Walking Dead Man

[ltxi]

I haven't been around lately, but that will be changing now that I'm feeling half ass normal again.

Took really sick a bit over three months ago with what presented and was first being treated as a nasty gastrointestinal virus. It eventually became evident there was something else/a lot more wrong. Further investigation resulted in a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, metastasized to the liver...stage IV and inoperable. By the time it was biopsy confirmed and I got into treatment I was in rather rough shape, after two plus months of being continually quite sick. But, short version, I've responded very well to the chemo treatments....started them a month and a half back....and I'm close to feeling pretty normal. Long term prognosis is, of course, Dead Me and I'm good with that. Especially so as it appears I'm most likely able to look forward to at least a year and a half of a perfectly functional, almost normal life. That would get me through the end of summer and my road tripping travel season of 2018 with a high/acceptable to me quality of life....excellent! Then, not interested in the least in dragging this out to the ugly bitter end, when I stop responding to chemo and life quality drops below my/an acceptable threshold I'll just call it a life and off myself.

Anyway....gives you guys something to look forward to. Until then you'll just have to continue to put up with my usual obnoxious self.

[Bawanna]

Crap Itxi, I hate to even read that post. I just lost a high school mate and a very good friend on another forum, I've had enough loss.
You just pull up your boot straps and prove them damn doctors don't know their head from a water fountain.

If there's anything (everybody says this, I really mean it) that I or we can do to make your day or year or hopefully 20 years better, you just spit it out. I'm not a rich man but ask anything you want, if we can't pull it off we'll do the best we can.

I'm sure sorry to hear this. Your one of the good ones around here. Ok, maybe obnoxious sometimes but good none the less.

Do keep me/us posted on the goings on.

[b4uqzme]

Glad to have you back. We enjoy having you around here.

[deadeye]

Glad to see you on the mend Itxi. Good chance you will beat it good. A good friend was given 6 months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. That was 4 years ago and he is still going strong. We are pulling for you.

[kenemoore]

I applaud your attitude.
Good Luck.

In 2009 I was told I wold need Knee replacements by 2012-2013, never happened. Sometimes the doctors have a little tinge of weatherman, the forecast is off a bit.
I hope they're off in your case.

[yqtszhj]

Sorry to hear that news but your attitude toward it is encouraging and attitude is everything. Hang in there and we'll be praying for your best days to be yet to come.

And just so you know since you've been missing to my knowledge everyone has behaved and there have been no post where the cha cha's were too big.;)

[berettabone]

Our thoughts will be with you.............................................

[knkali]

Wow what a terrible thing to read. Itxi, If you don't mind sharing who you are at this point, I for one would like to know more about the man behind the nom de plum. After all, when you are faced with something this grave, it got personal quick. Who is Itxi? Certainly I don't expect your name and address but would you share a bit of your life with us?

With great respect,
Knkali

[Barth]

Wow, don't have the words...
Take Care old friend :)

[gb6491]

ltxi,
I prefer the unknown moment and hope I never have an expiration date stamped on me, but pray that if I do, that I'm able to man up as you have.
I also hope that God's will is for you to enjoy many more, comfortable years topside than what is currently expected.
With much respect,
Greg

[Ray C]

Sorry to hear the news. I'm a cancer survivor myself, but not nearly as grave of a situation as with what you are going through. It's good to hear that you responded to chemo very well, and that you are making the choice to stay positive. As with Knkali, please do share more about yourself if you wouldn't mind.

[AugWest]

Im a new member, but I to send some positive vibes your way.

Attitude is everything with cancer I'm told. 2 yrs ago a dear friend was diagnosed with AML and given less than a yr, but he found a secomd opinion, sought out the best treatment program and has the best attitude anyone could have. He is living a normal life right now with some minor issues.

[jeepster09]

Glad things are helping, our prayers are with you.

[AIRret]

Unbelievably sad news!!
Have they discussed immuno - therapy? I hear that's easier on the body and that if they find the right formula it works amazingly well.

God Bless you and your family….we will be praying for you.

I second (or third) the request that you tell us a little more about yourself.

[Alfonse]

Itxi, glad you're back on the forum and I appreciate your approach to life.
Al

[GROTMAN]

Had been wondering where you've been. Sorry to hear the news. It's a moment none of us like to think about but we will all have to face sometime. I admire your attitude and you can add me to the list of those who will be praying for you.

