The latest with my ongoing battle against lymphoma - BEWARE pics attached!

[mslmg]

I'm in my 11th year of battling NH lymphoma. Yesterday I had outpatient surgery to remove a kiwi sized mass from behind my left ear. I ask the for the frankenstein look and the doc accomodated me with a drain tube.





This journey has allowed me to experience 4 different chemo protocols spaced about every 2 or 3 years.

My philosphy from day one: I will spend my days living rather than worrying about dying!

I think I will celebrate by rewarding myself with an R8.........any pain and suffering discounts would be appreciated!

Thanks for letting me share!

Mike

[Go Cat Go!!]

Tons of major mojo sent. Wishing you the best. I believe your attitude makes all the difference. I've been cancer free since '97. Like yourself i decided to live each day. Rock on!

[LesPaulMan]

Attitude is everything... and you have a great one.

Now go get that R8.

[Structo]

Thoughts and prayers for healing sent your way.
I admire your attitude and outlook.

Good luck in your treatment, I hope and pray it is successful and that no further cancer is found.

[sausagefingers]

Hang in there man. Has rituxan worked for you?

[cogan]

I hope most of the past 11 years haven't involved major surgery. Stay strong!

[mslmg]

Originally Posted by sausagefingers

Hang in there man. Has rituxan worked for you?

Thanks everyone.

Done Rituxan 3x and it is helpful in providing me with remission that lasts approx. 2 or 3 years. It's a very tolerable chemo protocol and can be viewed as a maintenance drug. This appears to be the case with me.

If you don't mind me asking, how/why are you familiar with Rituxan?

[DGTCrazy]

Keep kicking it's A$$.....and very hard I might add. You should be a Motivational Speaker, because there are many, many people who could benefit from your message of hope by the way you live. And post some pics for us of the killer R8 as soon as you get it!

[Alister]

Best wishes to you, and I salute your courage.

[Road King]

Praying for you brother. Your bravery is inspiring.

God bless.

[Redlined]

Originally Posted by LesPaulMan

Attitude is everything... and you have a great one.

Now go get that R8.

+1 I admire your outlook

[mslmg]

Originally Posted by DGTCrazy

Keep kicking it's A$$.....and very hard I might add. You should be a Motivational Speaker, because there are many, many people who could benefit from your message of hope by the way you live. And post some pics for us of the killer R8 as soon as you get it!

Thank you!

I did have an opportunity to speak at a lymphoma awareness fundraiser that my friends sponsored last summer. It was an all day event in a block party sort of way. Live music, food, beverages, etc. They also had an auction of donated goods, restaurant certificates, wine/food baskets, etc. I donated a brand new Fender Standard Telecaster that ended up having the highest value of any auctioned product (which made my day).

I just want to share a tidbit of what I said. I spoke about cancer and self pity. I stated that self pity is a wasted emotion that does not heal, does not provide comfort and is basically a road to nowhere. For example, I have always had an issue with the "Y me" breast cancer awareness campaign. It seemed to dive deeply into self pity and suggests "why me and not someone else"....in other words "why me and not my neighbor or that person over there." There is something wrong with that message.

[Rattles]

Wow! I am amazed by your strength and courage. Thoughts and prayers to you. You are an inspiration to us all.

[blaster]

Prayers to you

[stevel]

You are an inspiration, and a hero.

Best wishes,

Steve