Craig and DaVinci - A Sundance Post Surgery Wrap Up Story
Sundanceh
Member Posts: 4,392 Member
I’ve had the time to think about what I wanted to say about the post surgery update with the DaVinci robot surgery. I met with my surgeon and my oncologist last week and felt good enough now to give everyone an update.
First, let me go way back and give a special thank you to Eric and Adrian, who came up with the idea to do something nice for me when I was in the hospital. Adrian had the idea of the “Robot” and Eric, the name “DaVinci” – and Eric absolutely executed the game plan masterfully – he pulled it all off and represented the Semis; in a big way, so I just wanted to recognize those guys for that.
I’d be remiss if I did not thank each and every one of you for your participation as well - I know that time was an issue and some of you missed it, but all of you were there in spirit.
And I also want to thank Eric and all of you for the Prayer Post (I even felt the excitement reading it) and all of the update posts that Eric opened to keep everyone informed. The Board sure was buzzing good for a few days there.
I hurt so bad that all I could do was barely read those posts, but it made a difference that you cared so much and took the time out of your days to follow the story and post about it. All of you had so much going on, yet were giving from each of your hearts for me - I have never felt more cared for in all of my life – I thought my folks have their hands full and are going out of their way for me – just truly moving and I felt the strength and love of the board – really I did.
Like Chicky said, “I could really feel it” – even well after the fact. So thank you one and all.
Well, the pain knocked me around for the first 6-weeks really badly and I was off the board for the most part. And then slowly I began a post here and another there and then the words began to return – and then the Christmas Project!
So, what can I say about DaVinci – IT ROCKS!
I can clearly see the benefits now in the recovery time – I was only down about 9-weeks and it would have been many more the traditional way. The pain has susided a good deal although I’ve still got a ways to go, but have returned to work today and will move forward and try to get back in the swing of things.
I did get to “eyeball” the DaVinci – it’s an impressive although an intimidating piece of machinery. I remember seeing O/R 8 and then the DaVinci robot and the console – they got me on the table and after that…lights out.
One other thing I wanted to mention was that I got my port REMOVED about 3 weeks after this surgery – I had not had enough surgery and wanted more, LOL. So, I got the approval from my new onc and scheduled it with the surgeon in Arlington who originally put it in. (This was my 2nd port install/removal). There is a lot of scar tissue build up and it feels like a small port is still there, but it’s just scarring – they put both ports in the same spot. So, like everyone that was a great feeling to have that removed – a symbol of freedom.
I also had dental surgery to repair chemo damage and had a crown done and another big filling done – again, just love to be “operated” on, LOL. I’m like a used car, always up on somebody’s rack, LOL
Which brings me back to…
As I mentioned above, I met with my surgeon and oncologist last week for follow-ups before returning to work. The surgeon is pleased with my recovery so far and I seem to be doing very well, according to him and my expectations.
I had 2 tumors removed by DaVinci – they were BENIGN!
Turns out in this case, that these were abnormal cell growths that formed tumors and “mimicked” cancer cell activity. It was also very rare to have cell growths of any kind in the pleura of the lung.
No medical professional that I talked too (2nd & 3rd opinions included) could tell me one way or the other if it was cancer or not. Based on my cancer history and the path that colon/colorectal mets take, all indications were it was cancer.
And that was the quandry I was in when I joined the board and found you guys. I was looking for answers and it took me awhile to finally get with the UTSW people and put all of this together – we made medical history for North Texas as a result. (and you’ll be able to read about that – I’ll send link in another post).
Right now, the media blitz is under way with the hospital media, the newspapers, and the television station covering this story, so it’s been a real whirlwind of activity in telling this story.
This past Friday, we met with my new oncologist and went back over everything – he ordered a CT scan for me next week before New Year’s to see how things are looking post-op – if there is a problem we’ll talk about it, but it does not appear to be the case.