[Bobshouse]

One thing I hate about growing old is when you see life long friends and family begins to pass. My whole family, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins all live in one small town in Indiana. John Mellencamp came from that same small town. He grew up in that same small town, but left because of lack of opportunity, same as me.. Now there is hardly anyone left to visit except in the cemetery. It's something that we are all going to have to face one day, no way around it. Live life to its fullest and thank God for every day you have with friends and family.

What I'm trying to say Itxi, is it seems God always takes the good to early, but people like you and I will be here for years to come.

Get Better!

[Bills1873]

Fingers crossed for you, Itxi. The mind is the greatest healer.

[downtownv]

Prayers are heading your way... Attitude is 99% and you good in that area!

[340pd]

Post frequently to let us know what is gong on with your diagnosis. I wish you the best.

[CPTKILLER]

God Bless and do what you must!

[JimBianchi]

Wow, what a crap sandwich.

But you are handling it very well.

God Bless and good luck.

[O'Dell]

I'm so sorry. You have a great attitude and hopefully that will carry you well beyond the current expectations. GOOD LUCK and may GOD be with you.

O'Dell

[Armybrat]

ltxi, hang in there and enjoy your road trips. Good thoughts.

[ltxi]

Apologies for the way late comeback, guys. I want to thank all for the prayers and good wishes. Especially Bawanna, who's gone out of his way with personal follow-up. I've had a great positive response to the chemotherapy treatments...better than either I or my docs had anticipated. Two and a half months into treatment now and I'm most of the time perfectly normal. And look it, too....I've gained back 20 pounds of the 44 I lost and no longer look like a holocaust survivor. I have no delusions about long term surviving this...pancreatic cancer diagnosed at Stage IV, as mine was, is virtually always fatal...but it looks like I may well have a bit more quality life time left than I could have hoped for.

A few have asked for more about me. So for them/those interested...I'm an old white guy. Just turned 74 a couple days back...something I wouldn't have bet serious money on happening three months ago. Born and raised in eastern, semi-rural Pennsylvania...blue collar coal, guns, and deer hunter country...and was one of those kids who could and would take his .22 rifle to school and then go out plinking in near by woods after class. So guns have been an integral part of my life personally, professionally, and as a key interest hobby since forever. I have a 52 year old son from an early first marriage and an adopted 51 y/o daughter from a second. Also gots grand children and as of about a year ago a great grand daughter as well. Current wife and I have been joined at the hip together for almost 31 years now and have lived in the same place butting up against rural, just outside of SE Denver, Colorado metro for going on 24 years. Wife's a native New England coastie....hence two trips a year to coastal Maine as a price for imprisoning her in land locked high country. My professional career is one of them things I can't really talk about, under penalty of..... Can say it was "interesting", sucessful, and highly rewarding Can also say it involved a smattering of LE and LE type work and an accidental 30 some year Air Force career...enlisted pretty early to give me some time to figure out what to do with my life, followed my nose never left, got a commission and eventually graduated into Colonel retirement in January 2000. Finally retired completely in January 2016....the last few years only working part time and by request. It was a great ride...and a large part of why no bucket list.

And...ltxi is an acronym for London Taxi, my long time hobby cars until a couple/few years ago.

Cheers
-- Don

[yqtszhj]

Good news and thanks for divulging that personal info. Wishing you the best still and don't stay gone so long. Makes us worry a bit. ;)

And thank you for your dedicated service to our country.

[kenemoore]

Well as the old timers used to say " hang in there, like an old rusty fish hook".
Wish you the best.

[wyntrout]

Thanks for the update, Don. I appreciate your history and am glad that things are going better with you. How time flies!

I met my second wife in a USAF command post in Zweibrücken AB, Germany(West, then in 1983). We've been married 31 years now and today was the 20th year anniversary of our arrival here in Jacksonville, FL. We get out to the Durango area to visit my wife's folks every Christmas.

Take care.

Wynn :)

[GROTMAN]

Glad to hear you're doing so well. Hope things continue to go better than expected. :D

" And...ltxi is an acronym for London Taxi, my long time hobby cars until a couple/few years ago"

I had given you more credit for for being creative for the name Itxi... thought it was a fun way of saying "It's I", was thinking of changing mine to Itsme!! :o

Continue taking care of yourself. Gary

[Bawanna]

Thinking about Itxi and this thread title it occurred to me we're actually all Walking Dead Men.

