Sundance vs DaVinci – Round II – “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble”

In this corner – weighing in at (never mind), the “Master of Disaster”, the “King of Sting”, the “Timex from Texas” – Sundance!

And in this corner, with cold, steely eyes, a nasty disposition, and 5 robotic arms that can pack a knockout punch – you’ll be “hurtin’ for certain” – the DaVinci Robot!

We’re bringin’ it to you live – you’ve got a “ringside” seat to this “winner take-all” event, on the CSN Network. You don’t want to miss a second of the action as these 2 heavyweight titans go head-to-head in one of the most anticipated rematches of our time:)

And for a limited time, the sponsors of today’s bout, the DaVinci robot system, is offering a “special promotion” for all of its Semi;Colon audience – buy One DaVinci surgery – get the 2nd one FREE! LOL:)

Disclaimer: For legal purposes, the above commentary is just my attempt at humor and not
to be taken seriously.

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Well, I met with Dr. D yesterday. I had decided that a face-to-face meeting to go over his plan would be better than by phone. It was good to see him actually, very comforting to be back under his care. We put our arms around each other and embraced…it was very warm and reassuring to me. He told me had been thinking about me “alot.”

You know what the 1st thing out of his mouth was?

He said, "Slipped through the cracks, huh?" I had told him that they had let me slip through - and he remembered what I wrote and came in laughing about it - of course they did, but I forgive him.

I’ve known for several months that the tumor was growing and that lung surgery was going to be part of my life again, but I just did not know when. It’s like a train-wreck that you could see coming many miles away. So, now I’ve got to get my mind right to fight again and get ready to head back into battle and try to win this war.

Right now, I look to be about 6-8 weeks out from surgery. I do not have an exact date for surgery just yet, but I will be notified, when they get me on his calendar – Dr. D is a busy man. But, then again, “the best” usually are.

Dr. D said his plan is to have me go to Radiology on the day of surgery – apparently they will run a wire through me, that will stick out of me, with the other end, marking the tumor, so he knows exactly where to go. He referred to it as his “Tumor GPS.” Gotta’ love this guy:)

Then, they take me to surgery and rough me up, spit me out, and dump me in ICU for a couple of days. And hopefully, for the price of admission, he will remove the tumor successfully and this will be The End of it.

As you can see above, we’ll be doing the DaVinci robot surgery again this time, but the plan is, if there are complications, then we back out of that, and go to more traditional means – we all acknowledge and understand that – whatever you need to do, Doc:)

Hopefully, the biopsy results will be negative. We both feel pretty sure about this, but he doesn’t know for sure and neither do I. CEA levels were up slightly, but well within normal ranges, so I don’t think it is anything and not going to worry about it.

Guess what?

Dr. D and I did so good with the 1st ever surgery in NTX, that the hospital bought him a “brand new” DaVinci robot! How great is that?

Yep, you heard it here 1st – I will be operated on with the absolute “latest” DaVinci robot available in the World today! So, I’m still out there on the cutting edge, how exciting!

And as I mentioned many months ago, by being the 1st in North Texas to do lung surgery with DaVinci, we did open up the door for other lung patients to walk through.

And Dr. D tells me that he has now done several more, as a result of all of our hard work and getting his certification as a result. I could not be more proud of that accomplishment – and to hear it validated, just makes you feel good, that you could make a difference for the surgeon and the hospital. It was a gratifying moment.

So, I’ll be “holed up” at St. Paul’s University Hospital this time, on the UTSW campus, “doin’ my time” and “payin’ for my sins.” LOL:)

I’ve thought about my journey on surgeries and surgical procedures (not treatments) and so far…

1 pending DaVinci surgery
4 major surgeries (on 3 major organ systems: rectum / liver / lung)
3 CyberKnife radio surgery procedures
2 surgeries for port install
2 surgeries for port de-install
8 colonoscopies (some to cauterize bleeding after resection)

…and that’s all in under 6-years:)

Have I mentioned, “I’m tired, folks.”

I’m like an old, used car – I’m always up on someone’s rack every year, LOL:)

I come equipped with what the industry lovingly calls, a “Taillight Warranty” – when you can’t see my “taillights” anymore, the warranty is expired:)


But, no worries – all is well – the plan is set – and when the final bell rings…I’ll get back up, emerge victorious, and come back here. “Never fear…Sundance is here”

So, the last 4-months of guessing, waiting, and scanning has led up to this post. I would not be in this position if it were not for Angel – she’s the reason for the season – and why I was able to find out what I really needed to find out – and put myself back into this position for what I must do – once more.

When, I think about sitting out the whole year, with this tumor gathering forces, I just shudder at the thought.

Elton John said it best, “Someone saved my life tonight.” And you, Angel, have done just that – we’re all forever grateful for your kindness and generosity – you will never be forgotten.

And before I close, I wanted to welcome all of the new folks who have joined – I’ve not made my way around to everyone, but our paths will certainly cross. Everyone keep up the fight and stay after it, you’ve all got it in you!

Thank you for all of your comments, your help, and your continued support, love, and friendship, over this past year. You’re the big reason that I get up everyday with a smile on my face and come to our community. Being able to stand beside you everyday, makes me realize that I’m a pretty lucky guy:)

As Michael Buffer so famously says before each fight…“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble !!!”

TEAM DaVINCI is Together Again for Round II – time to get after it!

-Craig