Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Toad on September 19, 2004, 08:40:31 PM
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I'd love to be able to write a great bungee jumping mystery post like Elfie did. I'd love to be able to disappear and come back with a post like Nash managed.
However, that's beyond me right now. All I have for you is the "Current Adventures of Mr. Toad". I wish it was pure fiction but it's totally pure fact.
You guys know I had a health problem that caused the loss of my Class I FAA medical and eventually lead to my retirement from my airline.
That was a heart problem, pretty easily cleared up with a stent but not to the satisfaction of the Feds, although 3 tip-top notch cardiologists think I'm A-OK.
Now, however, in one of life's funny little twists I have a new more interesting problem. A sonogram looking for gallstones turned up......... SUPRISE MR. TOAD!!!!......... a 4.5 cm mass on the upper part of my right kidney. And, as icing on the cake, two lesions on my liver. Kewl! What more could I guy ask as a birthday present? I turned 53 two days after they told me this happy stuff.
Some of you may recall that last April, my six years older brother had his right kidney removed for a cancerous tumor that had taken up 2/3 of his kidney.
Looks like I'm headed down that trail.
Cutting to the chase, I have a chest/abdomen/pelvis CAT scan tomorrow at 1:40 Central time. They think the kidney mass is cancer (just like my brother's only smaller than his was) and they think the liver lesions may just be clumps of blood vessels all twisted up (no biggie, they might be benign liver tumors known as hemangiomas which are a cluster of abnormal blood vessels
forming a swelling).
My doc says he'll get word to me on a preliminary reading by nightfall tomorrow.
This could well be Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
I've never been big on organized religion, finding my truths in the cathedrals of the outdoors. It seems to me that the beauty I find, the intricately entertwined balance of nature and the chaotic order therein cannot possibly be purely by chance.
So while I am not of a particular religion, I am indeed a "believer". The personal proofs I have found in the universe around me were all the convincing that I needed.
For those of you who also believe in a Higher Power, I would gratefully accept any "good words" you can put in on my behalf.
Stay tuned; this is going to be interesting.
Ok.... maybe you won't find it interesting. I, however, find it really has grabbed my attention and I just can't wait to see how all this turns out.
:rofl
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Dont die..
THat would [SIZE=12]REALLY [/SIZE] piss me off.
Good luck Toad! :)
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Damn Toad, that kinda blows! I will tell ya thoughs that your attitude sounds good. I truely hope everything turns out for the best.
I'll be thinking about you in my prayers. Take care Toad and keep us informed.
One of your many on-line friends,
Swager
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Damn, good luck Toad.
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Toad, I'm feel for you and will say a prayer for you.
When I was in my twenties, I had cancer (non hodgkins lymphoma). They scaned me and found and egg sized growth in my liver too. It tuned out to be hemangiomas. Harmless.
Please let us know how it goes tomorrow.
Take care,
Nuke
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Damn -- what can you say. I know a number of long term cancer survivors who got through it and are moving ahead with normal lives. My Mother is one. Fight the good fight, and good luck and best wishes.
Charon
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Best wishes, Toad!
culero
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Bummer. Hang in there and prevail!
And take comfort in the idea that no matter how long our present lives last, to paraphrase sci fi writers and Desiderata, we are all stardust, and we are all children of the universe.
I like that. Kinda keeps things in perspective.
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I'll be praying for you Toad. If ya don't mind I'll put yer name on our Sunday School class's prayer list. Couldn't hurt, right? Please keep us posted.
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Liver and kidneys? What the hell have you been drinking?
Give 'em hell Toad.
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Post a picture of your kidney after it's removed. And don't let the doctor try to convince you you need to have your balls shaved for the operation... that's just a little trick they play on you.
Hoping everything comes out ok.
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Sorry to hear that Toad, best wishes to you. I have been thinking about seeing a doctor ever since you posted about body scans, I have been putting it off way too long. Good luck, I hope all goes well.
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Y'all have my personal permission and encouragement to stick me on any prayer list you know of.
I figure "HE" knows who Toad is; heck, "HE" knows everything, right?
Yah, I'm a bit scared. Who wouldn't be.
Funny thing. Today my son scored two tickets to see the Chiefs lose to the Panthers.
