Sucky News Today so post pictures

[swashington2128]

Hey all, two days before my departure for Utah for Elk and Mule Deer I got some bad news. The cancer bug bit me and I have to head home for some surgery. Looks like it is something they can get rid of pretty easily. Just a kidney. Guess that is why god gave us two of them. Not looking for sympathy because there are plenty of people in worse shape than me but I am missing both the Utah and Washington elk seasons. That sucks so post some pics guys! I want to see cows, bulls, bucks and any other critter you can put an arrow in.

Everyone out there have a great season, enjoy it to the fullest and bring home some memories.

By the way I wouldn't say no to any prayers you can send the man up stairs. I was a pretty bad boy during my active duty days and could use all the help I can get.

[JKEEN33]

Good luck with the surgery. Hope all goes well and you are back in the woods asap. Keep us posted on your progress.

[SemperFidelis97]

I hope they are right, and you are back on your feet asap.  I am glad they caught it early you definitely have someone upstairs looking out for you.  Looking foreword to an update with a clean bill of health.

[Widgeondeke]

2 weeks ago in Teanaway.
3x3 for sure. Had a split on back left, may grow to be a 4th.

Hoping for a full recovery brother

[Smokepole]

Get well soon!  Sending prayers your way & hopes you can get back on your feet big game hunting.   

[Fl0und3rz]

Take care of yourself and get well soon.  Thanks for your service.

[redi]

Will keep you in our prayers,

[whackmaster]

Hope for the best take care.
Will keep you in our prayers

[WapitiTalk1]

You'll be fine brother.  Today's treatment for such things is absolutely amazing.  I went thru a bout of the "C" quite a few years ago it came out fine.  I currently work with a Warrant Officer and a DoD Civilian that both went thru their different kinds of issues over the past 6 months and both are now fine.  Get yourself fixed up, do the follow on stuff, and you'll really enjoy next year and have a new reverence for the elk woods.  Best of luck mister and keep us in the loop on how things are going.  RJ   

[pianoman9701]

Sorry about your news. Looks like we'll both be missing big game this year, for me the first time in 50 years. I feel your pain. I hope they get it all and you're done with it. Keep us posted. 

[Rainier10]

Prayers for sure.  Early detection is key.  I am sorry you have to miss these hunts but glad you are going to get this taken care of.  The hunts in front of you will be even better and I am sure you will appreciate them even more.

Good luck in the fight ahead, a positive attitude is a big part of it.  I think both lines in my signature apply. 

[ballpark]

Steve,
See you soon, we are here for you.
Mike

[stickman999]

I was diagnosed with kidney cancer for my 40th birthday. Took out my kidney no radiation or chemo and now I'm 8 years clean. Hoping for a speedy recovery and the key is walking as soon as they let you. Heck youll probably be back in the woods by October.

[swashington2128]

Everyone, thanks so much for the words of encouragement and support. This has been really difficult to deal with for the last few days. I am just about done with 4 months on travel in San Diego and am all alone. The phone is great but not having a loved one with you is really difficult. Finally yesterday the Doc told me to relax and I am not going to die. Great news but I didn't exactly react in a manly manner and not ashamed of saying so. That being said I knew I could count on all the fine people in the forum for support. You guys rock.

Missing the season this year but like many said, getting this done will give me many more. By the way I figured it out because of a kidney stone. I think I am the only guy that ever thanked God for a kidney stone. Well worth the pain.

I will off line for the next few days driving home but will post a status as soon as I can. Just give me those pics of some good animals and that will be good enough.

Thanks again and good luck in the woods.

[Rainier10]

Safe travels on your way home.

[2MANY]

You will have a new appreciation for life.
Get well and live it like ya stole it.

[swashington2128]

Steve,
See you soon, we are here for you.
Mike

Thanks Mike, looking forward to seeing everyone again. It will take a week or two to get in to see you. My next appointment is Thursday morning. Radiology and final determination if it has spread anywhere else. If it hasn't, easy stuff, kidney comes out, I heal up, and start training all over again for the 2017 season. If it has spread, well, more complications but it is not going to beat me. Too many mountains left to climb and too many elk to still dream about.

One of the things that really make it all easier is the true love of a great woman. Those of you who know me may think that would be impossible. But yes, someone out there loves me and I can't wait to see her. Hug your ladies every day because it means something.

Hitting the road first thing in the morning and hoping to see my driveway Sunday night.

[PastorJoel]

When you get back, send me a PM.  I would enjoy taking a fellow hunter out for some coffee (or something) and praying with you about your health.  (I live in Bremerton)

[swashington2128]

Well all I made it back in record time and had the homecoming off a lifetime from my best friend and partner. She is the best. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers, Keep them up for a while as I still need them. Have to tell the kids about this after my doctors appointment on Thursday. Gonna be a rough day. Hoping and praying for the best.

