Cancer changes everything.

[AzHadEnuf]

Im really not sure why I’m making this post. I’ve been following Daveathall post about his battle. Dave my heart goes out to you. Some of you know that I’m a pretty advid hiker, rock climber and backpacker. At 62 years old I have been blessed with good health. I have had the privilege to go and see places that few have seen. A few weeks ago while traversing a ridge line at about 8,500 feet I suddenly had zero strength. This was not a new environment for me and I couldn’t figure out what was going on. A few days later, in an emergency visit to the ER it was revealed to me that I have Stage 4 lung cancer. After more testing I learned it had metastasized to my brain, adrenaline gland and bone. Had my first brain radiation treatment today. Not fun, Honestly not good news. I don’t why but I was okay with the news. I have had an incredible life and have no regrets. The part that killed me was what it did to my wife and 26 year old son. I’m a Managing Broker at a large Real Estate firm in Southern Arizona and when word got out I instantly had an instant army of angels over 100 strong. I could not believe how much love in this world exists, I mean it was being poured over me like a fire hose. The strength and hope has been incredible to both me and my small family and we feel it. So I guess I’m reaching out. Any positive thoughts are welcomed with open arms. Oh…I’ve also seem to have become a one watch guy. Had my Black Red on the first night in the ER and aside from many test it hasn’t left my wrist. It’s become my fighting tool watch. Definitely a One Day at a Time scenario. Peace and love guys. Ralph







Happy trails and God bless you all!

[V25V]

So sad to read this. My friends brother just was diagnosed with leukemia, insane how this just keeps happening to people around me, even here on the forum. So sorry for you but stay strong.


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[Carguy87]

Wow Ralph thank you for your strength in sharing your story with us. I am saddened to hear the news, and I can only imagine the strain on you and your loved ones. Please know I’m rooting for you and if you ever want to talk/vent/b!tch or just need a sounding board, please PM me. I’ll be here.

P.S. that Tudor is a hell of a battle watch I like it! (This is a watch forum after all lol)

Cheers friend

[DJ TT 2002]

I am so very sorry to hear your news.
Please know that my heart goes out to you and your family.

This is a tough situation but ‘23 is a time in which we have our best tools to help you fight your battle.
XRT/ CXT are the most effective regimens that have ever been available for NSCLC or SC.
We are seeing the longest survival rates in history.

Please PM me if I can be of any assistance.

All the best

T

[TheHulk]

Ralph, I’m so sorry to hear about what you and your family are going through! I have a prayer list with 4 items on it, now you and your family will be number 5. I wish you all the best as you fight this. Very respectfully, Rick

[Chewbacca]

Ralph, I don’t know what to say except I’ll say a prayer for you and your family with the hope you fight well, and your family remains strong supporting you and each other.

God Bless.

[sickened1]

So sorry to hear this. Please stay strong and knowing that we are here for you. Normally I’m not a praying man but I will pray for you and your love ones.

[daveathall]

Ralph, I am at a loss, suffice there are many thoughts and support we can give each other, the shock is trememdous. I will be reaching out. The people. here have been absolutely wonderful to me and all those who have been touched by this illness, I have many thoughts and will pass them on. So sorry my friend.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Ralph, I don’t know what to say except I’ll say a prayer for you and your family with the hope you fight well, and your family remains strong supporting you and each other.

God Bless.

I couldn’t have said it any better.

Ralph, give it hell!! I pray that you and your family have strength and peace during this time. Every day there are more options to fight this terrible disease, we’ve all got your back through it.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need some encouragement or an open ear.

May God bless you and your family through this time.


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

[Tomas Eriksson]

Ralph,
Me and others have very much enjoyed your adventure updates and inspiring anecdotes on the forums over the years. Give it hell, we want you around!

[White Collar Boy]

Hi Ralph. We don’t know each other, I know, but I just had to take a seat while reading that. I’m so sorry. I really feel for your family too. Three years ago my dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes, bowel, and spine, so I can sort of relate to your son’s reaction.

