Going to be away

**Doc M** · 03-07-2004, 10:46 AM

Well, not many of you know, but I was planning on heading to St. Kitts in the Caribbean for some R&R at the end of this month. Friday evening my older sister, she's 44, got some life changing news..

She has suffered from Crohn's disease for many years and while having a procedure to remove a section of her small intestine, they discovered a few suspicious spots..The pathology report came back that she has a rare Stromal Sarcoma(cancer) that is difficult to impossible to treat..She then had a vaginal UltraSound and it was pointing to ovarian cancer as well..They then did an MRI and CT Scan and it showed a spot on her liver..The biopsy from the liver was also positive for carcinoma..The bottom line is she is in a terrible position..Two different cancers in 3 different locations..

After speaking with her Oncologist and a Specialist from the Mayo Clinic, we decided her best course of action would be chemotherapy followed up with several surgical procedures..Her Chemo commences on the 15th of this month..If she decides to pass on the Chemo, then we will be packing and moving to Nevis in the West Indies..It is a small island in the Caribbean that we go to as a family every year and will afford her the chance to enjoy her time left..So, either way I will be on and off as much as possible whether we stay here or move to the Island..

On a lighter note, I discovered that real estate prices here in the states are nothing compared to this place..A 3 bedroom house on the beach starts at around $800,000 US Dollars..Ouch!! The first house I looked at was 1.5 million and it wasn't anything like you could get here in the states for that much money..Ouch!!!

Doc M

**Full Intensity** · 03-07-2004, 10:50 AM

**** bro sorry to hear that... I hope everything goes okay, just be strong.

**TheMudMan** · 03-07-2004, 10:50 AM

I hope everything works out for you, your sister and family. Be strong and we will see you when you get back.

Good luck.

**Rickson** · 03-07-2004, 11:00 AM

I am very sorry. I wish your sister the best. I hope you and your family make everyday count.

**Dude-Man** · 03-07-2004, 11:07 AM

Never give up hope Doc. The Lord continues to work miracles.

**BOUNCER** · 03-07-2004, 11:09 AM

Man don't worry about us idiots here, god bless you, your sis and the family.

**USfighterFC** · 03-07-2004, 11:19 AM

**** Doc that's terrible bro. I wish her all the best man I know thats gotta be real tough for her.

**Commando_Barbi** · 03-07-2004, 11:32 AM

Wow......Nevis. Could you have picked a more expensive place???? Sorry to hear about your sister. She's in my thoughts.

I lived in Barbados and worked at the US Embassy for 3 yrs. St. Kitts/Nevis was one of my islands. I loved it there. St. Lucia is also nice.

Hang in there and take care.

C.B.

**USfighterFC** · 03-07-2004, 11:48 AM

hey Doc i had liver cancer about 2 years ago.......it was caught very early thank god and luckily I was able to overcome it.......barely.....but i did.....she can do the same....never give up hope bro things can always turn around....miracles can happen....that was why i was discharged by the way.

**SpunHoney** · 03-07-2004, 01:33 PM

~Hunny my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister! Good luck with everything!! Stay strong!~

**daman1** · 03-07-2004, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by chrisAdams

Never give up hope Doc. The Lord continues to work miracles.

Exactly! You and your family will be in my prayers.

***Cycleon*** · 03-07-2004, 01:49 PM

good luck with her and may she be well - and spend her time wisely with the most enjoyment of life.

**PurePower** · 03-07-2004, 05:29 PM

sorry to hear about that DocM

she will be in my prayers.

**spywizard** · 03-07-2004, 05:33 PM

Sorry for the news....... good luck to your sister... and you and your family..

stay in touch.............

Originally Posted by Doc M

Well, not many of you know, but I was planning on heading to St. Kitts in the Caribbean for some R&R at the end of this month. Friday evening my older sister, she's 44, got some life changing news..

She has suffered from Crohn's disease for many years and while having a procedure to remove a section of her small intestine, they discovered a few suspicious spots..The pathology report came back that she has a rare Stromal Sarcoma(cancer) that is difficult to impossible to treat..She then had a vaginal UltraSound and it was pointing to ovarian cancer as well..They then did an MRI and CT Scan and it showed a spot on her liver..The biopsy from the liver was also positive for carcinoma..The bottom line is she is in a terrible position..Two different cancers in 3 different locations..

After speaking with her Oncologist and a Specialist from the Mayo Clinic, we decided her best course of action would be chemotherapy followed up with several surgical procedures..Her Chemo commences on the 15th of this month..If she decides to pass on the Chemo, then we will be packing and moving to Nevis in the West Indies..It is a small island in the Caribbean that we go to as a family every year and will afford her the chance to enjoy her time left..So, either way I will be on and off as much as possible whether we stay here or move to the Island..

On a lighter note, I discovered that real estate prices here in the states are nothing compared to this place..A 3 bedroom house on the beach starts at around $800,000 US Dollars..Ouch!! The first house I looked at was 1.5 million and it wasn't anything like you could get here in the states for that much money..Ouch!!!

Doc M

**palme** · 03-07-2004, 05:38 PM

Sorry to hear this bro, be there for her as much as you can and good luck!

