I have cancer.

[Solly Mack]

I don't know how to say it less dramatically. Sorry.

It's Stage 2. I have surgery on the 14th to remove the tumor, the lymph nodes and surrounding neck tissue.

8 hour surgery because they will be repairing and reconstructing in the same surgery.

I like my doctors - I have 4. 3 Oral Maxillofacial/Cancer specialists and 1 for reconstruction.

I'll be in the hospital for 6 days with a 6-8 week recovery time.

Provided not invasive, I'm good to go with regular follow-ups and being proactive.

If invasive, then they'll determine the next round. (chemo/radiation)

I'm cautiously optimistic.



I love this group and you guys are some of the best people in the world.

I just wanted y'all to know how much it means to me to be a part of this group.

I am not writing my goodbyes.

I am expressing my gratitude for getting to do something I love and sharing it with people I admire.

[ohheckyeah]

1. We are blessed that you share with us.

I wish you all the best and hope that the surgery goes well. Take care of yourself and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Solly Mack]

2. Thank you, ohheckyeah.

[TexasTowelie]

3. I hope that they determine that it is non-invasive and that the chemo/rad treatment isn't necessary.

Good luck and good vibes for the road ahead.

[Solly Mack]

4. Thank you, TexasTowelie.

That's my hope too.

[Scuba]

5. Hugs...

[Solly Mack]

6. Thanks, Scuba

I needed that.

[Earth_First]

7. Kick it's ass, Solly!

We're here for you!

If there's anything I can do for you, even of it's as simple as sending meal to the house for you and/or your significant others to keep your mind on recovery and not on the little day to day things; you let me know!

All the best, Solly...

Keep on clicking!

[Solly Mack]

10. You made me smile!

Thank you, Earth_First!

I'm taking my camera with me to the hospital. I'm hopeful I can get a few shots.

Thank you for your offer. I know I won't be cooking - mainly because I won't be able to eat solid foods for a month or so.

I'll keep everyone posted when I can.

[elleng]

8. We'll be wishing with you all the way, Solly Mack.

I've had some experience with this type of cancer in my family, so if you'd like, p.m. me about follow-up treatment.

E

[Solly Mack]

11. Thanks, elleng.

Much appreciated!

[NV Whino]

9. You will have all the good photo vibes we can muster.

Check in when you can and we'll keep you entertained.

[Solly Mack]

12. Thank you, NV Whino.

I will. I do like being entertained.

[Curmudgeoness]

13. I am wishing you all the best.

I hope that the surgery will be enough. One step at a time. Take care of yourself, and we will be here if you want to vent, or cry, or laugh.

Best wishes, Solly Mack.

[Solly Mack]

14. Thank you, Curmudgeoness.

I'm trying not to overwhelm myself. Like you said - one step at a time.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. My dear Solly Mack...

You have my very best vibes, now and for the duration!

You will be in my thoughts that day...

I'm so glad you're a member here! I love your work...

[Solly Mack]

16. Thank you, CaliforniaPeggy.

Much appreciated!

[Hoppy]

17. --speedy and full recovery.

[Solly Mack]

23. Thank you, Hoppy

[Lifelong Protester]

18. Wishing you all the best

And keeping the cautious optimism with you!

[Solly Mack]

24. Thanks, Lifelong Protester

Appreciated.

[Cha]

19. Sending you healing thoughts, Solly Mack~

[Solly Mack]

26. Thanks, Cha

Much appreciated!

[Cha]

31. ..

[niyad]

20. positive, healing thoughts and prayers for a most positive outcome for you.

[Solly Mack]

27. Thank you, niyad

[LiberalEsto]

21. Extra-bestest wishes to you for a complete recovery

[Solly Mack]

28. Thanks, LiberalEsto

[Mira]

22. Solly Mack - you'll grab it by the horns

and do your very best to shake it!
We'll be behind you, hope to entertain you in your recovery phase, and for a while til you are stronger again, we will miss the heck out of your participation, initiative, and distinctive photographs.
We Love Solly Mack.
I feel strongly I speak for everyone.

[Solly Mack]

29. (((Mira)))

Thank you for everything!! You've been wonderful!!


I got this last night. My silly little dogs each take their treat outside to hide it from the other dog. Then they leave them outside...for this guy, I guess.

