Raildog Pete, 57610 Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Prayers up for all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 7, 2012 Author Share Posted May 7, 2012 Update #5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Prayers continuing for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Pards, I'm one of those who absolutely abhors asking others for help. But this is one of those times when I have to swallow my silly pride. Â Back in January, I went through a small bout of stomach sickness, and spent a portion of the evening retching. After it was all passed, I remember telling Catherine that it felt like I strained something during one of the retching episodes. After that, every time I ate and swallowed, I had the sensation that the food got stuck in my esophagus. It finally got annoying enough that I went to my GP last week, and he referred me to a GI specialist. The endoscopy was this past Tuesday. He found an ulcer near the bottom of my esophagus (I halfway expected that, as I have had a running battle with reflux for a while), but they also found a polyp. It was removed for a biopsy. Â I just got the biopsy results, and they are not good, I'm afraid. He said that it is cancer, and it is pretty aggressive. I am scheduled for a cat-scan tomorrow afternoon, and another endoscopy with an ultrasound on Monday 4/22 to see if it has indeed spread, and how much and where. Â As I said, I do not like asking others for help sometimes, but to say I'm a little frightened right now is an understatement. So I'm asking for your prayers that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, will see fit to heal me from this affliction. I also ask for prayers for my dear wife Catherine. As most of you know, she is partially disabled, and I'm concerned for her well-being should this ultimately go bad for me. Please pray that she will find peace and comfort through this, and that if it is indeed worst case, that God will send someone our way to look after her. Â Thank you all for your friendship and love, and have a good weekend. Â Â UPDATE #1 Â GI doctor's office called this afternoon with some good news. The CT scan apparently shows that the cancer is still isolated in my esophagus, and has not spread at all to other areas. I'm not out of the woods yet, but the light at the end of the tunnel just got a whole lot brighter. I go see the oncologist tomorrow afternoon, and my follow up endoscopy and ultrasound is Wednesday morning. This news is as good as could have been right now, and I'll definitely take it! Â Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. God bless. Â Â UPDATE #2 Â I received even more great news today. I had an appointment with the oncologist today, and he confirmed the CT scan findings; the cancer has not spread, and is still totally contained. So I am scheduled to begin the first of three chemo treatments on May 8th. After the third chemo treatment, they will perform surgery to remove the cancerous portion of my esophagus, then rejoin the remaining portions back together. After I recover from the surgery, barring any other incidents, I will be cancer-free after that. Â Now try and tell me we don't serve an awesome God! :D :D Â Again, thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. You are all the best friends anyone could ask for. Â UPDATE #3 Â So here is the updated schedule: 3 chemo treatments over a 9 week period, starting May 8. This will push the surgery to sometime in July. Surgery after that, then 3 more chemo treatments over the same time period. Then I will be done. Â Thanks again for all your prayers, pard. Have a good one. Â UPDATE #4 Â Well, I knew there would a speed bump somewhere within all of this, and it looks like I just found it. I had my first appointment with the surgeon, and to say that they are going lay me open like a Christmas turkey is an understatement. After the first 3 rounds of chemo, the plan is to remove the lower portion of my esophagus, but they also have to remove the upper portion of my stomach. the cancer has not spread to the stomach, but the partial removal is mandated due to the location of the tumor. There is a high element of risk associated with the surgery; the average survival rate is not much above 50%. It was kind of a downer, but I just have to keep my faith that God will take care of this. Â Again, thank you all for your friendship and prayers. Â UPDATE #5, 5-6-12 Â Tomorrow is put-in-the-chemo-port day. Have to be there at 9 am for prep, then they install the port (outpatient surgery). On Tuesday 5-8-12 I go back to the oncologist for more blood work, and at that time, I should find out when they will start the chemo. Â Keep your fingers crossed, pards. Now the journey begins. Â Matt, make sure that the put the port in your left shoulder if you plan on shooting rifle or shotgun. Don't ask me how I know this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painted Filly Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Prayers up!!!!!! Â Painted Filly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Matt, make sure that the put the port in your left shoulder if you plan on shooting rifle or shotgun. Don't ask me how I know this. Â Â What about us lefties, ya danged reprobate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Matt, just keep this in mind. Wildcat's dad was pretty much written off by his local oncologist (lymphocytic leukemia). We arranged for him to be seen in Houston at MD Anderson. The doc there took the bull by the horns, and to make a long story short, he has been in remission for years now. Hang in there. You're just taking the first step. Fight it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W. D. Pickett Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Think positive. God and the rest of us stand with you. As our Lord Jesus Christ laid hands of the sick and suffering, my he place his hands on you and heal you. Should you need blood, please ask. Donations can be given anywhere and you will get "credit" for it. Â Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 Matt, make sure that the put the port in your left shoulder if you plan on shooting rifle or shotgun. Don't ask me how I know this. Charlie, they did. But there is one little problem...I'm left handed. And I asked 3 TIMES for it to be in the right shoulder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cherokee Charlie Regulator #4967 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 MMM, Sorry I'm late but I don't spend much time on here anymore. May the good Lord see fit to take a good man like you and let the Doc's work their magic through their healing hands. God is the one who is in the miracle business like someone said. Your guardian angle will soon appear and handle the rest. Your wife as you know is in your good hands and will be for some time. Miss Carol and I will say our prayers that all this will come about. Amen. Your Friend CC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 I had mine in about a year. Still got a pretty good scar. I tell the ladies that it is a saber wound from my dueling days. They never ask about it unless I take off my shirt to show off my six pack of Moosehead. Â Maybe you can shoot from the hip. I have been doing it for years. Â We got you back, Matt. Hang in there Pard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 I had mine in about a year. Still got a pretty good scar. I tell the ladies that it is a saber wound from my dueling