During the opening ceremony they introduced a Kansas Sergeant that won the Medal of Honor on D-Day. A guy named Walt Ehlers, I think. The PA was pretty poor.
EHLERS, WALTER D.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and dare: Near Goville, France, 9-10 June 1944. Entered service at: Manhattan, Kans. Birth: Junction City, Kans. G.O. No.: 91, 19 December 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership.
Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action.
Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed.
The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw.
At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.
I thought... "Problems? I don't have no steenkin' problems. All I have to do is have 1/100th of the courage of that guy."
I appreciate your support. I'll let you know. The Higgins boat ramp drops tomorrow. ;)
Don't let me get all sobby and wussy. If I do, slap me.
D-day. Medal of Honor. Young soldier.
I have a an example. Would that I can follow it.
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Prayers otw Toad.
Best of luck.
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Best of luck, Toad.
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Good luck Toad.
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Toad,
Best of luck, sir.
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Good luck Mr Toad!
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You'll do fine, Toadly :cool:
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Best of luck. :aok
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Sorry to hear about that. Checkups can be the worst.
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Good luck Toad. :)
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Prayers sent, and thoughts of deep appreciation for men like S/Sgt Ehlers.
Good luck, Toad. You'll be in my thoughts today. Let us know how it all turns out.
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You're a fighter, Toad. Don't give up and you'll be OK.
Good luck .
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Good luck Toad.
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Good luck Toad, thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Prayers OTW and continuing. You have far too much pheasant hunting and dog trials to do before you're ready to go. Besides, we have LOTS more BBQ to partake of on my future visits back to KC!!! I must see The Toad in action with his smoker!
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Best of luck Toad. I hope everything turns out for the best for you. Your a great guy, the world needs you around for another 53 years! Hang in there baby!
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Good luck, mate and all the best from the across the pond. Hoping it's not as serious as it sounds.
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Nothing but good thoughts and positive vibes from here Toad. I sincerely hope all is well.
Ken
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When I saw the title, I thought this was going to be a jolly good Mr. Toad posting. :( Sorry to hear about this, my old friend. But you're not allowed to quit on us. Your departure would mean that my own life as I have known it on this BBS would be at an end.
Unlike my usual posts, this one will be brief, if only because I can't find anything else to say. Going to be "in transit" until tomorrow morning - will post back then.
Beet. (still at naranja)
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What a blow Toad, I'll pray for you.
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by" (Psalm 57:1)
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No Worries mate,
Keep the faith and you will be granted the strength to carry on.
I will let the big guy know to send you good news and keep you in his hand.
My good wishes and prayers to you
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Sorry to hear about this Toad old buddy! On the positive side, they've found this early which is a big plus; just hope it's nothing too serious!
Praying for a quick recovery... we'll keep the sheep safe for your return! :)
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GL toad!
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You are young and strong and the advances they have made in medicine in the past 10 years are astonishing. You will do well.
If your local hospital and doctors are not acting fast and decisively then phone the Mayo Clinic and see what it would cost for them to treat you. They are the best. It is worth every penny to have the best doctors and care. Your insurance will probably pick up most of the tab and any extra is money well spent.
Keep us informed. People here do care.
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Prayers sent.........:)
God Bless.
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Good luck Toad
shamus
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"You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore." ~Author Unknown
Stay strong Toad, our thoughts are with you..
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you are too tough to die. I have had similar things as you know... They asked how I could be so calm... My take is... if they do it right everything will be fine.. if they screw it up... I wouldn't know about it anyway...
the recovery sucks... I spent a lot of time recovering from injuries and such.
lazs
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good luck toad best whishes
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Sorry to hear that, Toad. :( All the best.
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Prayers sent.
Hang in there bud, you still owe me a romp in the fields with the dogs.
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GL Toad!
Camo
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Wow Toad, that sucks.
Good luck man.
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Jesious....
Hang in there Toad. You've got the right attitude, which is 99% of the ball game. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And I promise not to pester you here until you give me the 'all clear'. :)
Best of luck with the tests sir.
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Hope it goes well; Toad.
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Toad,
One of the "neat" things about prayer... the recipient of it's intent does not have to beleive, only the prayer does.
I'll be praying for you bud.
You struck me as a strong charactered individual when I met you. You will do fine, just convince yourself of it.
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Good luck, and keep it up with the positive attitude.