**Da Bull** · 03-07-2004, 06:34 PM

So sorry to read this Doc.....I wish your sister all the best.Your a tough man,nows the time to be strong......Bless you and your family,my thoughts are with you.

All the best.

DB

**monster.** · 03-07-2004, 07:18 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your sister.. My thoughts and prayers are with her.. I hope you and your family have an excellent time on vacation..

Take care bro

monster.

**symatech** · 03-07-2004, 07:22 PM

Doc I'm sorry to hear it man. your a good man I know you'll be there for your sister.

peace of mind to you in the hard times....

peace

**cb25** · 03-07-2004, 08:36 PM

Best of luck to you and your family Doc...I hope all turns out well.

What little comfort you can get is that the Docs at Mayo Clinic are the best, IMO. My stepdad was treated there in the late 90s for pancreatic/duodenal cancer that spread basically everywhere...he passed away a few years after the initial prognosis after a couple of years in remission...but the docs at the Mayo were incredible. Absolutely incredible --

my prayers are with ya Doc...

**Ryanhallmark** · 03-08-2004, 12:02 AM

Good luck to you and your family doc, I will pray for the best.

Swellin · 03-08-2004, 12:24 AM

Doc, everybody here can be counted on as friends in your corner. You have helped almost all of us in some way or another...you certainly have our support.
I sincerely wish the very best for you and your family!

***SV-1*** · 03-08-2004, 01:20 AM

Sorry man, good luck.

**bigol'legs** · 03-08-2004, 01:41 AM

DAng bro.. i hope things look up for her. Makes me think about my chrons disease and what can happen to me... I better go get a check up.

**Cali** · 03-08-2004, 11:55 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. Don't give up hope.

***Pheedno*** · 03-08-2004, 11:58 AM

Good luck to you and yours Doc, keep in touch bro

**BUYLONGTERM** · 03-08-2004, 12:07 PM

My prayers are with your sister, you, and your family. The mind is a very strong tool. Make sure everyone keeps positive! You will be missed on the board, But I'm glad you will be there for her. I hope for a safe speedy recovery!

Anything I can do, please let me know

BLT

**BigGreen** · 03-08-2004, 12:18 PM

Doc, sorry to hear about your situation...as I grow older I realize more and more what a permanent and unfortunately consistent part of life these things must become, but that realization does not make dealing with any of it even the slightest bit easier. Wishing you the best in everything surrounding this.

**Doc M** · 03-10-2004, 10:36 AM

Well, I have an update as to what's going on with my sister and our relocation status..

After meeting with her Oncologist and a Specialist, we all decided that the Chemo would probably cause a rapid decline in her health and wasn't really worth the risk in the long run..We want to concentrate on her quality of life at this point..So, we had a family dinner and talked to my nieces and nephews and everyone agreed that leaving and letting her enjoy her time left would be good therapy..I will be flying to Nevis on the 31st to complete the final paperwork on the house which also has a guest house attached for her so she can have her own space and privacy..

I am taking a leave of absence from our practice and will return after everything plays out..There is DSL service on the island and I will be here on the board probably more frequently then before since I will not be working and have plenty of time on my hands..I appreciate everyone's kind words and support..This is one of the many reason's I love this board..Thanks!

Doc M

**spywizard** · 03-10-2004, 10:40 AM

Sometimes that's the best decission...

best of luck with your move, and your family........

sunscreen is your friend........

Originally Posted by Doc M

Well, I have an update as to what's going on with my sister and our relocation status..

After meeting with her Oncologist and a Specialist, we all decided that the Chemo would probably cause a rapid decline in her health and wasn't really worth the risk in the long run..We want to concentrate on her quality of life at this point..So, we had a family dinner and talked to my nieces and nephews and everyone agreed that leaving and letting her enjoy her time left would be good therapy..I will be flying to Nevis on the 31st to complete the final paperwork on the house which also has a guest house attached for her so she can have her own space and privacy..

I am taking a leave of absence from our practice and will return after everything plays out..There is DSL service on the island and I will be here on the board probably more frequently then before since I will not be working and have plenty of time on my hands..I appreciate everyone's kind words and support..This is one of the many reason's I love this board..Thanks!

Doc M

**ross3814** · 03-10-2004, 10:49 AM

wow doc. im sorry to hear that bro. i know if my sis was sick i would be devestated. i hope that the chemo helps and she can kick it.

**Testify** · 03-10-2004, 10:54 AM

I'm sorry to hear your news Doc. But there are a lot of good surgeons and new technologies out there. Be optimistic and have a great time together on the beach.

**jeffylyte** · 03-11-2004, 04:04 PM

just be sure to enjoy your time with your sister and leave no regrets and take nothing for granted. good luck and god bless!

***BIG TEXAN*** · 03-16-2004, 11:43 PM

DocM... I'm speechless bro. I ma sorry to hear this. May her final days be full of love and happiness. It is good that she will be surrounded by family and loved ones during this time period. My thoughts and wishes are with you and your family. We'll be here for you anytime bro......and if you need anything just let me know.