Ron Washington Wisdom
A ridiculously predictable turn of events
Posted by TFG on August 22nd, 2011
No need to beat around the bush here…I’ve just been diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer.
Now, first off, I want you to know that I’m in pretty high spirits, all things considered. The outpouring of support from my family and my friends over the last 72 hours has been literally overwhelming. I am exceedingly blessed in that regard. Seriously…I can hardly keep the cell phone charged, taking calls of support from all points.
The details are simply banal, I’m afraid. Typical man stuff — got a cough on Sunday, while drinking beer & watching the PGA. Coughing turned into coughing up blood, which turned into coughing up enough blood to be light-headed, which turned into a decision to head to the county hospital, which turned into a five-day ordeal of scans, and blood tests, and pokes and prods and vitals, all of which culminated in this brief, potent statement: Metastatic Sqamous Cell Carcinoma of the R Lung.
The backstory, of course, would take the fifty-one years of living that I’ve done so far, but in a nutshell, it’s a bog-standard, Type A, head-down, hard-charging, gonna-do-it-my-way, full-throttle existence, which included an unbelievably large number of Marlboros. Not the best idea, those Marlboros. To be crystal clear here though, I don’t blame the Marlboros…we’ve been aware of the effects of smoking for a long, long time, and I just went ahead and did it, because I liked it so much. No, I blame my own dumb self. And, so, ultimately, this is where we’re at.
I guess this dusty-ass joint will turn into a cancer blog. I’m irresistibly drawn to The (dumb, run-down) Fat Guy as my outlet. I started this in 2002, as a “war blog”, then it morphed into a poker blog once I learned you could play poker on the internet with real fucking money and they’d send you a real fucking check if you won, then it kind of entropied into nothingness, with a reduced stream of Rangers blogging and business blogging and whatever random crap blogging I felt like. But this is my online home, and being a pretty conservative guy, this is where I’ll stay. I’ll be cross-posting to all the cool social stuff I ever signed up for, of course. On that end, I’m kind of ridiculously attracted to Google+, which will be the secondary-ish joint I post at, simply because it’s easy from my bat-phone. I’ll do my best to keep them in sync.
Finally, for now, after much, much internal debate, I’m going to add a tip jar to the sidebar. A quick look at potential future revenue streams, being a microscopically small businessman, while undergoing treatment was going to make things pretty tight around here. So I asked one of the guys I respect the most on the internet tubes, Big Bill Quick, if I would be a jackass for putting up a tip-jar, and his response was: You’d be a jackass not to. Problem solved.
Wait, wait, one more thing — a super-simple Thank You to all the folks who have read here over the last 9 years. Yall are my posse, as much as my family, my friends, and my drinking buddies.
65 Responses to “A ridiculously predictable turn of events”
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Hang in there, amigo. Sad news to hear, but looking forward to following you as you kick Cancer’s sorry ass.
The Rooster is in your corner…of course. Send you good vibes…cheers!!!
I know that above post sucked…forgot to tell you que te mando un abrazo fuerte!!!
Damn it. Hate this news. But, if there is one SOB out there who can kick the snot out of cancer, it’s you. Fight hard, friend.
my above post sucked in terms of content…a bit in shocked…but know that I’m here if you need anything.
Beat this thing so we can down a Shiner Bock or two at the next meet-up in Vegas. Get there.
My wife and I are going to pray for you brother and I am going to ask my kids to pray for you to. I once heard Billy Joe Shaver say that God listens to the prayers of children and I want to cover all the bases for you.If anybody can kick cancers ass its you my friend. God bless you
I’ve never met you before, but I saw some tweets from some folks I respect which means you’ve got my respect too. Just hit the tip jar, hope it helps a little, I’ll be sure to retweet. Beat this thing!
wow, talk about blatant link-baiting. at least you came up with something that will keep people checkin in on TFG for a long while!
Sorry to hear this…you really can’t blame any one thing, as cancer seems to get far too many folks I know, bad-living or not.
Plain and simple, Scott, we’ve got your back. You’re the best. We’ve never wetted a hook together, but you’re my best fishing buddy. We’re here, man. Not going anywhere.
