Vaguely Familiar
You know that when the doctor calls you back the same day they do the MRI, he’s not going to say something very happy.
Susan’s pubic bone is cracked. Her right hip socket (i.e., the one that she has not had surgery on yet) is on the verge of cracking.
Yes, that’s right. Susan’s been getting around with a cracked bone. Without pain medication and without complaint.
Susan’s threshold for “pain worth mentioning” is obviously a little different than yours and mine.
So. Tomorrow (Thursday) we go and see a radiation oncologist. Monday we go and see the surgeon who did her hip replacement. And hopefully we’ll cobble together a game plan.
Hey cancer, you’ve made your point. Now cut it out.
Comment by Robb Sutton (198) | 06.25.2008 | 5:53 pm
I just found your site today. You have an extremely tough and brave wife. Good luck with the doctors visits.
Comment by Jaime O. | 06.25.2008 | 6:07 pm
Thoughts with you – nice when you have to “cobble together” a plan with a specialist. And by nice I mean phrases I can’t say on a family friendly blog.
Comment by Yukirin Boy | 06.25.2008 | 6:14 pm
Hey cancer, give these guys a break!
Best wishes for your visit tomorrow.
Comment by Patrick M. | 06.25.2008 | 6:31 pm
That’s rough news, Elden.
I read your blog periodically, always hoping against hope for a sudden, dramatic reversal of fortune. Our thoughts and best wishes remain with you and Susan.
Comment by Walter | 06.25.2008 | 6:32 pm
Thoughts, vibes and prayers…
Dunno what else to say.
Peace,
Walter (& Leslie too)
Comment by Caren | 06.25.2008 | 6:32 pm
CANCER SUCKS!!!
Susan is an incredibly strong woman – mentally and physically! An inspiration to us all!
Fatty, you are an awesome co-survivor/caregiver! Stay positive and believe!
Sending all my good karma your way!
Comment by Rob L | 06.25.2008 | 6:33 pm
Cancer, take a long flight on an airliner short of fuel!
Best thoughts and wishes with you guys, tomorrow and ever day.
Comment by bikemike | 06.25.2008 | 6:47 pm
cancer sucks, Susan rocks, God bless!
Comment by clambertsmith | 06.25.2008 | 6:47 pm
{{{hugs}}} You guys are such a team. Best Wishes and lots of prayer coming your way from ATL, GA.
Cristy
Comment by Drew | 06.25.2008 | 7:00 pm
Just found your blog this week. You are married to one tough lady. Livestrong,
F cancer…
Comment by UphillBattle | 06.25.2008 | 7:04 pm
Fatty and Susan, our prayers are with you! Remember, we got your back. If cancer had a butt, I’d kick it!
Comment by Philly Jen | 06.25.2008 | 7:12 pm
Hang in there, Susan!
One more set of thoughts, hopes, and well wishes.
Comment by Don | 06.25.2008 | 7:53 pm
Cancer SUCKS!!!! WIN, SUSAN! WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN!!!!!
Love and thoughts and karma and prayers for you and the family.
Comment by Wine Dog | 06.25.2008 | 7:54 pm
Damn, I thought I was tough. She puts me to shame. I’m sure I’m whine over a cracked pubic bone. Positive I’d whine.
Best of luck with your appointments tomorrow, I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you both.
Win Susan.
Comment by 331 Miles | 06.25.2008 | 8:02 pm
…hoping that the surgeon helps big, and that his cobbled plan turns out instead to be a golden one. Win, win, win!
Comment by jt | 06.25.2008 | 8:18 pm
Fatty and Susan,
Climb the current hill, let the terrain over the horizon take care of itself.
LiveStrong. Win Susan!
Comment by Medstudentitis | 06.25.2008 | 8:24 pm
For the love of GOD, enough IS enough!
I’m thinking of you both and crossing my fingers that the ortho does something magical for you.
Comment by aussie kev | 06.25.2008 | 8:34 pm
thinking of you both – WIN this battle, then the next, then the next, please keep fighing.
k
Comment by Mocougfan | 06.25.2008 | 8:55 pm
Very sorry to hear this news Elden. Hoping for the best for Susan tomorrow. Praying for you brother.
Chad
Comment by Emily | 06.25.2008 | 9:40 pm
Stay strong, both of you.
Comment by juliem | 06.25.2008 | 9:46 pm
Am praying for both of you. Stay strong, fight hard. You both are amazing.
Comment by ann | 06.25.2008 | 9:53 pm
prayers and more prayers – hold the children close!
