“Eight is Great” – A Reflective Commentary + Scan Results Are In

lesvanb

Ride on!
SO relieved to read the "all clear!" Whew! Maybe now you can get some rest. It is tiring, isn't it?

"This message is for all the long-term fighters: Your biggest victories can come late in the battle – far past the time that you expected to see. So, this is the nail that you can hang your hat on with your fight.

It can be done – I know – I’m doing it right here in front of you. It’s a big day – a day that says victories can be won anywhere along the road of cancer – utilizing a variety of tactics and strategies.

Don’t take your eyes off the prize – it may be right around the corner – or right under your feet – or perhaps right in front of your nose."

Thank you for the good reminder!

all the best, Leslie

Sundanceh

lesvanb said:

Ride on!
SO relieved to read the "all clear!" Whew! Maybe now you can get some rest. It is tiring, isn't it?

"This message is for all the long-term fighters: Your biggest victories can come late in the battle – far past the time that you expected to see. So, this is the nail that you can hang your hat on with your fight.

It can be done – I know – I’m doing it right here in front of you. It’s a big day – a day that says victories can be won anywhere along the road of cancer – utilizing a variety of tactics and strategies.

Don’t take your eyes off the prize – it may be right around the corner – or right under your feet – or perhaps right in front of your nose."

Thank you for the good reminder!

all the best, Leslie

Where You Been, Leslie:)
I already know the answer - out in the high country riding - free from the constraints of the concrete jungle I habitat.

Rest?

I hope so....we're so tired...now the heat is on in Texas...and now we get to spend the rest of the hot summer months cleaning up my dad's place and readying it for the market. We've only got 12 weeks to do that according to the terms of his divorce decree. It's an absolute nightmare...ever see the tv show "Hoarders?"

OMGoodness.

I'm learning how to probate an estate as well...one thing I know early on...it ain't cheap...yikes!

I've greased so many palms the last six-months that it's ridiculous...everyone is making out but me - all I get is the bill:)

So, work and more work...one day we may be able to rest, but it won't happen anytime soon...but hopefully one day. I keep saying that.

Nice to see you again:)

"Ride On!"

-Craig

wolfen

lesvanb said:

Ride on!
SO relieved to read the "all clear!" Whew! Maybe now you can get some rest. It is tiring, isn't it?

"This message is for all the long-term fighters: Your biggest victories can come late in the battle – far past the time that you expected to see. So, this is the nail that you can hang your hat on with your fight.

It can be done – I know – I’m doing it right here in front of you. It’s a big day – a day that says victories can be won anywhere along the road of cancer – utilizing a variety of tactics and strategies.

Don’t take your eyes off the prize – it may be right around the corner – or right under your feet – or perhaps right in front of your nose."

Thank you for the good reminder!

all the best, Leslie

From One Texan To Another
Are you sure you don't live at Southfork? Cause J.R. "ain't got nothin' on you" in your fight against cancer, and now with the "church lady".

Really, I'm just so happy for both you and Kim right now. As soon as you get the estate taken care of, maybe you and Kim can just get on with this business of living and get some enjoyment out of life for a change.

Take Care Now,
Luv,

Wolfen

Sundanceh

wolfen said:

From One Texan To Another
Are you sure you don't live at Southfork? Cause J.R. "ain't got nothin' on you" in your fight against cancer, and now with the "church lady".

Really, I'm just so happy for both you and Kim right now. As soon as you get the estate taken care of, maybe you and Kim can just get on with this business of living and get some enjoyment out of life for a change.

Take Care Now,
Luv,

Wolfen

2nd the Motion!
I could not agree more, Mama!!

Is it time for my own reality show?

LOL!

If it goes over as well as the book did.....LOL!

Take care!

-Craig

sasjourney

Tears of joy
Dear Craig,

Your post really, really made my day. I could never put into words how happy I am for you. I truly hope that you can put this cancer nightmare behind you forever.

Wow! You really set that church lady straight. Good for you! I hope you and Kim can begin to heal and start enjoying your lives again. You are an inspiration and a wonderful example about persevering and never giving up.

Texas sized hugs to you,
Sara

Sundanceh

sasjourney said:

Tears of joy
Dear Craig,

Your post really, really made my day. I could never put into words how happy I am for you. I truly hope that you can put this cancer nightmare behind you forever.

Wow! You really set that church lady straight. Good for you! I hope you and Kim can begin to heal and start enjoying your lives again. You are an inspiration and a wonderful example about persevering and never giving up.

Texas sized hugs to you,
Sara

Hi Sara!
When you're happy - I'm happy:)

It is good news...and I'm fortunate to receive it. I hope it will be in my rear-view mirror and we'll just see what the next six-months bring.

That gal messed with the wrong guy alright...she held all the cards for awhile...hopefully, she's folded her hand...and if not...I'll chew her up and spit her out:)

Thanks so much for posting - so nice to see you again!

((((((((((((((SARA))))))))))))))

A TX sized bear hug right back atcha!

