The photo in the attached link is from January 9, 1977, Super Bowl XI in Pasadena, CA, and the Oakland Raiders have just defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14.  In the foreground is Raiders coach John Madden; in the background holding the makeshift sign that says it all are (left) Gene Upshaw and (right) Art Shell.

Today WE are #1.  The medical documents verify this - the CAT Scan from 5-23 as compared with the CAT Scan from 8-18.  All that remains from four cancerous tumors in April is very minimal residual in the area below the left lung and a very small scar seen in the right lung area.  Tomorrow's PET Scan will complete the picture, but this is clearly a major victory, a victory over the greatest foe any of us can face belongs to ALL of us, because it is due to the support received from all my relatives and friends that this is possible.  This is what I prayed for when I asked that my friends and relatives be granted the courage to stand in there with me.  To say that this prayer was granted is a vast understatement.  To have defeated this opponent is one thing - to have done so in the relatively brief time and manner is I think equivalent to a rout.  I will have the PET Scan results probably after Monday's consultation with the oncologist, along with his recommendations as to what we need to do next.  I will keep all in the loop, and again I thank you all for the help and support.

-- Modified on 8/20/2008 10:25:35 AM

-- Modified on 8/20/2008 10:26:09 AM

I am very happy that you are getting better!

It's your courage and belief that you can beat this disease that keeps you going.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Sloane

I refused to believe that this thing that could not even make me sick (unless you count a temporarily paralyzed vocal cord) when it was strong six months ago could take me down.  And I still believe it.

are better at defeating most diseases than the most powerful therapeutics in the world....  you are kinda proving that point.

Heartiest congratulations.  I remember your initial posting and have been thinking about how you might have been doing.  That is wonderful news.

Thanks, but this is a team effort.  Not one centimeter of this could be accomplished without the help and support of my family, my friends, and of course my maker's blessing.

Thanks, doc.  My baseball coach told me years ago that "when you believe, amazing things happen".  It turned out to be not only a sports lesson but a life lesson.  Now it's on to a clean PET scan (that's tomorrow morning) with no hot spots and forward to whatever life has in store.  I can't wait!!!

With all the crappy things going on in the world ,economy sucks,Russia acting up, it is good to hear some good news.


Stay strong.....

I am glad you're doing well -- early detection, better therapies, and a positive attitude like yours have proven that the dreaded "C" word is not a death sentence.  Good Job, and keep it up! (pun intended, LOL)

Echoing Chris's comment, it's nice to hear some good news -- from world news to national news to (extended) family news (an in-law of an in-law passed away this week), it's been kind of a bummer this summer.  At least the Olympics have been mostly decent...

It's a  tremendous victory you have achieved so far.

The results will be known on Monday at 5pm, when I next see the oncologist.  I already know what's there - nothing.  But the oncologist has to eat, too, so we might as well give him the satisfaction of telling me.

Yesterday, Carlton posts a joyous pic of the Oakland Raiders Super Bowl victory to coincide with his battle over cancer.  In that photo, Gene Upshaw, then a player for the Raiders died yesterday of cancer.

I thought the same thing, because featured in the photo was indeed Gene Upshaw.  And I've been a Raiders fan for decades.  Gene was 63, same as his uniform number.

That's amazing! Just shows you that you can overcome anything with the love and support of others and of yourself!

I'm very happy for you!

XO Ellyse

Thanks, Ellyse.