days. They never ask about it unless I take off my shirt to show off my six pack of Moosehead. Â Maybe you can shoot from the hip. I have been doing it for years. Â We got you back, Matt. Hang in there Pard. Well, this is my plan...If the chemo doesn't knock me on my butt too much, and I do get one or two more matches in before the surgery, I'm just gonna be careful and cinch the rifle and shotgun up against my upper arm in lieu of the shoulder. Hell, I ain't exactly no Deuce Stevens on the stages anyways, so a couple more seconds here and there won't matter none. Also, I will probably drag out my old Stevens 311 for some matches. It is not cut down, so the extra mass should minimize the shotgun recoil. Â And thank you for the well wishes, my friend. As I previously said, while there are no absolute guarantees, since it was discovered early, there is no reason to think I won't ultimately survive this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit Bull Tex Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Prayers still up for you MMM.Hang in there pard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 UPDATE #6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tucumcari Tim Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 MMM, Prayers for you and yours in going through this. GOD is always in control and your faith will be a huge factor in dealing with any and all circumstances. Stay positive and know that HE will always be available for a talk when you need it most. I speak from experience as I almost lost my wife 2 weeks ago, and now she is improving daily. Never feel hopeless and never underestimate HIS power. GOD bless you and give you fast and complete healing. TT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Mark Flint #31954 LIFE Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Matt you are good man and are always there for others, no need to feel bad about asking for others to do the same for you. Unsolicited advice comes in all forms, so I'll send mine by PM and wish you and your family all of the healing and strength that y'all can use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EE Taft Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 MMM, you've been there for me a time or two......or ten! Â Your faith is strong and the Lord is on your side! You can beat this! Â You have my warmest prayers for a full and speedy recovery! Â Take care, Pard! Â ~EE Taft~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helda Huginkiss #23799 Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Mean Matt. We are so sorry... You just keep your chin up... and think about getting better and beating this!! Prayers going up for you... YOu can do it!! Hugs N kisses' Helda and Aneeda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miz Pitty Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Matt,  If I can do it, you can do it! The port is no fun, but it is easier doing chemo with it than without it. Having chemo before surgery will hopefully do 2 things. It can shrink the current tumor, and it can kill the stray cells in your system. It is not unusual for cells to get into the lymph system.  Some chemo is harder on people than others. If I can offer a piece of advise, take it easy the first couple of weeks until you see how the chemicals are affecting you. It takes time for your body to transition to being on chemo.  Patience and faith will get you and Catherine through this. I know them both well, and they can be of good comfort. If Max and I can help, you better be ringing our bells!  Hugs,  Pitty   Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 12, 2012 Author Share Posted May 12, 2012 Update 7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colonel Dan, SASS #24025 Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Matt, Miss Mary and I will certinaly keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Â Stay tough; Keep the faith and soldier on cowboy... Â Colonel Dan and Miss Mary Christmas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bama Red Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Just read your update #7, Matt. You've got a tough road ahead of you, Pard, but I know you have the strength for it, and, besides, there are other cowboys and cowgirls on here that have already been down the same road and can help you with some of the bumps, detours and potholes. Give 'em Hell, Cowboy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Hi Matt, Â I just saw this. I hope you beat this thing. It hits very close to home for me. Â Sincerely, Â Allie Mo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Mark Flint #31954 LIFE Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 He will beat it, cause he told me he would and Matt is a man of his word. Â Active prayers continuing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 17, 2012 Author Share Posted May 17, 2012 Update 8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795 Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 Matt, I'm sorry, too, that I didn't open this one sooner. I have a work friend that had a situation very similar to yours, extensive replumbing and chemo. It's been 5 years and he's just as ornery an cantankerous as he always was. You CAN beat this, a positive attitude is a MUST. Chemo affects everyone differently, it just depends on the individual. The tired part is par for the course, been there, done that, with my SIL( breast cancer), and am going through it with my shooting partner now(kidney/renal, and he's only got one left). our sincere prayers for your health and recovery.......Buck&Sue&Sandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 More prayers for you Matt. The pump is bad enough but the drain on your system is worse. Just hang in there and take things easy. Let the body do it's work. God didn't make no junk. He designed it very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 Update 9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Haven't posted on this thread, but been sending many prayers to The Boss for ya. Hang in there, it can be beat. Ask the Judge! Â Prayers continuing, JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit Bull Tex Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 MMM,prayers still up from the old Pit Bull,for you and your doctors and your family and your friends.We need cowboys like you around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiloh Brown Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Prayers up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Prayers continuing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Business Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 More prayers from me and Bucky. Realy now, you have to get well so you can poke fun at me at the loading table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted May 26, 2012 Author Share Posted May 26, 2012 More prayers from me and Bucky. Realy now, you have to get well so you can poke fun at me at the loading table. Let not your heart be troubled, milady. I do plan on being at River Bend on June 2. Because they are putting the pump back on the 31st, I won't be shooting. But I'll be there to harass all of you reprobates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Matt McCord, SASS #24683 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Share Posted June 1, 2012 Update 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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