Still praying for you, Dakota

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Now that I am not using a phone to post, I can fill everyone in and say thanks. I appreciate the well wishes from everyone.

 

Like I said before, I have also joined the proverbial war against cancer. We're doing battle, and I have lost a kidney so far to it. The surgery went remarkably well. The recovery has been remarkably horrific. Those who know me also know that this is hardly the only ailment that I face. I have a rare form of arthritis as well, and long story short, went active in both feet and both knees at the same time. That has never happenedSo, and for all intents and purposes has rendered me completely crippled until it subsides. Once it does though, I get to go home.

 

Lots of follow up stuff though. I still have a bone lesion to have looked at, and the reports from the kidney aren't back yet either. So, I could be almost done with this mess, or just getting started. I just don't know.

 

So, we just get to see what happens. I guess I can't complain too much. The fact that I am alive right now means that I have beaten the odds-makers of 5 years ago. If it's working, I had better stick with it.

 

Thanks again everyone and God Bless....

 

I know the waiting is the worst.  Keep up the fight.

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Dakota,  my thoughts and prayers remain with you.    And that you receive much needed good news very soon.

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Thanks again everybody. It means more than you know. I am going home tomorrow, which is a good thing. I need that. Those who know me well know that I am an animal person, and have more than I should. I will go home with a broken heart though, as one of my dogs passed while I was hospitalized. Some here know that "Dakota" was my best buddy and last dog to die. I lost him 4 1/2 years ago on a rainy December 4. Losing another and missing the chance to say my goodbyes weighs on my heart and I find myself one step ahead of emotional disaster over it. But with life comes death. Every single one of us owes that tax one time. Knowing that doesn't make dealing with it any easier sometimes.....

 

I will move on though. I have more tests forthcoming. I have a lesion on my spine which will require a PET scan and analysis. Could be nothing, but could be something as well. Since they were already aware of the kidney problem, they likely were flagging everything and anything that looked remotely out of place. It's probably nothing. The pathology on my kidney should come back soon, but I won't get a formal rundown for another couple weeks. They will do it when I get my surgical staples removed. I have heard whispers from hospital staff in conversations come up from time to time. The catch phrase seems to be Renal Cell Carcinoma. That can be both really good and really bad. If it was contained, it's really good. If it made it out, it's really bad because it's very resistant to treatments. Chemo and radiation have had extremely bad results (less than 10% success rate) and that success tends to be short term.

 

So, I will continue to heal from this round of battle and go back to the waiting game. Once I know more, I'll share. If news is bad, I'm not sure how to tell everyone, because already battling one disease with terminal implications has been enough. It has changed me and people always ask where the old Dakota went, and sadly, that's the only answer I seem to come up with. That person has been steadily dying off for a few years now, and what's left  tries to make the best out of what's left over. If the weight gets to be too much, it may be time to just say my goodbyes and cash out. I don't know. I hope that it's not a question I have to ponder right now. I do have to be realistic and admit that it may be one I face. Nothing may change that.

 

Until then, I keep fighting the good fight and making the best of things. I've lost a lot of good friendships here, I know. I'm responsible for most of that. I know that too. Having said that, so many of you, many of whom I have never met even once, mean more to me than you could know. This is an experience I would never trade, regret, or do over differently.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am sorry for degrading to someone other than the person who so many grew to love years ago. It wasn't supposed to happen that way.

 

Well, that's about it. I'll keep everyone filled in about the rest of the ride, whichever direction it goes.

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What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.







 

Dakota, you're one of the people I hope to meet in person when I come to Jax. I like your sense of humor and the way you see life in general. Hang in there buddy, we be pulling for you!

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Paul, you've always been one of my favorites on the board.


I know you've had your struggles in recent years, but you've also had quite a bit of joy in your life. It's the ebb and flow of life.


You've managed to maintain your sanity through some really crappy times and still have a sense of humor. Don't let that go. Know that there are many out there, quite a few who only know you as an avatar and a user name who felt compelled to offer up a thought of prayer in your honor as you deal with your current struggles.


You have much to continue to fight for. Keep the faith and take strength in knowing many of us are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. That's a powerful tool in fighting any battle, as is having faith and determination to keep going, and a sense of humor.


I have a good friend who is facing a horrible diagnosis of her own, but you'd never know it by how she and her family have chosen to deal with it. She epitomizes the "Live Like You're Dying" approach. She's doing things on her bucket list and living life to the fullest, and as she's undrrgone treatments, she's continued to do everything she can to truly live her life, and to share that experience with her friends and family. She is the definition of grace.


Knowing the little I do about your real life, I'd say you're up for the fight. Live your life to the fullest and let the chips fall where they may.

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Never argue with idiots. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

^^^ What he said. I couldn't have said it better so I won't even try.


Hugs and prayers for you Dakota.

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Still sending all of the good vibes I got your way Dakota.

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I'm trying to make myself more informed and less opinionated.

Stop saying whatever stupid thing you're talking about and pay attention to all the interesting things I have to say!

Get well soon man.

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"What do I know of cultured ways, the gilt, the craft and the lie? I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs - I was a man before I was a king."

Keep fighting the good fight, Dakota. Prayers going up. 

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Praying for you, Dakota.  Get well soon man.

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Sorry about the latest pup

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Didn't see this until now. Praying for you my man.

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"Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Galatians 5:26

2015 NFL Draft - Analyzing Targets www.jungle.jaguars.com/index.php?/topic/7892-2015-nfl-draft-analyzing-targets/

Get well Dakota!

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Only a chump boos the home team!

Paul, you're one of the strongest men I've ever known. If anyone can beat this, it's you. Keep fighting the good fight.

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If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.
- Bob Marley


 

To one of the few posters who I truly respect on this board my prayers and support go out to you Dakota!

 

You are the only poster on here who got me to change some of my posting habits for the good!

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Whether someone has a liberal, or conservative viewpoint, a authoritative figure should not lock a thread for the sole purpose to get the last word in all the while prohibiting someone else from being able to respond.

Thanks everyone. Those of you that have been around a while know that i am a textbook medical mishap. Thats the main reason i am so cheery these days. This fime around i decided fo take a drive down cancer avenue. So far, the price of admission has been a kidney and some other misc minor stuff. Waiting o. A lot of test results to hear a prognosis. In the meantime i am working for hotter nurses and iv bags with fireball.


Seriously though, thanks everyone.

Get well. Also good reminder for us all that you just never know what's going on in a person's life so understanding is needed.

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Good luck Dakota. Thoughts and prays to you, friend.

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Just checking in....stay strong.

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Paul, you're one of the strongest men I've ever known. If anyone can beat this, it's you. Keep fighting the good fight.

 

Ditto

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"You do your own thing in your own time. You should be proud."