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  #1  
Old 05-23-2015, 11:53 AM
CSJohnson's Avatar
CSJohnson CSJohnson is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 65
Default Stage IV Colon Cancer & Building an RV-8

After many years of dreaming, turning a garage into an airplane factory, I started my RV-8 build on March 31, 2015. Within two weeks I started experiencing abdominal cramps, being unconcerned until one day they were stronger than previous and persistent throughout the day.

X-rays at an urgent care center suggested a bowel blockage and trip to the ER. More x-rays and a CT scan but the ER doctors couldn't pinpoint the issue. I was admitted for further evaluation. Three days later a GI doctor called my room from his home at 11:30PM saying, "Something is definitely wrong." A colonoscopy was performed and a cancerous tumor discovered.

Surgery to remove the tumor, a section of the colon, an appendectomy, remove lymph nodes, and liver biopsy was performed. Several infections developed and I remained in the hospital for four weeks with chest tubes and another fluid drain (OUCH!), followed by three weeks of home infusion with three self-administered antibiotic IVs each day (via a PICC line; I'm hooked up as I type.) Pathology results confirmed colon cancer having spread to all nearby lymph nodes and a small liver lesion. Having metastasized to distant organs I was diagnosed as Stage IV.

Internet searches suggested a 39% 2-year survival rate, and only 7% 5-years after diagnosis. My first two thoughts: 1. Family - We've planned, but should visit an estate lawyer to verify. 2. Will I have time to finish and fly my RV-8?

My oncologist said to ignore statistics; I'm relatively young, in otherwise good health, should respond well to chemotherapy, and numerous options exist to rid my perfectly functioning liver of cancer. He has patients whose cancer was much more advanced than mine living normal lives 8+ years after diagnosis. The American Cancer Society says some Stage IV patients can be cured, and I meet much of the criteria. Youth, health, available treatments, and the discipline to follow strict diet and exercise regimens are in my favor.

A forthcoming PET-CT scan will provide tremendous insight into the extent of the cancer. Colorectal chemotherapy treatment is relatively mild and I'm told to continue to work and live normally. Diet, exercise, and a lot of spring water will enhance the impact of the treatment. I have an appointment to receive a 2nd opinion from a premier GI oncologist at the world renowned Moffitt Cancer Center which is a mere 15 minute drive. Despite the unfortunate diagnosis, optimism exists. I'll go forward with the attitude that I will at least beat this back to a NED (No Evidence of Disease), though hope to be fortunate and diagnosed as cured. If there is a mere 1% chance of cure, that’s my goal.

Only 2.5 weeks into the build, the experience has been fantastic. I continued to learn new techniques, use the tools, workspace organization, and more. Time flies when I’m building. I become intensely focused on each task, making sure I’m doing it right, and with quality. When I thought I’d spent 1-2 hours building, it was 4-5! It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed something so much that time would fly that fast. The build must go on! It should be therapeutic as I need to remain active.

While lying in a hospital bed discussing what should become of the RV-8, everyone agreed that the build should continue as planned. A friend confirmed that if in remission and otherwise healthy, I can receive a 3rd Class Medical. If not, the RV-8 has two seats, so I can still fly it. I’m sure I could find someone ito assist with Phase I operations, and they and others may also be interested in flying with me so I can experience the results of my efforts even if I cannot act as PIC. Of course I hope I can act as PIC and fly solo as well as take family and friends up, but it’s not a reason to halt the build not knowing whether that will happen. The goal is that it will.

My father and I recently attended our first EAA Chapter 175 meeting here in Tampa, and I’ve been a part of the VAF community and seen them band together. Worst case, I’m not able to finish the build, I bet some EAA and/or VAF members could assist and at least get my family up in the air to finish the dream, and then decide what to do with the plane.

While the build should continue, but should it “continue as planned?” Upon returning home I have spent a little time in the workshop on small tasks, even with the IV connected! I long for when I have the energy to endure hours at a time, and I hope and expect that to happen soon once the antibiotics treatments are complete. But when that happens, how to proceed?

I believe I can get through the empennage and wings before I have to make any serious decisions, but aside from the cancer I have learned from “Dr.” Dan Horton that I am likely afflicted with “opinionitis,” not wanting to miss out on any “optional improvements” rather than what is known to be reliable and serviceable.

I love Dave Stephens’ RV-8 with the Showplanes fastback and cowl. I also love Bastien’s cockpit. So, given my affliction with “opinionitis,” my dream is a:

RV-8 Slow Build IFR with:
Get everything to work and I’m sure she’d be an awesome bird to fly! But, so many non-standard modifications. How much extra time to get into the air? How much extra money? How much added frustration? But employing Dr. Dan’s prescription, and given my situation, might it be more prudent to go with:

RV-8 Slow Build (really want to bang every rivet but could change with cancer prognosis) VFR:
Sticking with Van’s plans I’ll likely get into the air faster with less work and frustration and money. Might not be as slick or fast, but still a much better performer than anything that I have flown to date.

Sometimes life can throw something at you that you’re entirely unprepared for, but one must adjust accordingly. I’ve got a heck of a fight ahead of me and a lot of unknowns, but in one form or another, the RV-8 build is going to continue.

Chris
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Chris S. Johnson
Tampa, FL
RV-8, Empennage
2015 VAF Dues paid!

Last edited by CSJohnson : 05-23-2015 at 12:35 PM. Reason: Correct date.
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  #2  
Old 05-23-2015, 12:43 PM
Steve Ashby's Avatar
Steve Ashby Steve Ashby is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia
Posts: 483
Default We will close ranks, brother

Chris,

Wow. The cancer diagnosis really sucks. That said, we are a big family here and I know I speak for all my brothers (and a few sisters) to say that we will be with you every step of the way. You already know the formula; work on it every day, even if it is just 15 minutes, even if you have a tube in you.

