Going to need some Strong Healing thoughts.

[Skafloc]

So as some of you know, I was supposed to be sailing this past Friday.

That didn't happen. Friday morning as were getting ready to set out I suffered a seizure at my desk on the ship.

I was immediately whisked off to sick bay and put in an EKG. TIe immediate worry was either a heart attack or a stroke. Neither one was the culprit.

So an ambulance was called and I was sent to the hospital. I was given a cat scan which revealed the cause.

I have a brain tumor on my right hemisphere the size of a small lemon.

Yesterday morning I was given an MRI scan which gave the neural medicine team enough info that by 1 pm I was in the OR and my head was opened for 3 biopsy samples to be taken for analysis. I get the results by Wed. I am out on an evening pass tonight but report back tomorrow for a consultation.

I will most likely be in surgery later this week and a lengthy recover process.

I have a number of good things on my side. Both the MRI and the robot probe the doctors used in my skull (yes I was wide awake for that) showed that the tumor is self contained on the surface of my right hemispherical lobe. There are no tendrils or streamers.Also my white cell count is good.

Also, my neurologist is perhaps North America's if not the worlds best. Dr. Ivar Mendez. (http://neurosurgery.medicine.dal.ca/imendez.htm) This guy is a pioneer and has been featured on the Discover Channel. I am in wonderful hands with his team.

Headless to say I will be out of commission for a time.

So if you have any prayers, rituals whatever for healing don't hesitate to send them my way.

I don't know when I will be able to give you any updates, so I will sea you when I see you.

Do me a favor and give your loved ones a hug for me. Because you never know when something big comes up and bites you in the ass..

Love you all..

Rick.

[Akuje]

Thoughts and prayers are going your way. Do keep us posted as you go through this difficult time.

[Amoola]

Lots of thoughts coming your way. Please take it easy and recover.

[Nadea]

*Hugs Skaf* Be safe, sweetie. My thoughts are with you. My sister has had a few brain tumors and she's been able to get through them all, so I have complete faith that you'll be alright. <3

[swiftbleid]

Dang man, you are no doubt in our prayers.

[Imara]

You and yours will be in my thoughts, Skaf. <3

[NotMaithanet]

You better keep us all updated. Rest well, be around when you can (Because the Ready Room is open to all if you cant get on WoW or something), you know you got all our support.

[Malethia]

...take care of yourself. If have any way for anyone to give us updates, please do. You'll be in everyone's thoughts, I'm sure.

The good news is that I've known a couple of people with similar conditions. Both came out of it completely healed and normal. I have no doubt that you'll end up the same.

[Villayna]

I am speechless. Please do whatever is needed to get well. Let us know how things are going when you can, but take care of self first.

*stares at reply box for 10 mins. Really. Speechless.*

[Evanthe]

*sends a giant hug*

I'm also speechless... I will send all my thoughts and prayers your way Skaf. I love you bunches. And yes, please, please keep us posted.

[Leoren]

I can't even begin to imagine what you or your family must be going through right now, and I can only pray that you all stay strong through this. Know that you're in our prayers Rick, and everyone here's rooting for you.

[Ellsbeth]

Sending healing thoughts your way Skaf. Oh I hope you get better.

[Kiaransalius]

Take care Skaf, we will see you again soon! Just get healthy and better!

[Karkarov]

well first and foremost make sure to take it easy and rest and relax. Secondly do whatever the doc says though you dont strike me as the kind of guy who wouldnt. Good luck aflac, all the info you provided makes your odds look good so hopefully everything will go well. Keep us updated.

[Sinthe]

I don't even know what to say.

Take care of yourself. It sounds like you'll be able to get through it. Stay positive, ya know.

[Nazshakul]

You'll be in our thoughts! Get well soon. :)

[Tillna]

Glad they caught it now at least..

But damn dude, definitly sending good thoughts your way.

Be strong Rick.

-Nick

[Swerto]

My thoughts go with you, I hope things turn out better for you. Good luck and recover soon.

[opalexian]

You're in my thoughts. Wow. You'll pull through tho. They raise them rough in Canadia. :D

[Vilmah]

Oh wow, dude. You have my prayers. As awful as this is, I have faith that you'll be alright. I've had two friends who had tumors, two very good friends, and both of them recovered perfectly. One of them in fact, had three types of cancer. Today he's walking around fine n' dandy, so I'm praying you'll be just as well off.

Good luck, buddy. Get lots of rest and keep your chin up.

[Niethan]

Sounds like you're in the best situation you could be for a sucker punch like that, so I have faith in your speedy recovery.

Lots of love and good vibes!

[Bir]

I'm.. astounded.

My prayers will be with you Skafloc.

[Skafloc]

When they had my skull open for the biopsy yesterday I had them in stitches asking them why I didn't smell burnt toast. ( the Canadians will get that joke.)

I also told Dr. mandez I expected to come out of this with super powers

[Tillna]

Must be freaky to think people went in your head like that..

Talk about invasive.

Or playing head games. Sorry

[Vilmah]

I also told Dr. mandez I expected to come out of this with super powers

See what happened was, this is all a result of your using your telepathic powers too much. Kinda like when Professor X has to rest his brain for a while after battling another telepath.

[Alivanth]

I will be keeping both you and your family in my prayers, Skaf. And from what it sounds like, the cards are in your favor with this. I'm sure we'll see you back in the game after you recover.

In the meantime, focus on getting better!

[Sanrin]

You'll be fine, once you're done puttin a band-aid on that stuff you get right back here and show us plenty of pictures!

[Rand_Shea]

Oh man... a lemon? I'm utterly at a loss for words on how something like that can grow that big without being noticed, in the head no less. o.O

And wow, you got Dr. Mendez? I think I saw him once on a documentary, and he was brilliant. That was certainly something good to come out of an otherwise bad situation. :)

You'll have to explain the burnt toast comment.

Hope to see you soon again, Skaf, and I wish you good luck on the test results.

[Skafloc]

You'll have to explain the burnt toast comment.



THe burnt toast comment explained. It is a Canadian Heritage vignette.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5HO44sFRFI

[RavenReverend]

Jesus Skaf : \ Thoughts and prayers go with you. I know you'll pull through just fine.

As for the size of the tumor? It's not all that surprising. My cousins fiance/girlfriend actually had one out just last January, similar symptoms, except she was walking back from a hockey game. You'll be fine, you'll do fine. Just obey your doctors : )

[Skafloc]

You'll be fine, once you're done puttin a band-aid on that stuff you get right back here and show us plenty of pictures!

Heh. Picture this. I am sitting here right now with the top of my head stapled to the bottom part. :rolleyes:

[The_Golden_Wolf]

Skaf, I am so sorry. I am sending well wishes and healing thoughts. I have gone through scary health problems before, let us hope it is not anything serious. I imagine you have plenty of support, but if you want to talk I am here.

/offers hug

[Advurb]

You'll be alright bud, no worries.

[Tillna]

Well...

If nothing else, this prooves you do have a brain...in case any one has every questioned it.

*Cast LOH*

[Nymare]

In addition to the healing thoughts, I'll send you some with dancing ladies and juggling bears, too. (they're SOOTHING, I swear!)

Otherwise... I'm utterly stunned.

And now I just keep staring at the flashing cursor, completely at a loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as well as your family, and potential future super powers. You had better be well taken care of, damnit!

<3
C

[Tirralys]

I don't know what to say to it. Hope you get well soon? Even then that sounds like there's a chance not to get well, so while my intention is good it comes off as a bad thing?

Uhm...you'll feel better. I'm sure of it.

[Taknar]

Rick,

My prayers, thoughts, and tax dollars are with you (I love this country). It's great news that you remain in high spirits, and with all the support you've got behind you emotionally, spiritually and medically I have no fear that you'll be back on your feet playing with your dogs again as if nothing happened. Keep us updated, especially with what super power you get. Just watch out for Sylar.

