lanman October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 I am a kind of private guy... but WAMAS has been important to me for several years now - and when you have an experience like I am having, I think this group of friends is just who I would want to tell. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a large brain lesion, and given a year to live... some to all of it paralyzed on my right side. Cancer doc thought it looked operable and sent me to Dr. Watson, who agreed. On Wednesday, Dr. Watson spent 3 grueling, exacting hours inside my brain, removing every trace of that tumor. Expectation was weeks to months of rehab, to repair the inadvertent damage done by the surgery, to allow me to walk and use my right arm properly, etc. Two days later, I left the hospital - walking, but with assistance. This evening, 4 days after surgery, I had dinner with friends at the cheesecake factory. And I walked in on my own two feet. It wasn't ballet, but it was walking! I may have dropped my fork once or twice - but nobody noticed. With radiation therapy, there is no good reason I might not be a WAMAS member another 20 years (that I am aware of yet). So the morals of the story... and why tell one without them? 1. That geeky kid that spends 10 years of his life, and borrows a half a million dollars so he can become a brain surgeon? If I won the lottery, I'd put a half-dozen of them through school. They take the largest risks, and the reward is saving other people's lives. 2. When things look the darkest - sometimes the sun breaks out with a vengeance. I have found true 'friends in need' popping out of the woodwork! I even had a facebook friend light a candle for me in the 2nd smallest church in Ireland. She says 'those candles really work!' Something did! 3. IMPORTANT is SUCH a relative term. Save it for the important stuff!! 4. Wake up every day happy, and try to pass it on! Thanks so much to my WAMAS friends for their support during these miraculous weeks! bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, A very good friend of mine was diagnosed with brain cancer several years ago. The tumor was a branching type and had grown quite large before being noticed. She was given months to live and the option of a surgery that would either kill her or perhaps extend her life by a few months. Surgery took many hours with friends and family worrying the whole time. She recovered fully and is alive and well today--with no signs of cancer. While I'm saddened to hear what you have been going through, I'm very happy to hear that you are doing well and I hope you are around another 40 years (why settle for 20?) to continue telling everyone that life is worth living and worth fighting for! You and your attitude are an inspiration to everyone who knows you! --The other Bob P.S. I still have your blue storage barrel, the one you left here about three years ago after the frag fest. Let me know when you want it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveS October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Wow, sorry to hear of the challenge you are facing. Great to hear you are kicking it's ass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treesprite October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Thank you for sharing this with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakotasreef October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 It's amazing what modern science is able to accomplish. Your attitude is a great outlook on life. I hope that your recovery continues the path it is on. You will be an inspiration to a lot of people who have less challenging roads to face. Best wishes on a speedy and full recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmubeach October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Thank you for sharing with the club.... I've only met you twice, but I could tell you had a passion for the hobby. Speedy recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJT October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Whenever someone feels like they have too much to bear that person should read this thread. Thank you for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbyatv October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, I hope you continue with a solid, speedy recovery. I think I speak for all the members when I say we will keep you in our thoughts and our fingers crossed for you. Thanks for sharing your story. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flowerseller October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Happy birthday Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F&Fmgr October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 I am a kind of private guy... but WAMAS has been important to me for several years now - and when you have an experience like I am having, I think this group of friends is just who I would want to tell. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a large brain lesion, and given a year to live... some to all of it paralyzed on my right side. Cancer doc thought it looked operable and sent me to Dr. Watson, who agreed. On Wednesday, Dr. Watson spent 3 grueling, exacting hours inside my brain, removing every trace of that tumor. Expectation was weeks to months of rehab, to repair the inadvertent damage done by the surgery, to allow me to walk and use my right arm properly, etc. Two days later, I left the hospital - walking, but with assistance. This evening, 4 days after surgery, I had dinner with friends at the cheesecake factory. And I walked in on my own two feet. It wasn't ballet, but it was walking! I may have dropped my fork once or twice - but nobody noticed. With radiation therapy, there is no good reason I might not be a WAMAS member another 20 years (that I am aware of yet). So the morals of the story... and why tell one without them? 1. That geeky kid that spends 10 years of his life, and borrows a half a million dollars so he can become a brain surgeon? If I won the lottery, I'd put a half-dozen of them through school. They take the largest risks, and the reward is saving other people's lives. 