Another Saga begins...gry

[Bat]

I guess I won't be going anywhere for a while. Something has come up.
Something not very good...
At the end of January, I got the news that my older son, Tony, had been diagnosed with lung cancer...after a bout of pneumonia, it was discovered he had a tumor which was completely blocking a lobe of his lung, hence the pneumonia. I talked to him last night, they have cleared up the pneumonia with antibiotics, and his spirits are good, he has been receiving chemo and radiation, starting this week, and feels like they might be doing him some good.

On a whim, after I got the news about Tony, I decided it was time for me to get checked up, lung x-ray, etc. The long and short of it is, they discovered a couple shadows in my lungs, one upper right, and a smaller one, lower left. After aspirating the upper right one, they found it was squamous cell carcinoma, NSCLC, in case you want to Google.
I said I wanted to get rid of the smaller one in the left lung, so am going in tomorrow for surgery to remove that.
After that, we'll see how they want to treat the other one, which is slightly larger, but not huge, and there are lymph nodes involved, but all local to the lung/thorax area, so they call it Stage III. Undoubtedly, chemo and rad are in the future, and whether they can operate on the tumor to remove it, or not, is still unknown...I get the idea they don't want to go that route because it is in a 'busy' area, lots of bones, nerves, muscles, etc.

So, that is what is going on here. I expect it will all go well and I'll be home in 2 or 3 days, sore, but ready to get on with it, whatever it is.
Just thought you oughtta know. There's a lotta life in the old gal yet, so don't worry!
Big Hugs,
Bat

[Agnes]

Rudie vibes and prayers all will go well, Bat. We need you hanging around here, so I'm just being selfish wishing you well ;)

<big hug>

[Roady]

Bat I'm shaking my head, saying, "This news sucks"! I'm so sorry and if there's anything I can do please email or PM me. I know you're up on the things medical but if you want any of the latest stuff from medical journals let me know. I'll be sending Rudie vibes and every positive thought I can conjure up for your surgery tomorrow.

Love and hugs to you and Marcia,

Roady

[Mimi]

Hey Bat,

most powerful Rudie Vibes and prayers are coming your way over the pond!

Please keep us up to date!

(((BIG HUG)))

MIMI

[Eva]

Oh damnit! :( I am sorry that both you and your son are going through this. I am sending you all loads of healing Rudievibes. Take care honey. Marcia, you too. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

Eva

[Dee]

Sorry this has happened, Bat. Prayers for the best possible outcome and for strength for you both.

[RandyVa]

It is said that everything happens for a reason Bat. You know the healing vibes of the Rudies works, it did for me! Before long you will be back up on that roof top adjusting the antenna again. Make sure Marcia gets a picture of it this time. Love you lots.
RandyVa

[angelgirl]

Bat, sending you lots of rudievibes and angel heartlinks and huge big hugs too.

O x

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Bat,

Don't you worry about a thing... A week from now you will again be hanging from the rafters by your feet...

Just know that (and I'm sure I speak for many) Our prayers, vibes, love and anything else we have that you may need is on the way.... Just let us know...

be well dear hovering fiend.... Your a very special rudistic/person/flying reptillian to us all.....

Best to you and yours

R & B

[Elliott]

:mad: Well, that sucks. I know you will do fine, and you have all the rudie vibes you need to get thru this. If you decide you would like to have treatment in Houston, you have a place to stay with me. Hang in there, and keep us posted.... every day. Love, Elliott

[marjan]

Hi Bat! I already knew there was something wrong, Marcia told me, but she asked to keep it quiet. Lots of good wishes are coming your way and to your son Tony!

[Rickster]

Bat, You hang in there! We're all batting for you! You're in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure all will go well for you....because we're rudies...and send healing thoughts that always work. ;)

[JoanM]

Prayers, thoughts, and vibes heading to a very strong and determined Bat. We're with you, your son, and Marcia...just breathe in the power and feel the calm. Then if necessary let us know and we'll all get on the kick the s*** out of those damn cells bus...
jm

[trish55]

hi bat, as a fellow rudie, i am sending you my love and concern..prayers too

[Bat]

good heavens! Your response is overwhelming me! Thank you one and all...I will do my best to absorb all those great vibes and good wishes coming my way, and aim them right at the trouble spot! I know I have to get better now!
Bigs hugs all around to all of you...
I just wish tomorrow was over...I think!...:eek:

[PattiPaige]

Bat, I don't know you but from what I'm reading from everyone you are very special and have a very loving soul. I will say a special prayer for you & your son.