~Shawn

[Yatokth]

That sucks hard man.

Good thing you can laugh about it though. ;)

You'll pull through.

[Thalevia]

My thoughts are with you and your family. I worked with someone who due to an extremely rare genetic disorder(as in only 3 people in Canada have it) she gets brain tumors periodically and has them removed and she is perfectly healthy and fine.

Also, *laugh* at the burnt toast reference.

[Izrail]

At a loss as to what to say. This is scary news. :( I wish you all the best and hope you heal thoroughly. Those "good hands" you're in better live up to their reputation. You're a good person and the world would be lessened without you.

And, in the name of inappropriate grammar nazi gallows humor:


Heh. Picture this. I am sitting here right now with the top of my head stapled to the bottom part. :rolleyes:


Headless to say I will be out of commission for a time.

This is either the best or the worst typo that could have occurred in this situation.

[opalexian]

Just watch out for Sylar.

This. Double check your doctors and make sure none of them looks like a young Mr Spock.


And also you need to come back so everyone can cast Bacon of Light on you. :D

[Grainia]

What everyone else has said.

I also know people that have had brain tumors removed and were better than before after surgery.

[Visant]

Holy shit. I hope you get to keep all your good bits and recover quickly. *e - hugs*

[Raziel]

Holy shit..

Haha.. Oh wow.

[Sanrin]

Heh. Picture this. I am sitting here right now with the top of my head stapled to the bottom part. :rolleyes:

I tried picturing it but in my head I just imagine a huge staple. This does mean however, that you must have have no hair right now? At least in that spot? This means if I get you for secret santa you'll be getting a sweet hat you keep your Canada head warm.

[Raziel]

I had staples in my head before.

Rather fun those things.

[Lascivious]

if i could access youtube i'd link several inappropriate Kindergarten Cop references with my best wishes. looking forward to 'seeing' you again later.

oh, and make sure your doctor isn't part of this team. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10017283-71.html)

and remember in times like thes rum is a sailor's best friend.

[Skafloc]

if i could access youtube i'd link several inappropriate Kindergarten Cop references with my best wishes.

Oh trust me, I've already worn out my Arnie impressions. "Eets not a toomah"


Not to mention totally relating to South Park's animation of Canadians.;)

[Skafloc]

Seriously, Thank you all so very much. It means a lot to me really. There is no patient accessible internet terminal at the hospital but I will provide an update on my next day pass. I return to the hospital in a few hours for a scheduled meeting with the neurosurgeon and his chosen oncologist where we will be going over the plans should chemo and/or radiation therapy be used. Right now there is no reason at all to suspect anything malignant and every reason to believe it benign but they may well chose to not take any chances while still waiting for the biopsy report and go ahead and zap it anyway. If so the recovery from chemo is usually spent at home.

I will let you know how it all goes.

Rick

[Izrail]

Be well. Thanks for keeping us posted. Come back safe and sound.

[Yichimet]

It sounds like a decent diagnosis for something this terrible. You strike me as a pretty tough dude, though, so just take it easy once this thing's gone and we'll be seeing you again soon. Prayers to you and your family, brother.

[Nadea]

I'll make sure I have a beer in your honor, Skaffy <3

[Xaraphyne]

Oh god, Skafloc. <hugs> Be well.

<hughughugs>

[Grainia]

I'll make sure I have a beer in your honor, Skaffy <3

More than one! And tequila!

[Akuje]

I'd say I'd have a beer in your honor, but after Saturday night, Im staying away from the stuff.

At this time they don't know what kind of tumor? Keep strong, from the sounds of it, you are a bit stubborn to let it slow you down.

[Lisbet]

And this is what I get for trying to maximize time and lessen the amount of time I spend reading these forums :(

Rick you get better, take whatever time you need, and fight off what ever it is trying to suck your powers of awesome away. Come back when you feel up to it, and in the meintime we'll think good thoughts about super powers and good looking red headed hunters ;)

[Agnarr]

Was out of town and just caught this. Hope it all goes well (as much as it can) for you.

[Lelenia]

Haven't prayed in a long time...never was very religious, even though my family (especially grandma) is almost overly so...but I'm sure there are a few I can remember for you, Rick.

.

.

.

.

And if you don't get better, your former "teacher" is going to find the old beatstick :P

~Will

[Tindary]

Heh. Picture this. I am sitting here right now with the top of my head stapled to the bottom part. :rolleyes:

Oooh, and just in time for Halloween! Now I want to watch Young Frankenstein...

Here's wishing you good news and a speedy recovery. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Skafloc]

An update.

I just received a phone call from my tumor specialist. They are repeating a stain test on my biopsy samples to confirm something they are all considering as of this morning. In the opinion of the team based on the video data from the probe they sent inside my head on Saturday they now suspect the tumor may perhaps be not as strong or aggressive as they originally feared and in fact I may not require a full surgery after all. If it is confirmed by the biopsy report (due tomorrow), I may only have to endure the radiation and chemo therapy treatments.

If surgery is still going to be done it will be Monday most likely. I will get the definitive word on that late tomorrow or early Friday.

[The_Golden_Wolf]

:o !!!!!

/crosses fingers and sends good vibes

[Amoola]

*passes Skafloc duct tape for his head*

[Ellsbeth]

Want some chocolate?

[Evanthe]

:o !!!!!

/crosses fingers and sends good vibes

Oo! This. This a million times. :)

[Skafloc]

Want some chocolate?

Of course! But all I need to do for that is bully my kids.

[Ellsbeth]

Of course! But all I need to do for that is bully my kids.

Yes one day I'll get in on that racket. Oh yeah.

[Grayslin]

Here's hoping it turns out they're right and all you need is some non-invasive treatment. Good luck to you.

[Rand_Shea]

Of course! But all I need to do for that is bully my kids.

Ha, I complete you expect you to do this. That way when your kids start telling their kids about stuff their grandpa did, one story shall be "He had brain surgery to take out a huge tumor, had staples holding his head closed, and still beat me up for my Halloween candy! :<".

[Aphraelle]

You just told me in /tell in game, because I somehow missed your post. I have no idea what to say beyond "Holy shit!" (again) and that I'll be thinking/praying/stuff for you. A lot.

[Kethryvaris]

Count me in the speechless crowd. You have always been someone who's posts I enjoy reading.

Please be well; stay safe; and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Lascivious]

indont know. i think id still want surgery, get that thing out of there.

plus it would be cool to pull the top of my head off llike a jack o lantern during halloween.

[Skafloc]

indont know. i think id still want surgery, get that thing out of there.

plus it would be cool to pull the top of my head off llike a jack o lantern during halloween.

Like I was telling Aphraelle last night. The problem is I am left handed, meaning that the right side of my brain is dominant. The dominant side generally controls speech. One of the possible outcomes of surgery is I may wind up with a major speech impediment, lisp or something else entirely (like suddenly speaking nothing but Mongolian).

Like I told Aph,, I can live with that. At least I will be alive right? :D

I should find out one way or another soon. As it happens I missed one of the doctor's calls this afternoon while I was out on other appointments. I tried to get back to him before his office closed but it will have to wait until tomorrow it seems. It wasn't urgent or the on call neurosurgeon would have been advised.

I have to admit the Halloween potential is enormous. ;)

[Vilmah]

Stupid Skafroc! Always breakin' down mah shitty waws!

[Raziel]

Dude, tell Blizzard and maybe they'll give you a Phoenix Mount.

[Sanrin]

Dude, tell Blizzard and maybe they'll give you a Phoenix Mount.

No, he'd want to make his own item first. So lets have it, if you could get your own item what would it be?

[Taknar]

Dude, tell Blizzard and maybe they'll give you a Phoenix Mount.