Can't take life to seriously. Nobody gets out alive.

Make the most of it and tootsie roll it. Make it last a long time.

I'm rooting for you pal. I love nothing more than making liars out of doctors.

[deadeye111]

Prayers sent asking GOD to heal Itxi.
Since this is Holy Week it is a good time for all of us to reflect on our spiritual condition as mentioned by Bawana, we will all die unless we are living when the end times happens.

[AJBert]

I can't believe I just saw this thread!

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I have had in my mind that if/when I find myself in your situation I plan on doing exactly what you are doing, almost exactly the same. I watched my mother and little brother waste away due to cancer and my mother-in-law has been battling it for the last 6 years and is coming to the end. So I understand fight your arse off until hope is all but gone, then live your last days the way YOU want as long as you are "comfortable". I can't say I could pull the plug on myself but I can make sure I have the painkillers so there is no pain.

That being said, you know I'm only about 2 hours away from you. I'll echo what Bwanana has already said, if you need anything just give me a holler. And believe it or not, our pasts are fairly similar, though separated by about 20 years.

[Bills1873]

Great mini biography, Don! A year ago, my younger brother, 56, and a DO, basically dropped dead of a heart attack. One never knows when their number is up. I thank you for devoting your life to defending our freedom. Hopefully, you're around for good while, we'll pray for that. We have some extremely cool dudes on here, makes it the best forum period!

[Armybrat]

Good to hear you're doing better than expected. The Air Farce sure does put out some tough old birds - some of 'em are even Colonels.

Sending good thoughts that you can take your sweetheart on many more trips back to her coastal roots.

[getsome]

Good thoughts and sincere prayer to you my friend.....Hang in there and keep on posting how you are doing....God Bless You and thank you for your service to our country.....

[ltxi]

An update for anyone who gives a rat's ass.

After only three months/cycles of chemo treatment...pancreatic mass has shrunk by 36%, tumor cancer markers are down 86%, my weight's back up from a deathly 160 to an I'm happy with it 187 pounds, and other than right after treatment I'm feeling about 95% normal. That's about a 3 sigma positive response....so far.

So it appears I ain't gonna croak fer awhile yet....and I'm beginning feel a lot like Chicken Little.

[DavidR]

That's awesome!


Dave

[kwh]

Excellent news:):)

[jeepster09]

That is good to hear!

[Bawanna]

I'd like to go on record to all parties present. I definitely give a rat's ass.

Are we allowed to say that? I want to continue to hear good reports many years down the road.

[thughes]

Ditto.

[Bills1873]

I think you're allowed to say most anything, Bawanna! Diplomatic immunity, or something like that. And we echo your sentiments.

[Bawanna]

Even I can't get past the word police. I never been out of the country so I probably don't qualify as a diplomat but immunity must be a nice thing.

[deadeye]

Don't even think about the "chicken little" thing. I don't know anyone who would react any differently. What is important is the prognosis is excellent. You will be around for a long time yet. (Have to admit I don't know anything about rat's asses.)

[Bawanna]

I like to think I'm somewhat of an authority on rat's asses. If you have any questions feel free to ask them.
I don't know much about much but I got rat's asses covered.

Now if you want to know about sheep, Jocko is your man.

[SmokyT]

An update for anyone who gives a rat's ass.

After only three months/cycles of chemo treatment...pancreatic mass has shrunk by 36%, tumor cancer markers are down 86%, my weight's back up from a deathly 160 to an I'm happy with it 187 pounds, and other than right after treatment I'm feeling about 95% normal. That's about a 3 sigma positive response....so far.

So it appears I ain't gonna croak fer awhile yet....and I'm beginning feel a lot like Chicken Little.

Great to hear that, ltxi!

[sas PM9]

Ltxi:

Glad to hear that you are doing well. What chemical is your Chemotherapist giving to you?
They gave me Gemzar after Pancreatic CA surgery and a year after finishing chemotherapy I am still showing 'clean' scans.
I have a pretty good idea what you are going through- keep up the good fight and God bless.

-steve

[ltxi]

Ltxi:

Glad to hear that you are doing well. What chemical is your Chemotherapist giving to you?
They gave me Gemzar after Pancreatic CA surgery and a year after finishing chemotherapy I am still showing 'clean' scans.
I have a pretty good idea what you are going through- keep up the good fight and God bless.

-steve

Abraxane and gemctibane. Seems to be working quite well at the moment, obviously.

