CobraEarl Retiring Due to Health... (Pancreatic Cancer)

[cobraearl]

Original post dated OCTOBER 13, 2015. There is an update below on my condition posted June 28, 2016.

I will start in the Middle..

Tue sept 29 I went to the doctor thinking I had an "incarcerated belly button hernia". My son had a hernia in his belly button, My brother had one and it was operated on and repaired...

Digressing, I had driven my Class B camper from San Francisco to burning man, back to San Francisco and then HOME with no power steering. 1998 Ford 350 Super Duty Diesel Class B. LONG and HARD DRIVE... It broke on the way from San Francisco to Burning Man.. So is ASSUMED I had further ruptured my belly button from driving that BEAST 4000 miles with no power steering.....

My Doctor Looked at it and said it needed fixed in the next couple of days and sent me for a Cat Scan of the general area the same day. (I suspect he suspected something else)

Got the Cat Scan same day and the operator told me I needed to drop back by my doctors office the next AM.... I suspected a RAT....

To make it simple, he told me my hernia was actually a "Sister Mary Joseph Nodule" and my cat scan showed I have spots in my pancreas and liver.. Google: "Sister Mary Joseph Nodule".... EVEYONE SHOULD KNOW WHAT ThIS IS: For their health sake and the health of their loved ones.... NOT SOMETHING YOU WANT TO HAVE.. And I had never even heard of it...

My doctor had me go that afternoon (Wednesday) and have the Nodule Biopsied... CONFIRMATION...

My Oldest daughter is a Surgical Oncologist in Canada. She deals with Pancreatic Cancer and Liver Cancer all the time... I had my doctor call her from our meeting to explain the situation... I sure could not talk to her.... can hardly type this.. She has 3 partners and she packed up and flew to North Carolina that afternoon. We picked her up at the airport... Cried, hugged, hugged and cried.... and drove to the small hospital in Salisbury NC that had the initial catscan.. got a CD of it for my Daughter to look at. (Coincidentially, that hospital is the one I was born at back in 1947)

Next morning we got the biopsy results... But she was already searching for the best doctors at the best hospitals in our area... The doctor she picked said they had an opening Oct 13, today.. she got them to move it up to oct 6. My doctor is Angelia Allistar at Wake Forrest Medical Center at the NC Baptist Hospital... She has a trial going on that is having excellent results.. The trial is all the best drugs all the hospitals are using plus one more... Last Tuesday, I had another Cat Scan, an MRI and blood work.. Wednesday I had a PORT installed (sort of like a permanent IV)

I will have chemo every other Tuesday. FIRST one was today... LONG FUKING DAY........ I wear a pump that injects one of the drugs for 48 hours. get that pump off Thursday.....

Out of 13 people that have been in the trial, one is in "total" remission and two more appear to be heading that way...

We have a local news anchor, Margaret Johnson with WXII that had Pancreatic Cancer 10 years ago.. she is alive and well and doing the news...

PANCREATIC CANCER is not a death sentence.... Not something you OR I want, but its not a death sentence... Prayers Are Needed..

I DIGRESS AGAIN, My doctor Daughter was supposed to have a 25th highschool reunion last weekend.. She bought tickets for her family of 5 to come in last Wednesday and stay through yesterday... THE REUNION GOT CANCELED for lack of interest... She was considering us all driving down to Disney World since the reunion was canceled...
.............................. WE DECIDED TO GO ANY HOW!!!!!!!!!! .....................
So Wednesday. about 4 hours after my outpatient surgery to install my port, Gramma Juanita and I and The 5 Canadians Headed out from the Charlotte Air Port and drove to Jacksonville FLA.. (I Rode, they drove) Thursday, I felt good enough to drive the van on down to Universal Studios.. We ALL rested by the pool on Friday, Went To Disney World on Saturday.. Got up leisurely on Sunday and Drove up to Amelia Island Fl. BEAUTIFUL Island. Finished up the trip by dropping the 5 Canadians off at the airport yesterday (Monday) at 5:00pm.

Im glad we went to Disney and Universal. Sort of kept my mind off it and gave me some QUALITY TIME with my three AMAZING grand Children...

Got my first chemo today and I don't feel BAD.. not great but NOT BAD.... and that brings me up to right now.. I will reread this and edit it a bit... But two weeks from Initial Diagnosis to First CHEMO may be a record... And I credit my Doctor Daughter for Riding Herd, expediting or what ever term is appropriate...