Considering the recent news that the kid has died due to the tumor he had that comment was in really bad taste.

[Abric]

Just make sure you tell them the two things you want to keep - your grilling skills and the ability to do an underway replenishment detail in a hockey outfit without spilling your beer.

[Agnarr]

[Skafloc's Unbinding Wand]
Use: Removes the "soulbound" status of bind-on-equip wedding rings.

(In-game, obviously, as his elf has a problem keeping the ladies at home)

[Skafloc]

[Skafloc's Unbinding Wand]
Use: Removes the "soulbound" status of bind-on-equip wedding rings.

That is pure win! :D Quick! Someone design one for me complete with Epic stats!

As far as a mount goes, hell I would just be happy to get my epic flier sometime before WOTLK release. Heh..:D

[Niethan]

As far as a mount goes, hell I would just be happy to get my epic flier sometime before WOTLK release. Heh..:D

Well, I for one think a Skafloc's Get Well Soon Mount Fund is in order.

[Amoola]

Taknar I have to completely agree. Bad, bad taste.

On topic though....

Are you going to have them put in some cybernetics? Maybe a jack for ease of playing? ;)

[Sanrin]

We can rebuild him. Make him faster, stronger, better at farming gold.

[Lovely]

Just saw this. Hope you get better soon, and I will pray for you, and maybe even cast a few Cure Serious Wounds spells.

Wishing you well....

Jon.

[Rand_Shea]

Considering the recent news that the kid has died due to the tumor he had that comment was in really bad taste.

Oh, he died? Last I heard he was just taking a really bad turn for the worst.

Either way... agreed. Bad taste. It's bothersome when anyone trivializes someone else's life based on what others did for them in their final years. "LOLZ IF UR DYING U CAN GET EPICS IN DA GAME LOLZ"...

All I gotta say is I hope no one else knows anyone who's terminally ill and had something nice done for them.

But back on topic...

Zipperhead is invinciiiibllllleeee!

Tell them if they put any metal plates in that they'd better make sure it doesn't mess up your radio receptions, or get you stopped in airports.

[RavenReverend]

Makes for one hell of a zombie costume :D

[Bir]

Skaaaflocc T_T Every time I see your name now I get so sad I want to cry.

I was in this "Academy" today doing some artwork and all the Canadian military history stuff plastered all over reminded me of you.

I almost cried, for real. It was pretty embarrassing.

[Resinous]

Don't think I've met ya, but good luck bro.

[Skafloc]

Tell them if they put any metal plates in that they'd better make sure it doesn't mess up your radio receptions, or get you stopped in airports.

I would be more worried about spontaneously peeing myself when passing through the security wicket at Future Shop or Best Buys.

[Ironskull]

Damn, I don't know how I missed this one. We didn't get to know each other well in game... stupid horde guards kept killing me when all I wanted to do was extoll the virtues of a free market and ogre labor...

Anyway, it sounds like your team knows what they're doing, and I wouldn't worry too much if you need surgery. There's a relief to knowing the offending growth/organ has been excised all together. It's not nearly the same, but when they were treating my gall bladder with meds I lobbied pretty hard to just cut the damn thing out and be done with it.

Don't worry too much about the speech center thing. Left-handed people don't always have their speech center in the right half of the brain. Most of them have it in the left like "normal" people. Some have it spread over both halves.

Patience. Discipline.

Sowell

[Skafloc]

My enemy has been revealed to me today.

This is my foe. It has a name. It is Glioblastoma Multiforme (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glioblastoma_multiforme).


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/theenemy.jpg

Cry Havok and Let Loose the Dogs of War! :mad:

[Vilmah]

DUDE!! It's fuckin' HUGE!

[Aphraelle]

Knowledge is power, they say. Hang in there, Skaf. Lots of people pulling for you.

[Taknar]

Gotta get in first with this!

Braaaaaaiiiinnnnsss....

When is the surgery?

[Skafloc]

When is the surgery?

Friday Morning. 5-6 hours surgery. A 5-6 week recovery period then 6 weeks of radiation (30 sessions). After that comes 6 months of chemo therapy.

Then the waiting game.

[Tillna]

Rick.

Make sur enone f the doctors mumble the word Brains or seem to be rotting.

Zombie surgeons are BAD.

And good luck..best wishes.

And pumpkin pie

[Vilmah]

Waiting game sucks. Lets pley Hungry Hungry Hippo!

[Ellsbeth]

Braaaaains.

Not everyone can say they have a picture of their brain.

Pull through Skaf! I want you to become a published author with my favourite erotica imprints.

[Rand_Shea]

I read that wiki article... :(

I really hope it's better than what that article indicated it would be.

[Ironskull]

You didn't happen to get a polio vaccine between 1955 and 1961 did you?

Other than that, this whole thing has me sick. I really hope you're doing okay over there. Let us know if there's anything we can do, I'm sure the community here is as eager to help as I am.

Don't forget pot works well with chemo and radiation therapy.

Sowell

[Skafloc]

I read that wiki article... :(

I really hope it's better than what that article indicated it would be.

So do I. Honestly I don't pay a lot of attention to the statistics and percentages listed there as I think they are based on dated techniques and treatments. For example the surgery I will be undertaking will be using a new type of ultrasonic scalpel that is extremely precise, uses no heat (as opposed to a laser) and liquefies the tissues instead of cuts, which is then just sucked up. It will allow them to go deeper without as much collateral damage to healthy brain tissue.

The radiation treatments have been refined and more focused on specific wavelengths and the chemo therapy is now a pill form that is less harmful to the body system as a whole.

Still, I am not kidding myself.

Fact. There is no cure. That is plain. All this will do is buy me time. 5..10.years? The actual number is impossible to determine.

So.. this is my plan. Fight the good fight. Buy myself that time and explore every available option out there to bulwark that fight. Meditation, holistic approaches, diet,positive thinking, prayer (sure thing), Nothing is out of the realm of consideration for me at this point. Why should it be? If it has a chance of making a difference it is on the table.

In the meantime I am going to plan my trip to Europe with my wife and family for after the chemo treatments are done. I want them to see Spain and Italy.

Time to do the things I always wanted to do. Maybe I will take those art classes I always promised myself I would take.

[Lisbet]

I'm going to church this weekend for you, Rick. GOOD THOUGHTS AND COOKIES :(

I'll leave a few words my uncle left me before he fought the fight you're going through right now --

Everything is precious, store it and cherish it. Have fun and enjoy life, and remember that it's worth fighting for right up till the very last breath.


I know he did, and I have faith that you will to.

[Izrail]

Hugs and a steady stream of thoughts/prayers to you. :( May the doctors and your family give you all the support and treatment you need. New breakthroughs keep coming, who knows what could come up? If there's anything I can do from this end of the internet please let me know.

[Sifar]

Skafloc, all my good thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are headed your way. I can only begin to imagine the things you've been dealing with over the last week. We're all hoping you pull through it with the same valor and steadfastness you've displayed here.

<3

[Rand_Shea]

5-10 years?

Wow... that puts a lot of things concerning mortality into perspective, and it's scary.

[Xaraphyne]

Skafloc... Tons of love coming your way. From every direction.

[Skafloc]

5-10 years?

Wow... that puts a lot of things concerning mortality into perspective, and it's scary.

It does. It really does.

Life lesson here folk. It is because of things like this that I am in awe of people like Vilmah who have so many things they have said they wanted to try and do in their life time and have actually gone out and done them or tried it out.

Don't hesitate. Grab life by the balls and run with it.

[Yatokth]

5-10 years?

Wow... that puts a lot of things concerning mortality into perspective, and it's scary.

That's what I wanted to say when I read the post, but I was at a loss for words.

You said it better, Ran.

