A new lease on life - medical report- WHOOPIE !!

[Ken Salisbury]

Yesterday I recieved the greatest news one could hope for. As most of you know I have been battling lung cancer for 11 months. I originally had tumors on both lungs. After 6 months of chemo and Avastin treatments the tumor on my right lung disappeared.

Now for the really good news. I had a PET Test last week and visited my Oncologist yesterday to review the results. The first words out of his mouth were "Ken, don't you think you need a vacation". Of course I said "you bet I do". He then told me that the PET was negative and I have no active cancer cells present.

Now after taking treatments every 3 weeks for 11 months I was absolutely flabergasted when he said "Take a vacation and come back in 3 months" :D :D.

Now I have to work on getting over the effects of all the treatments. Believe me there are plenty of issues to deal with. Weight, energy level, mental stability and more.

I was told last June that I had as little as 3 months to live and now I have a new lease on life. The war is not completely over but a major battle has been won.

It really hasn't hit me just yet, but I slept better last night than I have in a year.

[Jim Becker]

YIPPIE!!!

Now...go take that vacation!

[Don Baer]

Super news Ken. Have one on me. I know a lot of creekers have been pulling for ya.

[Bruce Page]

Ken, that is fabulous news!

[Dennis Peacock]

EXCELLENT NEWS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now...where ya goin' on Vacation? :D

Thanks for the update Ken.

[Jason Roehl]

Good to hear, Ken! I hope that lease is a long-term one!

I also suspect that your local watering hole may see a little more of you now--having Buds and beef!

[Carl Eyman]

We rejoice with you, Ken. This is the news we've been waiting for, but of courrse, not as anxiously as you.

[Tyler Howell]

Party Time.
Pour me a cold one Ken.
This round is on me

[Halsey MCCombs]

That is great news Ken. Halsey

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Hot Damn!

Take that vacation! Go somewhere relax and enjoy! What fantastic news!

[Mark Rios]

WAY - TO - GO KEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations.....very, very good news.

[Ken Garlock]

Fantastic news

Sounds like a trip to Las Vegas is in order.;) :eek:

[Christopher Pine]

Ken That indeed is great News! Not much else to say! What happy news!
I refer to you quote at the bottom of your posts by Coach Bryant.. I see you live this and the battle for your health has been no exception! Congrats!

[David Duke]

Great news Ken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John Bailey]

Great News Ken.

As a confirmed health nut and vegetarian, I don't drink. However, in honor of this good news, I think I'll go tip a cold one anyway. Super!!

John

[Curt Fuller]

Hey Ken, that's fantastic news. I'll tip a cold one in your honor;) .

[Jim O'Dell]

Great news, Ken!! I know many of us have been praying for you, and those that don't have religeous beliefs have been sending all sorts of positive zen your way. I'm popping one in your honor as I type! I hope it doesn't matter that it's a Dr Pepper!
I bet the vacation your Dr. was talking about was from having to go see him, but gettin' out of Dodge and going some place different would seem to be good medicine, too. Continued health! Jim.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Your post made my day, Ken. Way to fight the fight, and you'll continue to be in my thoughts, as an example that this stuff can be overcome.

- Vaughn

[Ned Bulken]

Ken, wonderful news! It can be beaten. My mother is a Survivor, thank goodness you're on that path as well! I'll continue the prayers though, as they won't hurt. congrats!

[Jim Tobias]

Ken,
This is the BEST NEWS I've seen all day!!!!!!
My sister has beaten it for over 2 years and is going strong. You are doing the same! More power to you!!

Jim

[Frank Chaffee]

Excellent news Ken!!!:)

[Rich Konopka]

Ken,

Great news !! rest up and get your strength back. Where are you planning on going for vacation?

[Matt Meiser]

Great news, and as several others have asked, where are you going?

[Joe Mioux]

Ditto what everyone has said. This is just the best news!

Joe

[Bobby McCarley]

Way to go Ken,

Glad to hear the great news. I, along with the rest of us creekers wish you the best and continued good health.

Bobby McCArley
Louisiana

[Karl Laustrup]

WOW! That is the best news Ken. Glad all is going so well.

How many "Creekers" you think you could visit before your next Dr. appointment?

Karl

[John Shuk]

Great to hear Ken. Keep on trucking!

[Marty Walsh]

Ken,

Congratulations on the great news!!!

Enjoy your well deserved vacation, even if it's on your porch with a cooler of cold ones close at hand.

Stay well...
- Marty -

[Tom Hamilton]

Great news Ken, for you, your family and all of the Creek. If you vacation travels take you to Houston, let us know, we'll be pleased to give you the tour.

Best regards, Tom, in Houston, with guide book at the ready.

[David Fried]

Ken,

Comes the end of the year this will be in the running for Best Post of the Year! Great news. I miss your CSM posts and projects. Enjoy that vacation and come back soon.


Dave Fried

[Earl Reid]

KEN, We are glad to hear your good news, Wish you well and enjoy your vacation.

Earl and Barbara:)

[Von Bickley]

Ken,

Great News... Now about that mental stability remark????

[Ron Jones near Indy]

There's not much I can say that hasn't been said.

FANTASTIC!!