I MAY BE ON THIS FORUM 10 Years from now.... BUT I WILL NOT BE IN THE COBRAPARTS Business much longer... I have a lot of loose ends I need to tie up, IE get my affairs in order JUST IN CASE it don't go good for the home team... If I tell some one I have two months to 3 years, my daughter fusses about both ends.... But Margaret Johnson has lived 10 years and some SUPER DRUGS Came out only 5 years ago... WHO KNOWS, I might make my life long goal of being shot by a jealous husband when Im 99. My wife and family have been super suportive thru the last two weeks....

I do want to say some things about my cobra friends:Since 2000 I have MET some of the nicest folks IN PERSON thru my FFR2362, MANY I'm lucky to call personal friends... I have met many super guys on the 3 sequential Ffcobra forums, plus the Factory Five official forum.. Ive been doing cobraearl (part time) for 12 or 13 years and I have NEVER had one person **** me out of a dime... YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST... and I still look at that cobra and say.... I Actually built that....

Sort of like I look at my THREE SUPER KIDS.... and say to myself, I sired those .. and Im pretty sure I did: And I had a big influence on them as one of their parents. And I look at those three amazing grand children and wonder what they will grow up to be... I could talk about them for pages....... PROUD GRANDPA is an Understatement!!! Proud Father is an understatement.. Proud Husband is an Understatement...

Jeff Collins of Whitby Motor Cars and I (CobraEarl) RENTED a race track about 8 years ago and held an open track event.. did not make any money, but we DID break Even..... WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE RENTED A RACETRACK FOR AN ENTIRE WEEKEND.... AND WE HAD A BALL...

My website is down so Im not SOLICITING ANY MORE ORDERS... If anyone needs to contact me, you can at cobraearl@gmail.com....

[BN]

I wish you well

[dspellman]

Out of 13 people that have been in the trial, one is in "total" remission and two more appear to be heading that way...

We have a local news anchor, Margaret Johnson with WXII that had Pancreatic Cancer 10 years ago.. she is alive and well and doing the news...

PANCREATIC CANCER is not a death sentence.... Not something you OR I want, but its not a death sentence... Prayers Are Needed..

I'll get my local parish on it. They do some good work.

[frankeeski]

Earl. you're a great man. Your outspokenness is one of your most endearing qualities and though I can't speak for everyone here on the forum I can tell you "we love you". Julie and I will both be praying for a speedy remission.

[Jeff Kleiner]

One of my favorite Cobra memories was spending some time with you and Raceral at the Spring Flings back in the early days :) I wish you all the best old friend.

Jeff

[CraigS]

Keep up your positive attitude toward the fight. I have read many times that one's attitude and determination to beat the cancer can have a major effect on the outcome. I wish you and your family all the best.

[wallace18]

Prayers for you brother.

[chopthebass]

All the very best Earl.

[Timb]

I've never met you but have always enjoyed reading your posts and have learned a ton from you. Prayers are on their way please keep us updated.

[Boydster]

I also have never met you, but wish you the best luck and smooth roads ahead. Time to cash in on some of that Good Karma you've been giving out for so long...

[Olli]

Earl,

I wish you the very best. Be strong.

Olli

[Martin]

Many years ago Earl, I got in touch about ordering a some stuff from you. As soon as you heard it was going on a car in the UK, you offered it to me for free.

In less than two weeks, the car will be ready for the door panels to go on on the car. You hear lots of stories about the community and the people involved, being on the other side of the world I can assure you that the community stretches this far. It was the first time someone from this community stepped up and did something for me as a stranger.

Good luck. I'll be cheering for you from the sidelines over here.

Martin

[Raceral]

Hey Brother Earl... Love you dearly.. we have had the best of times and we will continue to have them. Good luck with your process.
I bet your neighbor Gary and can even do some magic on you. Just go over there and spread out on his work bench.
Hang in there brother and I will come see you soon, its been to long.

[skullandbones]

Chemo is tough (helped my mom during that time) but I wish you "smooth sailing" through that part of your treatment. You're lucky to have a talented Dr. daughter to coordinate the logistics of this as it is critical to do it right the first time. You did good.

I thought it was funny you mentioned that you still look at the roadster and say "I built that". So do I every day. That's pretty cool to have that checked off of your bucket list.

Wishing you the best,

WEK.

[Crawleyscobra]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[AZPete]

Though we've never met face-to-face I have enjoyed your posts and contests for many years. I wish you the best of all.
Pete

[PleiadsMan]

Thoughts and prayers are with you Earl!

Please look into TCH and Canibanoid treatment for yourself, It has some strong and battling research of its effectiveness verses Chemo therapy. We have a very strong Endocannabinoid System.