[The_Golden_Wolf]

So do I. Honestly I don't pay a lot of attention to the statistics and percentages listed there as I think they are based on dated techniques and treatments. For example the surgery I will be undertaking will be using a new type of ultrasonic scalpel that is extremely precise, uses no heat (as opposed to a laser) and liquefies the tissues instead of cuts, which is then just sucked up. It will allow them to go deeper without as much collateral damage to healthy brain tissue.

The radiation treatments have been refined and more focused on specific wavelengths and the chemo therapy is now a pill form that is less harmful to the body system as a whole.

Still, I am not kidding myself.

Fact. There is no cure. That is plain. All this will do is buy me time. 5..10.years? The actual number is impossible to determine.

So.. this is my plan. Fight the good fight. Buy myself that time and explore every available option out there to bulwark that fight. Meditation, holistic approaches, diet,positive thinking, prayer (sure thing), Nothing is out of the realm of consideration for me at this point. Why should it be? If it has a chance of making a difference it is on the table.

In the meantime I am going to plan my trip to Europe with my wife and family for after the chemo treatments are done. I want them to see Spain and Italy.

Time to do the things I always wanted to do. Maybe I will take those art classes I always promised myself I would take.

As far as Holistic approaches to boost immunity and healing... I am fairly knowledgeable. You are doing a good thing by exhausting every option out there, and I truly hope you kicks it's ass!

Skaf, I know I might not have a leg to stand on but, I also suffer from a life threatening condition. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm here.

/holds hand

[Skafloc]

My father flew down yesterday from Toronto to spend the week with me.

Last night we both sat up until about 4 am talking about stuff. Mostly family history, laughing about some of the boneheaded things I did as a teen that of course I always thought he never knew about but he did. Oh yes he did.

We had a bit of a cry session as well. I could see that look in his eyes. That one I know I would have if faced with the knowledge my boy was seriously ill. That one any parent would have in that situation. The “its not fair. Its not right.” look.

He asked me up front how I feel Asked me to be honest. Was I scared? Because it was alright to be scared.

I answered him in as honest a way I could. Yes dad, of course I am. But I am also resigned. You know who I am. You know what I am. Of course you do because you made me this way. You, mom and the rest of the family.”

My dad is a survivor and a warrior in every sense of the word. He is an archetype Leo. He is the kind of man who is quiet and non abrasive but has that way of walking into a room and immediately becomes the center of attention and owns the stage. With a look and a few words all ears are his. He rose in his employment years to the highest levels of Canadian Government completely on his work ethic, personality and attitude of "if there is a job to do, lets get on with it."

He retired 10 years ago but still works as a management consultant to think tanks, charities, community organizations, business organizations etc. Mostly to keep himself keen and active.

My mother was the perfect foil to him. Both were immigrant kids from the aftermath of WWII, Both having experienced hardships. Mom was no less a strong personality in her own right, but on a more subtle level. She did not so much command a room with her personality as she did win them over with grace and charm. Mom was often compared to Jackie Kennedy. She even looked a lot like her. But it was her personality that was so similar.

Mom passed away in 1991 from Leukemia. Dad remarried in 1996, a wonderful feisty Italian woman named Florence who is so unlike mom, but in many ways just as compelling with that Latin character that I don’t think I need to elaborate on. Of course I find it hard to call her mom, seeing as she is actually only several years older than I am.

Hehe.

Anyway. To last night. Yes we sat and talked. We drank some wine, which I really shouldn’t with my meds, but it was several hours since my last dose so I decided that one glass would be safe. It was.

We talked about lots of things. But mainly we talked about us.

I told him then and there how proud I was to be his son.

Yeah we bawled.

Here’s to you dad. All 65 years young of you. The Silver Fox! :D

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/dad.jpg

[The_Golden_Wolf]

I cried.

/toast to all dads out there

[Vilmah]

Skaf, I forgot you liked wine.

Next time I go to Spain, I'm bringing you back a bottle from th'farm. Just a warning; it can double as an anticeptic.

[Evanthe]

The Silver Fox! :D

Now I see where you get your good looks from. :)

[Skafloc]

Now I see where you get your good looks from. :)

So he tells me over and over.

[Evanthe]

So he tells me over and over.

El oh el. And don't you forget it!

[Lelenia]

Well Skaf...if any of those thing you want to do include coming to this side of the border, make sure you hit me up. At the very least I can get some very good wines (connection in the culinary field help loads) and whip up an ass-kicking meal for you and yours.

Keeping you in my thoughts,

William

[Kelven]

This is hardly ideal. The fact that they're going to stick a sonic screwdriver in your brain and blast the tumor out with the Power of Rock* is kind of awesome, but isn't quite worth how dire everything else is.

Still. You're young. Technology is improving. You may not live to be a hundred, but you'll certainly live. Good luck on Halloween.

* I am picturing you on the operating table, with a surgeon sticking a tube into your skull. On the other end of the tube is Aerosmith. "Steve, what are we doing?" "We are saving this man's life!" *STRUMMMMM~*

[Tillna]

I got teary eyed.

I can't even begin to understand what this is like, but god damn, you are one tough sunnuva bitch, I'll say that much.

May the turtles of the Sea bring you fortune.

[Aquizit]

I don't pray... but.. y'know. Keep up the fight, as you've said you'll be doing.

I feel so.. awkward. I hardly look at this forum so when Mom(Tindary) was like.. "blahblah brain tumor blahblah" I felt kinda.. bad that this has been up for.. what a week now?

Geez, lookit that Aquizit, always late.

[opalexian]

So he tells me over and over.

Eva totally stole what I was gonna say...even tho I read it after she replied. >_>

Thank you so much for sharing everything with everyone here. You're just awesome, and I'm so happy your dad is too. With the power of TNG behind you nothing can stop you, not even a little mutated brain bit. /hugs

[Skafloc]

Thank you so much for sharing everything with everyone here.

I will be honest with you all. I approached Villayna yesterday after posting the MRI photo with the proposal of moving this entire thread to a separate community group or something. She would not hear of it.

My worry was two fold. One that it may be seen as being to unsettling a topic for some to listen to and read and could wind up being very depressing. My other worry was that it may begin to seem to be too sensational and even attention seeking. Not at all what I want.

What I want is to journal this fight and show a very human issue as it is unfolding. One that I pray nobody else here will ever have to experience or see a loved one experience. But should that sad event tragedy happen perhaps some of the insight and thoughts expressed here will be of some aid at that time.

Also on a purely selfish level I find this therapeutic for me and it helps me sort out my own feelings on this and I draw real strength from your kind words and well wishes. Belive me I do. It really does make me feel strong. Yes I know I do not know you all in real life, but that hardly matters. It doesn't change the impact your support is having.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you.

[Villayna]

I will be honest with you all. I approached Villayna yesterday after posting the MRI photo with the proposal of moving this entire thread to a separate community group or something. She would not hear of it.


This is what Malbrignon said when I brought it up to the other mods:


It's fine where it is. I will ruthlessly hack to pieces anyone who tries to make it something awful. Lupa's an awesome dude who can have whatever he wants as far as I'm concerned.

/hug

[Ellsbeth]

It's not attention seeking. You've always been one of the nicest people here -- a kind word for everyone -- with a moment of time for everybody. You've jumped in on RP events. You get involved with plots. You up other people's lives and roleplay.

It's time we upped yours.

[Sifar]

^ This!

Something tells me most folks here have a "Skafloc Story" to tell.

[Vilmah]

Seriously, dude. It's all good. Of course if you wanna keep things private, there's always the blog, but I don't think ya got anything to worry about. <3`

[EnheilRas]

Okay. SHOOT BIGGER.

Ask for a freakin' frost wyrm mount!

And maybe like a custom helmet.

[Izrail]

It's not attention seeking. You've always been one of the nicest people here -- a kind word for everyone -- with a moment of time for everybody. You've jumped in on RP events. You get involved with plots. You up other people's lives and roleplay.

