I have something to say... hope it helps someone.

[Pat Conlon]

Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from the desert.

Please stay in touch Randy.

[rktmanfj]

Between all the well wishes and prayers posted here, and all of the many PMs and emails I've received, I'm overwhelmed and humbled at the outpouring of support.

I shouldn't be surprised, I guess.

Having been a member of this board from the start (and Yahoo and netpath before that), and having met many of you in person and made life-long friends, I've known for a long time that this group is a cut above what one can find anywhere else.

Above average riders, and outstanding people... thank you all.

[Troyskie]

G'day Randy, I did not know about the HPV.
Weddings are the best!
Thoughts are with you mate.
Troy

[Paul1965]

You're a braver man than I am for being so open about what you're going thru. I had a bit of Melanoma removed from my left leg a couple years ago and it scared the shit out of me, but that absolutely pales in comparison to what you're enduring. I am not a religious man, so I can only say that I wish you well and hope that there is a quick cure in sight for you.

[aviationfred]

Randy,

This is not the news that I was hoping to hear. Positive thoughts and prayers for you. Hopefully you will be accepted for the trials and that it will be a success.


Fred

[1tinindian]

Randy,
My heart sinks while reading your words.
You were my first person on the forum to open up your home to me, and to introduce me to the joys of attending my first rally, which was also the last rally at Tellicos KOA.
The memory of our trip together, ( blown tire and all) will stay with me forever as one of many, feel good moments in my life.
You and Susan were wonderful to stay with, and your long standing involvement with the FJ community proves how valued you are to us, and we appreciate all that you have shared with us.

Thank you for the informed reason about your illness, and I can only wish you the best of luck with the treatments, and to stay strong, like I know you will.

I know your wedding will be a beautiful event, and please tell Susan congratulations from me.
I have always been a firm believer in the fact, that a man is only as good as the woman he chooses to be by his side, and I know that Susan is that person that completes you.

I'm so very sorry, but yet so very happy for you at the same time, the emotions run deep in times like this, I hope you understand.

Take care my friend.

Leon

[Bill_Rockoff]

Hey Randy,

It was great as always to see you in Tellico.

Your diagnosis is a kick in the teeth.  (Almost literally.)  HPV is extremely common, causing pretty much all cervical cancer and over 2/3 of the cancers in the throat, tonsils, etc.   

They are making amazing strides in treatment of all kinds of cancers, literally new ones by the week.  They are starting to understand gene mutations that cause growth of some tumors, which they can then manipulate to prevent the spread and continued growth of the tumor.  (Great news for the sort of tumors that comprise breast and ovarian cancer.  I don't know enough about your squamous to know if this treatment applies to yours.)  They are beginning to be able to over-ride some of the immune system manipulation done by some cancers, "switching on" an immune system response that some cancers "switch off" in order to help a person's own immune system break down the cancer cells in many lung cancers and in melanoma (such as Jimmy Carter's melanoma.) 

I am curious, and hopeful, about how these new understandings will improve your experiences beyond what you have been expecting so far.  I'm glad you're going to undergo more treatment, because that gives you more time to find appropriate trials (or for them to find you.) 

And congratulations on the wedding.

Please PM if there's anything at all I can do.

[DR.GTS.DUCATI.FAZER Dave]

Randy,

I am glad you and I had time to talk and work on the bike at this years rally. The diagnosis is a kick in the gut. The good news is, many of us are close enough to lend a hand if you find it necessary to make it thru the next challenges.

Let me know if I can do anything.

You and I had a moment discussing funerals when I relayed the witnessing of an Adventure Riders funeral this rally season when I treked off to deliver the rifle to my father during the Rally. I had said any funeral for me would be very small and you indicated you would attend.  So I say, now lets get in a "SLOW" race , think riding slower than the other guy across the parking lot, last guy wins.....to see who attends whose.

We all surely pray the treatments provide comfort and a long life.

Dave

[DR.GTS.DUCATI.FAZER Dave]

Randy/Susan,

I nearly forgot, Congratulations on the Wedding plans. Randy spoke volumes with me about you Susan during the last two rally's. The most recent, how incredible you have been in supporting him thru this.

We all pray you both make it thru this most recent event, Wed and have many years of bliss.

Dave S.

[simi_ed]

Randy, I have been slow to chime in, but not for lack of caring, my friend.  This is a tough row to hoe, no doubt.  It just makes me ad that there is so much money for superfluous BS in this world, but still not enough to finally beat cancer.  It has already taken too many of my friends & relatives. 

I wish you all the best, my thoughts & prayers are with you & Susan.  Have a wonderful wedding, & please put up an announcement for a registry.  I had some friends that were able to fund a nice trip with their registry, with friends & family all funding small portions.  I imagine all of us here could do a small part and help you get about.

Again, all the best!

Ed Thiele

[rktmanfj]

Well, as it turns out, the wedding is not going to happen. After receiving some wise counsel from a good friend, I did some checking into a few things, and found that it would, given our situation, be financially devastating, especially for Susan at some point.

In the meantime,due to Obamacare regulations, I would lose my healthcare plan AND due to SSA regulations, any disability payments that might be forthcoming. We have decided to just continue to love one another, and leave things be.

Government should stay the hell out of people's personal lives.

[anson45]

Marriage isn't a piece of paper, it is the commitment that you make to the relationship. In this case it is best not to get the government involved. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Susan daily.
Anson

[red]

Well, as it turns out, the wedding is not going to happen.
Government should stay the hell out of people's personal lives.

Randy,

If it would be a comfort to you and yours, I see no reason that you should not have as much of a ceremony and wedding event as you may want now.  Just leave out all of the "accredited" officials (and formal paperwork BS).  Employ friends and family in their places, use a "comfortable" venue of your choice, and enjoy the day.  You can do the "official" version anytime later, if it ever becomes beneficial to do so.  It's nobody's business if you wish to have a "rehearsal" ceremony now for family and friends, but not with the officials.

Do what you can to enjoy life now.  It's truly a mistake for anybody to do otherwise with their life.

Cheers,
Red

[rktmanfj]

So, here I sit in the chemo chair once again...  treatment began this am in Indianapolis (carboplatin, FU/5, Erbitux).

We'll continue this until the disease regresses, progresses, or the treatment side effects become intolerable.  If it's anything but regression, I'm told that I will indeed be admitted to the University of Cincinnati trial.
Not entirely sure what to pray for here.  

[TexasDave]

Lost my uncle seven years ago to a very aggressive cancer. He went through numerous chemo treatments until he felt the battle was over and refused another. Fought it for 16 years and lived 14 years longer than any other patient with the same cancer. Keep fighting. My prayers are with you. Dave