[hoops]

Bat, you and Marcia hold a very special place in my heart. My love and rudie vibes and positive thoughts and prayers have been coming your way for a while now. Now i have to heat them up and get them really rocking. I love you lady. all will be well for you, Marcia and your son. and Tracy Sends her love and vibes too.
peace\
little hoopsie

[Bat]

Thank you all...I figured Marcia had told a few of you...I just didn't want to make a general announcement until I had something to say about what was going to go on...Of course, I still don't know enough...does one ever?

Roady, if you have access to the latest data/info, I would be most grateful for any insight coming my way. I've Googled myself blue in the face, so I pretty much know a little bit...enough to be dangerous. ;)

Thank you, Elliott...Cincinnati has some pretty formidable hospitals and a great med school here, so I doubt I'll be coming to Houston anytime soon... but if I do, it will be to have a ball, stay with you, and go have fun, eat our way through the town after you make me a great-looking old Dyke...well, I understand you have to work with what you're given...but you'll try, I know!

Thanks all my friends, old and new, seen and unseen, met and unmet...
I look forward to meeting you all one of these days!

Meanwhile, Marcia will need support too...she is putting on a great brave face, but I know sorta how she feels, since I have put myself in her place a few times...keep her from worrying, will you? I'm gonna be fine!

[Mary6906]

Bat, keep focusing all your Rudie vibes on where they need to go most.... they will work, I know it.... will keep you and your son in my thoughts and prayers.

[DaveM]

Now, Bat....you make sure you find yourself the best doctor and hospital there is for this sort of thing--and when you do, that's who you need to go to. Ask your doctor(s) who they would go to for treatment. Several hospitals in the U.S. are known worldwide for their cancer treatment facilities. Get to one. Get second opinions all around, and third opinions if necessary. Locate a good insurance lawyer, in case you have to fight with an insurance company to get appropriate treatment. If you need to travel, bring Marcia with you--and make sure you find all the personal support you can when you get there.

Meanwhile, you've got the undefeatable Rudie Vibes comin' at ya....and since there are Rudies everywhere, you can bet that wherever you get your doctoring done, one of us won't be far away if needed.

[coffeegyrl]

I'm praying and sending rudie vibes for you, Bat that everything works out how it should. And special rudie vibes for Marcia too.

[Agnes]

Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you apart from the vibes and prayers and the like. Both of you hang in there, you're in my thoughts. hug

[Mimi]

A candle will be burning for you today. Good thoughts and prayers are coming your way to you and Marcia!

Hug, MIMI

[Darlene]

Oh no Bat! As I read this I had such sadness welling up inside me, but then I said this is "Bat" one of our most formatiable leaders. There is no way our Barb, armed with very powerful rudie vibes, is going to be beaten by such an unfair player. Tell that cancer where it should go.....and go right out of your body too. I'm praying for you Bat!


Darlene

[stardust]

Hi gals,
I knew there must be a reason I was checking in today. I hate hearing this news, but I believe in you and in Rudie power. All my love, healing thoughts, and prayers are with all of you. If there is ANYTHING I can do, please ask. I love the both of you to bits.
Terrie

[illinoisbill]

So sorry to here the news about you and you son. You both will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sending healing rudie vibes your way.

Bill

[Chet]

<<< Bat >>>

Any more room for some positive vibes all the way from Malaysia?

*hugs to you and Marcia*

[david uk]

big, powerful rudie vibes and hugs to you all the way from the UK.

[RedjackRyan]

don't you worry none Barb, you have the most powerful support network in the known universe right here. Rudie vibes coming at ya from the burgh my dear.

[KarenSews2]

You know I'm here for both of you. I guess I've known the "news" even before Barb did, since Marcia called me "that morning" while letting Barb sleep.

Barb, you're a tough ol' broad, and you're going to do just fine. Hell, with all this Rudie love behind you, what's a little cancer??

Love ya!

[Anna from Dublin]

So sorry to hear your news Bat. Good luck with the surgery and here's hoping everything works out. One day at a time is a cliche, I know, but it is all you can do - take it one day at a time.

[lucille]

Hey Barb, it's essential you get through this, as you are the JIMB official wit and cynic. Actually I may be the cynic, and you the sceptic, but whateva ... you are a necessary cog in this www (world wide wheel) of Rudies. Love to you and Marcia from downunda, and cya next year.:)

[Beth]

Love...and good thoughts.

[Wildflower Fever]

Sorry I missed this, Bat, but I'm sending as many vibes as this frigid MN air will carry. I heard radio waves and such travel better in cold weather.;) Good luck, and I'm sure you'll be fine, and as for what DaveM said, I agree. IF it goes that far, you can never ask about enough doctors as far as I'm concerned.

[Kathleen Brogan]

I'll be thinking of you too!

Kathleen

[Eva]

you are the JIMB official wit and cynic. Actually I may be the cynic, and you the sceptic, but whateva ...
Details, details... :D Just be well Bat.

Eva