It's time we upped yours.

What she said. Additionally: Unlike a lot of the hot topics around here, this situation is real, and affects the community because of the way you've helped shape it. What a jaded, superficial place the internet is that you would worry posting this may be too selfish. :/

[Ellsbeth]

Okay. SHOOT BIGGER.

Ask for a freakin' frost wyrm mount!

And maybe like a custom helmet.

Boo. Don't hate on the Phoenix Mount. That was a really sweet thing that Blizzard did to a kid that really loved the game. You're a bad bad man Mister Raz.

[EnheilRas]

Boo. Don't hate on the Phoenix Mount. That was a really sweet thing that Blizzard did to a kid that really loved the game. You're a bad bad man Mister Raz.

He won't be able to use the Pheonix Mount in Northrend though.
We gotta think big with the second Expansion Ellsbeth!

We gotta think Frost Wyrm!
We gotta think level 80 PvP Helmet!

[Ellsbeth]

We gotta think Frost Wyrm!
We gotta think level 80 PvP Helmet!

Frost Wyrm/Ice Dragonhawk PET for Skafloc.

And an orange helmet that grows as there are PvP seasons.

[EnheilRas]

Frost Wyrm/Ice Dragonhawk PET for Skafloc.

And an orange helmet that grows as there are PvP seasons.

Now you're thinkin'!
Get Kotaku on the line!

Let's make this happen!

[Skafloc]

I met with the surgery team yesterday morning to go over the procedure.

Tomorrow or Thursday I will be going in or my prop formalities. Another EKG for baseline, some blood work, paperwork etc. Friday 0600AM EST I go for another MRI for tagging the points the surgeon will use to map out his route and plan. At 1000 AM EST the surgery will commence.

6 hours later it will be done (should be done, so that would be 4 pm EST.) I will be in post op for that night obviously and most of Saturday. I will be home for Sunday most likely.

They will not be going in through the same hole as I thought, but will be removing most of the right side of my skull for this one. That piece will be screwed back in place after the operation.

My surgeon is Dr. Simon Walling, (http://neurosurgery.medicine.dal.ca/swalling.htm) He is the Neurosurgery Tumor expert on this all star team. My wife thinks he is a hottie, if that counts for anything. :D

It seems I will not be under local anesthetic this time as originally thought but will be out fully. Just was well I guess. 6 hours is a long time.

[Ironskull]

Good luck! Keep us all posted, of course.

[Xaraphyne]

<hughugsqueezes>

[Sanrin]

They're gonna pvp the cancer in your head. Just think about that. For a whole six hours you're going to be a battleground. Let us know how the fight goes, with luck the Alliance will win!

Thats right. Horde is a cancer. I think maybe thats how this all showed up to begin with, it all makes sense. Once you beat this thing we'll work on getting your Alliance account back, and then we'll share your story with the Canada Oprah and start makin the real big bucks.

[Skafloc]

I got blessing of protection Baby! :D

[Kiaransalius]

It puts so much in perspective...damn... once again I wish only the best to you and your family, if anyone seems like a tough enough person to deal with this, it would be you! (Grilling in the snow... madness!)

[Skafloc]

(Grilling in the snow... madness!)

Nonsense! It is a higher art form. ;)

[Karkarov]

I suspect you wouldnt want to be awake for them carving open half your brain cage and screwing it back in anyway. Something about that seems somehwat tough to sit through. hopefully the surgery will go smoothly and you will be ready to start recovery in no time.

[Vilmah]

My wife thinks he is a hottie, if that counts for anything. :D

You know it does for me!! His qualifications sound outstanding.

I'll be praying for you dude. I know you'll be okay. You will be my tumor-less friend #3 after this!

[Skafloc]

You know it does for me!! His qualifications sound outstanding.

The one thing that to me speaks volumes about the man's character is the fact one of his passions and specialties is Pediatric Neurosurgery. This is a man who operates on the brains of children, with all the complications special needs and factors that entails. That requires a special kind of person with exceptional skills, compassion and dedication. I would think.

EDIT: For Karkarov. Truth be told I found being awake for the biopsy and exploratory last Saturday fascinating in the extreme! I was actually looking forward to this one being awake as well, but due to the new extent of the procedure that isn't an option anymore really. I think I mentioned earlier on that the surgery itself wasn't all that bad. It was the clamps and brackets they they installed to keep my head steady which caused the vast amount of discomfort. Something from right out of the Tower of London torture chambers. 6 Hours is a long time to wear that thing.

[Moknim]

My thoughts go out to you.

My uncle is a cancer doc of some sort, and he says that he can tell (with about 80&#37; accuracy) whether a person will make it past the 3 year mark (which is apparently an important point for whatever he does) in the first 10 minutes of meeting that person - he says its all about attitude. Never underestimate the power of being determined to win. You don't always, but if you give up...you definitely lose.

About 8 years ago my Grandmother was given stats on how long she had given her ovarian cancer: something like a 0.8% chance to make it past 3 years. 8 years, 2 new hips, and 3 bowling trophies later, she just got a convertible. She said she had always wanted one.

Thoughts and prayers go with you.

[Grainia]

Your wife is right about the doctor. He's a hottie and almost bald!

I'll be lighting candles for you and hypothetically knitting on a hypothetic hat. And planning a road trip because it has been waaaaay too many years since I have been to Nova Scotia.

*hugs*

[Ulroci]

Wishing you the best, Skaf.

Much love, hope and best wishes from the mooman. <3

[Nadea]

*hugs Skaf* I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. You'll be in my thoughts <3

Also, I commend you for being such a strong person. It makes me smile to think about that. One of those teary happy smiles! =D

[Visant]

I hope the operation goes well and you recover quickly.

In the meantime, here is a small bit from an unfinished story. Takes place many years after Blackrock Mountain. Excerpt from Heartbreaker, Soultaker:

“By the Sun! Is it really him?”

“Gods, yes it is! I’d recognize those dreamy red eyes anywhere.”

Noticing the two Sin’Dorei women staring at him Adeon Ran’Deau smiled and waved at them with a tentacle. They both gasped, having heard tales of the heights of pleasure he could bring with a flick of his unusual appendages.

Adeon continued on his way, strutting up the street as though he owned it. Even for a Blood Elf he was devilishly handsome, the son of two of the most lusted after men to have ever lived, until now. Oh sure Adeon was also the Bringer of the End, destined to bring about the apocalypse and destroy Azeroth, but for now he was the ultimate pimp mac daddy of Silvermoon and all the ladies knew it.

[Skafloc]

That deserves artwork! I challenge anyone to draw Adeon Ran'Deau! :D

[Taknar]

That deserves artwork! I challenge anyone to draw Adeon Ran'Deau! :D

Approach Yat with it. You'll have a rough sketch in about an hour, I bet ya ;D

[Yatokth]

That deserves artwork! I challenge anyone to draw Adeon Ran'Deau! :D

FUCKING ON IT.

NO NOT LITERALLY.

SICKOS.

[RavenReverend]

*licks Skaf's eyeballs* Because you needed it :D

[Yatokth]

DONE.

CHECK THE ART FORUMS FOOLZ.

[Roth'rili]

Epic arts from Yat right there Skaf you will definitely get a chuckle out of it. Hope everything is going well and hope to keep seeing you here. Your family probably weird sick so my best wished to them and you.

[Skafloc]

Heading out now to the hospital for 7 am start of surgery. Well actually cutting will be at 10 am est. 7 am is the mapping part. Surgery should end at 4 PM est. I will be out of it probably for the rest of this Friday until about Sat morning in any case.

I will be try to provide an update so it can posted to the thread. But don't worry if there is a delay.

See you all on Sunday most likely, unless there were complications.