My CEAs are sitting at 1.5 right now – no cancer back in my liver – the scope I had done in January showed clear – and the tumors outside the lung are benign.
So I asked the Onc point blank, “Would you say that I have no evidence of disease?”
And he said, “Yes, we can say that now.”
After almost 6-years, I heard the magic words – I’ve gone NED - and just in time for the holidays! It feels like a Christmas Miracle!
I had a grin from ear to ear and those first few moments I was just giddy – I goosed Kim in the elevator and made some funny noises and the doors opened and two women heard me and looked at me funny – I didn’t care, I was just happy.
It’s unbelievable really – it’s still very hard for me to wrap my mind around it – I’ve never been one for labels but this one really felt so good to hear. I’m smart enough to realize that NED is for TODAY and for NOW – I know it could change on a dime, it has happened before and almost again, but I dodged a bullet.
But I’m going to enjoy what I’ve fought so hard to achive – I still feel saddened for all my friends that are waging their personal battles with The Beast and have not gotten the news they so richly deserve, but I’ll keep praying and pulling for each of you.
I take comfort in the fact that another STAGE IV cancer fighter has gone NED, when the doctors had counted me out on more than a few occasions. When they weren’t telling me I’d be dead before another Christmas, they were telling me hat "positively” “unequivocally” “without a doubt” you WILL GET CANCER back in your liver within one year from the resection/RFA.
Well, it’s been 2 years since that prognosis too – and I fooled them again – take that Docs!
You can imagine my thoughts after almost 6-years of this stuff – I’ve been truly blessed and have received my “GIFT” for the holiday season.
If my battle has meant anything, it is that Stage IV is not an automatic death sentence or even terminal – too many good stories on the board to disprove that theory.
So, to all of the battle hardened veterans, to all of my friends, to all of the newbies – this can be done.
So, NED for now and hopefully forever – right now I like to think that I’m back to being a “half-step” ahead of the cancer – happy but cautious – time will tell – five years with no recurrence is the bench mark – that’s a long time, but I will gladly take any length of time right now.
I’ll post links to the DaVinci newspaper article and local news piece as I find about them, so you can follow along. As far as I’m concerned you are all still riding along with me. I’m still here with YOU and am not going to leave my friends behind.
It’s all still so very hard for me to comprehend, it has been a part of me for such a long time – it just seems so different right now.
“Cancer did not define me, but HOW I lived with and fought Cancer DID define me.”
And you know it still does.
I’m ashamed to open this post, because so many of you are still in the middle of your own personal battles, but I decided to do so in the HOPE that you will see that someone you know, who has gone at it for a long period of time, could finally reach their goal after such a lengthy battle – AND YOU CAN TOO!
I love you all, I hope you know that by now – Happiest Holidays 2009 to US ALL
Your Stage IV Semi; and Friend
-Craig
First, let me go way back and give a special thank you to Eric and Adrian, who came up with the idea to do something nice for me when I was in the hospital. Adrian had the idea of the “Robot” and Eric, the name “DaVinci” – and Eric absolutely executed the game plan masterfully – he pulled it all off and represented the Semis; in a big way, so I just wanted to recognize those guys for that.
I’d be remiss if I did not thank each and every one of you for your participation as well - I know that time was an issue and some of you missed it, but all of you were there in spirit.
And I also want to thank Eric and all of you for the Prayer Post (I even felt the excitement reading it) and all of the update posts that Eric opened to keep everyone informed. The Board sure was buzzing good for a few days there.
I hurt so bad that all I could do was barely read those posts, but it made a difference that you cared so much and took the time out of your days to follow the story and post about it. All of you had so much going on, yet were giving from each of your hearts for me - I have never felt more cared for in all of my life – I thought my folks have their hands full and are going out of their way for me – just truly moving and I felt the strength and love of the board – really I did.
Like Chicky said, “I could really feel it” – even well after the fact. So thank you one and all.