[sas PM9]

Abraxane and gemctibane. Seems to be working quite well at the moment, obviously.

Ltxi:

Gemzar is the same thing as gemcitabine. And they added the Abraxane to you. You are getting the double whammy; keep up the good work- it is wonderful to have it work so well on you. When I was in the thick of it, I didn't really want to dwell on it- it was just what I had to do to survive.
Best of luck, keep us informed.
-steve

[ltxi]

In Maine on vacation at the moment. First of three road trips this summer/travel season. Been off chemo for just over two weeks so far, for the trip, and feeling fantastic. Also discovered I can vacation drink beer! I'd been off alcohol for six months and will continue to stay off it under normal circumstances, but for today and the next two weeks..... This be so great, especially 'cause I gots to stop by an' visit my sister on the way back home and I haven't been able to take her sober for well over 20 years now.

[jeepster09]

Thanks for update...good news!

[Armybrat]

Enjoy the road trips..... and don't waste your beer drinkin' on any of that lightweight mass produced stuff - go for the good local craft brews.

[ltxi]

Once again beating this not yet dead horse.....life sucks and then you die ain't working out quite like I expected.

Blood work check before first chemo infusion after I got back from Maine.....despite the long break and drugs having been fully out of my system for a couple weeks, my tumor markers dropped by half from the month plus before check. Now down 92% from my February, pre-treatment baseline. My chemo treatment team declared me, capital A, Anomalous. I was quite pleased until I realized they weren't referring to some kinda Greek god. A few eye rolls and revised to "an Anomaly" in order to prevent further misunderstanding.

Bottom line is my response to treatment has been at least three sigma positive and not only am I not likely to die soon I'm going to appear perfectly healthy while I'm not doing it. I'm going to deliver the bad news in person to family at our mid-July reunion in PA. It's gonna be fun watching them folk attempt to mask their disappointment.

-- Don

[Bawanna]

Get pictures. That ought to be good.

I'm glad things are looking positive for you. Been wanting to email and check but don't want to be a nuisance.

[AIRret]

Thanks for the wonderful news!!!

I'll still be praying for you and your family.

[berettabone]

Good deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[knkali]

great news! You kicked that gremlin's assss.

[Armybrat]

Sounds like miracles really do happen. Good on you and your docs.

Don't be surprised if those doctors write up your special recovery story in one of their medical journals. Be sure they include the help you got from a bunch of oldfart Kahrnuts and how shootin' guns relaxed your chemo treatment reactions. :)

[knkali]

"recoil" therapy

[yqtszhj]

I'm going to deliver the bad news in person to family at our mid-July reunion in PA. It's gonna be fun watching them folk attempt to mask their disappointment.

-- Don

Thats great news, and what I quoted above just cracks me up.

[CPTKILLER]

Hang tough & God Bless You!

[Bawanna]

" I'm going to deliver the bad news in person to family at our mid-July reunion in PA. It's gonna be fun watching them folk attempt to mask their disappointment."

Must be vultures in the bunch. Everybody knows how much I hate vultures.

Lawyers, media and vultures, sometimes the order changes without notice.

Stay strong my friend and let them vultures starve flying around waiting for free stuff.

[ltxi]

Thanks again, guys, for all the good wishes, comments, and support. It's been a long, strange trip...and it ain't over yet.

And, you ain't never been a nuisance, Col. Well...at least not to me.

[ltxi]

Still feelin' wunnerful....and no doubt will until this coming weekend. Headed road trip out to PA tomorrow. Family reunion, where I get to be the featured attraction side show freak on Saturday. :hippie::popcorn:

[yqtszhj]

....where I get to be the featured attraction side show freak on Saturday. :hippie::popcorn:

I fit that same discription at my family reunions too. I thought I was the only one like that.

Actually I figure I'm the only normal one there.

[AIRret]

Have a safe trip and ignore negative people!
Enjoy your new found health and the he$$ with the rest!

[AJBert]

Family reunion??? I remember going to one when I was kid. Hmmmm, maybe I just haven't been getting the invite over the years?

Enjoy yourself and have fun.

[Jim NNN]

Many prayers sent to Itxi for his healing. I had a neighbor lady who survived pancreatic cancer...an advanced case. It just went away.

Many prayers sent to everyone with cancer especially the kids...and their parents.

[AIRret]

Many prayers sent to Itxi for his healing. I had a neighbor lady who survived pancreatic cancer...an advanced case. It just went away.