Comment by Co | 06.25.2008 | 10:27 pm
Dear Susan & FC & Family -
When my dad died of cancer (‘85) he had less than 3 months from initial diagnosis to death, so perhaps treatment is improving. I know it’s like saying “we used to glorify war and now we don’t like it” but it *is* better. The truly admirable contribution to fighting cancer from the triathAlon (sp? I’m not from UT!) is another glimmer of hope. Mostly the glimmer of hope is Susan’s obvious fortitude and the Nelson family’s obvious love. Which includes the extended community built, however serendipitously, around this blog. Regardless of outcome (remission is well within my belief system!), the world is a better place for the Nelson family having shared its experience, and nothing will diminish that accomplishment. Boots found a kind and caring Susan when he showed up on his road bike, and that is the type of memory that will live forever.
Comment by Born4Lycra | 06.25.2008 | 10:31 pm
I suppose there is a positive element here in that it (the crack and almost crack) has been spotted and can be fixed and of course the left hip is still holding together after being fixed.
Susan wishing you all the best for the next couple of medical visits and sending all our love.
Comment by Pinkbike | 06.25.2008 | 10:39 pm
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited…
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.
Stay strong, Fatty and Susan.
Comment by stuckinmypedals | 06.26.2008 | 1:31 am
WIN, SUSAN!
Comment by Slowracer | 06.26.2008 | 4:00 am
Dear Susan and Fatty.
It’s Thursday morning here in the UK and i’m hoping and praying that you get a result at long last.
With all our love……
‘Slowy’
Comment by Bluenoser | 06.26.2008 | 4:31 am
Same here, Thurs morning. I’m at a loss.
-B
Comment by Andy | 06.26.2008 | 4:57 am
Frack cancer!!
WIN Susan
Comment by Vito | 06.26.2008 | 5:28 am
Trying to send some positive energy your way.
Keep fighting the good fight.
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by hombredebicycle | 06.26.2008 | 6:19 am
Many prayers and thoughts.
God Bless and peace to your family!
Comment by tim | 06.26.2008 | 6:25 am
Like many, I originally came here for the cycling and the great comic writing but yours and Susan’s dignity, in the face of such ongoing pain and hardship, is an inspiration to everyone who reads this blog. You deserve better…..f cancer.
WIM SUSAN!
Comment by tim | 06.26.2008 | 6:26 am
WIN, I MEAN WIN!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Lori | 06.26.2008 | 6:33 am
Susan is one strong woman! WIN!
Comment by Willie Nelson | 06.26.2008 | 6:48 am
After seeing everyone go crazy because Tiger Woods played 5 days of golf with a stress fracture and torn ACL and then take “some time off”, I get a little upset.
After seeing cancer in my father and friends, the real heroes aren’t winning silly golf tournaments with bum knees, they live everyday with pain that cannot be fixed, symptoms that are ghostly, no promise of a cure and certainly no reward of millions of dollars for a weekend of discomfort. They go to work while on chemo, they continue to help with kids’ homework, they support spouses, go to Little League games, get by as best they can and they put smiles on our faces. They have more “mental toughness” than any pro golfer.
You are a hero. Your family are heroes. Our prayers are with you all.
Comment by Lowrydr | 06.26.2008 | 6:49 am
Strong thoughts for support and prayers from the Midwest. GO FIGHT WIN !!! Susan is one strong lady.
Comment by Kino | 06.26.2008 | 7:06 am
Susans ongoing issues with the big C put my everyday troubles into some proper perspective, she really must be a truely remarkable person. Win Susan!
PS I received my pink Fat Cyclist T-shirt today from your friends at Twin Six. Great service by the way shipping my stuff to me here in the UK in no time at all. I shall wear it with pride tomorrow on my ride to work although I do suspect some abuse is likely as I walk through our machine shopfloor to my office!
Comment by Daddystyle | 06.26.2008 | 7:09 am
Still thinking of you’
Love to the family
Comment by Pammap | 06.26.2008 | 7:18 am
Wow. Susan, WIN.
Cancer sucks.
Here’s hoping you kick it in the gut.
2:01 for Susan.
Comment by Heatherann | 06.26.2008 | 7:39 am
Aww that stinks. Susan is so strong though. Sending more prayers.
WIN SUSAN! Stop it cancer!
Comment by regina | 06.26.2008 | 7:42 am
hey cancer step off! we are like that crazy phone commercial where that crowd follows the guy with the phone around, we are team fatty and your a messing with the wrong group, cuz this crowd is here to help too, help kick your butt.
Keeping the faith with you. WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Americanson | 06.26.2008 | 7:47 am
Our continued prayers are with you and your family. WIN SUSAN – back off cancer
Comment by Ka_Jun | 06.26.2008 | 8:02 am
You guys are in my prayers. Fight hard!
Comment by mike | 06.26.2008 | 8:04 am
F- cancer!
Best of luck for tomorrow you two
Stay strong as always.