-Craig

Joy1216

Great news
Sounds like you've got great news all the way around. It's about time things started going your way! I'm so happy for you and Kim.
Joy

herdizziness

Craig
Congratulations to you and Kim!!!
I just got out of my onc's office today and for the first time, he said, "see you in 3 months", beautiful words to hear. I'll go get a flush once a month and CEA count (great marker for me, currently at 3.2)and that's it. Scary but wonderful at the same time.
Like you, I didn't do the juicing, the diets or the even stranger stuff that others do, I think the stress of trying to do regimes would hurt my cancer status more then help it.
Although for my heart, I'm going to try (emphasis on try) to eat some more proper foods for that and start walking a lot more.
I have to put my faith in the western medicine as well for keeping me around. I was given that 4 to 6 months left to live, and here I am 2 years and 4 months later going to school full time since spring of 2010, doing things I never took the time to do before cancer.
Amazing your journey, look at you fighting for 8 years hard now, I hope you get years and years worth of a break, years of a full life break from it, that you never have to fight it again. Many here have been my inspiration, and you know you are definitely among them.
Your clear scan and words brought tears of joy to my eyes. Wonderful Craig, absolutely wonderful.
Love at you buddy,
Winter Marie

Vickilg

herdizziness said:

Craig
Congratulations to you and Kim!!!
I just got out of my onc's office today and for the first time, he said, "see you in 3 months", beautiful words to hear. I'll go get a flush once a month and CEA count (great marker for me, currently at 3.2)and that's it. Scary but wonderful at the same time.
Like you, I didn't do the juicing, the diets or the even stranger stuff that others do, I think the stress of trying to do regimes would hurt my cancer status more then help it.
Although for my heart, I'm going to try (emphasis on try) to eat some more proper foods for that and start walking a lot more.
I have to put my faith in the western medicine as well for keeping me around. I was given that 4 to 6 months left to live, and here I am 2 years and 4 months later going to school full time since spring of 2010, doing things I never took the time to do before cancer.
Amazing your journey, look at you fighting for 8 years hard now, I hope you get years and years worth of a break, years of a full life break from it, that you never have to fight it again. Many here have been my inspiration, and you know you are definitely among them.
Your clear scan and words brought tears of joy to my eyes. Wonderful Craig, absolutely wonderful.
Love at you buddy,
Winter Marie

Craig!
Good morning, Craig! I am so happy for you! This is beautiful news to hear! You have brought a smile to my face! Big hug!

Vicki

Sundanceh

Vickilg said:

Craig!
Good morning, Craig! I am so happy for you! This is beautiful news to hear! You have brought a smile to my face! Big hug!

Vicki

Hi Vicki !!
I'm so glad to see you smilin' this morning:)

Thank you so much for posting this morning! This time was actually more meaningful than a year ago when I finished up the fight and got my post treatment scan. I did not feel good about that one - but this time I actually did smile.

- like that.

I'm known for Texas sized bear hugs, but since you are recuping from surgery, I won't squeeze you as tightly, LOL!

(Vicki)

Take care and speedy recovery to you.

-Craig

Sundanceh

herdizziness said:

Craig
Congratulations to you and Kim!!!
I just got out of my onc's office today and for the first time, he said, "see you in 3 months", beautiful words to hear. I'll go get a flush once a month and CEA count (great marker for me, currently at 3.2)and that's it. Scary but wonderful at the same time.
Like you, I didn't do the juicing, the diets or the even stranger stuff that others do, I think the stress of trying to do regimes would hurt my cancer status more then help it.
Although for my heart, I'm going to try (emphasis on try) to eat some more proper foods for that and start walking a lot more.
I have to put my faith in the western medicine as well for keeping me around. I was given that 4 to 6 months left to live, and here I am 2 years and 4 months later going to school full time since spring of 2010, doing things I never took the time to do before cancer.
Amazing your journey, look at you fighting for 8 years hard now, I hope you get years and years worth of a break, years of a full life break from it, that you never have to fight it again. Many here have been my inspiration, and you know you are definitely among them.
Your clear scan and words brought tears of joy to my eyes. Wonderful Craig, absolutely wonderful.
Love at you buddy,
Winter Marie

WM:)
There you are:)

Hey congrats on your Graduation Day as well...3 months is a nice comfort zone.

When he told me six-months between scans, I thought wow - I haven't been here in 8-years right back to the very beginning of all of it with my very first scan cycle and the one that followed....then there was trouble...

And it's been all downill since. So, this was nice...six-months does not concern me...it will help my wallet...it will cut down an extra radiation or two every calendar year...and if something comes up, I like to watch to see if they grow before pulling the trigger.

Now, if I ever get to the point where they say every 12-months...yikes, I can't even count that high:)

Thanks for visiting and this was a nice reprieve, so that I can concentrate on handling all of my dad's affairs over the summer and the foreseeable future. It could not have come at a better time.

Best wishes for continued 'clear' sailing for you as well.