Scott:
Damn, I sure wasn’t prepared to hear this. No platitudes, My Little Bride and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Didn’t expect that to be the first thing I read upon waking up today. Fight the power, buddy.
Fight it like you’ve never fought anything before!
Well, shit. Anything you need, I’ll do. We’re all behind you.
I’m fortunate that we’ve crossed paths on more than one occasion, particularly lots of fond memories of late night hijinks at the PLAZA stank-hole in downtown Vegas. Fun times.
Fight the good fight, kind sir. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
You’ve gotta be one of my favorite “polar opposite of me” acquaintances I have – you gotta pull out all the stops, beat that bastard C to a pulp and stick around a while longer. A looong while longer. Y’hear? ’nuff said.
You need to investigate MD Anderson ASAFP.
Conveniently located in Houston. Absolutely world-class facility with the best doctors on the planet.
My Mom was diagnosed with a VERY rare form of cancer and was given a prognosis of 6-12 months to live by two separate doctors. That was in September of 2001. Then she went to MD Anderson and got another opinion and got proper treatment. I’m happy to say that she’s healthy and with targeted radiation and light chemotherapy, she’s about to celebrate her 77th birthday.
They don’t work miracles, of course. But if there’s anything that can be done for you, they’ll have the recipe for it and the people who can get it done.
http://www.mdanderson.com
Well good godamn I’m so sorry to hear this. You’ve got a tough battle ahead, but not an impossible one. When you’re feeling low, remember all of the people in this world who are behind you and ready to anything to help.
Thoughts are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you sir.
Sorry to hear this. Get on out there and kick that cancer in the ass! Sending you good vibes, prayers, whatever you need.
Bah. It’s just your first cancer. John Wayne beat lung cancer. You can too.
Second vote for MD Anderson. Sorry for the news. Good luck with the battle.
-DrC
It’s really (and sincerely) moving to read yall’s comments. I’ve always said I’ve got the greatest friends in the world, and yall have proved it. I’m seriously choked up, and I ain’t lying…
…except, man, I’d forgotten, mostly, or forced myself to forget the WPBT at the Plaza. What a wild-ass time that was. I’ll never, ever forget Al bringing back a sack of Egg McMuffins, and me saying, “What??? McDonald’s is open already?” And Iggy pissing off the dealer. Great degenerate gambler weekend!
Oh, and viz MDA — I’m given to understand that once I get into the “program”, I can kind of transfer around Texas, so MDA is an option.
Thanks again, folks!
Good luck, man. I just got fired from my cancer doc a few weeks ago – 10 years and no signs.
If I can do it, sloppy-ass as I am about following orders from docs, you can.
jd
You’re one of my very favorite Texans, and I know you’ll fight this with that spirit, and win. Lots of love to you my friend.
There was the sack of Egg McMuffins but also leaning our seats back so our hands were outside the “No Smoking” sign. Rebel Texan.
As my text said, you gotta beat the shit of this thing. There are too many big breasted bartenders who need your attentions.
Well this certainly trumps my big announcement that I’ve chosen a Ford Fusion for my next company vehicle. Thanks a lot, Scott.
But since there’s nothing I can do about that now, please allow me to be the first person to say that you are exactly the guy who can stomp this cancer into the ground. So do it. Then celebrate with all of us in Vegas. I think that’s a trip we’d all make happen. Best of luck.
-Bracelet
Sorry, Bobby — if I’d had any idea, I would have delayed the post.
However, I think you made a good decision; I’ve been a Ford man for nigh on 30 years now.
I forgot about leaning back over the No Smoking line…GENIUS!
Hate to read this, Scott. Hate it. Fuck cancer. Take it down.
Now, if you need any shuffling of people between DFW area and you, I’m offering. My weekends are free and I’m willing to drive the I35 to get things up or down where they need to be. Do NOT hesitate to call if you need a haul.
Love ya brother. Easycure
Wow..sorry to hear that. That sucks bro!! My thoughts are with you.
Time for me to quit smoking (cigarettes that is).
Good luck TFG!!
MD Anderson gets my vote too! I haven’t been there since 2004 when I first got cancer but a wonderful facility and top notch care.