Prayers otw.
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Good luck Toad.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/209_1081438631_swoop.gif)
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Good luck Toad, and best wishes.
mauser
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i'd say good luck, but i dont beleive in it.
the dice are always rigged. just make sure its you who rigs em.
best wishs
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My wife is a mutant and has 1 and 1/10 kidneys. The doctors told her she only needs the 1/10 of a kidney to function normally.
So no worries, the rest is just extra weight. Good luck.
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Toad,
I'm sure you have a thousand more important things on your mind, but when you get a chance I would love to hear an update.
You are in my prayers and I'm sure many other's as well.
Take care,
Ron Partin
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Toad,
I wish you cute nurses and a speedy recovery, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
dago
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Thanks Toad... that made my problems look rather trivial.
I hope you are OK.
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Je ne sais pas comment le dire correctement en anglais donc :
Prenez soin de vous (et n'embętez pas trop les infirmičres ;))
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I am not a believer, but I will send my best "positive energies" (or whatever they call it) in your direction, mr. Toad.
I am sure you will be fine soon.
:)
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God Bless and good luck Toad....
My thoughts will be with you.....:aok
Regards,
Badger
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Je ne sais pas comment le dire correctement en anglais donc :
Prenez soin de vous (et n'embętez pas trop les infirmičres :) )
Here ya go Straffo....
take care of yourself( and try not to bug the nurses to much :) )
best of luck Toad
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Right now, the news is "no news". I had the chest, abdomen and pelvic scan yesterday and finished up at 3PM Central.
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part
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You're quoting Tom Petty. This may be worse than I thought.
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Well, it fit. However, I do like some of Petty's stuff... so there.
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You should probably see if the Doc can give you something for that problem too. It's for your own good. Before long you'll be fantasizing about a 3-way with you, tom and chrissy hinds... then it will be too late to help you. I've seen it happen before toad... it was horrible.
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OK, got the results. Not particularly encouraging.
The good news is the chest and pelvis appeared to be clear.
The bad news is the kidney tumor is as big as they thought and takes up almost half my kidney. The really bad news is that there's three solid masses on my liver.
I get a bone scan CAT today, a liver biopsy soon and a PET scan soon.
Then they'll probably be able to give me an accurate situation report.
I thank you all for your support. I believe Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has begun. It sure is holding MY interest but I think it's in the best interest to just let this drop for now.
Now, as Forrest Gump once said, "That's all I have to say about that".
Let's shut down this thread and see how things turn out. It's Gametime.
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Well, crap.
Good luck man, I will pray for you.
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Wow Toad
Keep us in the loop.
Good luck.
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I know I said we ought to shut this one down, but I can't help posting this. I've finally had a bit of good news: I passed the bone scan, it was reported "clean".
The "big" test for me is Friday 0630 Central. I get a PET scan to definitively answer the question of what those things are on my liver.
I'd like to thank all of you believers and encourage you to keep up the good work.
You heathens can still put out some positive waves, eh? Wish me luck.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
There's just about no doubt that I have kidney cancer. Right now, believe it or not, that's only a minor problem.
Ain't life funny?
:lol
You know, this Inet BBS stuff is incomprehensible. It really does help having the encouragement. I thank you all.
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Humor is a good thing to have. Try to keep it up. G/L.
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Well, we're there for you as best we can be here. Let us know how we can be of assistance in the months to come if you need more than moral support.
It's easy for me to say, obviously, but keep positive. Science and medicine are pretty amazing these days. I have one relative that has been living on a borrowed liver for the better part of a decade now, and you wouldn't know the difference.
Charon
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Positive waves coming your way...
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Toad,
You may have noticed that there are a few folks who care here. Please do not shut the thread down. We are pulling for you and want to keep updated. Now either cooperate or we'll bug you until you give in! :)
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Toad said:
"I know I said we ought to shut this one down, but I can't help posting this."
Please - KEEP posting to this. We want to know what's going on with you Toad.
Toad said:
"It really does help having the encouragement."
Yup - it sure does.
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I studied real hard and got an "A" on my PET scan!
I had the PET scan at KC Cancer Center. They're supposed to have the newest, mostest-bestest, whizbang PET scanner around the Midwest.
