The End of the Road

[Bookwus]

Hiya All,

You may have noticed that I have been somewhat absent for the past few weeks.  I had been feeling pretty crappy and was trying to get to the bottom of that problem.  One of the doctors finally ordered a CT scan to take a look at my insides.  He found that I had a mass on my pancreas and spots on my liver.  More tests were ordered.  Certain chemicals in my blood were a little elevated which indicated that there may be a tumor.  A biopsy of one of the spots on my liver proved negative for cancerous cells.  That biopsy was redone late last week and we are now awaiting results.   Because of the original biopsy results no formal diagnosis has yet been made.  But as my oncologist said, "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck".  She's pretty certain that it's pancreatic cancer, stage 4.  Certain enough to schedule chemotherapy starting on the 12th.

I do not intend to go gently into that good night.  Right now I'm fighting like Hell trying to get my body ready for the trials of chemotherapy.  And I'm using and exploring alternative therapies which can help support my primary medical defense.  But all of that takes time - a lot of it.  And that is why I haven't been hanging around here and probably won't be much in the foreseeable future.  Don't get me wrong, I'll visit when I can but I've got other things on my agenda in the near future.

So, I wish you all well.  And when the problems in your life start dragging you down, remember this..............  I'd gladly trade my one problem for all of yours.

Hasta la vista, amigos!

[volkenstein]

Mike,
      That is crappy news of the worst sort indeed. I wish you all the best, whatever happens.

Regards
Sean

[ebbingnl]

Wish you all the best, and strenght you need to win this fight.

Gerwin

[68autobug]

that's not good news at all Mike...

I hope everything goes as well as it can..

We will certainly miss You on Here..

I really hope this isn't the end of the road Mike...

All the Best old Mate

LEE

[FlamingChris]

Hope it all goes well Mike and I'll look forward to your return.

[Bookwus]

Hiya All,

I know that a few of you out there in VWARland are wondering how I'm getting along.  I started up a blogsite that will help fill you in on what's going on with me.  Please do take a look at..........

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikebrowning

I'd like to hear your comments, observations, and suggestions!

Thanks!

Mike

[68autobug]

Hi Mike

Yes We are all thinking about You..

and I will be looking up that site to talk to You

cheers

Lee

[tmea]

Mike:

We'll pray for your quick recovery and negative diagnosis and look forward to your speedy return to this forum!

Tom

[tezvdub]

Hi Mike
I've only just seen this thread, and just want to wish you all the best for your fight ahead!
Take care
Tez

[crazyguyla]

Mike,

Your in my prayers, hope for a speedy recovery.

Marcus