Here in the ring with the bulls....

Well...here I am..in a place I could never have imagined.I've photographed folks for hospice before and had a sense of their dilema,but you can't know really until your "in the ring".I do have some very incredible support..and I'll be using this space to keep anyone interested in my progress,informed as much as I can.I was diagnosed with renal kidney cancer just last Monday,the 20th Sept,because of a pain in my left leg...turned out to be a tumor...freaky! My ortho guy told me.."we're going to do every test known to man"..and did it.Bless him. In 1 week,I had a CAT scan,Bone scan,X-rays,blood work MRI,met w/oncologist,and 1/2 hour later,was in the ready room for biopsy.Absolutely amazing...I mean,this is Salisbury. All that info went to,or is going to NIH,where I hope to receive my care.That little diddy was taken care of by a special angel,Dr Alex Pratt,a very good friend,that just happens to work in that arena.She has garnered a team that is headed up by one of the country's besy Kidney surgeons.If accepted into the program,everything is FREE!!! We'll see...next week hopefully. If that doesn't get it,then my alternative is going to Mexico...no,not for vacation...for treatment.My good friend (i am so blessed) Bill Rolig has been through that bullring and come out the other side eating bull sandwiches.So,I've got plenty of "capes" for the future that all look very positive.Joan and I are as positive as can be and in great spirits.Son Dave flew here 2 days ago,and left yesterday,and will be back for the Halloween party.Yes,it's still a go damnit...are you serious? So,my present situation is this:I am on crutches because of the tumor in my left leg.It has thinned the bone around it to the point of being very fragile.It will likely need a rod down my femur (not a big deal,says my ortho guy)and possibly need some type of build up on the bone post-tumor.I have a spot on my rib,hip,right femur,..and foot???(weird,eh?). Yesterday I started a healthfood diet with different supplements,etc.I have several books (thanks Bill) on cancer that I've pulled some tricks out of and will follow for awhile...no reason not to.I feel really,really good about the direction this is all going.A note on the bright side...I get to try MM and RW..(medical? marijuana and red wine) ..a great healing combo!...Well,that's enough info for now.I'll keep you posted.Love to all...the Rickster