Well, the pain knocked me around for the first 6-weeks really badly and I was off the board for the most part. And then slowly I began a post here and another there and then the words began to return – and then the Christmas Project!
So, what can I say about DaVinci – IT ROCKS!
I can clearly see the benefits now in the recovery time – I was only down about 9-weeks and it would have been many more the traditional way. The pain has susided a good deal although I’ve still got a ways to go, but have returned to work today and will move forward and try to get back in the swing of things.
I did get to “eyeball” the DaVinci – it’s an impressive although an intimidating piece of machinery. I remember seeing O/R 8 and then the DaVinci robot and the console – they got me on the table and after that…lights out.
One other thing I wanted to mention was that I got my port REMOVED about 3 weeks after this surgery – I had not had enough surgery and wanted more, LOL. So, I got the approval from my new onc and scheduled it with the surgeon in Arlington who originally put it in. (This was my 2nd port install/removal). There is a lot of scar tissue build up and it feels like a small port is still there, but it’s just scarring – they put both ports in the same spot. So, like everyone that was a great feeling to have that removed – a symbol of freedom.
I also had dental surgery to repair chemo damage and had a crown done and another big filling done – again, just love to be “operated” on, LOL. I’m like a used car, always up on somebody’s rack, LOL
Which brings me back to…
As I mentioned above, I met with my surgeon and oncologist last week for follow-ups before returning to work. The surgeon is pleased with my recovery so far and I seem to be doing very well, according to him and my expectations.
I had 2 tumors removed by DaVinci – they were BENIGN!
Turns out in this case, that these were abnormal cell growths that formed tumors and “mimicked” cancer cell activity. It was also very rare to have cell growths of any kind in the pleura of the lung.
No medical professional that I talked too (2nd & 3rd opinions included) could tell me one way or the other if it was cancer or not. Based on my cancer history and the path that colon/colorectal mets take, all indications were it was cancer.
And that was the quandry I was in when I joined the board and found you guys. I was looking for answers and it took me awhile to finally get with the UTSW people and put all of this together – we made medical history for North Texas as a result. (and you’ll be able to read about that – I’ll send link in another post).
Right now, the media blitz is under way with the hospital media, the newspapers, and the television station covering this story, so it’s been a real whirlwind of activity in telling this story.
This past Friday, we met with my new oncologist and went back over everything – he ordered a CT scan for me next week before New Year’s to see how things are looking post-op – if there is a problem we’ll talk about it, but it does not appear to be the case.
My CEAs are sitting at 1.5 right now – no cancer back in my liver – the scope I had done in January showed clear – and the tumors outside the lung are benign.
So I asked the Onc point blank, “Would you say that I have no evidence of disease?”
And he said, “Yes, we can say that now.”
After almost 6-years, I heard the magic words – I’ve gone NED - and just in time for the holidays! It feels like a Christmas Miracle!
I had a grin from ear to ear and those first few moments I was just giddy – I goosed Kim in the elevator and made some funny noises and the doors opened and two women heard me and looked at me funny – I didn’t care, I was just happy.
It’s unbelievable really – it’s still very hard for me to wrap my mind around it – I’ve never been one for labels but this one really felt so good to hear. I’m smart enough to realize that NED is for TODAY and for NOW – I know it could change on a dime, it has happened before and almost again, but I dodged a bullet.
But I’m going to enjoy what I’ve fought so hard to achive – I still feel saddened for all my friends that are waging their personal battles with The Beast and have not gotten the news they so richly deserve, but I’ll keep praying and pulling for each of you.
I take comfort in the fact that another STAGE IV cancer fighter has gone NED, when the doctors had counted me out on more than a few occasions. When they weren’t telling me I’d be dead before another Christmas, they were telling me hat "positively” “unequivocally” “without a doubt” you WILL GET CANCER back in your liver within one year from the resection/RFA.
Well, it’s been 2 years since that prognosis too – and I fooled them again – take that Docs!
