_MN
    Kathryn_in_MN Member Posts: 1,252 Member
    Mr Warrior (minus 2 ribs)
    You are a fighter! You inspire us all. We're all here for you, and understand you are tired. How could you not be? Long battles are hard on everyone, and you & Kim have certainly been at it a long time. Give yourself some down time - some "me" time - to rest and recharge. Spend a day doing something that brings you joy and takes you away from cancer thoughts for a day. You need a break and a chance to re-charge. Even Superman didn't work full-time, but just when he was really needed for the big jobs. Have a Clark Kent day now and then.

    As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    Dearest Craig, I can't even

    Dearest Craig, I can't even imagine the pain that you have been going through, but you are a fighter - and you will win this fierce battle! You have been our inspiration during this fight, and we wish you best of luck in your next round fighting the beast. You're always in our thoughts, God bless you, Cynthia
  • pf78248
    pf78248 Member Posts: 209
    You are AMAZING!
    Craig,

    I don't know where you get the strength and courage to battle this nasty disease the way you do. I am so proud of you! You truly are an inspiration to everyone. Reading your story, I can't begin to know the pain and exhaustion all those treatments and surgeries have caused. Just know you are truly admired and loved, and we will be right by your side.

    I believe it is God's grace that has held you throughout these last 6.3 years, and he will continue as long as you battle.

    Hugs and Healing,
    Priscilla
  • pluckey
    pluckey Member Posts: 484 Member
    Dear Lord Craig, I'm pissed
    Dear Lord Craig, I'm pissed FOR you. Damn right you and Kim's **** are dragging after an unending fight for 6 plus years.

    but once again, you show us what you're made of dear Craig. I'm going to ask my Maker if he can please, please cut you a break. I'm going to ask Him if he's satisfied with how unrelentlessly you've fought and how beautiful your heart is. And then I will ask Him one more time, to give you a break, and let you enjoy the fruits of your labors, which you so deserve

    ((hugs))

    Peggy
  • Lilmiss82
    Lilmiss82 Member Posts: 257 Member
    pluckey said:

    Dear Lord Craig, I'm pissed
    Dear Lord Craig, I'm pissed FOR you. Damn right you and Kim's **** are dragging after an unending fight for 6 plus years.

    but once again, you show us what you're made of dear Craig. I'm going to ask my Maker if he can please, please cut you a break. I'm going to ask Him if he's satisfied with how unrelentlessly you've fought and how beautiful your heart is. And then I will ask Him one more time, to give you a break, and let you enjoy the fruits of your labors, which you so deserve

    ((hugs))

    Peggy

    Craig,
    Have I told you that you are like my rock in this battle?? You have been through so much and you're so composed, positive and gosh darn determined to do whatever it takes. I don't know if I could ever be so resilient. We need you on this board so don't worry everything is going to be ok !- Alright?? Keep staying positive and never forget that you are always in my thoughts and prayers
  • daydreamer110761
    daydreamer110761 Member Posts: 487 Member
    Lilmiss82 said:

    Craig,
    Have I told you that you are like my rock in this battle?? You have been through so much and you're so composed, positive and gosh darn determined to do whatever it takes. I don't know if I could ever be so resilient. We need you on this board so don't worry everything is going to be ok !- Alright?? Keep staying positive and never forget that you are always in my thoughts and prayers

    Craig
    I have been in and out of this place for two years now, and although mostly lurking the past few months, have been keeping up with you and reading your posts. You are a wonderful man, and your wife is truly a beautiful lady. I have watched your ups and downs, surgeries, as I have read about a few others who keep on truckin'. I am so proud of everyone in the way that no one gives up. You, Buzzard, Phil, Donna, and too many to mention have lifted me. I can remember when I was finished with chemo last year, and thinking I was "doing the dance" and I was so happy, I thought I was NED. Then one colonoscopy, 3 positive polyps, another and 6 positive, all spread out and in no certain place. I am so sick of gatorade it is not funny! I think about how tired I am of doctors, blood tests (I was also dx'd with diabetes at the same time and have complications from that). But then I read posts from you, and others, and think about how much you all have gone through and no one gives up hope. I know I'm not done, and I know it will be back, and I also know that I will fight even harder thanx to you guys...Oh, what a day....
  • imagineit2010
    imagineit2010 Member Posts: 152 Member
    Craig, everyone wonders how
    Craig, everyone wonders how you do it. How you keep on fighting with such gusto. You're tough no doubt about it but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Take this one day at a time. Do you know if you'll win this war? No. but niether do any of us. I know you have your eye on the prize but you've already won. You've proven you can take anything they throw at you. You're the Jake Lamotta of the colorectal boards. You remind me of the "Raging Bull" movie with Jake being beaten and bloodied saying to Sugar Ray Robinson, "you never knocked me down". You have alot on your table now, try to relax and re-charge. Enjoy a sunset or two. Enjoy your time off work and with your wife. Time goes by fast enough without focusing on the future. I know you have to get mentally geared up but you also have to mentally step back and out of the cancer world for periods of time. Embrace today. You are alive today and THAT is what matters. Watch a sunrise and a sunset without cancer in between and you have beaten it because it didn't take Today.
    Best of luck to you.
    Kick some cancer A$$.
    Chris
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member

    Craig, everyone wonders how
    Craig, everyone wonders how you do it. How you keep on fighting with such gusto. You're tough no doubt about it but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Take this one day at a time. Do you know if you'll win this war? No. but niether do any of us. I know you have your eye on the prize but you've already won. You've proven you can take anything they throw at you. You're the Jake Lamotta of the colorectal boards. You remind me of the "Raging Bull" movie with Jake being beaten and bloodied saying to Sugar Ray Robinson, "you never knocked me down". You have alot on your table now, try to relax and re-charge. Enjoy a sunset or two. Enjoy your time off work and with your wife. Time goes by fast enough without focusing on the future. I know you have to get mentally geared up but you also have to mentally step back and out of the cancer world for periods of time. Embrace today. You are alive today and THAT is what matters. Watch a sunrise and a sunset without cancer in between and you have beaten it because it didn't take Today.
    Best of luck to you.
    Kick some cancer A$$.
    Chris

    Just do it!
    What ever it takes!! Keep going Craig never give up! Donna is counting on you to beat this!!