Many prayers sent to everyone with cancer especially the kids...and their parents.

I second that!!

[ltxi]

Just back from the family reunion wars today. Good lord, who knew having a fatal disease could be so much fun! Dem folk who used ta just think I might be nuts have been fully converted. Those who were already fully on board...well they made for a really good bunch to help me beat down the weepers.

Off chemo vacation for a few days short of four weeks, I'm feelin' so good I don't even wanna die any more. Come Wednesday, tho, I'll be back at it and feeling at least a few days a week kinda crappy until the Maine road trip in September.

Hope ya'll are havin' as great a summer as I am!

[yqtszhj]

I'm just heading home from your neck of the woods. Saw the grand canyon, monument valley, Mesa Verde, and great sand dune. Didn't make it as far north as Denver area but thought about you when. I was in. Southern CO. Got rained on 10 days straight while camping.

Glad ur feeling good and could mess with the relatives. Seeing mine just makes me feel bad.

[ltxi]

Well, I'm still assigned to death row, but.... The NAACP has taken up my case, filed a flurry of appeals that will tie up the courts fer a serious long time, and gotten me meantime released on OR. So for right now I've been able to cut back on chemo, I'm running around "healthy" loose, and enjoying the hell out of life.

My wife's kinda depressed about this direction of events but I tole her to just hang in there and hope for the worst....

[b4uqzme]

Great news. Thanks for the updates.

[340pd]

Need a "like" button

[ltxi]

Inspired by BerettaBone's Soap Opera update I've decided to torture ya'll with one of my own.

Freshly back from last road trip of the season and off chemo for a month because of it....with the drugs out of my system for the moment i was able to do a sanity check on the real, at the moment me. My response to treatment has been no less than spectacularly positive. I, at least for now, feel perfectly normal....as defined by how I felt this time last year before getting whacked with this pancreatic cancer stuff.

So...the good news is it appears I'm not gonna die anytime soon. The bad news is...it appears I'm not gonna die anytime soon.

[jeepster09]

That is good to hear.

[Bawanna]

That's great to hear. I'm so relieved I won't be alone trying to judge overly large boobs. I count on you for a consult.

[jeepster09]

Well start here.....

[jeepster09]

And here....

[gb6491]

That is good to hear.
I agree!

[berettabone]

I for one am glad that both are alive and living large:p

[Armybrat]

http://www.kahrtalk.com/images/smilies/modern/smilies/yo.gif
Keep on truckin', as they say.

[ltxi]

Happy Anniversary to me. It was one year tomorrow that this stage IV pancreatic cancer crap no notice blew up all over my life. Really messed up the Holidays.

For some odd luck of the draw, plus excellent medical treatment, reason I've not only beaten the @ one year four out of five death squad odds but also appear to be in perfect health. Desh manpower, aka tumor markers, down 99.65%. From 38.7K to 136. And we're now on a house to house hunt for them last.

I am a clear example of only the good die young...if you could call me that at 74. No doubt this will eventually kill me but most likely not until I'm actually old.

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!

[Dbholfo]

I just came back to the forum after life getting in the way. Sad to read your initial report but thrilled to read this one. I also know others who had Stage IV diagnoses that never happened. Looking forward to many more healthy years out of you and continued curmudgeonly posts.

[Bawanna]

^^^^ what he said, especially the continued curmudgeonly post. They are starting to make sense to me. Maybe now I are one myself?

[RustyIron]

From 38.7K to 136.

Although I'm not familiar with this measurement, a decrease of 99.6% sounds pretty darned good.
Congratulations, and HAPPY Thanksgiving.
Happy EVERYTHING!

[ltxi]

^ I only post those marker numbers because I've over the last year discovered far more folk than I'd ever have suspected are conversant. What those mean, in practical terms, is I started out "dead" and am now far from it. Normal, non-cancer person, reads are <47. Aka 42 on the Douglas Adams scale.

And thanks for the good wishes!

[ltxi]

^^^^ what he said, especially the continued curmudgeonly post. They are starting to make sense to me. Maybe now I are one myself?

Maybe??? Now dat dere's just funny...:)

[berettabone]

:angel::cheer2:

[Bawanna]

Maybe??? Now dat dere's just funny...:)

So you think I'm officially curmudgeonly? Should I be depressed or celebrate another mile stone which I guess is better than a Gall Stone or a Kidney Stone.

