Thinking of you

2 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

Thinking of you

 

Me too.

Thanks guys/gals. My first chemo treatment is tomorrow finally. It got pushed back twice now. First time insurance hadn't authorized it in time, even though they authorized the surgery for the port placement a week prior. Make it make sense. So it had to be rescheduled. Then I tested positive for RSV, so they had to reschedule again. 

 

Finally, tomorrow is my first treatment. They wanna do 4-6 treatments. 3 weeks in between each one. They're hoping it at least slows the cancer down/prolongs it.

 

I was able to get my boat out yesterday, which I really needed. Got a little winded at times, but not too bad. Really good therapy. I'm worried how I'm gonna feel with the chemo. Am I gonna feel like fishing? Will I even be able to, physically? Time will tell, I guess.

 

Again, I love and appreciate EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. I hope you all know that. 💚

 

1 minute ago, NorthernBasser said:

I was able to get my boat out yesterday, which I really needed.

 

I bet. So glad you launched.

 

2 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

I'm gonna feel with the chemo. Am I gonna feel like fishing? Will I even be able to, physically? Time will tell, I guess.

 

You won't know until you're there, but across the nation, we're all thinking of you. Praying. Hoping. Wishing.

Thanks for the update @NorthernBasser.

 

Strength to you friend!

 

Thoughts and prayers!!!

Whole bait bucket full of mojo heading your way.

7 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

I'm worried how I'm gonna feel with the chemo. Am I gonna feel like fishing? Will I even be able to, physically? Time will tell, I guess.

 

When I went through my chemo therapy I paid attention to the different colors they gave me. I was given a cocktail that was yellow, orange, and red. Each time I received these cocktails required a weeks stay in the hospital. Yellow, no big deal, orange, I was a little weak and lethargic, and the “red stuff” I called it, absolutely knocked me on my butt and I did nothing but sleep for about 14-16 hrs a day for about two weeks. My schedule was in a week out two. 
 

Keep in mind this was 23 years ago, my treatment was very aggressive because my cancer was very aggressive but also responded very well to treatment. Regardless of how you feel, I highly recommend you have someone go with you and sunscreen of some type is an absolute must because I’m assuming they’ll put you on steroids. I’d highly recommend someone take the fish off for you as well because your immune system is going to be highly compromised.

 

Keep fighting and a positive mindset goes a long way.

Hey 'yall. Just wanted to give a quick update on how I'm doing. Some people have messaged me because they've seen me a little more active on the boards lately. Not that I owe it to you (or if you even care) or anything, but I do think of you guys as family, as I've said before.

If you remember back in Jan of 2025, I was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer (never smoked before). I was given approximately a year. My goal was to hit my 51st birthday, which was in December. So I did that. 2025 was pretty rough with the chemo treatments. Lots of sick and tired days. I was able to fish through May, but that's about it. And it just crushed me.

My breathing has gotten worse as of late, so I am on oxygen. I can still move around, go places on good days, etc for now. They just started me on some other steroids, which they're hoping will help with my beathing...so I'm not huffing and puffing when walking around. On good days I can actually walk around and do some stuff without the oxygen, which is SO nice. My goal is to be able to fish some this year with some buddies. I know I can't launch/fish with my own boat anymore by myself. But hopefully I'll be able to fish some without getting out of breath so quicky. I may need to stay seated in the boat though if it even gets to that.

Bass fishing is my life. It's been tough just coming here over the past year. Or watching fishing Youtube channels and Bassmaster/MLF online. Things that were a part of my routine...just the reminder of what I'm missing out on now. But for some reason, this year I feel I need it. I need any fishing content I can get, despite me not being able to participate like I'd like. It seems it's been good for my soul. I even browse around Tackle Warehouse etc...lol...why I don't know?? I'm not buying anything. I'm still working on clearing out my own tackle shed! 😵‍💫

Anyways, I'm good. I'm still at peace. I know what's coming. They don't know when exactly. I still pray I can get out a few times to fish. It's funny, anytime people talk to me about my whole situation and how I'm handling it, anytime fishing comes up...that's when I break down and cry. Ugh, like just now typing that. I just love the sport so much. I even picked out an urn with a bass on it. 😁

Sorry for the rambling. I love you guys. Just wanted to give an update since it's been a while. And I'll be around here now and then to keep an eye on y'all!

Tight lines!

Having worked in a hospital, a word that is always used with cancer patients is "courageous," whether it applies or not. Well, it applies to you. You are so clear-sighted and forthright. Crying when you talk or write about bass fishing shows how much you love it. Your passion humbles me. It makes me want to love it as much as you do, to be worthy of my dwindling time on the water, to not waste a single morning or even a single cast.

Thanks for the update. If I still lived in Wisconsin, I'd take you fishing for sure.

I pray you get out and tear em up. 🙏

Clearly you have been through a lot lately.