[Mira]

147. Solly - I only after reading

Last edited Sat May 3, 2014, 11:39 AM - Edit history (1)

your words again - saw the dog biscuit.
I'm so much the city girl - is it a raccoon. Well, Google is my friend.
Damn, that's making me laugh out loud.

I know you are buoyed by the support and love and good wishes coming your way. Stay strong, prepare well for the recovery period, don't suffer fools of any kind. Be kind to yourself all the way through. Send me pms when you need a reminder.
And when you are all better we'll have you back.

[sheshe2]

25. Sending healing thoughts your way Solly Mack.

[Solly Mack]

30. Thank you sheshe2

Appreciate it!

[diane in sf]

32. I hope it's noninvasive. If you want any holistic, nutritional info to support your health, pm me.

I accumulated a lot of info during a close friend's battle with cancer and I can send you the various articles and PDFs.

[Solly Mack]

33. Thank you, diane in sf

[dixiegrrrrl]

34. I am so very sorry to hear this.

You KNOW you will be getting a huge amount of white light and caring from all of us here.

Pls. let us know how you are healing, quick as you feel up to it.

[Solly Mack]

48. Thanks, dixiegrrrrl

[nadinbrzezinski]

35. You take care and if you are near any of us

I am sure we will be willing to help if you need it, in person

[Solly Mack]

49. Thank you, nadin

Much appreciated.

[NYC_SKP]

36. I believe in you, and I believe in medicines, both modern and sprititual...

...and I can't imagine anything but recovery for you, Solly Mack.

Vibes and best wishes, but also very sound modern medicine and perhaps the most important component, your spirit.

Thanks for the update.

Heal and overcome and recover, I feel you will.

[Solly Mack]

50. Hey NYC_SKP

Thanks!

[pnwmom]

37. Thoughts and prayers, Solly Mack.

We admire you, too.

[Solly Mack]

51. Thank you, pnwmom

[BlancheSplanchnik]

38. My prayers with you too.

I will be chanting for you---Total Success!!

[Solly Mack]

52. Thank you, BlancheSplanchnik

[alfredo]

39. Oh man, that's not something anyone wants to hear. We're with you.

Stay strong.

[Solly Mack]

53. Hey you!

I'm gonna try.

[alfredo]

117. You will.

[locks]

40. I hope many friends and family will be supporting you

as you go through this difficult time. I had breast cancer, a lumpectomy and radiation; it really helped that others cared about me and made it easier. I was fortunate that I did not need chemo and I have been well for what is considered a long time. Keep up your spirits and know that many of us are hoping for the very best outcome for you.

[Solly Mack]

54. Thank you, locks! I'm so glad you've come through to the other side!

I've got family coming. I'm grateful for that.

[LuckyLib]

41. Just finished cancer treatment myself. My small offering -- good wishes to you, and don't entertain

one negative thought until (and unless) it's on your doorstep. Don't visit worst-case scenarios, tough stuff up ahead. Good vibes to you!

[Solly Mack]

56. Thank you!

(((LuckyLib)))

Best of everything to you!!

I am not allowing myself to think ahead too much. Not always easy but I'm trying to not worry about what I don't know yet.

[Mbrow]

42. My wife and I have been thru this twice now,

The last time about a month ago. Hang tough and good luck.

[Solly Mack]

57. Thanks, Mbrow

(((Mbrow & wife)))

Hugs to you both!

[HeiressofBickworth]

43. Keep strong

Best wishes for an early recovery. We'll be waiting for the news.

[Solly Mack]

58. Thank you, HeiressofBickworth

[2naSalit]

44. I'm still kind of new here

but I have always seen your posts as interesting whether I agree with them or not... I feel a camaraderie with many here, anonymous as we are.

I do hope that everything goes well with your surgery and recovery. Over the years I have come to recognize cancer as a strange beast... takes some quickly, others recover, and some struggle for a long time. I've known several in each category. Just found out a couple weeks ago that a very good friend/sometimes employer/neighbor has pancreatic/liver cancer and her prognosis is rather grim.

In your case it sounds promising so I will hold to that for now because I can feel that there is someone who is dealing with it anew that has a hopeful outcome and soon.

Keep us informed as you can, I for one of many, will be rooting for you and hoping to hear good news when it is available. So kick it's ass, will ya?

[Solly Mack]

61. Thanks, 2naSalit

That means a lot to me.



I'm sorry about your friend. Cancer is a strange beast indeed. One of the first things my doctor said was almost that exact wording.