The scan did not find ANY cancer from my forehead to below my pelvis. Good news, eh? Of course, this comes with the doctors caveat that not all kidney cancers "light up"; it seems 90+ % of them DO, but a some stay hidden "below the radar".
However, it appears I "passed" this test as well as anyone can pass it. I'll take it, for sure. For that I am thankful.... VERY thankful.
That still leaves the question of "what are those things on my liver and what is that big jobber on my right kidney"?
So, more tests, of course! Somebody has to buy the Doc's wife a new Lexus and I'm more than happy to chip in at this point!
Tuesday will probably be a needle biopsy of the liver lesions; they tried to get that set up earlier but there was a hitch in the paperwork so they couldn't get Monday.
Another bit of good news here is that the PET scan radiologist put in his vote for "hemangiomas on the liver" after comparing the PET and the CT scan. That gives me 3 hemangioma votes vs only 1 renal cell cancer vote.
Anyway I'm hoping they can definitively show the liver lesions to be hemangioma. The other two possibilities are that it's a "below radar" kidney cancer that has spread or carcinoids. I really don't find either of those two very appealing. Neither one is a good thing.
Wednesday and Thursday I get a 123mIBG scan. This one is supposed to nail down the carcinoid issue. 123mIBG is a mildly radioactive drug that is absorbed by carcinoid cells. The scan takes place over two consecutive days in the nuclear medicine department. On the first day, in the morning I get an injection in the arm and go back to the department in the afternoon to have a scan with a gamma camera lasting for about an hour. The following morning I get further pictures taken for about one and a quarter hours.
After that, they hope to be through with the diagnostics. It would seem that in any event the tumor in the kidney has got to go. It's so big it's a problem, even if it is benign. So there's surgery in this without doubt.
Keep me in your thoughts. You believers are doing an EXCELLENT job so far I think. Keep up the prayers, I do appreciate it.
Or is it you heathens? Keep up the positive energy flow!
I'll let you know the results of these new tests as I get them.
Man, this has definitely been Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and it's way more exciting, scarey and longer than the Disneyland version.
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Well, that's good news to hear. I've had my share of both cancer scares and the real deal, and wouldn't wish either of them on anybody.
We're pulling for you.
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Well that's awesome news!!! Hoping the 3:1 diagnosis turn out to be right and no liver cancer.
I think if you don't know it by now, you're one of the few that's respected by all here. You've always been the gentleman despite the political disagreements.
Whether it be by God's will, good energy, good vibes, whatever, your time to go isn't now. You're definitely deserving of gracing us with your BBS presence much, much longer :)
May I ask what symptoms that brought you to the hospital in the first place? Were they immediate or did you just ignore them in the beginning? If you don't feel like talking about it, it's understandabe. Maybe among us there are similar symptoms that need to be checked ASAP.
Good luck, sir. For what it's worth, I'm liking your chances for recovery.
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Good point, Saburo.
I told my squaddies how I ended up where I'm at but I kind of figured it was a bit too much detail for those that don't really know me.
OTOH, if it helps somebody else, it's worth doing. So, for those of you that are interested, here's how Mr. Toad's Wild Ride began and how it led to where I am right now:
******
While I've been on the "medical train" these last two and a half years many things have happened to me. I've had many stops, reroutes and travels.
I boarded the train after a layover in DFW; walking back to the hotel from the restaurant I got short of breath and had a buring sensation in the center of my chest. I chose to immediately do a full body (the body scan showed nothing significant) and heart scan. Slapped down a credit card and away we went. THAT had me in a Cath Lab four days later getting a stent in my LAD. That stent, and an FAA that really doesn't know jackshirt about modern cardiology led to my early retirement.
(Not that it matters as I'm probably better off than my peers that are about to get screwed out of their retirement money when the company goes bankrupt. At least I got 50% of my retirement! That's a whole 'nother story!)
Anyway, back to the tale. I was driving back from pheasant hunting in November of 2002, five months after the stent, and could have sworn I was having a heart attack. It kind of passed and I made it home (yeah, I know: STUPID. My only excuse is I was in the middle of nowhere and by the time I neared a hospital, I felt a bit better) and saw my doctor. He couldn't believe it was heart because I really did the heart rehab thing to the type A personality Maximum.
Through some clever deductive work and testing, he figured out I had Gastric Reflux or an Ulcer. He put me on Nexium, which helps both.
