Craig`s surgery

Craigs' Surgery
Hello Craig,
I am new to doing this type of communication so bare with me. First I will pray for a geat outcome for you. I was looking on the site as I sometimes do to see if I can find more info or just encouragement. I have colon cancer and have the bad mutated k-ras gene so my 1st surgery and chemo didn't work. When I had my second surgery there was an oppertunity for me to donate some of my cancer to START for research so I did. May be that will help someone else and it cost me nothing. Anyway sorry chemo brain, my second surgery was June 3rd 2009 (now have a colostomy) I'm on CPT 11 now and am NOT LETTING THE CANCER get me down. I just stated walking on the treadmill to build up again. I am blessed that I have my family and that I see life sooo differently now. I truly believe that God does work in all our lives we just have to pay attention. I'm not glad I got cancer however I have become a better person because I had it.
I just turned 61 WOW where did the time go. I have to remind myself daily that I'm not driving this body God is, and give God the control to help and love me. I felt I needed to share this with you as my husband is named Craig and one of my sons is named Eric. I hope this message helps you. Oh and about Hospitals you and or your care giver pretty much has to check and stay on top of everything (squeaky wheel gets the grease).
God Bless you,
Cyndi

Sundanceh said:

My Other Half of the TEXAS 2-STEP
Aw, Eric

I'm not sure if I'm deserving of such praise - today both you and Rob have bestowed the ultimate honor any of us can give to each other - and that's the THOUGHT of thinking of someone else, especially during difficult times. I'm just a man full of his own weaknesses and frailties, who now lives to try and think of you guys, but when I see a post opened for me by some one else, well then my heart "Soars Like an Eagle" in gratitude to you for such a loving act of kindess

You're a good man and I thank you - and thank for returning the favor, but it was absolutely no trouble at all for me to reach out for you...I told you a long time ago, that I would be an advocate for you and "speak for you" if ever there came a point where you could not for yourself.

I had gotten worried about you and opened a post, so that our wonderful community could leave messages for you - and that way when you were too sick to post from the Oxy that I suspected was "whupping you", at least you could read and feel that you were missed...I love ya' Guy, so it was just what I did for you expecting absolutely nothing in return.

I know that you would do the same thing for me if it were reversed(and you did)...my mind got dark and I realized that something might have gone wrong, and I had no way to really get a hold of you, I only had your number and did not know how to get hold of your Mom.

When I left you a voicemail and you did not answer, I got worried alot but did not let on, because I thought it's the Oxy, it's the Oxy and he's just sick...we all know that one from that stuff...but I thought if this goes on for many more days, what can I do to help Eric?

Well, as you said, cell phones don't swim, so that answered that and then I just let everyone know you were OK in an updated post, 'cause the community was hurting and worried about you...but then seeing your new post this evening, has made everyone feel so much better now...and me too.

You are my other half of the TEXAS 2-STEP and things would be dull without you in my life and the other folks too...while you may be known for your "wise crackin'" and that "Eric sense of humor", I also know a MAN, who has a tender side to him and whose wisdom about life's situations have been revelations to me when you have imparted them to me...so I know who you are and I think that side of you has much to offer everybody as well. And I thank you for this post and for all of the considerate things you have said to me in private and publically on this board...we need more people like you in this world.

I do have an UPDATE for everybody...my surgery is actually FRIDAY, October 16th @ 7am (CST). I happened to call the surgeon's office to find out why I wasn't notified of my pre-surgery check-in tests and paperwork - that's when I found out it was FRIDAY instead of Thursday.

Good thing I called, huh? I would have the only guy at The Party

What's that old joke - "What if they threw a party and nobody came?"

I've got one last post that I am mulling over in my head right now - I plan on writing it and releasing it around Tuesday now, I think...don't know what I'm going to say just yet, but the words always seem to come to me, so I look forward to that and hope that you will each read that one too...

Yes, Chicky...I'm a little worried and I won't lie to any of you, 'cause it just ain't me

It's going to be a big shindig in the O/R that morning...the surgeon and his team will be there along with the represenatives from the ROBOT company and undoubtedly they will be filming it for posterity for the hospital...hope I don't let 'em all down that morning...we gotta' get up about 3:30am to get down there by 5:30 and go through the ritual...and by 7:00am when all of my Semis; are tucked away cozy in their beds (wish I could be)...I will be saying hello to Mr. Da Vinci - "how youz doin'?"

So, Me, the surgeon and Da Vinci will be making some medical history down at the new hospital that I signed up with....yes, Donna, it's exciting to be sure, but a little scary - because THE UNKNOWN always is, if we're telling each other the truth - and I'm about Open and Honest communication between all of us.

Having said that..."roar"...or is it "ROAR!!!"

I can't wait to tell everyone about it when I come through it - I've been in a lot of pain in my back in between my lungs and can hardly sleep at night anymore, the pain is so bad, so I hope that this gets it...after that we'll see which way "Do we go, Doc...which way do we go?"