Thanks again all,

[Muleyslyr]

Good luck bud! Plenty of hunting to do for ya the rest of your life! No pics to post but you can look at the avatar..lol

[saylean]

That sucks, but I'm glad to hear it's treatable. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[coachcw]

Win !

[Becky]

Glad you are home and all is looking up so far, prayers for a speedy recovery and to get you back into the woods as soon as possible!

[swashington2128]

All, had my final appointment before the surgery today. All is looking good. It has not spread and while the tumor is really big and will take some cutting to get out, will be pretty simple for the doctor. Recovery time is longer than expected but it is an instant 5lbs lost that I can replace with elk next time I kill one. I should be back on my feet and back to work in October. I will know my surgery date in the next few days and ask for your continued support and prayers. They are appreciated.

Can't tell you guys how much it means to have the moral support from you. Good luck to all with the hunt and life in general. Bag the big one, love the little ones, and hug the best one!

I will post again from the other side of the operating table.

[Fl0und3rz]

Godspeed, and a quick recovery. 

[ffbowhunter]

Hang in there and fight hard. I am in the Wasatch so far seen tons of bucks and had multiple shot opportunity however, there is a huge buck I keep seeing I want. I put a stalk on him last night and got within 80 yards. I'll post a picture when I harvest!

[DaveMonti]

All, had my final appointment before the surgery today. All is looking good. It has not spread and while the tumor is really big and will take some cutting to get out, will be pretty simple for the doctor. Recovery time is longer than expected but it is an instant 5lbs lost that I can replace with elk next time I kill one. I should be back on my feet and back to work in October. I will know my surgery date in the next few days and ask for your continued support and prayers. They are appreciated.

Can't tell you guys how much it means to have the moral support from you. Good luck to all with the hunt and life in general. Bag the big one, love the little ones, and hug the best one!

I will post again from the other side of the operating table.

Somebody get this man some elk meat for his recovery!
Best of luck with the surgery and recovery!  Hang in there!

[swashington2128]

Hey all, still alive. Had my surgery Thursday and got out of the hospital Saturday. Getting better every day and doing my best to avoid the pain meds. Walking around is getting easier and my biggest challenge is coughing. Backlash from having a tube in the throat is the need to cough once in a while. Very painful but as with everything else, getting better everyday. Doc said they did not see any more cancer while in there and they were able to get it out with the better of the two options which means a much smaller incision and better recovery time.

I really appreciate all the best wishes, prayers, and thoughts that were given. A month from now I can start working out again and hopefully I will be looking for a blacktail in the December late buck season. And yes, some elk meat would go a long way to help in the recovery so bring it on!

[swashington2128]

Hang in there and fight hard. I am in the Wasatch so far seen tons of bucks and had multiple shot opportunity however, there is a huge buck I keep seeing I want. I put a stalk on him last night and got within 80 yards. I'll post a picture when I harvest!

Stick with him and get him. My friend in the Manti area has shown me tons of elk and deer pics in the last week. Some real dandies in those pics. Next year they are mine.

Remember, aim small, miss never, and post pics.

[Becky]

Hey all, still alive. Had my surgery Thursday and got out of the hospital Saturday. Getting better every day and doing my best to avoid the pain meds. Walking around is getting easier and my biggest challenge is coughing. Backlash from having a tube in the throat is the need to cough once in a while. Very painful but as with everything else, getting better everyday. Doc said they did not see any more cancer while in there and they were able to get it out with the better of the two options which means a much smaller incision and better recovery time.

I really appreciate all the best wishes, prayers, and thoughts that were given. A month from now I can start working out again and hopefully I will be looking for a blacktail in the December late buck season. And yes, some elk meat would go a long way to help in the recovery so bring it on!

Awesome news!

[Squidward]

I know this is an older post, I just wanted to stop by and see how you are doing. I'm looking for my 4th yr (clean) check up in January. I had a renal cell carcinoma, in my right kidney. It was removed via cryoablation (frost bite), so I was lucky as to not have to get cut open. I still have about 1\2 of that kidney left and all of my right.
attached are a couple my bulls last yrs and this yrs, and hope for lots more.  Good Luck to you this up coming yr. Squidward

[Jburke]

Hey all, still alive. Had my surgery Thursday and got out of the hospital Saturday. Getting better every day and doing my best to avoid the pain meds. Walking around is getting easier and my biggest challenge is coughing. Backlash from having a tube in the throat is the need to cough once in a while. Very painful but as with everything else, getting better everyday. Doc said they did not see any more cancer while in there and they were able to get it out with the better of the two options which means a much smaller incision and better recovery time.

I really appreciate all the best wishes, prayers, and thoughts that were given. A month from now I can start working out again and hopefully I will be looking for a blacktail in the December late buck season. And yes, some elk meat would go a long way to help in the recovery so bring it on!

You come through Spokane anytime soon let me know.  I've got some Elk to spare after this year for you.