[Raceral]

If you notice, Cobra Earl is always the center of attention
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/raceral/All%20things%20Cobra/Picture229.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/raceral/All%20things%20Cobra/Whitby08023.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/raceral/All%20things%20Cobra/11-25-2010101842AM.jpg
And finally.... I forget what the bet was, but I bet him a "8 pack" about something... dang he won.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/raceral/All%20things%20Cobra/FB_IMG_1444857787028_zpszr4kvmjn.jpg

[Bhhughes]

Earl, I wish you the very best in your upcoming fight and want to thank you for all of your contributions to our community.

[accobra66]

All the best Earl, keep your head up. Everyone is pulling for you I can assure you.

[Aceflo]

I'm new to the forum, but loss my brother to cancer at a young age. He was 39 and a great racer.

Stay strong, and I wish you the best Earl.

[Olli]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/raceral/All%20things%20Cobra/FB_IMG_1444857787028_zpszr4kvmjn.jpg[/QUOTE]

That picture was taking @ VIR Sept. '04........the "fun" days...

Olli

[cobrajj]

Our prayers go out to you and your family.

[DaleG]

Hi Earl...happy customer here. I see we are the same age. I'm a 2-time survivor - currently in remission - and am sure you will be one also, likely do to the quick response (lucky you for your daughter). I know its all happened very fast, but just try and relax through all this and try, try to avoid stress as it also affects those near to you. One day at a time.

Chin up, Dale

[cobraearl]

have completed my first round of Chemo... Feel PRETTY GOOD... a little weird, but at least 95%.... cannnot complain. My wife and family AND FRIENDS have been wonderful.... after four cycles or 4 weeks (cant remember which) they are going to re scan me for results of the chemo.....

IM GONNA BEAT THIS ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chopthebass]

Hi Earl,
Awesome attitude!! Keep positive.

Ian

[Fifty-Two]

Wishing you all the best Earl. I'm so happy to hear that you got on the trial and that your daughter fought so hard to get you on therapy as fast as she did - both huge things. Kudos and congrats. Stay strong and hang in - you'll make it through this.

[Bhhughes]

Earl, I'm so glad to see that you have the right attitude. I work in this area and have learned how important a strong mindset is. Keep up the fight!

[jrcuz]

Hang in there Earl, stay strong. We're all rooting for you.
JR

[R. Button]

To my young friend and traveling companion! I will pray daily for you and treasure the fun we had traveling together. As Jim said in the video Earl is ... well just Earl! You only get one Earl in a lifetime and I got to visit, and travel with Earl on our most excellent adventures!

[Garry Bopp]

Earl,

I only know you through the forums but am amazed at the love and respect you have earned through the years. You are a true pillar of the FFR community. I will keep you in my prayers.

Garry

[cobraearl]

its been about 10 months since i got the "NEWS"...

I May be one of the 8 luckyist PC patients ever.

Had a long talk with my Oncologist three weeks ago. There was supposed to be 20 patients in our drug study. she said we never had but 18. FOUR are off Chemo. Not a huge deal unless you know that traditionally, PC patients have NEVER come off chemo in the past. Basically chemo until you die, unless you are lucky enough to catch it early enough that it can be operated on. Even then you gotta be lucky enough for the surgeon to get it all. Four are OFF CHEMO, another FOUR are responding well to the chemo (plus the "super drug"). I asked her what about the other 10???? She said, They did not respond to the chemo and they (all 10) are gone!!!!!!

The Chemo I'm on is called Folfurinox. (sp?) The new drug being tested is CPI-613. There is a news release about our study on the internet from back in January. So, its no secret. Folfurinox is the "latest, greatest, Chemo regiment for treating PC. Its only about 4 years old, its very strong and many folks cannot tolerate it and have to go to the older chemo that is well tolerated but not nearly as effective. the news release is at: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phase-i-trial-data-for-cornerstone-pharmaceuticals-cpi-613-in-combination-with-modified-fluorouracil-leucovorin-irinotecan-and-oxaliplatin-mfolfirinox-in-metastatic-pancreatic-adenocarcinoma-to-be-presented-at-the-annual-gas-300209205.html The Dr. Angela T. Alistar mentioned is my oncologist..

About all cancer types have a "marker Number" these days like your PSA # for Prostrate Cancer. PC has the CA19-9 #. When this all started, my PC marker number was about 2500. after about 8 weeks, it was up to about 10,000. since then, it has fallen consistently down to 145 last week. ( normal is considered to be 35 or below.) My main tumor has shrunk from 5.8 CM down to 3.3 CM in my MRI 5 weeks ago. My tumor in my liver has shrunk a comparable amount. and some small tumors in my lungs appear to be GONE!!! My Oncologist told me that before NOW, they have been able to shrink liver tumors but NOT Pancreas tumors.

NO ONE knows what will happen to these four people that are off chemo long term.