But you never know. My dad is still here; two years of immunotherapy shrunk some of the cancer and stabilised the rest. Not completely in the clear, of course, but just having that time has meant a lot.

I sincerely hope your treatment works and you have as much time as possible with your loved ones.

Take care.

[TheVTCGuy]

Wow…. I don’t know what to say except your post hit me hard. We are close in age and as you know (we have talked off line) I am an avid hiker like yourself. I have also enjoyed excellent health and activity into my middle ages. You take care of yourself and treat your body with respect, and this happens to you. Meanwhile, someone that smokes packs of cigarettes a day never experiences lung cancer. Life is not fair for whatever reason. I wish you all the strength in the world and the best in your recovery. I am glad you are at peace with it, and hope your family and friends will be soon as well. Here is to you and Dave taking a hike together in about 20 years.

[1st amg]

Oh Ralph....this is shocking. You seem to be in great shape physically and you seem to have the fight in you. Both extremely vital. As stated above by DJ 2002 TT, you have a good chance, I want to believe that. It is a tough road for you and your family, but it is not over. Godspeed buddy.

[Yobber76]

Ralph, I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and positive, attitude is important. Today is a gift, tomorrow is the goal.

[THC]

Damn Ralph, sincere best wishes to your full recovery

[BigBlue1]

I wish you the best brother. It is absolutely crazy how it just comes on so sudden. With all your life experiences I know you’ll give it a good fight. It really puts what’s most important in your life into perspective. I have gone thru a couple ordeals in my life which are none like you are facing today but have really changed my outlook. You seem to be hell of a fighter and seem to have lots of support. An internet Hug headed your way. You can beat this!!!!!

[selpo]

So sorry to hear about the cancer diagnosis. As mentioned before, lot of advancements in the treatment of lung cancer but most important is your great attitude and fighting spirit- Do not lose those, will be praying for you and your family.

[Knappo 1307]

You are in my thoughts Ralph.

[brandrea]

I’m really sorry to hear this Ralph.

As bleak as things appear, you have to fight on and you will. Your loved ones are with you and we are with you.

Prayers for you and yours.

[MickCollins1916]

Ralph, because you’re a gentleman and have been such a delight to chat with via the forums over these many years, you sure added to the army of people praying for you and your family via this post.

This is a lot to contend with for you and your family - I admire your strength and sense of peace in dealing with the hand you’ve got to play here. I am sorry this fight has begun, but I and so many others will be thinking of you and yours along the way.

[AzPaul]

All my best thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

[superdog]

oh my god. Ralph, my man.

fuck. (sorry mods)

fuck.

I am sorry you are going through this brother. And sorry for your family.

I am in physical pain reading this. you are an amazing dude. I am thinking about you. I am praying for you.

fuck. (sorry again, mods).

[colpol]

Damn - sorry to hear this
Hopefully your treatment will be a full success

[JasoninDenver]

Best wishes going out to you and your family.

I know it is a tough road ahead but take pride in the life you have lived as it sounds as though you have few regrets or deferred dreams. Very few of us can say that so kudos to you.

[Chiboy]

Oh my gosh, your post took my breath away. I can't really add much to what has already been said, but wish you the best and find the best docs for your particular situation. They aren't all the same. It's amazing what medicine can do these days!

[uscmatt99]

Ralph, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's a really tough diagnosis but I hope that with your otherwise excellent health and support network you'll be able to keep the cancer at bay with the help of your care team.

[Old Geezer]

Ralph, Praying for you and your family as you fight your battle. God Bless You and yours.

[espanol]

Prayers go out to you and your family, Ralph. Your outlook is inspiring. Stay positive and fight. My best goes out to you and yours during this challenging time.

[Beo3]

Ralph - Terrible news. Know that there is a fantastic support system here.

Please reach out if you need to rant.

Cancer sucks.

[emersm]

Ralph, wow.... I am so sorry to read this and hear what you and your family are going through. I can't even imagine.

These posts are so gut-wrenching to me and really put life and "problems" into perspective.

I'll be thinking about you and praying for you.

My best to you and your family,
Merle