It got much better and then it got much worse again. So, this Spring he had me endoscoped. That guy found some Gastric Reflux evidence but he also found an actual ulcer. On top of that, he found a polyp in my stomach, a raised bump down in the lower half. He doubled my Nexium, which helped a lot and told me to get the bump check by a endoscopic sonogram.
Well, there's only one Endo/sono in town, so it took about three months to get in to this guy. He does the endo/sono and says "Good news, your ulcer and reflux are completely healed. Bad news: you have a 7mm gastric carcinoid under the bump. We'll check it again in 6-12 months and see if it gets bigger."
I do some checking. "carcinoid" means "cancer-like". Hmmm.. that sucks. Apparently some folks have them all their lives, live 80 years with no problems. In other folks, they kill within 2-5 years. Hmmm.
I go back to my regular doc. He says, "let's get that out of there". I totally agree. He sends me back to the original endo guy that says, "yeah, I think I can get that out with an endo. If not, I'll mark it with a tattoo and you can get it out with laparascopic surgery.
You guessed it. It's too deep to get with an endo. So, off to the laparascopic guy. We talk, we discuss my symptoms. He says "ya know, that time you thought you were having the heart attack, that could have been gallstones, very common. Since I'm doing the carcinoid, I can yank your gallbladder at the same time, no charge. Why don't you get a sonogram of your gallbladder and we'll see if you have stones?"
We'll, I'm breaking the bank on my medical deductible anyway, so I'm game. I get the sonogram. The tech won't tell me if she sees gallstones. My regular doc calls me that night and says "you have a 4.5 cm solid mass in the top part of your right kidney. You have two lesions on your liver."
Kewl.
Next stop, a CAT scan with Contrast. They wouldn't tell me shirt about the results, my doc couldn't get them off the dictation phoneline. A very long afternoon and night.
The next afternoon, I get a call from my doc. Bad news. Got the report. I flunked CAT scan.
The kidney tumor is as big as they thought and takes up almost half my kidney. It is "characteristic" of renal cell carcinoma.
The really bad news is that there's three solid masses on my liver. If this is kidney cancer that has spread.......... I'm pretty much tango uniform.
So, they set up a bone scan; they plan a liver biopsy soon and a PET scan after that.
The only good news from the CAT/contrast is that they saw nothing in my lungs or pelvis.
OK, next the bone scan. Afterwards, I squeeze the tech pretty hard; no more sleepless nights. He finally says "well it looked OK to me but I'm no doctor". Later that night I get a call from the doc with a bit of good news. He says the bone scan is clear. Further, he says there is now disagreement on the liver lesions. One guy thinks it's cancer. The other guy that was probably going to do the needle biopsy thinks it's the haemangioma; at least he gave me a ray of hope.
The "big" test is a PET scan to definitively answer the question of what those things are on my liver. The "good" answer would be haemangioma, a cluster of twisted up blood vessels. The "bad" answer would be renal cell carcinoma that has spread from my kidney.
*****
Now I've had the PET. It was the best possible result but I'm still short a few "definitive" answers. As you can see by what I posted earlier.
The ride continues.
All I can tell you guys is that I haven't really had any "cancer" symptoms.
You'll remember a while ago that I mentioned my brother had a heart scan because of MY heart history. They were running a special so he bought himself a full body scan at the same time. Both were done for less than $600.
They found a kidney cancer in his right kidney that took up 2/3 of the kidney. It took 3 weeks from discovery to get tested and operated on and he's very thankful he bought the body scan.
Some folks think there's no reason to just go get scanned because it can lead to unnecessary procedures and there is that chance that it could lead to some testing that is potentially harmful.
My view is that I'd already be pushing up daisies without that heart scan. My brother wouldn't have made it without the body scan.
If you have symptoms of coronary heart disease.. and you can check it out at the American Heart Association website... a heart scan is CHEAP insurance. They are doing them for about $300 around here.
The famous "treadmill stress test" costs way more than that in your doctor's office (but insurance will cover that where it won't cover the scan... go figure) and the stress test is only 90% accurate. 10% of the time it'll tell you you are fine and you are not. Or it will tell you have CHD and you don't. The heart scans are about 99%; if you show the calcium buildups, it's near certain you have the plaque and blockages right where the calcium is. And they can pretty much tell you how serious the blockage is by the amount of calcium at that spot. It's a great thing.