[2naSalit]

70. Wow

I do hope the best outcome for and will pray for you in the sweat the next three Sundays.

And I'll look at your pictures with more familiarity from now on.

I sense you will be in good hands and come through this in a good way.

2na

[Ilsa]

45. I'll be hoping you get only good news when

You wake up from the surgery. I hope your recovery goes well.

[Solly Mack]

62. Thank you, Ilsa. Me too! :)

[Maynar]

46. Hope you kick its ass, Solly Mack.

Best wishes for a positive prognosis, and speedy recovery!

[Solly Mack]

64. Thanks, Maynar

I'm gonna try.

[blue neen]

47. I'm lighting a candle and thinking positive thoughts for you.

You will prevail, Solly Mack. Take care.

[Solly Mack]

66. Thank you, blue neen

Appreciate it!

[sellitman]

55. G-D Speed

My son made it threw 2 brain Tumors. You WILL be ok.

Hugs!

[Solly Mack]

67. Thanks sellitman!

That's great about your son!

[Lugnut]

59. We have your back, Solly Mac.

Good thoughts and positive vibes for the best outcome. {{{hugs}}}

[Solly Mack]

68. Thanks Lugnut

[madfloridian]

60. Writing down the date. Will be thinking of one of my favorite DUers that day and before.

Best to you.

[Solly Mack]

71. Thanks, madfloridian !

Back at cha!

[Mz Pip]

63. Oh, geez, no

I am so sorry that you and yours are having to go through this. Sending good thoughts your way in hopes that it was caught quickly and and the recovery will be smooth and uneventful. This is certainly the time to be living in the 21st century. Treatments are improving everyday.

I will miss you and will be thinking of you. Heal quickly and hurry back. 💐

[Solly Mack]

74. Hey Mz Pip

Thanks. I feel good about my doctors. They went over all kinds of things and we'll have one more meeting prior to surgery. I'll be at the University Hospital and my team leader is well respected in his field.

[busterbrown]

65. Have this strong feeling, that you are gonna be just fine..

In the meantime keep is up to date when you can..Not only is it good therapy but you might end up helping someone else...no better therapy than that...

[Solly Mack]

78. Thanks, busterbrown.

What a great way of looking at it!

Thank you!!

[RainDog]

69. (((((hugs & healing)))))

looking forward to hearing your good news.

[Solly Mack]

79. Thank you, RainDog.

Yeah, me too.

Gotta keep my humor going.

[edbermac]

72. Damn! Major vibes to you, Solly!

[Solly Mack]

80. I know, right? Sucks big time.

Thanks, edbermac!

[hollysmom]

73. I wish and hope all goes well.

stage 2 is serious, but survivable, Most of my friends had stage 2, I was lucky and had stage 1- or almost 0 - they found it by accident because I had a viral infection. But seriously, as you get older, most people do get something and almost all my friends had cancer, different kinds and it was usually stage 2 and they all survived, thank goodness.

The only people, relatives , that did not survive got diagnosed well after it had spread through out their bodies - they never went for check ups.

My B-I-L had oral cancer, they took out a good deal of his tongue, but he survived, was bothered in the beginning, it hurt, but he is fine now several years later. It may be annoying as you get over the reconstruction, but I hope the surgery is minimal and you are back to tell us how easy it was and how quickly you recovered.

[Solly Mack]

83. Thank you, hollysmom

I appreciate you talking about the reconstruction. It is the scariest sounding part to me.

Thank you! You've made me feel better.

[samplegirl]

75. Wishing you all the best

prayers will be answered. Saying some for you before I sleep.

[Solly Mack]

84. Thank you, samplegirl

[pacalo]

76. Damn.

I'm including you in my prayers, Solly, & sending vibes of positive thoughts.

[Solly Mack]

85. That was the first thing I said too. (Damn)

Thanks, pacalo!

[hrmjustin]

77. I wish you the best and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Solly Mack]

87. Thanks, hrmjustin

You folks have got me crying. The outpouring of support is wonderful.

[hrmjustin]

89. .

[CC]

81. Sorry you have to go through this

but I believe you will kick butt. Will send vibes, prayers and best wishes. Hugs! And remember this place is a great place to escape to and full of people you can lean on.

[Solly Mack]

88. Thanks, CC.

[Blue_In_AK]

82. Solly, you know you're one of my favorite people.

You'll most definitely be in my thoughts.