Yeah I think I'm curmudgeounly too. Don't tell AIRRet. My rep and all don't cha know.

[ltxi]

So you think I'm officially curmudgeonly? Should I be depressed or celebrate another mile stone which I guess is better than a Gall Stone or a Kidney Stone.

Yeah I think I'm curmudgeounly too. Don't tell AIRRet. My rep and all don't cha know.

Well...if you actually think you needs to ask....ask the Violets. Hahaha....

[Bawanna]

i don't ask violets nothing anymore, they never once give me an answer that i like.

[Slugnutty]

SPECTACULAR new!
God has a plan for you and you have not completed His work yet.
Wonderful news.

And if you'll allow me this one vulgarity - **** Cancer

[ltxi]

i don't ask violets nothing anymore, they never once give me an answer that i like.

Curmudgeon!

[Regave]

Whats that post about?! Cant figure it out! or maybe its because my meds that i'm now on? i noticed they impair my thinking and focus. gonna search if that's true on some pharmacy reviews (https://pharmacyreviews.md) or something. sorry if anything.

[AIRret]

itxi,
You are Blessed and LUCKY…….maybe you should go to Vegas!!!!

I'm so happy for you!

[ltxi]

This year...best Christmas gift ever! I've been given both my life and my health back!

A year ago....diagnostics, blood draw cancer tumor markers and CT scans, plus how utterly crappy ugly I felt had me at "Time to start diggin' your own grave, boy. And you better be ta hurryin' up about it."

Now, this past week....Blood tumor markers down 99.9% to within range of a normal, non-cancer person and new CT scan reports near complete resolution of all liver mestastes and primary, pancreatic tumor down from the size of a rock to that of a stone.

By all rights I should already be in the ground or at least be getting ready for it. That I'm not only not that but apparently perfectly healthy for now is kinda insane. Not completey unheard of but my doc's are regarding me as a seriously anomalous medical curiosity, in a good way for a change.

In not necessarily equal parts, what I have to thank for this is.....Excellent medical care, My own from the beginning "Bring it on!" attitude, and Luck of the draw.

So, there you have it. Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night...:)

-- Don

[knkali]

This year...best Christmas gift ever! I've been given both my life and my health back!

A year ago....diagnostics, blood draw cancer tumor markers and CT scans, plus how utterly crappy ugly I felt had me at "Time to start diggin' your own grave, boy. And you better be ta hurryin' up about it."

Now, this past week....Blood tumor markers down 99.9% to within range of a normal, non-cancer person and new CT scan reports near complete resolution of all liver mestastes and primary, pancreatic tumor down from the size of a rock to that of a stone.

By all rights I should already be in the ground or at least be getting ready for it. That I'm not only not that but apparently perfectly healthy for now is kinda insane. Not completey unheard of but my doc's are regarding me as a seriously anomalous medical curiosity, in a good way for a change.

In not necessarily equal parts, what I have to thank for this is.....Excellent medical care, My own from the beginning "Bring it on!" attitude, and Luck of the draw.

So, there you have it. Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night...:)

-- Don

***'n A right on!! So glad to hear this news. Havent been on the board in a long time but this news at this time of the year is so wonderful to hear. G-d bless you and keep on blessing you. What a great Christmas gift.

[Dbholfo]

This year...best Christmas gift ever! I've been given both my life and my health back!

A year ago....diagnostics, blood draw cancer tumor markers and CT scans, plus how utterly crappy ugly I felt had me at "Time to start diggin' your own grave, boy. And you better be ta hurryin' up about it."

Now, this past week....Blood tumor markers down 99.9% to within range of a normal, non-cancer person and new CT scan reports near complete resolution of all liver mestastes and primary, pancreatic tumor down from the size of a rock to that of a stone.

By all rights I should already be in the ground or at least be getting ready for it. That I'm not only not that but apparently perfectly healthy for now is kinda insane. Not completey unheard of but my doc's are regarding me as a seriously anomalous medical curiosity, in a good way for a change.

In not necessarily equal parts, what I have to thank for this is.....Excellent medical care, My own from the beginning "Bring it on!" attitude, and Luck of the draw.

So, there you have it. Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night...:)

-- Don
Awesome and amazing!
Merry Christmas.

[Planedude]

Health and happiness, the best gift the season can bring. God Bless Sir and enjoy the day!