Body Scan? Tougher call. It will probably show some stuff that has to be checked but really isn't anything. OTOH, it will EASILY show a tumor like the one on my kidney. It covers so many organs though it can raise a lot of issues at once and you may be fine. There's recent information that such large doses of radiation can cause cancer later.
I'd say if you have family history of bad stuff body scans are good at seeing, one might be advisable as you hit the 50's. Just like they tell you to get the old colonoscopy as you age. It may not be needed at all.... it may save your life.
Your call.
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Yea.. I went out and prayed to this rock and tree that you'd be ok Toad. Ok.. I really didn't, but I really do hope you are ok.
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Scholz, who you calling "older"? ;)
Urch, rock, tree... all OK by me. Keep them positive thoughts coming!
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Hey Toad, glad to hear the news.
I know how scary this stuff is....waiting, wondering, worrying.....etc
You are in my prayers Mr Toad
Hang in there!
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Best wishes from me, John..keep hanging in there.
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Good news, let's see it continue!
Charon
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Only just saw this .............
Toad ALL my good thoughts and wishes to you. Another of the non-believers here but many good waves on your way. You have the attitude that wins here. Keep refusing to accept it's better than you and take every day as it comes.
Good luck mate
Sparks
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Haven't been around much lately, didn't see this until now.
Best of luck Toad. I'll be thinking about you.
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"Originally posted by Toad
I'd say if you have family history of bad stuff body scans are good at seeing, one might be advisable as you hit the 50's. Just like they tell you to get the old colonoscopy as you age. It may not be needed at all.... it may save your life."
I'm right behind you in age, prolly time to break down and do it. Hang in there.
h
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Prayers sent your way, Toad. Hang in there and fight the good fight.
Of course, I hope there's no fight to fight, if you know what I mean.
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Tuesday, 0800 Central. Scheduled for a liver biopsy to see just what those three things are on my liver. I will remain overnight in the hospital due to the possibility of bleeding. They are not actually sure they can do this due to the location of the tumors. We'll see tomorrow.
Wednesday, 0730 Central. I begin an Octreotide scan to determine if the liver or kidney tumors are Carcinoids. This scan should also show any other carcinoids from my neck to pelvis. It will take till about noon.
Thursday, 0730 Central. I return to the hospital for another 1 1/2 hour scan. This completes the Octreotide scan (I think).
OK you believers, get on it!
You heathens, think positive thoughts!
I'll let yas know.
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I have confidence that the Big Guy ain't done with you yet...hang in there Toad!
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I'm sure they aren't nothing.. probably just some kind of liver parasite like a giant worm or something. Eat some charcoal, that'll kill anything.
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He does eat charcoal. That's what he uses to in his BBQ outfit at times when he starts cooking brisket. Yum. Burnt ends, double yum!
;)
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Toad, Icer and Slappy brought me to speed with your progress.
<<<>>> sir prayers are on the way, and i truly hope it will all work out for the good.
please take this strength with you that God is watching out for you, and we all here are too.
bets of luck with the tests and God speed sir.
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Toad,
So sorry that you are going through all of this....just plain sucks.
Just keep the great attitude you have and know that hundreds of strangers like me are all pulling for you and praying for you.
Nuke
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GL toad.....may the force be withya.
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Kick this things butt Toad, you have alt, E, SA and a bunch of wingies.
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Toad..I'm so sorry im late on your thread..I wish you speedy recovery m8!..And same with yer older Bro as well
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Best wishes from myself and the inhabitants of the sheep pen,we're crossing everything for ya! hang in there.Youll do it.
Joc
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I'll be thinking about you in a hospital smock Toad.
-SW
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Quote from SW "I'll be thinking about you in a hospital smock Toad."
<---------
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Just saw this thread.
to ya toad, and lots of, um, positive, energy-wavy karma things. Za-za-za-ZAP!
Cheers,
Scherf
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toad.
i must say you have an amazing attitude for life.
if you keep going like that' its the tumor who will need the prayers.
keep your spirit high. you will be fine!