You GUYS and GALS are AMAZING and have restored my feelings and hope for mankind - NEVER have I know this much acceptance, love, or friendship ANYWHERE in my life - and I'll explain more about that on my post.

Well, I just don't know when to shut up, I guess...so I'll try now.

Thank you, Eric for being YOU and thank you everybody for accepting me for who I am and what I mean to you both collectively and individually. I certainly know what YOU each mean to me!

You've all brightened my day and enriched my life beyond the treasures that we are taught to VALUE in this lifetime.

"You've Got a FRIEND in TEXAS!"

-Craig

You remain in my prayers.
I
You remain in my prayers.

I haven't been here long, but you (along with a few others) made me feel very welcome when I first arrived here in shock. Your honesty and openness makes it wonderful to read your posts and trust what you have to say. Finding information was at the top of my list initially, but as time goes on, what is even more important is the acceptance, love and support here, and YOU are one of the most accepting, loving and supportive people I've "met." Not to mention you are the only one I know as long-winded as me!

I'm so glad you found out now about the date being Friday instead of Thursday! Nothing like getting all psyched up, and going through the nervousness, only to show up and find out you are a day early - now that would be very hard to take.

You wouldn't be human if you weren't worried about your surgery. But I'm glad you have the chance to take advantage of the new technology that keeps getting better, and giving us more options; more options to extend life, and a better quality of that life. We all owe a lot to those that are the "firsts," whether it be the first one to have new medicine, technique or equipment tried on them, or the first to help train a new doctor or nurse for a procedure. We owe you for agreeing to be the first in this new facility, and the one to help another doctor get certified on this incredible piece of equipment that is making life a lot better for many surgery patients.

I'll be thinking of you with your surgeon when I go see mine Friday (to hopefully schedule a new port insertion for next week).

Please have a friend or family member update us on the board as soon as you can. We will all be waiting anxiously for word of how things go - praying and sending you good vibes and angels to watch over you.

Sundanceh said:

Not M.D. Anderson....
No, Diane

I'm going to be at Zale Lipschy which is on the UT Southwestern Medical Center campus here in Dallas, Texas.

But hey, I was born in Houston

Best of luck to your friends...and I hope her surgery goes well tomorrow.

You make them sound so nice - I wish I could meet them

But DO give them my kindest regards and I thank you for your friendship and kind thoughts too.

-Craig

Good luck Craig
Craig,

You have been such a friend to all on this site and you always have something good to add or just a fresh perspective. I appreciate the time you have taken to help me out, and you really have. This whole cancer thing really boils down to perspective as far as dealing with it on a daily basis and you have shown me that----THANK YOU.

I will be thinking of you before during and after your surgery. You sir are a brave man and will no doubt come through this with flying colors. I'm sending all the good vibes and positive thoughts I can to Texas. Just know we all are pulling for you and your family and we can't wait to hear from you on how it went.

Don

:):):)
Craig, what can I say, you are an incredible guy and I consider you a friend. I am praying for you so hard and I am looking forward to talking to you after surgery. God bless you, Patti

cowman said:

OR WILL BE CROWDED
Craig,

I hope your operating room is big because it is going to be crowded with EVERYONE'S positive thoughts and prayers! You have a special way of connecting with all of us and I am helped by your comments nearly every day. May the robot ROCK!
diane

Heh Craig
I have no doubt that you will recovery quickly and be back on this board in no time. If anyone can do this, you can. You are one of the most amazing people that I have been lucky enough to meet(on internet). I think your wisdom, strong will to help others and base of knowledge makes you an asset to this site. YOu are AWESOME... Take care. Petrina

Sundanceh said:

Not M.D. Anderson....
No, Diane

I'm going to be at Zale Lipschy which is on the UT Southwestern Medical Center campus here in Dallas, Texas.

But hey, I was born in Houston

Best of luck to your friends...and I hope her surgery goes well tomorrow.

You make them sound so nice - I wish I could meet them

But DO give them my kindest regards and I thank you for your friendship and kind thoughts too.

-Craig

Break a leg.
Craig:

My thoughts are with you and your wife as you near the date for your surgery. I’m sure your mutual anxiety levels are off the chart as I write this, but I am equally sure that your loving bond is the greatest comfort you both have as you face this challenge.

It certainly sounds like you have done your homework and have assembled an able team of doctors. Your surgeons will be guided by the best of the best in modern technology and modern science. Having been a high school history teacher, I often think how much we take the advances in modern medicine for granted. In the not too distant past, even the most powerful personages would have had care far inferior to what you will receive at the end of this week.

Your good-spirited posts on this board about your own health challenges and your unflaggingly-supportive posts for others in dire need of information and encouragement have been exceptional. Unfortunately, we live in a world of edginess, where the bullies, the narrow-minded, and the mean-spirited who live among us tend to capture the spotlight and control the conversation. You, on the other hand, have touched many lives in a very positive way. I hope you take great comfort in knowing that.

