Good Evening Everyone,Many of you may know that in early 2009 I was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer referred to as MFH (malignant fibrous histiocytoma). I would like to thank all of you who provided me with support through a very difficult time. I would also like to thank those of you that from time to time touch base with me to see how my fight with this disease is progressing.Since my initial surgery, given the circumstances, things for the most part could not have gone any better and I have been cancer free for about one year. In early March of this year I had a scheduled surveillance CT scan to make sure that nothing unexpected was again growing in my body. I had an appointment with my surgeon immediately following the CT scan so that he could read the scan in my presence. My surgeon was called into an emergency surgery at my appointment time, however, he did get a chance to quickly review my scans and said everything looked good and that I should expect to have another CT scan in about six months. The following day as I was leaving work, my surgeon called me and said that he had the chance to properly review my CT scan and that he now had some concern over two faint spots that were showing in lower lobe of my left lung. It was decided at this time that I now needed to have a PET scan done. For those that do not know, a PET Scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the body. In my case the tracer used was radioactive sugar with the premis being that cancer cells rapidly grow and consume lots of sugar. So, basically the PET scan is two parts. This first part a full body CT scan to get a complete 3D image of my body and organs. The second part to scan for the tracer and then overlay any areas of tracer that are detected onto the 3D cross section of my body (the doctors will know exactly where in my body the cancer is located).The results of this PET scan were negative. Which indicated at the time the scan was given there was no evidence of cancer or metastatic disease in my body. My oncology surgeon informed me of these results but indicated that he still had concern about the spots in my lungs and said that there was still a chance they could be cancerous but were so small at this time that they were not taking up the radioactive glucose. For this reason, my surgeon decided the best course of action was to wait for 8 weeks and then have another CT scan and see it the spots had changed in size or possibly would disappear. If the spots disappeared or did not change in size all would be well. If the spots increased in size they would no doubt be metastatic tumors.This past Wednesday, May 12th, was my scheduled 8 week CT scan. Unfortunately, the two spots in my left lung doubled in size over the 8 week period indicating the cancer has indeed metastasized.To say the least, the last few days have been very hectic. Yesterday, I had an appointment with the head cardiac surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center to discuss the lung lesions and the course of action. It was agreed that he would perform surgery and plan A is to perfrom two wedge resections and only remove the two tumors with a some of surronding lung tissue. The cardiac surgeon had some concern with the size of the tumors (which are still relatively small 10mm) and that he might not be able to properly feel them because of their size (it is very important that he can feel them to properly perform a wedge resection). If he cannot feel one of the tumors then plan A goes out the window and we revert to plan B which is to do a lobectomy removing the entire lower lobe of my left lung.I am now scheduled to have surgery Friday May 21st at 7:30AM. My 45th birthday is next Wednesday, I'm sure its one that I am not going to soon forget..... :( I just wanted to keep all of those informed that have stayed abreast of my progress and to thank all of you that have lended your support to date. I cannot even begin to express what it means to me.If I happen to become less active at AVSIM over the next few weeks you will now understand why. Time to get the boxing gloves back out and continue the fight.Regards,Bob Modrowski

BobI don't believe we've ever exchanged comments on AVSIM before, but I do recall your previous posts about your encounter with the enemy called cancer.However, I just want to wish you well (and success) in your latest battle and hope that all turns out well for you and your family. You'll be in my thoughts.Regards,Brian

Hi Bob and everyone.I am sorry to hear about your problem. It sounds like you have good help / doctors, but if you feel uncomfortable check with someone else. Did they say why you do not get Chemo / Radiation first to see if it helps?Is there a Marker / blood test that they can do for it?Keep fighting, there is a lot more since and new meds for these type of problems now days. I will talk to my Doctors and see if they know something that may help.Happy early Birthday, I know that you have a lot on your mind, but try to maintain as normal of a life style as you can, and try to relax. Stress seems to be one of the worst things for us.Good luck, let us know if there is anything we can do, and keep us posted. TV

Bob, we've never communicated before, but as a long-time member of Avsim, I've read your Avsim posts on a regular basis.Just wanted to wish you the best. Good luck with your fight, and my thoughts are with you and your family.

Best wishes, I hope you KO that cancer.

Best wishes, I hope you KO that cancer.

Bob,Like others, I too have read your posts over the past year or so. Please know that you're in my thoughts (and I'm sure many others as well). Best wishes,Jeff

