Topic: Riding with cancer (Read 3044 times)

lawlak · « **on:** March 16, 2008, 11:53:30 PM »

Hello everyone,

I am a new poster but a long time HD rider. In 2004 I decided to sell my Wide Glide and buy a new Ultra Classic. I sold the Wide Glide and just a few weeks later was diagnosed with a stage 3 colorectal cancer. I decided to wait until the treatment was over to buy the Ultra. I didn't want to stick my wife with the job of selling the Ultra if the cancer was going to kill me. Well, long story short, after a number of surgeries and rounds of chemo I thought I was home free. Last April I decided that I was past the cancer and called a buddy that owns Longhorn Harley in the Dallas area. I ordered a new 07 Screaming Eagle Ultra and it was going to be delivered in June. The next week I went to MD Anderson for follow up scans and found out my cancer had spread, with a tumor in the right lung and a lymph node positive in my lower pelvic area. My cancer was now a stage four with an average survival time of 18-20 months. I called my buddy at Longhorn and told him I would not be able to buy the bike, again, I didn't want to stick my wife with it if the cancer killed me. I started treatment again and thought the doctors were going to kill me if the cancer didn't. After treatment scans did not detect any cancer so the first thing I did was call my buddy back and tell him I needed an 08 Sceaming Eagle Ultra and needed it fast! It was delivered about four weeks ago and I have spent lots of time on it in the last month. I live in Southern New Mexico and we can ride most of the winter. The fact of the matter is that I probably don't have many months left because the cancer will come back soon and will hit hard. Please don't think for a second that I am whining or need you to feel sorry for me, that is not why I am posting. I have had 48 great years, a wonderful wife, two great kids and a very good career. The point of my post is this, enjoy everyday that you have. While you are on that Harley, soak in every single minute and enjoy every moment. I was riding today and the peace I find while riding my Harley is beyond my ability to describe. Ride everyday like it is your last day to ride because none of us really know. By the way, I don't buy that 18-20 months to live crap either, I am going to beat that if it kills me. ha Ride on brothers and sisters, ride on.

Tony
NM

Twolanerider · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2008, 12:02:29 AM »

Hi Tony. Just read that you had a nice ride on a great bike you love; today. I'm sure there was lots of other stuff there too. But that had to be the most important part. I'm a stranger to you. But do me a favor if you have a chance. Have another great ride again tomorrow!

Guilty · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2008, 12:20:12 AM »

Welcome from Salem, Oregon! Everyday is a great day to ride and I also find great peace while I am riding. All of my worries are left behind and I enjoy the ride, the scenery, the smells and the thrill of the ride. I am a believer in that it is not the destination, it is the ride. I am glad to hear that you are out enjoying the ride!

BayouBiker · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2008, 12:26:48 AM »

laissez les bon temps rouler - from Bourbon St, New Orleans!

RJ749 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2008, 01:31:03 AM »

Tony, welcome and congrats on the SEUC

Glad you are where you can ride often. The weather in NM is great, I usually get there for some hunitng in the late fall.

Keep it in the wind

d o g o l s · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2008, 02:14:39 AM »

Tony welcome aboard

just ride and have fun with your 08

MUFFMAN · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2008, 04:51:39 AM »

Welcome to the site from Ontario Canada. I hope you can beat it & I live every day that I ride as ride it like you stole it, because you just never know. Take a ride for me tomorrow.

Screamin · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2008, 05:14:40 AM »

Clearly the most important post from any new member ever. Ride on brother and good luck.

Fired00d · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:54:21 AM »

Tony,
Welcome to the site glad to have you join us.

Ride on, and Livestrong.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

LRebel · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2008, 02:03:40 PM »

Tony,

Welcome from Oklahoma!

As you have so clearly stated, we all need to enjoy every day......great advise. Amazes me what it takes sometimes to snap us back to reality and what it takes to make us really realize what is of real importance.

Tony, make your doctor a liar. Show your doc how a scooter can not only add life to your years, but how your scooter adds years to your life.