If nothing else buoys your spirits, think of the cool hospital food and the stylish hospital gowns.

Break a leg on Friday, my friend.


Hatshepsut

Sundanceh said:

My Other Half of the TEXAS 2-STEP
Aw, Eric

I'm not sure if I'm deserving of such praise - today both you and Rob have bestowed the ultimate honor any of us can give to each other - and that's the THOUGHT of thinking of someone else, especially during difficult times. I'm just a man full of his own weaknesses and frailties, who now lives to try and think of you guys, but when I see a post opened for me by some one else, well then my heart "Soars Like an Eagle" in gratitude to you for such a loving act of kindess

You're a good man and I thank you - and thank for returning the favor, but it was absolutely no trouble at all for me to reach out for you...I told you a long time ago, that I would be an advocate for you and "speak for you" if ever there came a point where you could not for yourself.

I had gotten worried about you and opened a post, so that our wonderful community could leave messages for you - and that way when you were too sick to post from the Oxy that I suspected was "whupping you", at least you could read and feel that you were missed...I love ya' Guy, so it was just what I did for you expecting absolutely nothing in return.

I know that you would do the same thing for me if it were reversed(and you did)...my mind got dark and I realized that something might have gone wrong, and I had no way to really get a hold of you, I only had your number and did not know how to get hold of your Mom.

When I left you a voicemail and you did not answer, I got worried alot but did not let on, because I thought it's the Oxy, it's the Oxy and he's just sick...we all know that one from that stuff...but I thought if this goes on for many more days, what can I do to help Eric?

Well, as you said, cell phones don't swim, so that answered that and then I just let everyone know you were OK in an updated post, 'cause the community was hurting and worried about you...but then seeing your new post this evening, has made everyone feel so much better now...and me too.

You are my other half of the TEXAS 2-STEP and things would be dull without you in my life and the other folks too...while you may be known for your "wise crackin'" and that "Eric sense of humor", I also know a MAN, who has a tender side to him and whose wisdom about life's situations have been revelations to me when you have imparted them to me...so I know who you are and I think that side of you has much to offer everybody as well. And I thank you for this post and for all of the considerate things you have said to me in private and publically on this board...we need more people like you in this world.

I do have an UPDATE for everybody...my surgery is actually FRIDAY, October 16th @ 7am (CST). I happened to call the surgeon's office to find out why I wasn't notified of my pre-surgery check-in tests and paperwork - that's when I found out it was FRIDAY instead of Thursday.

Good thing I called, huh? I would have the only guy at The Party

What's that old joke - "What if they threw a party and nobody came?"

I've got one last post that I am mulling over in my head right now - I plan on writing it and releasing it around Tuesday now, I think...don't know what I'm going to say just yet, but the words always seem to come to me, so I look forward to that and hope that you will each read that one too...

Yes, Chicky...I'm a little worried and I won't lie to any of you, 'cause it just ain't me

It's going to be a big shindig in the O/R that morning...the surgeon and his team will be there along with the represenatives from the ROBOT company and undoubtedly they will be filming it for posterity for the hospital...hope I don't let 'em all down that morning...we gotta' get up about 3:30am to get down there by 5:30 and go through the ritual...and by 7:00am when all of my Semis; are tucked away cozy in their beds (wish I could be)...I will be saying hello to Mr. Da Vinci - "how youz doin'?"

So, Me, the surgeon and Da Vinci will be making some medical history down at the new hospital that I signed up with....yes, Donna, it's exciting to be sure, but a little scary - because THE UNKNOWN always is, if we're telling each other the truth - and I'm about Open and Honest communication between all of us.

Having said that..."roar"...or is it "ROAR!!!"

I can't wait to tell everyone about it when I come through it - I've been in a lot of pain in my back in between my lungs and can hardly sleep at night anymore, the pain is so bad, so I hope that this gets it...after that we'll see which way "Do we go, Doc...which way do we go?"

You GUYS and GALS are AMAZING and have restored my feelings and hope for mankind - NEVER have I know this much acceptance, love, or friendship ANYWHERE in my life - and I'll explain more about that on my post.

Well, I just don't know when to shut up, I guess...so I'll try now.

Thank you, Eric for being YOU and thank you everybody for accepting me for who I am and what I mean to you both collectively and individually. I certainly know what YOU each mean to me!

You've all brightened my day and enriched my life beyond the treasures that we are taught to VALUE in this lifetime.

"You've Got a FRIEND in TEXAS!"

-Craig

Craig,
We will be thinking and sending up prayers for you on Friday. Then we will sit patiently to hear from you once you are on the mend.



HUGS,

Sue

prayer
I believe in prayer, when I had surgery, many people prayed for me, I certainly will pray for you, you are so special, may God send you extra blessing. I live in Houston, we are neighbor, take care.


Winnie