[Frank Pellow]

That's great news Ken! :) :) :)

And, when you are fully rested and get over the effects of the chemo, I look forward to exchanges with you such as the disagreement :p we had a couple couple of years ago when you admonished me for standing on the top of a stepladder. :D

[Tony Falotico]

That's great news Ken, Now get some rest and BACK TO 'DA SHOP !!

[Jay Knoll]

KEN

Thanks so much for posting the great news, I know that you and your immediate family are overjoyed, and your extended SMC family clearly shares that emotion.

With all the "bad news" we are exposed to each day it is hard to remember that a lot of good things do happen in this world. Your work in keeping SMC a wonderful place to visit, is a wonderful gift to all of us, as is the good news of your recovery.

Enjoy the vaction!

Jay

[John Miliunas]

Well, sir, I'm admitedly, not much of a church-goer but, I do spend some time each day talking to the Big Guy and, since first hearing the news, I've not stopped putting in a good word for you. I know a lot of other folks here have done the same. I guess my "words" for tonight, will include, "Thanks!" :) Way to go Ken! Now, get your act together and make some sawdust!!! :) :cool:

[Ken Fitzgerald]

BTW Ken..........tonight I'm going to consume some BL just in your honor! I hope you have a sense of control or my head could hurt tomorrow!:eek: :rolleyes: :D

[Norman Hitt]

That's FANTASIC, Ken. Now I know you're worn out from all that battle, and probably not thinking too clearly either, what with that rush of adrenlin from the good news, Soooooooooo.......why don't you just jot down a few nice places to go, or things to do on a few scraps of paper, and let "WONDER PUP" pick one, after all, HE probably needs a Vacation TOO from all that work he's been doing to keep your stress levels down.;) :D

[Michael Stafford]

That is wonderful news! I bet those words in themselves lifted a huge burden from you. You obviously have been a good patient. Now listen to the doctor one more time and go take a nice vacation. Learn to live again and have a great time!!!

[Tim Morton]

Awesome news ken!!! Way to go!!!!!:) :)

[Keith Outten]

Excellent!

Everyone is elated to hear the good news Ken. I know your family is relieved and the guys at the local watering hole will be pleased to have you back again :)

It is clearly a time to give thanks for prayers answered.

.

[Richard Wolf]

Great.

Richard

[John Hart]

Phenomenal! That's a great gloat!!!:)

[Mark Singer]

Ken,
That is wonderful news!....

[Brett Baldwin]

That's great news Ken. Be sure to spoil yourself with something absolutely unnecessary.

[Jim Hager]

That is such great news Ken. Now go somewhere and celebrate life in a way you have never understood before. Wow what a blessing!!!

[Jerry Olexa]

Ken, that is OUTSTANDING, GREAT News!!! Very happy for you...Enjoy it and get back to normal..

[Larry Norton]

Ken, that news is almost as good as if you bought a new Ford! I can't imagine how good you must feel.

I need to go have some tests done myself.

[Larry Cooke]

Congratulations Ken! I can fully appreciate all that you have gone though and to hear this news makes very happy for you. Someone close to me is going through chemo and I know how tough that can be. Not to mention all the prodding poking and well you know...

Enjoy you new found life and don't forget to live it to the fullest extent!

Larry

[Mark Pruitt]

Good for you, Ken! Way to hang in there!

[Jim Dunn]

I'll drink to the good news and I don't even drink. Congrats Ken.

[Christopher Stahl]

Congratulations Ken!!!! I'm thrilled to hear this. Go out and have some fun.

[Dan Oliphant]

That is terrific news Ken, Soak up some sunshine where ever you decide to vacation, (even if it is in your own backyard).

[Randy Moore]

That's GRRRRRREEEEEAT

:) :D :) :cool: :D :) :cool: :D ;) :cool:

[Greg Ladd]

That is fantastic news. You are certainly well on your way to being your former self again. I hope you quickly recover in the rest of the areas you mentioned.

Good luck - Greg Ladd

[Ed Lang]

:D :D :D :D :D :D

You are the man!

[Rob Russell]

Great news Ken!

Just imagine if he'd told you instead that you couldn't drink beer anymore ...

Good thing that won't be an issue!

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

That is very impressive - this especially so for lung cancer.
As a fellow survivor I have a sence of what you must feel.
Congratulations and kudos on a good fight

[Roger Bell]

Terrific. We toast you from here.

[Don Abele]

Ken, that's awesome news. Congrats on the victory...now, like many have said, hoist a celebratory toast and then take that vacation to recharge your batteries. Again, congratulations.

Be well,

Doc

[Roy Wall]

Super News Ken!!!!!!!!!!

The prayers are still coming at ya'!!!

[Barry Stratton]

Awesome news Ken!!! A Budweiser was raised in your honor. Here's to a 10 year lease with an option to renew!

[Deirdre Saoirse Moen]

May you have many more clean bills of health. Congrats!

[Martin Shupe]

Congratulations, Ken, great news! We are all very happy for you! Enjoy your vacation!

[David Wilson]

Best news I have heard in a long time.

[John Scarpa]

Ken,

I know what kind of load that takes off of you. I got the same news from my oncologist a few weeks ago. A negative PET! It's a totally new lease on life and the biggest possible grin on your face. I know the tendency is to reserve a little of that relief and celebration just in case. But ahhhhhhhhh the heck with it! ENJOY! and God Bless.

John