My haitus from everything

HorseFilms

HorseFilms

Look ma no hands
This stems from the love thread and I didn't want to hijack it.

I've been around here for a long time and I disappeared recently. Many of the regulars know this. Last year, I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer. It moved to my liver. Not only did it pick the wrong person, but it definitely picked the wrong liver. :beer:

This has been my last year and change:
  • Chemo
  • Radiation
  • Surgery to remove the tumor from my rectum
  • More chemo
  • Surgery to remove the tumor from my mighty liver
  • More chemo
  • Infections that made me extremely sick to the point that I was once 6'2" and 130 lbs.
  • Surgery to give me a permanent colostomy, which saved my life and returned quality to it
  • In September, I had a CT scan that showed no signs of cancer. My blood work shows the same.
  • I'm back up to 200 lbs
  • I bought a Panasonic AC90 and I'm shooting again.
You guys have always been a great group of friends to me. Those of you who know me on Facebook as Ryan Gohlinghorst already know this. I felt that the rest of you should know, as well. Feel free to meet up with me there.

Be well, my friends! :beer:
 
Like I said, you're killing it, HF (RG) - keep up the good work! A word of advice, if I can be so bold - for anyone reading this - some cancer tests actually make sense (not all - apparently prostate cancer tests are still too iffy unless you are in a certain demographic or have symptoms). One of the tests that makes sense, and saves lives - and has been proven to do so - is test for colon cancer. So, if you're of eligible age, or if you have family history, or symptoms, or certain vulnerabilities - get screened! It may be a hassle, but do it - and if you're clear, you only have to do it about every 5 years or so. Do it - it could save your life. OK, off the soapbox.

HF, if you feel up to it - if you could elaborate what made you realize something was wrong... so others may know what to look for. Again, only if you feel up to it. Best of luck, my best wishes are going to you!
 
Hey Horse Man!

Cancer came and got me too back in 2010. Right in the middle of a film too.

Took me three years to claw my way back to a good functioning level.

Maybe we can get a few more folks together and petition for our own sub-forum: "Shooting while spiraling down the cancer-roller-coaster-ride from hell".
We could include that weird new Canon 4K all-in-one camera too. Seems to fit.
 
First, I want to wish you and all who are battling cancer the very best. I lost my aunt to the disease, as well as a number of good friends, and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. On the home front here in Arkansas my wife is a fundraiser for a nonprofit cancer treatment center CARTI, which has just completed building a new state of the art facility. It's truly amazing the work they are doing and the lives they are saving. But if I could have one Christmas wish come true, it would be the need for cancer treatment centers like this to disappear.

Happy holidays!

Dave
 
You are a very brave and strong person. Wish you all good things and good filming. Wish you and Allison many more happy years together!
 
HorseFilms I am glad you are back shooting again. I'm sorry for what you have gone through. I am grateful to have you on here.
 
When I started crapping blood, I thought it was a hemorrhoid. Eventually, the day came where it looked like a crime scene. That's when I knew I had to get it checked out. I was diagnosed two weeks before my 38th birthday. With no family history, there was no reason to get a colonoscopy at 37. I'm glad I had symptoms that made it necessary or I wouldn't be here to say that I just got the results from my PET scan that showed no signs of cancer.

I haven't had any signs of cancer since January 2015. My next scan is in April and we'll just go from there.

Thank you, my friends! You are all amazing people. :beer:
 
DPStewart said:
Hey Horse Man!

Cancer came and got me too back in 2010. Right in the middle of a film too.

Took me three years to claw my way back to a good functioning level.

Maybe we can get a few more folks together and petition for our own sub-forum: "Shooting while spiraling down the cancer-roller-coaster-ride from hell".
We could include that weird new Canon 4K all-in-one camera too. Seems to fit.
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I'm glad you're doing well, sir! Thankfully, it's only taken me a year and a half to get to this point. It was a pretty shitty year and a half, but still. :)
 
Wow, you kicked that cancer's ass! I had to watch my mother die of brain cancer. Like watching someone die in slow motion. Terrible disease. Keep fighting.
 
Batutta said:
Wow, you kicked that cancer's ass! I had to watch my mother die of brain cancer. Like watching someone die in slow motion. Terrible disease. Keep fighting.
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I'm sorry about your mother. It is, indeed, a terrible disease. The fight is ongoing and I don't plan on letting up anytime soon.

Even though I live life with a colostomy bag, I'm still living life (and I can eat as much spicy food as I want without the next morning consequences). I can't complain. Chemo never made me sick. I had some nerve damage to my fingers and toes, but that is slowly healing itself. I can play guitar again and it doesn't hurt to touch cold things anymore.

Radiation never gave me any side effects, so I was lucky there, as well.

I have a wonderful team of doctors and nurses and my family and friends have been there for me every step of the way.
 
While I would not recommend anyone getting cancer, I try to look at whatever silver lining I can find. I think it made me pretty fearless - I'm more willing to take chances in life and art, I'm more aware that this is all just living on leased time and there's nothing to be afraid of, and it's way worse to not try at all than to aim too high and "fail"... I almost question if there is such a thing as "failing" - perhaps the only failure is a failure of not even trying. Best wishes to you, my friend - go forward and conquer the world!
 
OldCorpse said:
While I would not recommend anyone getting cancer, I try to look at whatever silver lining I can find. I think it made me pretty fearless - I'm more willing to take chances in life and art, I'm more aware that this is all just living on leased time and there's nothing to be afraid of, and it's way worse to not try at all than to aim too high and "fail"... I almost question if there is such a thing as "failing" - perhaps the only failure is a failure of not even trying. Best wishes to you, my friend - go forward and conquer the world!
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Agreed. I know it's a cliche, but it really does put your priorities in order. A few months ago, when I was 130 lbs, one of my dad's former coworkers would check the obituaries every day to see when I showed up. I can't blame her.

I'm not messing around anymore. I've looked death in the face and he's ugly. I'm all about you beautiful people now. :beer:
 
Glad to hear you are doing better. Always wonder about the veteran users that seem to have faded off the boards. My dad is recovering from colon cancer over the last few years, currently cancer free.

:beer:
 
HorseFilms said:
Agreed. I know it's a cliche, but it really does put your priorities in order. A few months ago, when I was 130 lbs, one of my dad's former coworkers would check the obituaries every day to see when I showed up. I can't blame her.

I'm not messing around anymore. I've looked death in the face and he's ugly. I'm all about you beautiful people now. :beer:
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Fantastic my man!

We are into that.

Hope are in good spirits!
 
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