[Tinman507]

Some of us would call this a miracle. A Christmas Miracle if you will. That's awesome and wonderful and I am thrilled for you!
Merry Christmas!!

[b4uqzme]

Very Merry Christmas.

[Armybrat]

The gift of life is the best gift of all!

Merry Christmas and most of all, have a happy New Year!

[mattallamerican]

good luck and merry xmas

[ltxi]

Still Alive At 75!!

I achieved this once thought most likely unreachable goal today. And not just that...I'm functionally normal...physically anyway. Fifteen months ago I was given a snowball's chance on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator of gettin' here. Awhile back, oncology folk dubbed me Capt Anomalous. Then later promoted me to Maj Enigma. I'm now be workin' toward Col Klink.

Anyway, having achieved this momentous millstone (sic), I decided to annoy ya'll, share one last time before, with any luck, turning this into a necro thread. Which shall only be revived when all eventually goes south.

But no worries. The Col co-opted my thread title for his own nefarious purposes last month so Walking Dead Man will still be around. :yo:

[Bawanna]

I fixed it. I don't do nefarious, when you cross the river, it's over and done.

75, damn that's old.........Not sure I'll go that distance my own self.

[kenemoore]

Still Alive At 75!!

...I'm functionally normal...


Hmmm.....

[Ed M]

Wishing you a Happy Birthday ltxi, and many more healthy and happy ones to come!

[wyntrout]

Congrats, Itxi!

I'm coming up on 72. I finally got started back on the treadmill in February and am walking/running a bit... 2.5 miles in 42 minutes every other day now. Just completed session #22 today. I had some minor something show up on EKG's and had a stress test, then the catherization. Only found about 40% blockage in one artery, so I'm trying to clear that out with diet, supplements, and exercise. At least I seem to have a clean bill of health otherwise.
My medicinal half bottle of dry, red wine and serving of 90% chocolate every night will hopefully help, too.

I read Dr Stephen Gundry's The Plant Paradox and follow his advice a bit and use a lot of his expensive supplements. I hope they help, too! :D

[dao]

About six years ago my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and given 8mos to a year. He passed away a bit more than 5 years later, last July, while his cancer was still in remission.

I don't know you, but you seem to have a good attitude about it and I'm told that this can make a big difference. Keep fighting the good fight. You may just beat this thing. I hope you do.

[340pd]

Happy Birthday and,
Keep on Postin'

[berettabone]

:boink::cheer2:Happy B day......................keep em comin..........................

[getsome]

Great news.....Happy Birthday and keep on plugging!!!

[ltxi]

Thanks guys! And one last post...an anecdote I wish to share.

My birthday a year ago I told my oncology Doc I’d decided to live to a full 3/4 century. Her comeback…”Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” But I forgived her ‘cause she didn’t yet know me very well back then. Told her that at our appointment last Wednesday. Now with the program…"You still have five days left. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”.

Is that ever cool or what? :)

[Bawanna]

Reminds me of when I came out of surgery into intensive care. Nurse told me wife not to worry, when I left the hospital I would be totally self sufficient and she could go find her a new man. Sadly another nurse and a doctor over heard her and she was no longer a nurse at least there.

Actually had two nurses sent walk about cause of me but don't want to brag.

Most were just the absolute best. We all know they run the show, the doctors are just there for the money.

[AIRret]

ltxi
You must be the Navy Seal of cancer!!! Who-Yah…...that's probably misspelled, but you know what I mean!

[Wlfman13]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ltxi!

-Wlf

[ltxi]

An update on me on the second anniversary my getting run down, and over, by the Cancer bus.

Advanced(!) Stage IV Pancreatic. Initial prognosis of four to six months, on the outside, until dead. Hell, I was there already.

However, as you can prolly tell 'cause I'm sitting here writing this, that didn't happen. And, sadly, I'm not only not dead but also in outwardly excellent health. I attribute a lot of this to my curmudgeonly outlook and approach to life. And to delight at finally finding a way to piss my wife off with something she's got to pretend to be happy about.

Lest anyone be tempted to go into "them docs don't know what they're talkin' about" mode.....the docs were absolutely right. There is no way i should have so far survived this. I'm rightly considered a major anomaly in our medical/oncology community. What a great post retirement hobby this has turned out to be!

If I'm unfortunate enough to make it to my 76th birthday next April, I'll again update post then.

Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow to all! I know I'm gonna enjoy it.

[Bawanna]

Lets not get ahead of ourselves. But I'm thinking Thanksgiving 2025 for a start.