:)
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Toad keep it going buddy. In January of 2000 my dad had surgery to remove most of his small intestine that was blocked with carcinoid tumors. That was almost nearly 5 years ago now and his tumors were spread throughout his stomach region as well. Since then he has been on some super duper chemo treaments twice a month and they have changed his diet drastically. The tumors in his stomach area aren't gone but they haven't reduced in size or noticably spread either.
So in short MY Prayers are with you buddy and so will be those of my dad. Good Luck and keep the faith.
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GOOD NEWS!
The pathology report came back. They biopsied the largest of the liver masses and have definitvely stated it is a haemangioma. This is apparently simply a cluster of blood vessels and they do absolutely nothing about them as they are not life-threatening.
GREAT NEWS!!!
I completed the nuclear scan for carcinoids and NONE were found. They said the 7mm “suspected carcinoid” in my stomach didn’t even show up, but it’s possible it is too small to show. However, it’s great news that there are no other big ones to be found.
BOTTOM LINE:
Bone Scan = Clear, PET Scan = Clear, Biopsy = Clear, Carcinoid Scan = Clear!!
The kidney tumor still has to go. Official opinion leans towards this tumor being benign which would be simply outstanding. My Doctor is talking to the leading experts in the laparascopic kidney removal field. Right now, it is possible that I may only lose part of the kidney. There’s going to be some more discussion with a few more experts and then a “battle plan” will be drawn up and followed.
More as I know it.
I deeply thank all of you that added my name to your prayers and prayer lists. It is much, much appreciated.
I also appreciate the positive energy and support you heathens sent my way. Urchin, get out there and thank that rock and tree for me, will you?
Really, gentlemen, the prayers and support were a huge gift. The day they told me they though I had renal cell carcinoma that had spread to my liver was a pretty black day. Thanks again.
Hey, Iron.. that Psalm 57:1.... that's a comforting thing. Thanks!
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That's great news, Toad. :)
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That is really fantastic.
Charon
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GREAT TO HEAR SIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
will continue to pray for a speedy and full recovery and thank God for his looking over you so far!
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Wow Toad, just wow. Liver cancer is bad times. If it's the kidney it's still bad but you have two of those. If it's benign, even better. Keep on truckin man. :)
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Mr. Toad! I am so pleased that my positive waves were so well received. I shall inform Tomato of your excellent progress. The prognosis is encouraging. Your liver sounds fine, so hey - time to break out the 25 yo Macallan whisky! Just don't do that American thing of ruining it by putting ice in it. Your liver expects nothing but the real thing - the best. ;)
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Ya know what Beet? THAT is the best idea you have ever posted on this BBS!
I keep the 25 MacAllan hidden in my closet as my son's friends would kill it in a gulp and not realize the difference.
I think I'll go dig that out and serve a neat shot to all hands!
Thanks for reminding me!
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Awesome Toad.
I was pullin for ya big time sir. You were instrumental in talking me into aquiring my best buddy. Have a snort of that fine scotch for me.
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Cool, good news! :). You don't even NEED both kidneys anyway... you have two just in case something happens to one of em.
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woohoo!
WTFG
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:)
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Fantastic!
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Originally posted by Urchin
you have two just in case something happens to one of em.
hehe - like the engines on a 767 - built in systems redundancy! :aok
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Toad, that is wonderful news. Almost like having a new lease on life, eh?
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Does that mean I can no longer think about you in a hospital gown?
:( doh
-SW
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You have my permission to dream about me in a hospital gown all you like. I'm not judgemental.
However, you are not, under any circumstances and at any range, to be behind me if I am actually wearing a hospital gown. You must stay in front of me, from 10-2 o'clock.
:)
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Awesome news, Toad! Bet no whiskey will ever taste better.
You know what, I might go to the store and get a bottle a whiskey and drink to your health. Not being a whiskey drinker, what do you recommend?
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Congrats Toad, excellent news :)
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Originally posted by Urchin
Cool, good news! :). You don't even NEED both kidneys anyway... you have two just in case something happens to one of em.
well actually, all you need is half a kidney for normal function.
thats kinda neat mother nature gives you an extra 75%.
just go to show you under what perssure and erosion the kidneys go throu. a really incredible machine.
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WTG Toad! Keep up the fight until the kidney is cleared.
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That is Most Excellet news Toad. Long, rough road, but you'll sleep better now =)
Now.. where's the drinks?
