Thriller Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I know that, except for recently, I have been away from the forums. One of the more recent challenges in our lives is that my wife Suzanne was diagnosed with rectal cancer in November. She had an ileostomy (which is normally pretty routine, but she had some challenges surrounding it), followed by radiation and chemotherapy late January through March 1. Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7) is her big surgery to remove the tumour...other areas were impacted by the tumour as well as radiation.We've had great support from family, colleagues, and friends. I consider many of you here to be friends. If you are people of faith, prayers are welcomed and appreciated. I don't know whether I'll get a chance to update tomorrow or not, but will as soon as I can, assuming the moderators don't kill it off.For those who don't know us as well, she's part of the reason the Buick fleet has grown as large as it has. I got the Wildcat around the same time as I met her...she enjoyed the people in the hobby in Saskatoon, so stated that I could keep the hobby, but the next car had to be a convertible...twist my arm, why don't you. The Roadmaster is considered hers in many respects. I presented a photo of the Reatta to her at Christmas. The most recent addition was fun...when I showed her the photos, it was "damn, it's affordable", followed shortly by "it's beautiful". How could I not close the deal then? At the most recent National we attended in Danvers, she judged for the first time (usually she has stayed with our car dusting and presenting it while the children and I were off judging).She's a real Buick trooper. She won't make the National this year in part because she will likely be on chemotherapy again after the surgery and we don't know exactly what form that will take. However, plans are for her to remain involved.Take care and God bless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildcat1562 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 prayers for youi am a 3x cancer survivorand trust that God put the right people with you to help him cure your wifeGod BlessGreg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Prayers are with you and Suzanne. I was looking forward to having her and your daughter on my team judging again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 My prayers also. Stay strong for, and with, the children. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Good luck to Suzanne, Derek.My thoughts will be with you today.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Us Buick Rascals are pulling for you and yours Buick Brother and Sister. No buddy better mess with this thread or us Buick Rascals will be on their tail mighty hard. You both have done so much for the BCA, Written articals for the Bugle, and support for the hobby that you have a right to post here. Let us know how things go and know that you are all loved by us. Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick840 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Derek.Please pass on our our best wishes to Suzanne from here in Australia.Our thoughts will be with you all and keep positive.Brian & Dianne Flynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Derek, all of you are much loved. Praying for Suzanne. Hang tough. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCReatta Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Many prayers from NC!! I pray the doctors have wisdom in the procedure, and that everything goes smoothly.Please keep us posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-g-g0 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Derek:You, your children and especially Suzanne are in our prayers. We pray that the surgery went well and that she will have a complete recovery. God Bless.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dship Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 The Minuteman Chapter members pray that Suzanne's surgery went well and that she will be on the path of full recovery. Derek, we know you'll hang tough for the sake of your children...keep them close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booreatta Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Derek thoughts and prayers are with you today while you await the outcome. Blessings to you and your whole family, may each day get better and better.Chuck and Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Adding my thoughts and prayers for Suzanne, and all the Thrill family... Wishing for a successful operation and recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wildcat465 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Been praying for Suzanne for a while, you and the kids too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Best wishes on the surgery and hoping for a quick recovery from all of us here in Cincinnati. Suzanne deserves the very best care.Please keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealthbob Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Stay strong my friend...and remember, Cancer can be beaten!Through strength, resolve and dignity we have a chance to beat this awful thing back all together as a community of friends and support.Hope to see you soon at SB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rivgs Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Derek, Suzanne is one tough cookie and I am sure she will pull through, My prayers are with her, the kids and you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 4 bufords Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 hang in there suzanne,lots of people are pulling and praying for you and the family,4 bufords from ct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 8, 2013 Author Share Posted May 8, 2013 Thanks for all the support gang. The surgery went off well, more or less as planned. Recovery took some time to get pain under control, but she is now in a ward. Through all of this, she has been treated very well...I think it may in part be professional courtesy. At any rate, it is on to the next phase of recovery. Of course, major abdominal surgery means no lifting, so I'll have to do most of the work involved in getting the garden in myself.