We're taking a road trip up to Fairbanks for a couple of days next week. I'll take lots of pretty pictures to share with you.

[Solly Mack]

90. Thanks, Blue! I'm already looking forward to those pictures!

Stay safe and have fun!

[Unknown Beatle]

86. Godspeed Solly Mack

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

[Solly Mack]

91. Thank you, Unknown Beatle

[intheflow]

92. Oh, man, I am so sorry you have to go through this, Solly Mack.

What a hard thing to bear. I'm glad you took the time to let us know. My thoughts and prayers are with you, sharing your optimism for the best outcome. Peace!

[Solly Mack]

93. Thanks, intheflow

[glinda]

94. Blessings my dear one. Sending you tons of hope and hugs.

💜

[Solly Mack]

106. Thank you, glinda

[applegrove]

95. Sounds like they‘ll get it all. Vibes to

you on the surgery.

[Solly Mack]

107. Thanks, applegrove

[PumpkinAle]

96. Sending positive and

healing thoughts to you Solly Mack. Hang in there!

[Solly Mack]

108. Thanks, PumpkinAle!

[Behind the Aegis]

97. I wish you the best in your surgery and recovery.

I don't even know what to say. You will be in my thoughts. You have inspired me more than you know! Since I saw your "egg daisy," I look at things and think of ways to make them more interesting.

[Solly Mack]

109. Hey!

Thanks!

[jaysunb]

98. Hang tough ! n/t

[Solly Mack]

101. I'm gonna try.

Thanks, jaysunb.

[Richard D]

99. You are so appreciated.

I"m kind of speechless and don't really know what to say. But my thoughts and support are with you.

[Solly Mack]

102. Awww. You're going to make me blush.

Thank you!

[fizzgig]

100. my best to you

healing thoughts coming your way

[Solly Mack]

103. Thanks, fizzgig

[cali]

104. What can we do?

I'm so sorry, Solly- but so glad that you are "cautiously optimistic". If there's anything at all I can do, please IM me.

Love and support,

Eva

[Solly Mack]

105. Thanks, cali.

You guys have done so much already with the well wishes and support. It's been a real boon to my emotional well being. The Cancer Support Group has been solid and caring with great advice and ways to cope and people in this thread have given me such a boost for which I am so very grateful.

Get those photos downloaded!

[trusty elf]

110. Dear Solly

I'm so very sorry you have to go through this! I'll be thinking of you and sending you healing vibes!

Thanks for all of your beautiful photographs!


xoxox

[Solly Mack]

118. Thanks, trusty elf

I'm taking my camera with me.....you never know. lol

[mnhtnbb]

111. Oh, no, Solly Mack.

Holding good thoughts for successful surgery and complete removal
of the cancer.

You are such a wonderful part of this group. We will all be thinking of you
and wishing you a speedy recovery so you can get back to doing something
you love and sharing it with us, just like normal!

[Solly Mack]

119. Thanks, mnhtnbb.

Yep...just like normal.

[Callalily]

112. Sending prayers and

healing vibes your way.

I too have a feeling that you are going to beat this thing.

Will constantly keep you in my prayers!

Also sending BIG HUGS!

[Solly Mack]

120. Thank you, Callalily

I like hugs!

I'm not without worry and concerns but I am hoping for the best.

[justiceischeap]

113. Positive thoughts coming your way

I never know what to say in these kinds of threads, so I often don't say anything but I had to say something to you.

You'll beat this and be out taking photos in no time!

Good luck and enjoy the best 8 hour sleep you'll get in a while.

[Solly Mack]

121. Hey! Thanks!

Yeah. It's hard for me to know what to say when this happens to people. I know what I feel but it isn't always easy to put into words.

I'll be looking forward to more of your photos while I recover.

[KingBob]

114. My Sympathy and Good Wishes For You

I too have cancer. I've had four surgeries and two radiation treatments and now only suppression with no talk of remission.

On the bright side, I have surrounded myself with people I love and who love me. Maybe all their good wishes have kept me alive.

Good luck to you. Talk to the nurses; they seen and heard it all - and they are too smart and funny by half.

[Solly Mack]

122. (((KingBob))) Thank you.

I've got family coming and I know that will help in my recovery.

There's a nurse on my planning committee and she has already called today to ask how I'm doing. She will be with me through it all.