LRebel

FNGw/08SERK · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2008, 02:12:37 PM »

Welcome Tony, glad you enjoy your bike and thank you very much for taking the time to remind us of what SHOULD be of importance.

Howie

mr_magoo · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2008, 02:38:01 PM »

Welcome to the site, the saying live to ride ride to live has so much more meaning. Never give up the fight.

ultrafxr · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2008, 03:31:06 PM »

Tony, thanks for your post and welcome to the site. I know you'll keep that positive attitude which is so very important. Keep it in the wind and keep smiling.

amigo Jorge · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2008, 03:33:17 PM »

Welcome from South Florida.......and RIDE TO LIVE!!!

bisounours · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2008, 03:41:33 PM »

Good afternoon Tony

on the CVO website

I send you the

from FRANCE

Best regards and wishes

Jacques

Janine · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2008, 05:14:16 PM »

Welcome from central Maine.

miker · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2008, 05:23:48 PM »

CVOJOE · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:46:56 PM »

Tony,
Thanks for sharing your story and your love for HD. My aunt volunteered at the Anderson center after her treatments there, and she lived until the ripe ole age of 87 after being told she only had 18 mos at age 74. That's why they call it 'practicing medicine'. Best wishes for your treatments!!

Get out and ride when you can, and maybe hook up with the group in AZ in May?

Joe

HogDude · « **Reply #18 on:** March 17, 2008, 08:16:59 PM »

Tony,
Keep ridin and and enjoy everday !

Welcome to forum

sadunbar · « **Reply #19 on:** March 17, 2008, 08:26:25 PM »

Welcome to the site from Illinois!

I admire your attitude. Ride often.....

old wrench · « **Reply #20 on:** March 17, 2008, 08:36:19 PM »

Give it H#$L Tony, a old friend of mine that taught me to quail hunt found out he had cancer about a month after he retired. The doctor did what he could and told him he had around 6 months, oh that made him mad he said there is a lot of quail out there and he was going to hunt them. Well 6 years later it got him and I miss him every time we go hunting, but I dont think those quail do ha. If you come through Carlsbad stop by Im on the map in my profile, maybe we can wear out some rubber on those good smooth NM hwys

Good luck and a nice long ride

Keats · « **Reply #21 on:** March 17, 2008, 10:22:09 PM »

Wishing the best for you and your family and keep on riding, nothing clears the head as well!

TWR · « **Reply #22 on:** March 17, 2008, 11:03:55 PM »

hi i beat the big C you can too its 7 years now for me , ride lots good luck thanks tracy

geezerglide · « **Reply #23 on:** March 17, 2008, 11:23:04 PM »

Tony,

Diagnosed in 1989, chemo, radiation, operation in 1990, rode for 30 years before the operation, and been riding since and still going strong. You will beat it.

geezerglide

04se103 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 18, 2008, 12:06:47 AM »

Hello from Georgia Stand Stong

StrahDawg · « **Reply #25 on:** March 18, 2008, 09:32:27 AM »

Tony,

Diagnosed 2004 Stg 3 Adenocarcinoma (lung cancer) age 34. 2005 chemo, radiation, tarceva and finally surgery removed rt lung, rib, and 4 lymph nodes. Thank God everyday for the second chance at life and try lo live each day like it could be my last. Keep the fight Tony and ride on brother!

FLYNDYNA · « **Reply #26 on:** March 18, 2008, 02:44:59 PM »

Tony,

I agree with your philosophy 150%, live each day like it means something...each moment is to be savored. You are an inspiration. I will be praying for you and riding with you in spirit (New Mexico is a far cry from Northern Virginia). God bless and keep ya! You'll beat it!

Flyndyna

IslandUltra · « **Reply #27 on:** March 18, 2008, 03:07:44 PM »

Welcome from Padre Island in Corpus Christi, TX. Its been 4 years since I had cancer surgery. Still getting checked but so far so good. Saying a prayer that you'll beat yours. Good luck and enjoy every ride you get.