Good Evening Everyone,Many of you may know that in early 2009 I was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer referred to as MFH (malignant fibrous histiocytoma). I would like to thank all of you who provided me with support through a very difficult time. I would also like to thank those of you that from time to time touch base with me to see how my fight with this disease is progressing.Since my initial surgery, given the circumstances, things for the most part could not have gone any better and I have been cancer free for about one year. In early March of this year I had a scheduled surveillance CT scan to make sure that nothing unexpected was again growing in my body. I had an appointment with my surgeon immediately following the CT scan so that he could read the scan in my presence. My surgeon was called into an emergency surgery at my appointment time, however, he did get a chance to quickly review my scans and said everything looked good and that I should expect to have another CT scan in about six months. The following day as I was leaving work, my surgeon called me and said that he had the chance to properly review my CT scan and that he now had some concern over two faint spots that were showing in lower lobe of my left lung. It was decided at this time that I now needed to have a PET scan done. For those that do not know, a PET Scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the body. In my case the tracer used was radioactive sugar with the premis being that cancer cells rapidly grow and consume lots of sugar. So, basically the PET scan is two parts. This first part a full body CT scan to get a complete 3D image of my body and organs. The second part to scan for the tracer and then overlay any areas of tracer that are detected onto the 3D cross section of my body (the doctors will know exactly where in my body the cancer is located).The results of this PET scan were negative. Which indicated at the time the scan was given there was no evidence of cancer or metastatic disease in my body. My oncology surgeon informed me of these results but indicated that he still had concern about the spots in my lungs and said that there was still a chance they could be cancerous but were so small at this time that they were not taking up the radioactive glucose. For this reason, my surgeon decided the best course of action was to wait for 8 weeks and then have another CT scan and see it the spots had changed in size or possibly would disappear. If the spots disappeared or did not change in size all would be well. If the spots increased in size they would no doubt be metastatic tumors.This past Wednesday, May 12th, was my scheduled 8 week CT scan. Unfortunately, the two spots in my left lung doubled in size over the 8 week period indicating the cancer has indeed metastasized.To say the least, the last few days have been very hectic. Yesterday, I had an appointment with the head cardiac surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center to discuss the lung lesions and the course of action. It was agreed that he would perform surgery and plan A is to perfrom two wedge resections and only remove the two tumors with a some of surronding lung tissue. The cardiac surgeon had some concern with the size of the tumors (which are still relatively small 10mm) and that he might not be able to properly feel them because of their size (it is very important that he can feel them to properly perform a wedge resection). If he cannot feel one of the tumors then plan A goes out the window and we revert to plan B which is to do a lobectomy removing the entire lower lobe of my left lung.I am now scheduled to have surgery Friday May 21st at 7:30AM. My 45th birthday is next Wednesday, I'm sure its one that I am not going to soon forget..... :( I just wanted to keep all of those informed that have stayed abreast of my progress and to thank all of you that have lended your support to date. I cannot even begin to express what it means to me.If I happen to become less active at AVSIM over the next few weeks you will now understand why. Time to get the boxing gloves back out and continue the fight.Regards,Bob Modrowski

Bob-thanks for the update and my thoughts and prayers are with you to fight and lick this thing.It sounds like you have the right attitude to do so, and with the added vibes from your fellow flight simmers you will do so!Best,Geof

Avocomware,Good morning and thank you for your words. Unfortunately the type of cancer I am fighting does not respond to radiation or chemo. Radiation is used on the site where the primary tumor is removed and I did have that treatment. May 13th was my one year annivesary for completing my initial radiation treatment. The final diagnostic factors on my primary tumor put me at a much higher risk for the chance of metastasis. Chemo can be used to slow the growth of the cancer but it will not stop it. So, other than participating in a clincal trial for chemo, chemo is only administered when the cancer has metastized to multiple areas of the body. It is basically used to attempt to slow down the cancer growth and extend survivability.The reality of the situation is I have cancer that is very hard to treat once it has metastazied. The good news is, over the eight week waitng period for the follow up CT scan no new nodules have appeared in either of my lungs. I have had well over a year to prepare myself for this possibility and have done well doing so. I guess being a hard headed ex-Marine also lends well to my capacity to deal with the situation at hand. My wife on the other is having a difficult time as will my 10 year old son when I inform Sunday evening after he returns home from camping. My daughter is 6 years old and really does not comprehend anything other than daddy is sick and needs to go to the hospital.I'll do what I need to medically (whatever it may) and keep praying. It's gotten me this far already and I know it will get me further.

Although we've most probably never exchanged comments here I, too, wish you all the best and the strength, Bob, in your stuggle against cancer. I truly hope to see you back here on AVSIM as soon as possible.

Bob,I will keep you in my prayers...may God's peace go with you thru this difficult time.

Bob,I've seen so many things in my lifetime that defy all the odds! I feel confident that you have the perfect attitude to "knock out" this next obstacle. It's evident you're a fighter, and you're NEVER an "ex-Marine". You're a "formerly active Marine". Now you're a Marine with a different mission. Now...go and destroy this menace. You can, and will do it.Stan

I've known soldiers, sailors, and airman alike. I've only known one man who talked of war and smiled with a grin from cheek to cheek. He's had to eject from his Harrier after Signing a waiver because of his height (Kneecaps), He's flown the CH-46 Sea Knight into fire on more than one occasion. He may have retired as a Lt. Col., but He is, and forever will be, a Marine. I don't hold the honor, Nor am I sure I ever will, but I suppose there's only one thing for you to do. Do what Marines do best. Best Wishes,Ryan.

Bob - As they say - "been there, done that, got the T shirt"In 1988 I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a radial thoracotomy and a lobectomy. Upper right lobe.Well, as you can guess, I'm still kicking around.After the first month, I noticed no shortness of breath and today, the only way to tell is by the scar or to look at an xray.Be positive - that is the MOST important advice I can give you. I am now 73 - had surgery when I was 51.Sounds like you are in good hands so stay positive and if youi ever want to compare scars - PM me! :)Vic

We've never exchanged messages but I've enjoyed and relied on your posts for years. Good luck - my thoughts are with you.Best,Alan

I wish you a successful surgery and my thoughts are with you.