The Oncologist says they are working on starting a second study, a double blind study.

Im PRAYING that I will be number 5,6,7 or 8 that comes off chemo!!! They will not use the word CURED, or REMISSION when speaking of the four off chemo.

looking back on the early days of this, based on the number, size and location of my tumors, I'm positive that my doctor daughter expected me to be gone by now.

We have spent many weeks with the three grand kids. been to see them at least 3 times in toronto, , once in Wilmington, once in key west, twice here and the initial week in orlando. My Three Grand Kids (Girl 10, boy 8 and girl 5) are absolutely the three smartest, most beautiful and most wonderful grand kids ever. Dont try to convince me or my wife to the contrary.

Juanita, my wife of almost 49 years, ((red headed Irish ) not hispanic) has been wonderful and supportive!!!! It was her Idea to buy TWO tickets to Burning Man 2016. AND, it looks like we are GOING.

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE PRAYERS!!!!! HOPEFULLY A FEW MORE JUST MIGHT GET ME ACROSS THE FINISH IN FRONT OF THIS DING DANG DISEASE.

[Boydster]

Excellent news, Mr. Earl. Keep up what you're doing and stay positive.

[Jazzman]

Praise to "The Great Physician" for this wonderful news! We will keep praying with you and for you, and for the many doctors, researchers, and scientists that are developing these medical miracles. His blessings upon you and your family.

[carlewms]

Earl,

Thanks for the update with the great news ... your a fighter and its paying off.

[KDubU]

Earl, keep up the fight! You are doing awesome.

[wallace18]

Super! We will keep you in our prayers for sure.

[Erik W. Treves]

good stuff! Stay positive!

[jrcuz]

Great news, Earl!

[slaga]

Glad to hear this Earl. Here's to you being 5, 6, 7, or 8th. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

[Crawleyscobra]

This is great news. "The Great Physician" works in so many ways. Earl you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

[GWL]

Good to hear. Thanks for updating us.

George

[mikeinatlanta]

Great news Earl. Thanks for posting.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Keep up the good fight old friend!

Jeff

[Larry Johnson]

We wish you well and send our prayers your way.
Thanks for the "heads-up" about the nodule.

[ckrueger]

Great news!!! Stay strong.

[AyRoMoDa]

Great news Earl!!!

While I don't make CPI-613, I've made a career out of making similar cutting edge oncology drugs. It's stories like yours that makes it all worthwhile!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you're able to come off chemo and are able to continue to enjoy traveling and your grandkids.

[David Hodgkins]

GREAT NEWS Earl! Here's hoping for continued great response to this new treatment. Best wishes for you and Juanita!

:)

[Fifty-Two]

Earl,
This is phenomenal news!!! Like AyRoMoDa, I make my living in the Oncology field as well. For so many patients to be having such amazing responses in a Phase 1 trial (typically considered just a dosing trial) is just downright awesome! And you aren't kidding when you say FOLFIRINOX is a super-intense chemo regimen ... holy cow it is a duesey!!! ... It's a true testament to your strength and will to tolerate and thrive on that regimen. I am thrilled to hear of your positive response and wish you all the continued success as you fight this disease away.

John

[JohnnyB]

That is great news Earl!
55531

[WIS89]

Earl-

What a fantastic post to read this morning! I am thrilled for you and your entire family! I think that cancer forgot that it was dealing with one tough SOB, and didn't realize it didn't stand a chance. HA! I hope you continue to kick its tail, and continue to get better until there are no traces left. I am sure we all know someone touched by cancer, and to see someone beating it is so uplifting, I can't describe it!

Will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts as you continue to heal. All the best Earl!

Regards,

Steve

[Bob-STL]

Earl,
Great news. Will keep you in my prayers.
Bob

[6t8dart]

Great news, keep it up!

[ehansen007]

Great news Earl. Keep on fighting!

[skullandbones]

Glad to hear of your success with the treatment You know what they say. "I'd rather be lucky than good." In your case, you're good and lucky!

Continued good fortune,

WEK.

[Bob Cowan]

Earl, that is some of the best news I'v heard in a while. :) :) :)

[2FAST4U]

I am so hopeful you come thru this Al. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

Bill

[CraigS]

There is also a bunch of good karma working for Earl. You know, the old what goes around, comes around. For those who don't know, amid all this, Earl and Juanita made a 12 hour round trip to join us at the Wade Chamberlain 'Celebration of Life' get together this past April in Warrenton, Va. A bunch of us met at a shopping center 15 minutes away so we could caravan in our cobras to the event. I was blown away when Earl got out of his van, joined the conversations, and went w/ us to the Celebration. Thanks again Earl, your tremendous progress is very well deserved.