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Great news Toad!
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Woot!
Just awesome, Toad.
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That's great news Toad, very glad for ya.
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Great news! you may have a free pass to the sheep pen for a week (a week only mind....):D
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Whew! Great news Toad!
eskimo
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Nice troll Toad ! :mad:
Just kidding, great news, thanks for keeping us updated.
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Great news, Toad!
Hope the kidney stuff turns out ok.
I was being considered for a Living Donor (kidney) for someone in my area who was in a dire situation. A few weeks ago, someone in her family, and a friend came forward to donate.
Anyways, my prayers are with ya.
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WooHoo!!!!
Toad, I know no one can be quite as happy and relieved as you are, but damn, I'm happy for you! Just ain't your time to go yet.
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That is great to hear Toad!!
Hell, ya sound healthier than me!
:)
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That's great news, Toad!
Hope the Kidney tumor turns out to be benign, and that they can remove it and get you back into the swing of things real soon.
Keep us posted, sir. :)
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see ya big sissy.... told ya it was OK.
lazs
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Lazs knows all about being a sissy He's an expert.
Les
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Lazs knows all about being a sissy He's an expert.
Les
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There see, I said it twice.:D
Les
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well.... not all.. but some. I don't call myself "leslie" tho . main thing is... toad is Ok.
lazs
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Originally posted by lazs2
I don't call myself "leslie" tho .
... and "Lazslie" doesn't have quite the right ring to it. ;)
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You should know Beet1e.
Les
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Update:
Tomorrow morning (7th) they go after the little bugger that started this Wild Ride.
I'm having laparascopic surgery to remove the "suspected" 7mm carcinoid tumor in my stomach. Depending just where in the stomach it is (IE: how much sewing) I'll be in hospital for 1-3 days.
After that, I'm trying to get into the Cleveland Clinic to have a top-notch kidney guy try to save part of my kidney. I'm sure 2-3 weeks will elapse before I can get through all the paperwork/consultation hoops and on to the table.
Once again, I appreciate any and all prayers, good thoughts and positive energy.
The Wild Ride begins in earnest now, I think.
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sir good luck on the surgery!!!
also best of luck with the kidney!
prayers are going out.
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Good news Toad!
Can you send me some more of "the Squeel" hog rub before you go under the knife though! ;)
Truely good news and I wish you the best with the surgeries.
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That's great news! Good luck for the knife aswell.
I also got great news on my kidneys last week. What a relief, not that my problems were anything like yours.
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Good luck again Toad, I'm sure you'll be fine. The tree in my backyard told me so. Or maybe that was the bird...
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Great news Toad, good luck under the knife, speedy recovery!
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Hi guys!
Well, another big "thank you" for the prayers, support and energy!
Got out of this one as well as one can; it was a "fatty lipoma" which is Doc-speak for a little lump of fat.
I feel pretty good, really. Sorta like somebody socked me in the stomach but I'm walking and talking. They have me on a "pureed" food diet for a week; pudding, jello, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes. No problemo.
Tomorrow I will be working hard to get myself on at the Cleveland Clinic ASAP. I just want to get this done.
I'm VERY thankful. Wearing out the knees of my blue jeans.
I'll let you know how the scheduling goes.
Thanks again! Keep it up!
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GREAT to hear sir <
>
will keep it going until it is all over!!
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WOOHOO!!!!
Awesome news!! :)
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Dammmm I jump into a good thread again late.....
But not late enough to throw in a large heaping of luck and prayers!
Good Luck Toad you'll have this all licked soon.
:aok
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Awesome news Toad :)
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Great news Toad! Continuing with the well wishes and thoughts sir!
mauser
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Fatty Lipoma, huh? That's great news!
I've got a few of those scattered throughout my body. Had'em since I was about 16, and they've never been a problem. Doctors all said to just leave'em alone, as they won't do anything.
Did they remove the one in your stomach, or just leave it?
Any word on the Kidney yet?
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Had to remove it to biopsy it. Wasn't too bad.
Trying to get into the Clevleand Clinic for the kidney. They're pretty busy; haven't heard back. My personality isn't going to let this be a "well, come in six months from now" deal.
I'd like to do it laparascopically, but time is a factor. If I have to get opened up to do it quick, I will.