Bud Baker Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Two years ago today, I was at the Dallas VA Medical Center, having the upper lobe of my left lung removed. The scan that found my cancer was in November, but my doctor was so certain that it was lung cancer and I was such a good candidate for surgery, that no biopsy was done until surgery, making that my official diagnosis day, and making me a two year survivor today. I am still cancer free, with my next scan coming up next month. It's funny the things you remember from surgery. Both morphine and the anti-nausea drugs they were giving me made me sick, so just one day after surgery, I talked them into switching me to hydrochodone. They seemed leery about making that change so quickly, but I was fine on hydrochodone. I remember the surgeon handing me a spirometer and telling me I would have to do 1500 or more on it before they would let me out of the hospital. I took it and did 2000 that first try. He said, "Who needs two lungs?" When Rose handed me her spirometer last month and told me to see what I could do, I pegged it out at 4000. They had said I would be kept in the Thoracic Intensive Care Unit for my entire stay, at least five days, but in spite of how empty the hospital was at holiday time, the TICU became crowded and I was doing well, so two days after surgery, they transferred me to a regular room. It was a semi-private room, but the other bed was kept empty while I was there. I remember walking up and down the hospital halls, pushing a wheelchair with the boxes that my chest tubes were connected to in it. Getting out of bed to do anything wasn't much fun, but I did like getting up and moving about. They released me the afternoon of Christmas day. We normally have our family gathering and open gifts on Christmas Eve, but everything was kept waiting until I got home that year. It's hard to imagine a family Christmas gathering that I will enjoy and appreciate more than that one. Last year, we had a party to celebrate me being a one year survivor. It was probably the biggest gathering of family and friends that we've ever had at our house. My son drove 350 miles to surprise me and join us. This year, with Rose recovering from breast cancer surgery, and getting ready for more chemo, there will be no party. I'll settle for a small celebration here and at home. Yesterday, I did a 131 mile bike ride, as my own way of celebrating (I made sure to wear my "Cancer Sucks" cycling socks for the ride). I'm rambling, but I expect most here will forgive me. Thanks to everyone for your support. A special thanks to the long term survivors here who keep coming back. When I first found the place, it was they who did a great job of reminding me that there are long term survivors around. And a special thanks to Katie, who's energy for advocacy seems boundless. Merry Christmas, everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Your making me misty eyed here!! Thats a good thing. Kudos and congrats! I think your will power and fighting spirit rubs off on Rose and you both are gonna be just fine next year and for many more also!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Those first 2 years are important ones Bud. Onco told me that most recurrances will happen in that time frame altho they can happen later. Congradulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 I'm rambling, but I expect most here will forgive me. Right, Bud, these kinds of rambles are good for the soul — and the collective soul too. You have a great Christmas, and the best to your wife. Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianew Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Congratulations! What a wonderful Xmas gift - another year - and I've not a doubt you'll have many more. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulette3 Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Congratulaitons Bud!! Stories like yours make me believe that I'll be fine. I loved reading your post. Thank you! Paulette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Bud, thank you for sharing your wonderful milestone and your beautiful story. You are such an inspiration to many and I'm sure your wife is one who would agree . May you, Rose and your family have a wonderful Christmas this year and for many many more to come. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat127 Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Hey, I have those socks too! Congrats on your milestone and may there be many many many more. Your bike riding mileage always inspires me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Congratulations Bud! Two years is huge! Merry Christmas! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 I love good news. It keeps me feeling up. Thank you, Bud, for sharing and may it continue onward for many, many, exponential years. Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reynsie48 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Almost 3 years ago we had our usual quiet family Christmas not knowing that the New Year was going to start our unexpected journey. January 28 will be three full years for us and our Oncologist as well says that although re-occurences can certainly happen, the chance lessens the more years you can put between you and your diagnosis. You and your bicycle riding have shown us just how much a man determined to not only live but live well, can do. I chuckle when I think of our 16 years in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan and the thought of seeing "Bud riding his bicycle in the winter up there" ha ha. Indeed I hope that you and Rose have an awesome Christmas and many more to come. Sandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 What wonderful Christmas memories you will have every year! Thanks for sharing! And BIG party next year! Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilyjohn Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Congradulations and wishing you another 40 years at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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