Craig and DaVinci - A Sundance Post Surgery Wrap Up Story

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