The regular members here certainly are a family.

And we love to hear from you anytime and about anything.

I hope you are surrounded by love and that you feel as comfortable as possible.

A-Jay

You need not apologize for anything.

The exemplar display of Faith, Grace and Courage whilst waging the most difficult fight of your life is inspiring.

I can't speak for everyone, yet I have the utmost confidence that every member BR family who bends the knee and clasps hands regularly, petitions the Lord to grant you and your family, strength, faith, hope and grace, daily.

God Bless you and God Bless your family...both of them.

@NorthernBasser

I've been following your updates here on the forum and just wanted to say how much I admire your strength and openness through all of this! Facing lung cancer takes real courage, and you're handling it with grace that inspires others.

While I don't know you personally, know that there are people like me out here rooting for you, sending positive thoughts, and holding space for whatever you need—whether that's sharing stories, advice, or just a listening ear.

Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead! You're not alone.

Thank you guys/gal for your very kind words. It means a lot. ❤️

I somehow missed this last year. You’re in my prayers, and if you just want someone to talk to about anything, please send me a pm.

37 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

Thank you guys/gal for your very kind words. It means a lot. ❤️

Thoughts from your neighbor across the big river.

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." - Jimmy V

Northern...please pm any of us, regulars or not, if you just want to talk fishing (or anything). I think this group wouldn't mind one bit.

Thoughts and prayers are with you @NorthernBasser !!

I can definitely relate with you in regards to having a port installed into my chest and then on treatment days, running liquid CHEMO for almost 4 hours straight, 1 day a week. After the 4 hours though, I had to take a CHEMO fanny bag home with me to run for an additional 46-48 hours every other week. Definitely rough. My CHEMO cocktail(4 CHEMO’s together)was the most powerful for my situation. My wife had to take me and bring me home from treatment. No way I could’ve driven. I was in a zone after I left the cancer center. Now I’m in radiation treatment with CHEMO pills(2x a day, 1500 mg each time).

During my 8 treatments of the liquid CHEMO, I couldn’t grab anything cold without a feeling of needles going through my fingertips. Definitely could not drink cold things either so going fishing late last year and grabbing fish out of the water or cold fish in general was a no go. It’s been tough not being able to get out. I’m still out of work since last September.

I have some pills in case I get sick or nauseous but so far so good. It’s definitely been one of the toughest things I’ve ever dealt with and that includes a time of not catching a fish on a 7 hour day in the past. 😂😂

Hope that wasn’t too much but I thought I would share. I’ve tried to stay positive through this whole process and it keeps me feeling better. Stay strong brother!!

7 minutes ago, FLYING HIGH said:

Thoughts and prayers are with you @NorthernBasser !!

I can definitely relate with you in regards to having a port installed into my chest and then on treatment days, running liquid CHEMO for almost 4 hours straight, 1 day a week. After the 4 hours though, I had to take a CHEMO fanny bag home with me to run for an additional 46-48 hours every other week. Definitely rough. My CHEMO cocktail(4 CHEMO’s together)was the most powerful for my situation. My wife had to take me and bring me home from treatment. No way I could’ve driven. I was in a zone after I left the cancer center. Now I’m in radiation treatment with CHEMO pills(2x a day, 1500 mg each time).

During my 8 treatments of the liquid CHEMO, I couldn’t grab anything cold without a feeling of needles going through my fingertips. Definitely could not drink cold things either so going fishing late last year and grabbing fish out of the water or cold fish in general was a no go. It’s been tough not being able to get out. I’m still out of work since last September.

I have some pills in case I get sick or nauseous but so far so good. It’s definitely been one of the toughest things I’ve ever dealt with and that includes a time of not catching a fish on a 7 hour day in the past. 😂😂

Hope that wasn’t too much but I thought I would share. I’ve tried to stay positive through this whole process and it keeps me feeling better. Stay strong brother!!

Thanks for sharing. Hang in there buddy. It is tough. Just take things day by da. I pray things get better for you.

Being a part of this Bass Resource Family is priceless!!!!

Talking about anything and everything fishing is absolutely amazing but having those other moments, when we all have something else we need to speak about, everyone here is just understanding and compassionate.

Proud to be a part of this amazing family!!

You are stronger than you know and we see it. Prayers, not only for your health, for strength and the support of family and friends. Keep us posted and when you do get on the water, enjoy. We know you will.

9 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

Not that I owe it to you (or if you even care)

You are correct that you don’t owe us anything, but you’re not correct if you wonder if we care. We do.

We’re all pulling for you, and wishing you well. Thanks for the update, and please post any fish you catch whether they’re giants, or dinks. We’ll be there to celebrate with you.

Thanks for the update. Keep makings those minutes count.

You’re in my thoughts, pm if you need to.

21 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

Thank you guys/gal for your very kind words. It means a lot. ❤️

It's not easy, you're never alone in this journey called life.