Happy Halloween all. Take Care and see you on the flip side.

[Thalarios]

Good luck bud.

[Xaraphyne]

We'll be waiting to hear from you!

[Nadea]

*hugs* good luck!! <3

[opalexian]

We'll be thinking about you Skaf. Be well. Can't wait to hear how it went, and if they found anything interesting in it. :D

[Gorvena]

Prayers said.

[Keraph]

I'm wishing the best for you.

[Karkarov]

lets hope it all plays out according to plan. I will gack some muties in fallout 3 in your name aflac!

[Evanthe]

Update!

I just got a message from Skaf. He says the surgery went well, and they were able to get 98-99% of the tumor which is remarkable. He says his recovery is going well. :)

[Ironskull]

Update!

I just got a message from Skaf. He says the surgery went well, and they were able to get 98-99% of the tumor which is remarkable. He says his recovery is going well. :)

Woohoo! Tell him we said "hi" and ask if he got to keep the tumor afterwards. When my gall bladder was cut out I wanted to keep it stabbed to my wall as a lesson to my other organs of what happens when they fail me. I figured I could head off any impotence problems that might come my way later. Stupid nurse wouldn't let me have it though. Strangest thing... I mean we seriously don't even own our own bodies?

[Izrail]

Update!

I just got a message from Skaf. He says the surgery went well, and they were able to get 98-99% of the tumor which is remarkable. He says his recovery is going well. :)

That's awesome! Thanks for the update. We're all rooting for him.

[Taknar]

WOOOOO!!!!

[Yichimet]

Hurraaaaaaaaaay!!! Tell him we all can't wait to talk to him!

[Xaraphyne]

<leaves lots of <3's for Skaf>

[The_Golden_Wolf]

Happy halloween indeed Skaf! /hugs

[Nadea]

Oh I'm SO glad and relieved to hear this!! Thanks a ton Eva for letting us all know, and many <3's for Skaffy!!

[Lisbet]

Give him our love and tell him to get well soooooooooonnnnnnnnn. We miss him!

[Sifar]

Brilliant! I'm so very glad to hear this.

I'll keep up the good wishes for ya, Skaf, as you move into recovery mode.

[Grainia]

What they all said! I am soooooo glad.

*does elfy bounce with happiness*

[Villayna]

<3 <3 <3 to Skaffy when he's awake enough to catch up on this thread.

I'm so glad the surgery went well!

[Ellsbeth]

Yay Skafloc! I'm so happy it's going to be good.

Recover well!

[Lascivious]

electric shock to get rid of the rest?

[RavenReverend]

Woohoo! Tell him we said "hi" and ask if he got to keep the tumor afterwards. When my gall bladder was cut out I wanted to keep it stabbed to my wall as a lesson to my other organs of what happens when they fail me. I figured I could head off any impotence problems that might come my way later. Stupid nurse wouldn't let me have it though. Strangest thing... I mean we seriously don't even own our own bodies?

What they don't tell you about is the little goblin that snatches the organ off the metal tray and hisses at people "MINE" then skitters off to his dark corner with it to do unspeakable things with your bio matter....

As for teh surgery- YAY! Way to kick cancer's ass Skaffy! :D

[opalexian]

OMG yaaaaaaaayyyyy!!!!!! ^_^ I'll go play Wii in his honor! And...get beaten by Tillna. T_T

[Skafloc]

Well round 1 is over and hands raised in victory.

Dr. Walling took an extra hour Friday and managed to get 98-99&#37; of the tumor out. In the end it was shaped like a barbell. The portion you saw in that MRI image was just one of the nodes. There was a shaft that went into the brain and connected to another node. They had to tunnel quite deep inside and hollow out that node. Amazingly they managed to do that without any complications or bleeding.

I came out of surgery almost completely lucid and alert. An hour later I was out of post of an in the recover ward. The rest of the weekend went very smoothly.

Today I am paying the price. :mad:

I seems that the 3-4 day after head surgery is always the worst. Tissues that were shocked the fist 2 days recover and swell up in their healing process. Well that seems to be truth as today I am in such agony you cannot imagine. Of course today I was also discharged so I am going through this here at home with Tylenol III's as my pain med as opposed to morphine which is what the hospital was giving me.

Ah well, tomorrow will be better.

On the bright side I had a bowel movement today. Sure I know "um.. what?"

Trust me, after 3 days it is a monumental event.;)

Ok I'm off now to go rest up.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes and thoughts. Special thanks to Eva for posting that update.

I will talk to you later.

Rick. ( Getting ready for round 2 )

[Emmons]

On the bright side I had a bowel movement today. Sure I know "um.. what?"

Trust me, after 3 days it is a monumental event.;)

Pics or it didn't happen!

And glad everything's going well so far, if your head hurts too much, just continue reading TNG for hours. It'll either make it worse or make you completely numb.

[Nadea]

I am SO glad to hear all of this, Skaffy. Here's to less pain soon, I can only IMAGINE what that's like! *big hugs and <3's!*

[Xaraphyne]

Skafloc!!!!! <hughugs>

[Sifar]

He lives!!!! Very glad to hear things went well.

>.>

So, did you even attempt the ghoul costume? I hear those nurses have no sense of humor for such shenanigans.

[Izrail]

Good to have you back! :) Hope your recovery continues to go well, and that the pain eases up some.

[Yichimet]

VERY good news that they could get nearly all the tumor! And sorry they had to go further than they first thought. >:O

Rest up, lots of sleep.

[Raziel]

On the bright side I had a bowel movement today.

"HONEY! LOOK WHAT I DID!"

[opalexian]

OMG *glomps* Guess they didn't take out anything that important if you can still post here... >_> Did you get to see your nemesis? I want pics of THAT!

[Karkarov]

glad everything went well, just do as others have said and take it easy/relax. no need to get in a hurry to do anything right now. You might want to call the doc's though see if they can perscribe something a little better than a tylenol.

[Skafloc]

You might want to call the doc's though see if they can perscribe something a little better than a tylenol.

Oh these are the good ones with codeine. I'm also on Decadrin which is an anti inflammatory steroid. It helps a lot.

[Kiaransalius]

Really glad to hear that update man! As for the post op pain... I cant imagine, as mine was horrid and it was only an arm/wrist!!!!

[Vilmah]

Oh these are the good ones with codeine. I'm also on Decadrin which is an anti inflammatory steroid. It helps a lot.

Oy manz, good thing you're not allergic like I was to prednosol. x_x Rest your brain and watch some reality TV. It requires no thinking.

[Agnarr]

Tylenol3 is love

[Jabiba]

Awesome to read and hear, Skaf. :)

[Kelven]

Good to hear you made it out okay, and even better to hear it was such a resounding success. Get it? Resounding? 'cause they used ultrasound and ... look, I'm still stuck on "they saved Skafloc's brain with a sonic drill", okay?

The post-op pain has got to suck, but I bet your brain will feel much better without all that crap pushing on it. I know you mentioned something about possible speech impairment after the surgery, how's that going for you?

[Skafloc]

I know you mentioned something about possible speech impairment after the surgery, how's that going for you?

Bad it is not. But funny my wife looks at me.

[Jabiba]

Seriously Skaf, I know people who talk like that in Ventrilo. But hey on the bright side, any time you DO fuck up, you can totally blame it on the surgery, even 10 years down the road. :D

[Bryana]

"Does this make my butt look big."
"It makes your butt look HUGE! Erm, sorry, not what I meant... surgery and all."

[Yichimet]

Bad it is not. But funny my wife looks at me.

IT WAS YODA SURGERY. SHOW US THE LIGHTSABER.

[RavenReverend]

*braces for the penis joke* >.< PEENAR INCOMING!

[Ellsbeth]

Wow that's awesome that now you speak like Yoda. Your wife should be grateful.

