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RavenScallywag
11-01-2011, 04:04 PM
The title sounds really ego-centric, but I didn't know how else to title this, and I didn't want to post this in OT because a lot of people might miss it...

Those who post here often might remember back in May/June I posted about my wife being diagnosed with colon cancer. She's been through a few rounds of chemo, had lots of side effects and lots of setbacks. But today, she finally had surgery, and we got a nice boost of good news. The surgeon was able to remove all of the tumor and lymph nodes associated. He checked some lymph nodes in her abdomen that were lighting up in scans and, according to him, they do not feel like they are affected by the cancer. There are still nodes that lit up in her neck and armpit, but her oncologist had not been overly concerned about them. This surgeon had said to her a month ago "We can do surgery, but I do not think it will prolong your life expectancy". Today, he told me "Things are looking better than I thought a month ago". So I fully take this as great news, she's not out of the woods yet, but I'd say this was kind've like the Allies storing the beach at Normandy.

Now, the reason I posted back in May/June was to ask for support in my plan to run the D.C. Undy 5k on November 5th, 2011. At the time, I was not really running but determined to get into running shape and do this. I'd like to thank EVERYONE who donated or passed this along. We got a great early kickoff from a lot of board members, and we've done really well in the last few months, reaching, exceeding, and DOUBLING our goal, with our current total at $2080. In the last 5-6 months, I've dropped from 260 pounds to JUST above 200. And this past week, I was able to run 5 km twice in 4 days. So there you have it, I put my mind to doing this, and on Saturday, I will. Thanks for the support in helping this cause, and as a side effect, motivating my ass to get into shape. Because of this, I have a new goal of completing the DC Tough Mudder, tenatively scheduled for May 2012. I was thinking about doing it before, but am even more determined now, since if my wife can make it through major colorectal surgery, a 10 mile obstacle course involving live wires, fires, ice baths, walls, and greased up half pipes can't be anything harder, right?

If anyone is interested in donating or passing the word along, or just seeing post race pictures (if they don't let me update, I'll post another thread), please check out this link: http://support.ccalliance.org/site/TR/5K/UndyNEW?team_id=12660&pg=team&fr_id=1441

Once again, THANK YOU!

RavensQB
11-01-2011, 04:11 PM
Glad to hear GOOD news!!! Hope it continues.

TL24x7
11-01-2011, 04:21 PM
Awesome news! Many more blessings to your family!

elgonzo
11-01-2011, 04:37 PM
You and your wife are inspiring people. My prayers are with you. - Gonz

Firststater
11-01-2011, 04:38 PM
I have been suffering some similar very serious issues over the last 7 months. I was at level four for 6 month where the next level doewn was 5 and the end game. If you can send me some personal contact info, I will accommodate.

wickedsolo
11-01-2011, 05:17 PM
My wife and I were considering doing the DC Tough Mudder.

esmd
11-01-2011, 06:50 PM
Great thing you're doing, good luck to both of you!

Ibravenfan
11-01-2011, 08:04 PM
Prayers with you and especially your wife Scallywag. Technology today is wonderful.
Not to change subjects but I recently just beat a very nasty level 4 cancer. Hope is there. Keep a postive attitude no matter how tough it gets. I don't think I would have made it through chemo without the support of my wife.
That also means to get your butt in shape to get through the greased up half pipes. I would, but I am only three months removed from chemo and not in the best shape just yet.

The Excellector
11-01-2011, 09:27 PM
Peace and Blessings.

Sua Sponte
11-01-2011, 09:35 PM
Great News!

festivus
11-01-2011, 10:06 PM
Fantastic, Scallywag and family. Good for you guys.

RavNMadMan
11-01-2011, 10:18 PM
God Bless You! Go RSW...Go

darb72
11-02-2011, 12:12 AM
God bless you and your family, Scallywag. We're keeping y'all in our prayers.

Corvus Corax
11-02-2011, 12:49 AM
RavensScallywag,

I am no doctor but my mother survived colon cancer about 11-12 years ago. She had surgery first, then followup chemotherapy. I am convinced that the chemotherapy saved her life. The oncologist used the very latest chemo drug available out there (confirmed myself using internet searches at legitimate medical websites). The best of luck to you and your loved one.

CC

micadrz400
11-02-2011, 05:28 AM
There are plenty of Marathons in the spring, if you start training now......

Carey
11-02-2011, 07:20 AM
Great news scallywag! god bless you and your family!

GOTA
11-02-2011, 07:38 AM
That is just great to hear. Keep doing everything that you do because it's working. I wish long and healthy lives to your whole family

DkBlue
11-02-2011, 07:59 AM
Thumbs up to you and yours.

Rxdoxx
11-03-2011, 09:28 AM
You've run it twice in practice? That is great.... means that you are not just shooting to finish the real deal, but to actually come in ahead of a bunch of people.

How much weight have you lost doing this? Just curious because I saw your picture when you first posted and I checked your site.... gotta have made some difference yes?

My thoughts are with you.

BcRaven
11-03-2011, 09:33 AM
Wonderful news Scally, God bless your family... Bc

flraven
11-03-2011, 10:51 AM
Great news Scallywag! Prayers do help!

RavenScallywag
11-03-2011, 10:13 PM
i've actually run it more than twice....i did it once back in June, again in August, and then both of my last "practice runs". Noticed improvement in my times with each one.

I'm not fully running it still. I end up taking walking breaks of 1 min at a time 3 or 4 times during it, but I'm able to complete 5K in 34 mins, with all but 4 of those mins being running. I end up being the photographer more, but have been told you can see it in my face, the weight loss. I've noticed a slight change in pant size, though not as much as I was hoping yet. I started at 260 in April of this year, and am now hovering at 203 just 7 months later.