Also, check in with us here every day (or, like the rest of us, at least 3X per day) It will keep us all motivated.

If I can give my own piece of advice, it would be build as stock as possible. Going off the trail leads to indecision that can derail the best project. Besides, a lot of the bells and whistles can come later, much later, in the build.

Don't hesitate to call, write or just scream out. All of your brothers here will be there for you. Whether to answer a question, give an opinion, lend a hand or just listen and be there. My cell is 404-310-5128.

Now get off your *** and go drive some rivets.

Steve
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Steve Ashby
Stone Mountain, GA
N184RW (reserved)
RV-8A
YIO-360 180 hp Lycoming
Hartzell Blended Airfoil Prop
Engine Hung
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  #3  
Old 05-23-2015, 12:50 PM
n82rb's Avatar
n82rb n82rb is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: fort myers fl
Posts: 949
Default

Keep up the fight. A guy I work with went through the same thing. He was diagnosed stage 4 also and given a small percentage servival rate also. He learned every thing he could about his conditions, made changes to his lifestyle, and after five year not only is he still with us he is cancer free, holding a class 1 and is in command of a part 121 airliner. You have a hard fight ahead but don't loose faith. Attitude is a very large part of it. Good luck, keep fighting and building. Our hopes and prayers are with you.

Bob burns
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  #4  
Old 05-23-2015, 12:54 PM
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RickWoodall RickWoodall is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,452
Default Ya

Screw cancer! Build on...

All the best.... I have had friends diagnosed with what they thought was a life sentence and many years later they are still doing great. Dont give up, dont give in.

You have an RV to build.... and fly. All the best.
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Rick Woodall C-GSTT "ghost"
9a -TMX io-320, catto three blade, dual dynon hdx with a/p. 900+ hrs in 8 yrs flying.

Flew to Osh 11,12,15,17,19. SNF 2013. West to Cali /Washington/Vancouver/crossed the Rockies north to Red Deer east to Moosonee and over to maritimes. South to Jekyll Isl, cedar key, and Key West etc. 6 trips and 17 islands of the Bahamas. Flown turtles and dogs for Pilots n Paws too. Love our Rv's
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  #5  
Old 05-23-2015, 12:55 PM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL KCLW
Posts: 1,281
Default

I'm just across the bay in Clearwater. Anything I can ever do to help, just pm me for my number.

-another Chris Johnson
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Chris Johnson
RV-9A - Done(ish) 4/5/16! Flying 4/7/16
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  #6  
Old 05-23-2015, 12:57 PM
Bugsy's Avatar
Bugsy Bugsy is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Posts: 554
Default Story sound exactly like my dad

Same story as my dad and he lived 5 years past the statistical end. Liver tumors and all. And that was in 1999 when technology was older. He did change his diet and life style, still stayed stubborn as always.

I agree, keep the airplane stock and simple. Any deviations add logarithmic levels of second order consequence and frustration.

Get your *** building and living. Have your family help and enjoy time with dads favorite hobby.

Thoughts and prayers.
__________________
Paul 'Bugsy' Gardetto, Col, USAF (ret)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Timmerman Field)
N377KG - Flying (250 hrs)
RV-7A, Aerosport O-360, WW200RV
Advanced Flight 5400
Avidyne IFD440
Paint by planeschemer.com
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  #7  
Old 05-23-2015, 01:01 PM
Bugsy's Avatar
Bugsy Bugsy is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Posts: 554
Default One more thing

Go to Oshkosh, huge motivation boost. We are a big RV family and our reunion is in Oshkosh. See you there.
__________________
Paul 'Bugsy' Gardetto, Col, USAF (ret)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Timmerman Field)
N377KG - Flying (250 hrs)
RV-7A, Aerosport O-360, WW200RV
Advanced Flight 5400
Avidyne IFD440
Paint by planeschemer.com
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  #8  
Old 05-23-2015, 01:42 PM
wirejock's Avatar
wirejock wirejock is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Estes Park, CO
Posts: 3,947
Default Focus

Chris
Your brothers and sisters here at VAF will be thinking of you every day. Never loose focus on your goal. When that evil voice tries to speak up, chase it away.
If you need an extra prayer, just ask.
Build on
__________________
Larry Larson
Estes Park, CO
http://wirejockrv7a.blogspot.com
wirejock at yahoo dot com
Donated 12/03/2019, plus a little extra.
RV-7A #73391, N511RV reserved (2,000+ hours)
HS SB, empennage, tanks, wings, fuse, working finishing kit
Disclaimer
I cannot be, nor will I be, held responsible if you try to do the same things I do and it does not work and/or causes you loss, injury, or even death in the process.
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  #9  
Old 05-23-2015, 01:54 PM
Steve Ashby's Avatar
Steve Ashby Steve Ashby is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia
Posts: 483
Default What did I tell you about the bros.

I second what Bugsy said. Get yourself to OSH. I have rented a house and you can bunk with us. I'll wager one of your fellow Floridians can haul you up there in something quick and aluminum. See you there!
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Steve Ashby
Stone Mountain, GA
N184RW (reserved)
RV-8A
YIO-360 180 hp Lycoming
Hartzell Blended Airfoil Prop
Engine Hung
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  #10  
Old 05-23-2015, 02:12 PM
enielsen enielsen is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 146
Default

Yup! Check your PM for my own experience.

Build on, Fly on!
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RV-x Planning stage

Last edited by rv6rick : 05-25-2015 at 05:36 PM. Reason: Removed expletive
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