When's she playing the game? I like her sense of humour.

[Visant]

Good to hear they glued and stapled you back together so well. :) Take drugs, sleep, recover soon.

[opalexian]

Bad it is not. But funny my wife looks at me.

You should come on vent sometime. I wanna hear Yoda!

[Lascivious]

you didnt have a local anesthetic?

[Amoola]

Well on the subject of speech and all as long as everyone can understand what is being said and you can handle the changes I think all is well. :)

Rest and recoop. T3 is good stuff. I've been on it after various rounds of work. ;)

[Grayslin]

This is all very good news. I am pleased that the beast has been mostly removed from its resting place inside your skull.

\o/

[Skafloc]

Update 8 Nov 08:

Yesterday we met with one part of my Oncology team. Dr. Rheaume is the radiologist who will be administering my radiation treatment. Monday I meet with Dr. McNeil who will be taking care of the chemotherapy portion.

The plan has changed again. Or at least it looks like it will be changing. She still has to confer with my case panel on this new proposal but Dr. Rheaume is confident that her recommendation will be accepted (my "case panel" consists of Dr. Walling my surgeon, Dr.Rheaume and Dr McNeil as well as my case nurse).

Basically the original plan of 6 weeks, 33 sessions of radiation followed by 6 months of chemotherapy is in her opinion too soft and too spread out for her liking. It's a soft program designed for a patient in poor health or advanced age were the impact of the treatment is spread out over a good time period.

From her study of my MRI images from my biopsy 2 weeks ago and the one just prior to my surgery last Friday she saw that this tumor had significant growth activity in those 2 short weeks, meaning the cells are quite aggressive. She decided to alter her plan of attack.

In her words "I want to hit those remaining cells hard and strong, not tickle them with a feather."

So my radiation treatment will be reduced to 3 weeks as opposed to 6 weeks, but with a much higher dosage. Also my chemotherapy which was going to take place following the radiation will start that same day and run concurrently.

Next Friday I go in for my Simulation session, where they will make the head mold which will keep my head steady during the treatments and which will be marked with the targets for the radiation beams. The following week my sessions will start.

Monday to Friday, 1 session per day for 3 weeks.

Possible side affects: hair loss, nausea, depression, fatigue, earaches.

Chemotherapy as I stated will start that same time. I don't have all the details yet on that but will get it on Monday. I do know the chemo drug I will be taking is called Timazolamide, or Timadol for short. Its a pill form of chemotherapy and is less harsh on the healthy tissues as the old traditional drip cocktails.

I also get my staples out on Monday. :D

[RavenReverend]

o_o If it makes you feel better, to get Dad to laugh on the days he feels like shit after his chemo therapy we make Papa Smurf jokes. The whites of his eyes turn blue, his veins show, he gets pale and when he blows his nose or goes to use the john, it's all blue!

The treatment route they're talking about sounds like an incredibly long hard row to ho, but we know you can do it Skaffy : ) Just don't expect to play Squash or Racketball right after a chemo session or we'll sic your wife on you! :D

[Villayna]

this tumor had significant growth activity in those 2 short weeks, meaning the cells are quite aggressive. She decided to alter her plan of attack.

In her words "I want to hit those remain cells hard and strong, not tickle them with a feather."

Tell her to have no mercy and leave no survivors.

Sounds like you are going to feel like complete crap over the next many weeks, but if it can make things better for the long haul, it'll be worth it.

Be well and if you get a chance to give us an update during that time, do it.

[Skafloc]

Gratuitous scar photo. I was going to put this on the picture thread but little Henri is too cute for me to spoil it with a gross photo.

EDIT: Oh and I almost forgot. The entire Timadol treatment will cost $30 000.00. Yay for Canadian health care plans and military medical programs. I don't even want to think what you folk in the US would have to go through to get funding for treatments.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/scar.jpg

[Izrail]

Tell her to have no mercy and leave no survivors.

Sounds like you are going to feel like complete crap over the next many weeks, but if it can make things better for the long haul, it'll be worth it.

Be well and if you get a chance to give us an update during that time, do it.

What Villayna said. And that's a hell of a scar! Sure nothing will fall out when the staples are removed?

[Nadea]

EDIT: Oh and I almost forgot. The entire Timadol treatment will cost $30 000.00. Yay for Canadian health care plans and military medical programs. I don't even want to think what you folk in the US would have to go through to get funding for treatments.


I am REALLY glad that you're able to get coverage for that sort of treatment! I remember my dad having issues paying for his medications and treatments when he had cancer- we held a benefit concert for him and raised about 20k just so he could keep paying for everything. The thought of how much your treatment cost had crossed my mind; I was really hoping you'd be all set with that stuff, and now my mind is at ease :)

Also, that scar is pretty impressive XD

*hugs* You can get through this, I have confidence!

[Niethan]

Now that is one hell of a scar. I was thinking the entire top half of your head was off, like the doctor in Nightmare Before Christmas. O.o

[opalexian]

What Vil said. If there is anything anyone can do, just let us know *volunteers whole forum* >_> Really tho, if you want a vent channel or anything and take Evanthe away from Celly again I can make it happen. *snicker*

THAT SCAR IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!! Did you ever get to see the tumor? If only to look at it and say 'It is not a tu-mah' >_>

[Blyx]

My first post here but I thought I would share this with Skafloc the Hunter.
I have been playing this game since it first came out and in that 4 year plus length of time I have owned 2 Epic items. Yes that is pretty bad but I am unable to Raid and therefore, random blue's that I have been lucky enough to find make up the lion's share of my gear.
As I said I did have 2 epic items, one was a sword that dropped two years for my Mage so I owned it only long enough to sell.
The connection here to Skafloc, a minor one only is that my second epic item dropped the day of the surgery. My druid had just landed in Winterspring and as I was about to start questing I was thinking that right about now ol Skafloc will be undergoing surgery, i.e. it should just be getting underway. My very first kill dropped an epic bow. I could not help think again how strange it seemed, knowing Skafloc's hunter fetish that a bow dropped, I mean it's not like these items are easy to come by, especially for a non-raider.
Here's lookin at you Skafloc.

[Skafloc]

My very first kill dropped an epic bow. I could not help think again how strange it seemed, knowing Skafloc's hunter fetish that a bow dropped, I mean it's not like these items are easy to come by, especially for a non-raider.

It was a day of good fortune all around! :D Grats on the bow drop!

[NotMaithanet]

What Vil said. If there is anything anyone can do, just let us know *volunteers whole forum* >_> Really tho, if you want a vent channel or anything and take Evanthe away from Celly again I can make it happen. *snicker*

THAT SCAR IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!! Did you ever get to see the tumor? If only to look at it and say 'It is not a tu-mah' >_>


It's not like I own her.

Also, insomnia for the lose. Hello hour 22.

[Moknim]

Kick its ass Skaf! And the more aggressive the better, IMO.

[opalexian]

It's not like I own her.

Also, insomnia for the lose. Hello hour 22.

I know. Sometimes I am a very bad person with a horrible sense of humor >_<

[NotMaithanet]

People will believe you!

[Vilmah]

I don't even want to think what you folk in the US would have to go through to get funding for treatments.

Yeah, don't remind me.. I didn't have health insurance until I was 22. x_x

[Amoola]

Well Skaf you have beaten my daughter and made it to the ranks with my dad. (his head has been through a windshield more then once. >.< )

Also A co worker of Swift's who is also our neighbor recently finished a chemo stint. It'll be rough on you. Take things one step at a time and be good to yourself. *hugs*

[Evanthe]

Really tho, if you want a vent channel or anything and take Evanthe away from Celly again I can make it happen.

Plot twist!

Pretty awesome scar there Skaf. <3

[Swerto]

Bump for Sowell (because he was wondering if you were doing good).