[ltxi]

Lets not get ahead of ourselves. But I'm thinking Thanksgiving 2025 for a start.

Thanks, Col, but I don't see that happening. My new, being held close secret from the cancer gods, goal is to make it to 2020. Just sounds a lot better than croaking in the twenty teens.

There have recently been a few cracks in the armor that docs and I have patched with JB Weld while I get fitted for a new suit. And I've from the beginning based my whole approach to this cancer issue on pessimism/fatalistic realism and it's served me well. Optimisim can be lethal and just don't be cutting it for me.

[yqtszhj]

An update on me on the second anniversary my getting run down, and over, by the Cancer bus.

Advanced(!) Stage IV Pancreatic. Initial prognosis of four to six months, on the outside, until dead. Hell, I was there already.

However, as you can prolly tell 'cause I'm sitting here writing this, that didn't happen. And, sadly, I'm not only not dead but also in outwardly excellent health. I attribute a lot of this to my curmudgeonly outlook and approach to life. And to delight at finally finding a way to piss my wife off with something she's got to pretend to be happy about.

Lest anyone be tempted to go into "them docs don't know what they're talkin' about" mode.....the docs were absolutely right. There is no way i should have so far survived this. I'm rightly considered a major anomaly in our medical/oncology community. What a great post retirement hobby this has turned out to be!

If I'm unfortunate enough to make it to my 76th birthday next April, I'll again update post then.

Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow to all! I know I'm gonna enjoy it.

Maybe your longevity anomaly is due to not being a person distracted by large mammary glands like many of us are. ;)

Glad you’re doing well.

[jeepster09]

Well glad your still here.

[Bobshouse]

Remember, only the good die young...

Most of us here will probably live well into our 100's...you included.;)

[Bawanna]

Some truth in that I reckon.

I recall at an officer memorial a fella telling me they always say what a swell good guy he was. I'm gonna be an A hole and live forever.

[jeepster09]

Some truth in that I reckon.

I recall at an officer memorial a fella telling me they always say what a swell good guy he was. I'm gonna be an A hole and live forever.

:banplease:

[ltxi]

Remember, only the good die young...

Most of us here will probably live well into our 100's...you included.;)

Yes. I'm a prime/classic example of that. And have been most conscious of it since I have no idea how dodged a point blank round center mass to my face going on 40 years ago.

Mental image of that imminent is still clear as a bell in my mind, can call it up at will, it's served me well. Though not so much as some some other folk.....past that episode I've had, "Oh, what the hell I shoulda been dead long ago anyway", no fear when it all goes down.

[ltxi]

I promised ya'll no more Me nonsense until my next birthday. Well, it's here. Seventy-six and still not Deep Six! And, man, are the cancer gods pissed!!

Still quite outward healthy but indicators have me and the enemy at close to a stalemate..with a lot of battle ahead. They've regrouped from their initial Pearl Harbor approach that ended in disaster and are taking a more considered. "intelligent" tack.

Whatever....coming up on this year's road trip travel season and ain't gonna concern myself about anything cancer until October.

That's it for this Me annoyance....:)

RIP William Wessel !

[340pd]

Great news!
"Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead".

[AIRret]

Itxi.............Go FOR IT..............embarrass the rest of the world!!!

[ltxi]

Itxi.............Go FOR IT..............embarrass the rest of the world!!!

Sure, why not. I've already embarrassed the cancer gods and most everyone who knows me. :)

[Bawanna]

I think you just enjoy surprising the relatives on your road trips. Surprise!!! I'm still here.

Man I hope you keep doing that for another 20 or 30 years. Be sweet if you outlast all of them......

[ltxi]

I think you just enjoy surprising the relatives on your road trips. Surprise!!! I'm still here.

Man I hope you keep doing that for another 20 or 30 years. Be sweet if you outlast all of them......

Unfortunately, relatives are forewarned. I'm "required" to give them a circa monthly update. If I don't send one they all start freaking out. I do, however, still get to enjoy pissing them all off by showing up at our annual family reunion in PA in July.

And, yeah, further upsetting them by outlasting them all would be pretty cool. But that ain't gonna happen....dammit.

[Armybrat]

Good to hear that you're keepin' on truckin'.

Annoy the relatives even more by taking the last piece of cake and last cookie off the dessert table. :D

[AIRret]

We are very glad that you keep beating the odds!