Go read about Richard Bloch’s (one of the founders of H&R Block) battle with lung cancer. Download and read ‘Fighting Cancer’ from the web site. Good stuff.
http://blochcancer.org/
“In March, 1978, Richard A. Bloch was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and told that he had three months to live. He chose to fight for his life and was declared cancer-free two years later. ”
Good luck and fight hard!
Scott, Sorry as hell you’ve got this to fight and worry the crap out of you. Know your a damn tough individual,and possess a great sense of humor,my bet is you will beat this thing,cause I’m guessing give up ain’t in your vocabulary. You know my thoughts and prayers will be with you,hang tough,Bro.
Sucks man! Good luck in your fight!!!
We’re going through the same thing here, since my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell lung cancer in January. It’s quite a trip: I’ll add you to my prayer list.
Well shitsnacks, man. All my best to you and my prayers for you during this fight.
Well, just damn.
I don’t have any advice, nor uplifting stories, nor…well…anything other than my best wishes and a sincere hope that you beat that cancer’s ass.
Got diagnosed with squamous cell (mine in the throat) last August, 5 rounds of chemo and 7 weeks of radiation later, the cells are dead and life is back to (near) normal. I know you have likely done your research but feel free to drop me a line concerning questions about chemo, radiation, medi-ports, feeding tubes, whatever. I am praying that you make a full recovery.
I’m terribly sorry to hear this, but I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to do everything you can to keep your spirits up. Sounds to me like you’ve got a pretty good handle on it so far.
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers in any event.
Instapundit got me here. Lots of replies urging you to do something you have no control over. My Dad tried that tough it out garbage–when it took his life, he had the good sense and the touch of grace to have given his life over to Jesus Christ and I would urge you to do the same. There’s nothing else but Jesus–only Jesus can save you, only the LORD Jesus Christ can heal you–only the LORD Jesus Christ can give you the hope you need now while all we can do is offer nostalgic, wimpy, “kick that cancer’s a–” garbage. You need to call on Jesus and He will answer you. Let me know if I can help; I will pray for your salvation and healing.
Christ, bud… If there’s anything I can do, do not hesitate to ask.
And kick its ass.
I’ll second that celebration in Las Vegas after you’ve kicked cancer’s ass.
I agree with Kevin L and I will be praying too.
FYI, having some problem with PayPal, I’ll try again at home tonight.
Fatguy, 1st i’ve been here. What is cool is people are praying for you. There is a season to yadda yadda. We all go there. My aunt and John Wayne didn’t kick cancer’s butt. We are following right behind.
Fat Guy: Last December my wife, a breast cancer survivor for 35 years, was diagnosed with late stage small cell lung cancer. Her oncologist told he if she declined treatment, on average that she could expect to live 5 weeks. She could not breathe without O2, one lung was collapsed from fluid build-up. She decided to begin chemo therapy.
Her progress is miraculous. She no longer requires O2or any form of medication. The tumors have all reduced in size from 30 to 90%. She feels extremely well and is in no way limited fro normal activities.
As far as motive, my wife is determined to stay alive past the 2012 elections so that she can witness the SOB in the White House voted out of office.
Keep the faith because I am convinced that prayers from family and friends are an essential part of the recovery process. Don’t give up.
Her prognosis now includes the possibility of full remission in addition to a life expectancy of years rather than weeks.
Oh, man! I hope you kicks its ass.
Scott, hang in!
Followed instapundit link – sorry to hear re your diagnosis – sounds like you have the right attitude to beat cancer – i am 51 recently diagnosed non-small cell nonsquamos (sp?) lung cancer adenocarcinoma IIIB – sent home from hospital in 1st week of May to put affairs in order with diagnosis a few weeks to live. after 6 weeks radiation and in 4th round of chemo with improvements already – you can do this too!! thanks to yr reader for Mr. Bloch’s cancer foundation site. feel free to email me or contact to chat, lots to know & you will be going thru but great docs help that’s for sure. My prayers are with you.
Praying for you!
I’ve had cancer. Not as bad as yours. I got one thing I learned: Attitude. It’s the only thing you can control. It’s also a contributing factor in survival. I had folks thinking I was acting like I won the lottery when i was at my low ebb. Do what you can. I’ll pray for you.