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Thanks for the update Derek, glad to hear it went well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim65Riv Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Derek;Thanks for the update on Suzanne. My thoughts and prayers are with you. As an eight-year cancer survivor, I know that she can beat it. The Spring Extravaganza wasn't the same without you. All of your friends in the Gopher State Chapter missed you and are pulling for Suzanne. We hope that y'all be able to visit us soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 8, 2013 Author Share Posted May 8, 2013 I'll pass through on the way to and from South Bend, at the very least Jim. Paul and Donna are planning to spend time at the regional, so we'll probably stay at Fred's. Perhaps a Famous Dave's run could be made (the first one opened outside the USA is here in Winnipeg). After that, I can't say when the next trip may be...I always want to get to the Spring Extravaganza...this year, aside from the current situation, I wasn't sure the snow was going to leave in time.It's gone (the snow that is) now...I went and got the Reatta from the shop on Monday. I'll be bringing the pace car into the city soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Brink Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 Derek,Suzanne and the entire family will be in my prayers. My wife had an ileostomy four years ago (Crohn's disease) and while it has its ups and downs has been manageable but was a real stressor initially. Surprisingly doctors and healthcare personnel had little experience and the most help we got was from an ostomy support group and would encourage both of you to find one sooner (rather than later) if you need help. PM me if you think I can offer anything at all (my wife is more than willing to chip in as well).God bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 Derek,I'm praying for Suzanne, you and the rest of your family. Glad that the surgery went as planned. Please keep us posted on her recovery. God Bless. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 Good luck Thriller. I will be praying for your wife [and you] as well. I too am a "survivor" 4 years clear on colon cancer. I was one of the "lucky" ones. I was stage 2. No illeostomy bags or chemo. Walked out of the hospital after 4 days, driving in less then two weeks. Back to work in 4 weeks. A word of wisdom to all of you out there. Blood in your stool is not hemmoroids. Get it checked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 9, 2013 Author Share Posted May 9, 2013 Thanks for the offer Gene. We were provided information about the local ostomy group and the ostomy nurses have been great. The biggest thing moving forward is that the bag has changed as well as the side of her belly now that she is switched from an ileostomy to colostomy.The ileostomy was a real challenge - she had a restriction initially, so things backed up...she couldn't really keep anything down. The ostomy was revised, then it flowed well...too well...her prolonged stay in hospital had led to a c. difficile infection. She was home for a couple days, but bounced back in severely dehydrated since she couldn't keep up to the output. There was another presumed bout with c. difficile in March after the radiation and chemo was done.There have been moments...we have taken another step in the healing process. I had the teenagers to see her this evening. She's definitely rallying.This too shall pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 Derek,You and Suzanne are in our prayers.Best wishes from Marty and Dale in Louisiana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Brink Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 Good to hear, Derek. The colostomy should be easier to manage. Wish her well as she heals and to you and the kids as you support her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wildcat62 Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 Derek, still sending prayers for as speedy recovery as possible. Best wishes to Suzanne and hope to see her soon. Maybe one year I can get time off for the Labour Day tour again. It was a fun time.By the way, you are more than welcome to stay at our house as a layover before the meet. We have more room than Pop's house and plenty of parking space. There is even a Famous Daves about 5 miles from here.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 Well, I may be sold on that. Actually, the main point may be ease of access...if Teresa is following me, avoiding the big city would be nicer. Of course, that would assume you aren't off to the Regional before I get there.Suzanne is doing well. She is still in hospital, but progressing. The big thing right now is being able to void her bladder without a catheter...not sure if some nerves got cut, but she has lost some sensation that makes it a bit more difficult. She's in good spirits and annoying Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans with her Saskatchewan Roughriders pyjamas, so all is good with the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_Heil Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Prayers to your Wife, you and your Family, Derek.My wife is a breast cancer Survivor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 Thanks Brian.Suzanne came home on Thursday. There's a lot she can't do yet, but she is progressing, gaining energy and feeling better on a daily basis. I'm not sure it is good for me to see her lounging about like this though - monkey see, monkey do. She's happy to be home where the food is better, if nothing else.We really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Glad to hear of the impprovment. But she should resat - no rush.