Comment by JVLonestar | 06.26.2008 | 8:07 am
I got turned on to this site (cant stand the word blog) a few months back through a friend that sent me one of the Top Posts. After the laughing died down and I caught my breath again, I started poking around and caught the back story here. Gut. Wrenching. I have experienced a family member’s battle with cancer, and while I cannot understand 100% what you are going through, hopefully the support of people that have fought this fight in other arenas will give you some comfort and strengthen your resolve should you need a boost. I’ll shoot a prayer your way.
WIN for Texas.
Comment by carolyn | 06.26.2008 | 8:32 am
Sending you bloggy love and hugs.
Comment by Flash | 06.26.2008 | 8:54 am
Another bump in the road. I’m glad Susan has not been suffering from this one too badly. Susan must be one tough cookie ot not even know she almost has a broken bone. Hang in there cookie!
Comment by chtrich | 06.26.2008 | 9:01 am
Argh that mean C…I won’t even call it by it’s name. It doesn’t deserve the respect.
Keep Fighting!
Comment by Dave | 06.26.2008 | 9:09 am
“…obviously a little different than yours and mine.”
Wow. I have only admiration for the both of you. As just another voice among thousands, all I can say is keep up the fight!
Comment by Mark | 06.26.2008 | 9:17 am
The cancer picked the wrong pair to mess with! Getting around with a cracked bone without complaint – wow. Good luck with the oncologist and the surgeon.
Comment by Rocky | 06.26.2008 | 9:25 am
Damned mean cancer…
Comment by judi | 06.26.2008 | 9:27 am
Effin’ cancer! I hate it! You tell Susan she is about as hardcore as they come, and to stay strong!
Comment by The D | 06.26.2008 | 9:31 am
Man, I hate to hear about yet more pain in the house of Fatty and Susan. I continue to be inspired by Susan’s strength and the spirit in which you support her, Fatty.
As so many have said, we are all pulling for both of you. All the best, and WIN, Susan!
Comment by KT | 06.26.2008 | 9:50 am
Susan, you are amazing. Elden, you are too. C– get bent! Take a long walk off a short pier! Leave Susan alone!
Mr. Oncologist, please do your best for these people, that’s all we’re asking for.
Big karmic hugs coming your way, Susan!
WIN!!!
Comment by rexinsea | 06.26.2008 | 10:00 am
I’ll be thinking of you guys today. Best of luck! Stay strong Nelsons.
Comment by Clydesteve | 06.26.2008 | 10:37 am
Eldon, you are lucky Susan is not a cyclist. As hard core as she is, I am certain she would be a Freestyle Downhiller – and put you to shame with her ferocious descents!
I am still praying for you guys – at least daily at 2:01 PDT.
Steve
Comment by NW | 06.26.2008 | 10:47 am
Still thinking of you and Susan daily and only wishing you both the best. WIN Susan!
Comment by bobbieh | 06.26.2008 | 10:48 am
Hugs to both of you ~
Comment by Gillian | 06.26.2008 | 11:00 am
Again . . . all I can say is – WIN SUSAN.
Comment by Heidi | 06.26.2008 | 11:38 am
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Bob | 06.26.2008 | 11:48 am
Fatty –
I’ve been all over the world, seen all sorts of things, lived through some things I’d wish I never had to, spent time in the military and countless other things…
Believe me when I say this; I wish I was half as tough as your wife is.
Comment by Denise | 06.26.2008 | 12:09 pm
Willie was right, you guys are the true heroes! Continuous prayers, love and good karma being sent your way from Missouri…..
WIN SUSAN!!!!!!
Comment by Jay Peitzer | 06.26.2008 | 12:42 pm
Sorry the only thing that comes to mind is
DAMN!!!!!!
WIN SUSAN.
Comment by Hamish A | 06.26.2008 | 12:45 pm
Susan you amaze me. I can only hope to one day have half as much strength and fortitude as you do.
Elden, if there was anyway we could take this C thing into the lot and kick its’ ass you know we would.
Sending positive thoughts and many prayers your way.
WIN SUSAN!!!!
Comment by will | 06.26.2008 | 2:06 pm
I am so sorry …. you have a tough blog to read recently … but I always read.
My best wishes to your brave wife.
Comment by Lizzylou | 06.26.2008 | 3:26 pm
Susan, You never fail to inspire me with you fortitude.
WIN!!
Comment by Morgan | 06.27.2008 | 2:03 pm
I am new to your site. Drawn to it when I read the story about your wifes fight with cancer on Chuck’s Spew. My mother fought a very similar battle. Every time cancer knocked her down she got back up. She always was cocerned about everyone else in her life and how we were doing as she fought Cancer. She like Susan was extremely strong and fought other issues while battling cancer. The treatment takes it;s toll on the entire body as you well know. Lost my Mom on 9/4/04 My prayers are with you and Susan.
Morgan
Comment by Mocha | 06.28.2008 | 11:35 pm
Everytime I visit I’m hoping for some relief for Susan. It doesn’t stop my prayers for her and for you.