You can imagine my thoughts after almost 6-years of this stuff – I’ve been truly blessed and have received my “GIFT” for the holiday season.
If my battle has meant anything, it is that Stage IV is not an automatic death sentence or even terminal – too many good stories on the board to disprove that theory.
So, to all of the battle hardened veterans, to all of my friends, to all of the newbies – this can be done.
So, NED for now and hopefully forever – right now I like to think that I’m back to being a “half-step” ahead of the cancer – happy but cautious – time will tell – five years with no recurrence is the bench mark – that’s a long time, but I will gladly take any length of time right now.
I’ll post links to the DaVinci newspaper article and local news piece as I find about them, so you can follow along. As far as I’m concerned you are all still riding along with me. I’m still here with YOU and am not going to leave my friends behind.
It’s all still so very hard for me to comprehend, it has been a part of me for such a long time – it just seems so different right now.
“Cancer did not define me, but HOW I lived with and fought Cancer DID define me.”
And you know it still does.
I’m ashamed to open this post, because so many of you are still in the middle of your own personal battles, but I decided to do so in the HOPE that you will see that someone you know, who has gone at it for a long period of time, could finally reach their goal after such a lengthy battle – AND YOU CAN TOO!
I love you all, I hope you know that by now – Happiest Holidays 2009 to US ALL
Your Stage IV Semi; and Friend
-Craig
0
Comments
-
WOOHOOOO! NED after 6 years fighting!
This one certainly qualifies for the nekid happy dance. And a steroid induded 3AM one at that! A little more energy than usual here for lots of reasons...
I am so happy for you. When I got that news after my PET/CT this week I can't explain how happy it made me. So I cannot even begin to imagine the magnitude of hearing it after a 6 year battle.
Port out, surgeries done. WOW! Enjoy your holidays - may they be extra special this year!0 -
I am smiling and shouting with you!Kathryn_in_MN said:WOOHOOOO! NED after 6 years fighting!
This one certainly qualifies for the nekid happy dance. And a steroid induded 3AM one at that! A little more energy than usual here for lots of reasons...
I am so happy for you. When I got that news after my PET/CT this week I can't explain how happy it made me. So I cannot even begin to imagine the magnitude of hearing it after a 6 year battle.
Port out, surgeries done. WOW! Enjoy your holidays - may they be extra special this year!
I am smiling and shouting with you!
Congratulations Craig!
My best to you.
Lizzy0 -
OHMYGOSH!lizzydavis said:I am smiling and shouting with you!
I am smiling and shouting with you!
Congratulations Craig!
My best to you.
Lizzy
Don't you just feel like a huge boulder has been lifted off your shoulders? Feel like you can smile again? Feel like the sun is always shining? Feel like you are alive? And then there's and feel like goosing the little woman? I am so stinkin happy for you, Craig I can't begin to tell you. I enjoy reading your posts so much and am happy for myself that you are fully back with us now. Congratulations and dance, dance dance!
Sandy0 -
Craig
What a wonderful post to read this morning!! I am so glad that you had such a fantastic outcome to your surgery and that you are recovering quickly and well.
How blessed you are with words and your ability to communicate your sentiments. It is a rare gift.
All the best to you and your family as you celebrate this Christmas!!
Amy0 -
Praise GOD
Fantastic news...thanks for sharing. Your post give us HOPE which is needed by us at this time. You are the best and we so appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. NED that is what we all are waiting for and it could not have happened to a nicer man. Merry Christmas and May the New Year be NED forever more.
Anna0 -
WOW! I know many of your
WOW! I know many of your friends already know your story here, but I was blown away to read about it in the article and in your profile. I am so happy for you and your wife! In my darkest hours, fast forwarding six years is terrifying (hell, even 12 months for that matter) and I don't want to think about what 'the numbers' say will happen with my husband.