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Best wishes to your lovely wife, Derek, from us here in Cleveland. We've spoken quite a bit in the past and I feel like a friend is in need. We're pulling for a speedy recovery!Be well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 DerekGlad to gear she is better abd back at home. She'll feel better yet in her own surroundings. Still praying. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Caribou Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 I know that, except for recently, I have been away from the forums. One of the more recent challenges in our lives is that my wife Suzanne was diagnosed with rectal cancer in November. She had an ileostomy (which is normally pretty routine, but she had some challenges surrounding it), followed by radiation and chemotherapy late January through March 1. Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7) is her big surgery to remove the tumour...other areas were impacted by the tumour as well as radiation.We've had great support from family, colleagues, and friends. I consider many of you here to be friends. If you are people of faith, prayers are welcomed and appreciated. I don't know whether I'll get a chance to update tomorrow or not, but will as soon as I can, assuming the moderators don't kill it off.For those who don't know us as well, she's part of the reason the Buick fleet has grown as large as it has. I got the Wildcat around the same time as I met her...she enjoyed the people in the hobby in Saskatoon, so stated that I could keep the hobby, but the next car had to be a convertible...twist my arm, why don't you. The Roadmaster is considered hers in many respects. I presented a photo of the Reatta to her at Christmas. The most recent addition was fun...when I showed her the photos, it was "damn, it's affordable", followed shortly by "it's beautiful". How could I not close the deal then? At the most recent National we attended in Danvers, she judged for the first time (usually she has stayed with our car dusting and presenting it while the children and I were off judging).She's a real Buick trooper. She won't make the National this year in part because she will likely be on chemotherapy again after the surgery and we don't know exactly what form that will take. However, plans are for her to remain involved.Take care and God bless!I don't know you, but my little family just went through that. The lady is recovering now, and all is well. So know that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. It'll be a tough road, so stay sane and relaxed. Can't say that a year of trips to the cancer institute helped speed up my car restoration, but hey, I keep hearing that there are more important things in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted June 2, 2013 Author Share Posted June 2, 2013 Thanks Geoff,What part of Oilberta are you in? My mother-in-law and a sister-in-law are in Edmonton so we get there every couple of years. I made a point of getting together with another forum member (who I've encountered at National meets) when we were there last summer. Another of Suzanne's sisters is in Red Deer, but they usually pop up to Edmonton when we are around. My brother had been with the Alberta Wheat Pool (and its assorted name changes) for a number of years, so I've been to a number of small towns in Alberta too. I grew up about half-way between Saskatoon and Prince Albert.Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Caribou Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Thanks Geoff,What part of Oilberta are you in? My mother-in-law and a sister-in-law are in Edmonton so we get there every couple of years. I made a point of getting together with another forum member (who I've encountered at National meets) when we were there last summer. Another of Suzanne's sisters is in Red Deer, but they usually pop up to Edmonton when we are around. My brother had been with the Alberta Wheat Pool (and its assorted name changes) for a number of years, so I've been to a number of small towns in Alberta too. I grew up about half-way between Saskatoon and Prince Albert.Take care.More north! I'm out by Athabasca, about 150km north of Edmonton. Pretty out of the way for most purposes, but that's part of the charm to me. Less convenient now that we have to drive in to the Cross and various specialists for medical stuff every second hour, but hey, so it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 Yes, that is a bit further north than we usually get. My wife's grandparents were at St. Vincent, north of St. Paul and we have friends in Whitecourt - we often get to those locations, but not quite as far as you. Still, I'll try to remember to mention here the next time I'm Alberta bound and perhaps we can meet for a coffee or something stronger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Caribou Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Yes, that is a bit further north than we usually get. My wife's grandparents were at St. Vincent, north of St. Paul and we have friends in Whitecourt - we often get to those locations, but not quite as far as you. Still, I'll try to remember to mention here the next time I'm Alberta bound and perhaps we can meet for a coffee or something stronger.Hey yeah, get in touch if you pass through. Never hurts to meet people that share an interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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