Jim

Classic45 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 18, 2008, 03:23:01 PM »

Welcome from Norway!

Ride and Have Fun!

2006_CVO_HD · « **Reply #29 on:** March 18, 2008, 09:43:30 PM »

Welcome to CVO Harley......

I have positive thoughts that you will be blessed with many riding day ahead to enjoy to the fullest!!!!!!

Texas Lurker · « **Reply #30 on:** March 18, 2008, 09:59:33 PM »

A Big CVO Howdy From Texas. Hope you have many many more years of great riding. Good luck & may God Bless You....Linny

HoopsIRL · « **Reply #31 on:** March 19, 2008, 06:05:42 PM »

Peace to you bro' - ride hard, ride strong & ride long!!

tompen · « **Reply #32 on:** March 19, 2008, 08:00:41 PM »

Carpe Diem..
Welcome Aboard.

Jock · « **Reply #33 on:** March 19, 2008, 08:30:52 PM »

Tony,

I can relate to your message more than I care to admit and wish you all the best.

One lesson I have learned several times is that medicine is NOT an exact science and therefore we can empower ourselves to better outcomes.

GOD Speed and Good Luck

skyglide · « **Reply #34 on:** March 23, 2008, 10:27:00 AM »

Welcome aboard

ccr · « **Reply #35 on:** March 23, 2008, 04:21:02 PM »

A Great Big CVO Harley Welcome. All the best of wishes to you, and thanks for the reminder to love what we have each and every day. Enjoy all your rides.

quetzal · « **Reply #36 on:** March 23, 2008, 08:49:14 PM »

I am a rider from Guatemala,also have cancer, but not that bad..This week getting my 08 springer, also have a95 springer. Remember that faith and a possitive attitude are also cures. Keep fighting NEVER SURRENDER. Been to Daytona 08 with my son and had good time with him.
If ever coming down to Guatemala it would be nice to welcome you.
Quetzal

sadunbar · « **Reply #37 on:** March 23, 2008, 09:02:36 PM »

Quote from: quetzal on March 23, 2008, 08:49:14 PM

I am a rider from Guatemala,also have cancer, but not that bad..This week getting my 08 springer, also have a95 springer. Remember that faith and a possitive attitude are also cures. Keep fighting NEVER SURRENDER. Been to Daytona 08 with my son and had good time with him.
If ever coming down to Guatemala it would be nice to welcome you.
Quetzal

Quetzal -

Welcome to the site from Illinois!

Never Surrender is right...! Ride often...!

Biguglydude · « **Reply #38 on:** March 23, 2008, 09:28:08 PM »

Tony,

From SW Ohio......Welcome to the site and back on the road. I'm glad to hear you finally bought the Ultra. Ride hard...........

JR · « **Reply #39 on:** March 23, 2008, 10:59:20 PM »

Hey Tony!

God Bless ya Bro! What an insperational 1st post. A great reminder to us all, we are all just a heartbeat from eternity! Only God knows the day and hour that we go. I will lift you and your family up in prayer. Enjoy your family, scooter and life! God's sweet love to you bro!

JR

SEEG Geezer · « **Reply #40 on:** March 24, 2008, 12:07:52 AM »

Thanks for posting...........outstanding attitude.....I'm with you on that one.

I was diagnoised with Carcinoid Tumors a couple of weeks ago (had two removed from small intestine on 3/5). The tumors were mailignant and I'm meeting with the Oncologist tomorrow. Since this is a rare form of cancer, I'm going to be doctor shopping once I see what type of treatment plan the doctor comes with tomorrow.

I am past the initial shock and fear.......now I'm f-ing pissed.....I'm going to do everything I can to attack this disease. I know it can be beaten.

By the way....against the doctor's orders I rode yesterday for a couple of hours.........it was the best therapy I could have had, although I'll probably be able to ride a little longer when the incision is no longer sore (have 7" scar on my belly.....no more speedo's for me...thank God).

Stay strong.........ride free.

Author Topic: Riding with cancer (Read 3044 times)

04se103