Just a little update on my personal life. In Nov. 2009 I found out that I have colon cancer, stage 3. After 1 colonoscopy, two Cat scans, 1 Ultrasound, numerous blood test, and a EKG, I was declared to be perfectly healthy for a 50 year old, with the exception of the tumor in my lower colon (go figure). I had a port put into my chest this past Wed., for the Chemo to be pumped in, and start full Chemo & Radiation treatment Mon 18th.

To say the least, it's a little scary. When I 1st got the news it sucked, but my Doctors, said I have a excellent chance on beating it. Needless to say I am not gonna roll over and give up. I plan on staying around to torment my kids for another 20 years or so . A ton of people have been praying for me, and the faith that my wife & I have will carry us through.

The real drag is that I have 12 weeks of Chemo & Radiation (5 days a week) to shrink the tumor, then surgery to remove it and 6-8 weeks recovery from that, then back on Chemo & Radiation for another 4 or 5 months to make sure it's gone. It's gonna be a long strenuous year.
Judy (my wife) has been so supportive, and has been to every Dr. visit with me, and puts up with me when I have issues dealing with the pain.

SDCC is out of the question this year again, because I can't miss any of my treatments. So...... I guess we'll shoot for 2011 instead. I Do plan on being at Super 7 on 02/17 to meet Leecifer, April 24th for Motorbot, and definitely on June 12th for LASH. (My 3 Hero's)

Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers. I am updating my progress on my blog, in between vinyl post.

Thanks.......................
Frank

Frank I wish you nothing but the best!!
Take care and good health!!!!!

Geez man, you will be in our thoughts!

Thanks for sharing this Frank. Sounds like you are approaching this battle with the right attitude. Lot's of people DO go into remission after proper treatment and monitoring. I know it has to be hard sometimes to constantly maintain an upbeat outlook when dealing with something like this but with the love and support of your family and friends you can come through this and end up an even better person for having the experience. Keep it in your mind that we are all rooting for you and keeping you and your family in our thoughts and sending you and abundance of positive healing support.

that old saying "attitude is everything", really holds true in cases like these, from what i've seen... and it sounds like yr already proving that. plus, the love a good woman does wonders, too many people aren't lucky enough to have a partner that is strong enough to make it as far as you have. between yr family, friends & doctors there is powerful army at yr side, add in the motley crew of monsters & fighters here on skullbrain and you can't lose. keep heart warm.

Fight back hard & win this! Sounds like a long and painful process, but we will be pulling for you.

man!! sorry to hear your news...

like others have said,,it sounds like you have the right PMA to survive and carry-on from this type of thing

keeping a strong mind is the most important thing when dealing with serious health issues (outside of level of dr/hospital care,,diet and exercise)

i went through very similar procedures the past 3 years (radio/chemo in 2007 & a MASSIVE surgery in sept 2008) and have come out the other-side as fit as i can be...still riding my bicycle everyday to work (about 18miles roundtrip)

keep on keepin on dude!! i am rooting for you too!!

Health is number one.
You will win this one for sure. All the very best!

That does suck.........hope everything works out for you. Keep strong.

Thanks for sharing this, keep us posted on your progress.
Good luck.

Best wishes to you.

Frank, I'm so so sorry to hear this. But if anyone can beat this its you for sure. I hope to be able to meet you when I make it down there, so get through this so we can laugh and enjoy a beer together.

I'm gonna be pulling for you buddy, keep your head up, show this disease whos the boss !

We'll be praying for you here in the DeCastro household Frank. Stay strong and keep the faith. You will beat this.

Frank,you will surley be in my prayers and thoughts..You have the right attitude to beat this and make a full recovery.
A good friend of mine went through the same thing your going through about 3yrs ago,today he's cancer free and healthy as a horse...Take care,your going to come out of this on top!

Hang tight & do whatever you have to do to get better. I hope for your troubles to be eased knowing that you have a wellspring of good energy from caring folks to support you in this situation. Sending many positive FLASKer vibes your way... take care of yourself brother.
T.

Hey Rich, I'll buy you a beer, (very few bears her in FLA)

Hey Frank, I think it goes without saying that you have the entire board pulling for you!
I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best buddy

This board has always been a wealth of ideas, information, support & great karma. Now, how can I not get through this, with you guys watching my back You have my gratitude & thanks.
Not to preach, but................ If you are over 40, PLEASE see your DR. and have a colonoscopy performed. If I had it done a few years ago, instead of waiting till I was 50 (like the Dr.'s suggest) I might not be going through this

Whoops haha well I'm glad I could make you laugh

I will keep you and your fam in my thoughts and prayers, t. stay strong!

So bummed to hear the news, Frank, but I'm happy to hear you're looking forward to the happy events we have scheduled during your upcoming rigorous schedule.

We are all going to have a blast, and I'll make sure you're elevated to VIP FLASKer status!

Stay strong, and know that you we will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers throughout!

Frank - it took a lot of courage to make this news public and I'm convinced as evidenced by all the comments above that the SB community will all be pulling for you. Thank you for sharing it with us. It certainly appears like you are prepared in all the best ways for this fight. BEST of LUCK! You and your family are in my thoughts.

Mega vibes out to you!

Cancer of all varieties runs rampant in my family, so I know the "fun" of needles and probes from since I was a "kid" of 20. I've even gone through the "vinyl fumes" talk with two of my doctors.

Hold fast, Frank. Noone on this watch has the slightest thought of ever letting you falter.

Wish you all the best

Stick in there Frank. Positive vibes all the way.
Surround yourself with all the things that make you happy.
Loved ones, friends, toys, music etc.