[Skafloc]

Tomorrow morning I go for my simulation session where they fit me for my mask and make the markings for the radiation gun targets. I will have an update for you around noontime tomorrow.

And if I can persuade Natasha I may have some photos of me in my swanky new Hannibal Lechter mask strapped to the table.

[Raziel]

in before fava beans

[Skafloc]

Well, had my appointment this morning and got fitted for my mask. It wasn't quite what I expected, in that it isn't solid but more like a mesh that fits snug against my face and head.

I had to sit there still for 20 minutes as it dried hard (its softened up in hot water like a sports mouth guard then molded against my head and face). Not too bad except that I had an itch on my nose of course.

Following that I was wheeled to the CAT scan room for another 20 minutes of scanning so they could map out the targets for the radiation beams and mark it on the mask.

They will study the scans alongside the MRI images from last week and give me a call early next week for my first appointment. I have been told I am top priority due to the aggressiveness of this particular nasty cell. (i.e. the longer I wait the more ground we gained from surgery will be lost as the tumor regrows).

On the way home I picked up my chemotherapy drugs; my Temadol and my anti nausea meds. Those will start the morning of my first radiation treatment. We also stopped by the health food store to get some omega-3 powder and some Graviola extract, which is from an amazonian plant the apparently aids in rendering malignant cells susceptible to chemotherapy.

So I'm all set to go. It's just a waiting game now.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/11.jpg

[Taknar]

Go go hockey mask of healing!

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I smelt burnt toast this morning, and thought of you xD

[Amoola]

Go go hockey mask of healing!


XD

Lots of thoughts still coming to you Skaf! *hugs*

[Izrail]

Quite an adventure you're going through. Hope the hockey mask, and the medicine, do their jobs in getting you well.

[opalexian]

...that's kinda hot.

I before Brox, HAH!

[Tillna]

/cleanse

Also in after Opal bein opal

[Gorvena]

It was great to see you in-game last night, even if Maith, Nadea and Evanthe suddenly showed up...

;)

[Skafloc]

It was great to see you in-game last night, even if Maith, Nadea and Evanthe suddenly showed up...

;)

I am stalked, its true. ;)

[Evanthe]

I am stalked, its true. ;)

*stalks*

[Nadea]

It was great to see you in-game last night, even if Maith, Nadea and Evanthe suddenly showed up...

;)


Hey, and I would have RPed a bit too, if you know, I hadn't been drinking! Its *really* hard to play an evil character when you're drunk =D

Nice mask, Skaffy! Make sure you get some ginger too, as that is supposed to alleviate nausea! And its good and good for you, too <3

[Skafloc]

Make sure you get some ginger too, as that is supposed to alleviate nausea! And its good and good for you, too <3

Last night I had a green tea steeped with grated ginger. It was yummy!:D

Right now I'm making homemade sweet potato and spinach gnocchi with a roasted cherry tomato,olive pesto for tonight's dinner.

[Grainia]

Last night I had a green tea steeped with grated ginger. It was yummy!:D

Right now I'm making homemade sweet potato and spinach gnocchi with a roasted cherry tomato,olive pesto for tonight's dinner.

Invite me to dinner? Please? I love gnocchi sooooooo much!

I didn't realize that you were on last night or I would have stalked you, too. I notice that Eva and Nads didn't let me know either! *evil eye at Eva and Nadea*

[opalexian]

Last night I had a green tea steeped with grated ginger. It was yummy!:D

Right now I'm making homemade sweet potato and spinach gnocchi with a roasted cherry tomato,olive pesto for tonight's dinner.

So THAT'S why they were talking about you cooking and making me all hungry today O_O *drools*

[Nadea]

Last night I had a green tea steeped with grated ginger. It was yummy!:D

Right now I'm making homemade sweet potato and spinach gnocchi with a roasted cherry tomato,olive pesto for tonight's dinner.

I BELIEVE I've already stated that you need to come here and cook for me!! XD




I didn't realize that you were on last night or I would have stalked you, too. I notice that Eva and Nads didn't let me know either! *evil eye at Eva and Nadea*

PERHAPS....we just want him all to ourselves! *cackles*

[Xaraphyne]

I didn't realize that you were on last night or I would have stalked you, too. I notice that Eva and Nads didn't let me know either! *evil eye at Eva and Nadea*PERHAPS....we just want him all to ourselves! *cackles*

It's true, about three of us were fighting over him. I agreed to settle on him teaching Fhen how to cook. The others will need to duke it out.

[Taknar]

I would love cooking lessons, and I am closer than all (most?) of you!

[Skafloc]

Come hang out in the irradiation room with me today! RADIOACTIVE PEOPLE ONLY!

I'm there Dess. Got the official word yesterday, I start up tomorrow (Thursday) at 02:30 PM with my radiation and Chemo starts up tomorrow morning.

They changed it up on me again. My radiation specialist was away last week and this week and I've been dealing with her associate. He decided based on his study of my cat scan last Friday to go back to the original 6 week, 30 session radiation treatment series instead of the more aggressive 3 week high intensity series my specialist advocated.

This is the first time in his whole process that I am not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling from my doctors. The plan for radiation has changed now 4 times since my surgery. Now my specialist was very specific on her reasoning to going to an aggressive 3 week high intensity series. It was something I could see the logic in.

Her associate really didn't have the same specific reasoning to pass on to me in changing back to a milder dosage 6 week series. I explained as much to him and he replied that Dr. Rheaume (my specialist) would be back next week and they would discuss it in conjunction with my chemotherapy specialist and my tumor specialist ( the entire team in effect). Should they decide to go back to the more aggressive 3 week treatment plan it would not be a problem as I would have only had 2 treatments with the lower intensity settings. It would be easier to increase the intensity.

If they started on the higher intensity however and decided to decrease it later that would be less effective as the cells may in effect become conditioned to the higher level and might shrug off the effects of the lower dosage. Just hope this gets sorted out before long.

Bottom line is I start tomorrow and can join you in the glow room. :D RADIOACTIVE PEOPLE UNITE!

[Ellsbeth]

They glow. They glow like fireflies in the sky... they can go twice as hiiiiigh.

Be a Reading Rainbow Skaffy.

*hugs*

[RavenReverend]

At least, Skaf, she's seeing the reasoning of wanting to increase the intensity of the chemo and radiation later and taking steps to allow them to do so later. If it were the other way around I'm sure the team would be a bit peeved at her poor decision making : )

Be sure to get plenty of rest and relax with the fam :D

[Grainia]

As promised, I started the hat today.

Sorry, I'm not radioactive anymore. I tested negative for beryllium.

[Nadea]

mmm radioactive Skaffy.

Good luck with the first round of treatment! *hugs*

[Conley]

I can't stop crying for you Rick.

Everyone in this institution is telling me you're not real and I just keep sobbing.

[RavenReverend]

Solution Bir, tell them to go fuck themselves >_< "Not real" my lily white ass.

[Nadea]

Solution Bir, tell them to go fuck themselves >_< "Not real" my lily white ass.

^ This

Seriously, hearing you say that really makes me disgusted with the world. *hugs Bir* Don't listen to them >.>

[Skafloc]

I can't stop crying for you Rick. Everyone in this institution is telling me you're not real and I just keep sobbing.

You want me to send them a photo? I shaved my head today, it feels like a beavertail. :D

[Evanthe]

What... what does a beaver tail feel like, exactly?

[Catalinetta]

You want me to send them a photo? I shaved my head today, it feels like a beavertail. :D

I hear those are delicious. Is that just a myth??

[Skafloc]

What... what does a beaver tail feel like, exactly?

Here touch your screen.

http://www.infovisual.info/02/photo/beaver&#37;20tail.jpg



Oh ya baby! Don't stop....
http://www.infovisual.info/02/photo/beaver%20head.jpg