"If my battle has meant anything, it is that Stage IV is not an automatic death sentence or even terminal "
I am so tired of reading articles that go into great detail about each stage of colorectal cancer, except for Stage IV. You are the real story. You are hope. I will keep your story in my heart.
My husband was dx with stage IV rectal five months ago. He is the love of my life and I plan on keeping him!
Sorry this reply is all over the place, I feel so emotional right now. I am truly happy for you and truly grateful for you and all the other folks here that share their stories.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Kim0 -
A Christmas Miracle!
Craig.. YOU DID IT!!! I'm so happy for you. You are a fighter 100%. Now I have to go outside and do my NAKED happy dace for you. Dang it looks cold out!!
Love ya
Brooks0 -
Craig!!
Craig,
What a wonderful thing to hear right before the holidays!! NED! Your news is so good for all of us to hear! You have gone for 2nd and 3rd opinions and you have gone for the NED! Thank you very much for sharing your story with us. What encouragement!
Take care and enjoy!
Aloha,
Kathleen0 -
OMG Craig!
What delightful news! I loved how you weaved your story (I was wondering after you said the port was removed) from then till now. I also loved how you captured many of the sentiments in being stage 4, whether NED or not, and all that goes into that quest. Merry Christmas to you and your wife! I'm putting your CD into my computer at work right now (most people have left so it's quiet).
Love, Leslie0 -
OMG!!!
Well, how much more proof do you need that there is a God?! Your post made my day! I am sooo happy for you. This is the most wonderful news for a wonderful guy! This was a tough road you've been on but you made it. I can't think clearly because I'm so happy for you and what this means for your family, friends and loved ones. I can't wait for my mom to read your post. It will be one more piece of proof for her that her doctor was absolutely out of his mind when he said she had 2 1/2 months to live and nothing wold help. He was wrong then, she's still here and doing remarkably well with the chemo. It's been 4 1/2 months and she has completed 10 of the 12 chemos rx by oncologist (not the original dr). I am so proud of your strength and appreciative of your willingness to share your extraordinary story. You have no idea how your words have inspired me through this caregiving and surviving process. Thank you sincerely! Happy Holidays to you and continued good health!!
Janet0 -
We all know what you got for
We all know what you got for Christmas! This is fantastic news; I am so happy for you! you have worked long & hard for this! I hope you thoroughly enjoy being NED & I wish continued good health for you. I am thankful for your posts & hope you will continue to post - you give us hope & inspiration!0 -
Craig, I am so happy for
Craig, I am so happy for you! What a truly wonderful blessing that is so deserved to a man who has blessed so many others by your prayers, kind words or encouragement and just positive thoughts. I pray for so many more years of NED for you and hope that you see this gift as a Christmas miracle. Be blessed, my dear friend.
-Sheri0 -
Craig,
This is truly the best Christmas present anyone could ever hope for! I'm so excited for you and your wife!
I've not been on here very long, but I've read a lot of your posts. I know what a struggle it's been for you. I'm still finding very surreal what improvements they've made in CC treatment.
What a miracle!
God Bless you and your family!0 -
Well,my big brother,I have
Well,my big brother,I have been holding this question for a long time,I have been waitting for this post for a long time,this is just something I hope for exactly.Your CD and this post are my best Christmas gifts.I am really really happy for you from the bottom of my heart.You are a boy who is full of blessing,after all these years,you really made it.Take care.Happy holidays!0 -
I'm so happy for you!Fight for my love said:Well,my big brother,I have
Well,my big brother,I have been holding this question for a long time,I have been waitting for this post for a long time,this is just something I hope for exactly.Your CD and this post are my best Christmas gifts.I am really really happy for you from the bottom of my heart.You are a boy who is full of blessing,after all these years,you really made it.Take care.Happy holidays!
I hope you know what an inspiration your story is to us all! I am so very happy that you were able to hear those elusive words..."NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE"! Thank you for letting us be a part of your miracle!!0
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