Love/Craig

Sundanceh

Joy1216 said:

Great news
Sounds like you've got great news all the way around. It's about time things started going your way! I'm so happy for you and Kim.
Joy

Joy
Thank you, Joy...you're right...it's about time...I wholeheartedly concur...all in favor...say aye!

-Craig

Sundanceh

omrhill said:

You da man!
Congratulations on all fronts! Thanks for this terrific post. You inspire me.

Robin

Hi Robin:)
Thank you, Robin!

I know you are just getting under way - and we'll help you get through things....as you read, I'm not only hanging on after 8-years...I'm kicking major **** all the place...and not just in the cancer arena:)

Thank you for such kind words...I'm so glad you enjoyed the post.

-Craig

Sundanceh

relaxoutdoors08 said:

So Happy for You
Craig,
Happy for the good results for both you and your wife. Also happy to hear you "bested" the adopted daughter and regained who really deserves to be "in charge"". Prayers for both you and your wife 's continued good health. "Life is good".
NB

Hi NB
First, I wanted to thank you so much for signing the guestbook and supporting me and Kim...that was very thoughtful and sweet:)

And yeah, The Lion could never let that old gal win...she had me thanks to the way that my dad set it all up....but in the end, I knew what to do.

Life does have the potential to be good now...I'm almost afraid to embrace that notion...I've forgotten how to experience that...well, hopefully I will still remember:)

Thank you for your post!

-Craig

Sundanceh

danker said:

Craig
You are indeed "THE LION" Thank you for giving us all More Hope for the future.

Danker
Thank you for saying so. I think my story does lend some hope to anyone fighting on for years on end...I understand how quickly things can change. With all that has happened to me, it's hard to think that I won't be dealing with this again.

I thought it would be right about NOW. But, I got a hall pass and so I'm gonna roam the halls around here for awhile - much to the chagrain of the community:)

Take care!

-Craig

Sundanceh

LivinginNH said:

Way to go Craig! :-) I

Way to go Craig! :-) I hope that you and Kim are doing the naked happy dance around the house tonight - oh heck, go out and dance around neighborhood and don't worry about the neighbors! LOL!! :-D So very very happy for you both.

Luv ya, our dear Lion. :-)

Cyn

Cyn:)
I think the last time we danced naked - I hurt my back!

LOL!

Thank you and give my best to Rick.

-Craig

Sundanceh

barbebarb said:

Happy for you! Thank you for inspiring us to keep going
Craig-your post was one of the fist I read being new to the board. I was amazed at what you've endured, having some similarity in surgeries for my path. I don't have family support and don't understand my family most of the time and have to shut out those thoughts...
I am so happy for you and your wife with your recent family matters resolved and good health news.
I am sorry for your father's recent passing.

You deserve peace, happiness and continued good health!
You inspire many people and have helped me w/courage to survive surgeries!

Sincerely-Barb

Hi Barb
I guess it's fair to say that I haven't been "cheated." I bought all they were selling...and more:)

I understand the lack of family support...it makes an already difficult road more different...but after 8-years, they expect for me to pull a rabbit out of my hat and ta-da.

Would have been nice to have someone run an errand or help Kim some...she had it rough all by herself with me last year when I was so ill.

I'm glad I have been useful to you...those kind of stories help make it all worth it...if I have to pay upfront...then I like to pay it forward after that.

Thank you for your thoughts and condolences for my dad. I appreciate your time to post.

-Craig

Sundanceh

lauragb said:

Craig, thanks for the good
Craig, thanks for the good news of the day and musings. It is a beautiful day here and the light has been shining with perfection all day in your honor!

Hi Laura!
Thank you, Laura...it was nice to share some good news with everyone...you continue to leave the light on for me...you know how I like to 'see.'

That's hard to do when things all around you are dark...

Continued hopes for your fight as well...and so nice to see you.

-Craig

Sundanceh

idlehunters said:

Awesome news my Bestie....
What really great news....what a friggin relief! Ahhhh breathe!! Damn don't that feel good. Just that ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......... Oh HELL yes!!!!!

Jen

My Crazy Jennie:)
Hey gal:)

With everything going on the past six-months, it was a relief this time actually...I felt better with this one than I did post treatment last year...this one means more to me.

Last year, with all that I did - I expected good response.

This year, I expected progression and growth...it was nice to know I won't be dealing with that right away...and it allows me some breathing room to handle my dad's stuff and get the house on the market, while I'm still in good position to do so.

I've known you 3-years...and we've shared our cancer together for three years...it's really hard for me to comprehend that I am still standing at the 8-year mark.

Alot of times, numbers sometimes don't register with us...we see it, but can't see what it means. I think that's where I am. I don't know how I keep my head above water after all of this time.

If all is well in the next six-months, I really will be excited.

-Craig

Sundanceh

z said:

Craig
Great News! This is very inspiring, and I wish you continued great news. Lori

"Z"
Hi Lori

Thanks for stopping over and checking in. Thank you for the well wishes. For once, I'm just gonna' accept this news and go with it...unexpected to say the least, but a big relief...and I think that the post does show something - I hope everyone got something out of it.

Take care!

-Craig