2. When things look the darkest - sometimes the sun breaks out with a vengeance. I have found true 'friends in need' popping out of the woodwork! I even had a facebook friend light a candle for me in the 2nd smallest church in Ireland. She says 'those candles really work!' Something did! 3. IMPORTANT is SUCH a relative term. Save it for the important stuff!! 4. Wake up every day happy, and try to pass it on! Thanks so much to my WAMAS friends for their support during these miraculous weeks! bob thos four rules/guidelines would make everyone a better person if they would see what IS really worth it. I am glad youre doing better and came out with very positive outlook.... that seems like true wisdom, at least to me. Thanks for sharing Bob Slainte Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Thank you for lettting us know, Bob. God's speed in your recovery. If there's anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask. Don't ever give up! Don't ever give in! You are awesome!!! When you walk through a storm Hold your head up high And don't be afraid of the dark At the end of the storm Is a golden sky And the sweet silver song of a lark Walk on through the wind Walk on through the rain Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone You'll Never Walk Alone - by Rogers and Hammerstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, Reading this gave me chills. It really is amazing just how quickly and with what magnitude everything can change. Great, positive outlook! I am very happy for you that things look on the up and up. Chad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Great to hear you are getting back to normal Bob. As always, I'm only right down the street so let me know if you need anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Your opening sentences filled me with dread, Bob. I've lost three friends, two of them like family, to brain cancer in the last five years - high stage glioblastomas. It's about time someone kicked its butt. Thanks for sharing, and for thinking enough of our little community to do so. May you greet every sunrise with vigor and a thankful heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogurnda October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Very glad to hear it went the right way, Bob. I almost lost my wife to cancer several years ago, and have lost too many friends and relatives recently. It really does change your outlook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainRon October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Great to hear you're beating it! I lost a close friend to brain cancer several years ago. He was supposed to last just a couple months but made it over a year. Anytime above ground is good time. Leep up your good spirits! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Camaron October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, I am glad your surgery went excellent and that you are feeling great, cancer is such a terrible disease. You are also a valued asset to this forum, loosing you is not an option anyone here can cope with, so please keep us updated and stay in great spirits, because your fish, corals, friends, family and WAMAS needs you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ward October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Like Tom, I was terrified when i read the first couple sentences of your post. Good to hear that things are moving along well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collegeman October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 I am glad everything has made a great turnaround. It was your positive thinking and determination that helped with your speedy recovery. Good luck and may god be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Thanks for posting Bob. I'm very happy that you're doing better. You're an asset to the club and everyone in it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roni October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, So thankful to hear everything is looking better. Those opening lines were pretty ominous. Best wishes for many more enjoyable and fruitful years! Roni Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidm October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, congrats on the good news, and I hope you continue the speedy recovery. david Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khalid October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation Bob but I am glad you have recovered beeter than expected by doctors. I hope you continue with your speedy recovery and go on to living a long and happy life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicSG October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Bob, Thank you for charing this beautiful and powerful story with lost of word of wisdom. I am very happy to hear that you are doing well. God is great and miracles do happen. All you have to do it have faith. We still have faith and pray everyday and please you do the same. My Aunt is going through the same but unfortunaely the Cancer Doc has said too late. This was one year ago and they stopped Kimo and said it cannot be operated. Said let her live her few months (6 per say) in happiness and with family rather than going through the pain of Kimo. She is still alive. Not getting better but it has been over 6 months and over a year. So our faith in God is still strong that she has lived longer than expected. We belive she will be blessed and we will see a miracle. Sorry did not want to take the glory and happiness of this post but just wanted to share the power of faith, it does not matter where you stand in life you should keep fighting and never give up till God himself says it is time. I am very happy for you and God Bless you and your family. I love this club, you guys are the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikS October 3, 2011 Share October 3, 2011 Thanks for sharing - glad to hear you're on the "upside" of this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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