Good luck to you as well. I wish I could really hug you.

[DrDan]

115. best of luck to you . . . stay positive and optimistic

[Solly Mack]

123. Thanks, DrDan.

I hope I can. I have a gallows sense of humor and though it can make the people around me uncomfortable - it sure does give me a little lift.

You gotta laugh.

[babylonsister]

116. SO solly to read this, Solly~

thanks for letting us know. You have all of our collective thoughts and prayers to see you through this ordeal. Just remember, you are loved!!

[Solly Mack]

124. Hey, babylonsister

Thank you. Means a lot. You helped me through one scare and I will never forget that.

[Johnny Noshoes]

125. Oh damn

Fight it with everything you've got Solly.

[Solly Mack]

133. Thanks, Johnny Noshoes.

That's the plan and the hope.

[libodem]

126. .

[Solly Mack]

134. ...

[Auntie Bush]

127. So sorry to hear this Solly.

Healing vibes heading your way. Good luck. We'll all be here for you.

[Solly Mack]

135. Thanks you, Auntie Bush

Appreciate it!

[IADEMO2004]

128. You can win. It can be beaten.

My wife and her sister are both in the fight now. Sounds like you have a good team with you. All our best to you.

[Solly Mack]

136. Thanks, IADEMO2004

to you and yours!

I'm feel good about them. I think that's a plus.

[Mnemosyne]

129. Oh Solly, so sorry, will be sending good thoughts your way.

[Solly Mack]

137. Thanks, Mnemosyne

[flygal]

130. good luck to you! Stay positive!

[Solly Mack]

138. Thanks, flygal

[polly7]

131. My very best to you Solly Mack!

I have a good friend who, from what I understand of your situation, went through the same thing about two years ago. I just spoke with him last week and he's doing so well. You have a good team working with you, and so many cheering you on and sending vibes, prayers and love. You're going to kick butt!

[Solly Mack]

139. Thanks, polly7

That's great news about your friend!

I like my doctors and I feel good about them and that can only help.

[Rider3]

132. I'm terribly sorry to hear this

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Solly Mack]

140. Thank you, Rider3

Appreciate it.

[Skittles]

141. always here on DU for you Solly Mack

wishing you well

[Solly Mack]

142. Thanks, Skittles

[Hekate]

143. Hang in there, Solly Mack.

Swift and gentle healing to you.

[Solly Mack]

144. Thank you, Hekate

[barbtries]

145. sorry to hear it!

i'll be thinking good thoughts for a full and rapid recovery!

[Solly Mack]

146. Thanks, barbtries

[Sarah Ibarruri]

148. A million blessings to you! May all the forces of the universe unite to help you heal now nt

[Solly Mack]

152. Thank you, Sarah.

[Maraya1969]

149. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Solly Mack ))))))))))))))))))))

[Solly Mack]

153. Thanks, Maraya1969

[rhett o rick]

150. My best wishes to you. This is a good group

I sometimes get on some here but I agree that it's a great group.

Again, my best of luck to you. I think your positive attitude will help.

[Solly Mack]

154. Thanks, rhett o rick

[annabanana]

151. omg solly

Just stopped in for the first time in weeks and this is what I see?
I believe you are a strong soul and will do well in your treatments. My thoughts are with you.

[Solly Mack]

155. Hey annabanana

Thanks! Stop in more often!

[seabeyond]

156. Ah solly, with all your other many many du friends, I wish you the very best in this

Challenging time and you are able to come thru well prepared to enjoy life on your terms.

Sincerely and from the heart, I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best outcomes.

Take care of you

[Solly Mack]

158. Thanks, seabeyond

The outpouring of support has been wonderful! My husband and I are incredibly grateful for the care and concern.

[Walk away]

157. You can beat it. Good luck and courage.

I have been there and I hope that a year from now this is just another bump in the road.

[Solly Mack]

159. Thanks, Walk away

Much appreciated!

[Triana]

160. I hope it's not invasive and that they get it all.

Best healing wishes to you!

[Solly Mack]

162. Thank you, Triana

(((Triana)))

[rdking647]

161. take care of yourself and get well

and fuck cancer

[Solly Mack]

163. Thanks, rd

and yeah - fuck cancer.

[bluedigger]

164. What awful news.

Please know I'm thinking of you. Dealing with several such problems in my own family these days. You are one of the best here at DU. Have a quick and strong recovery!

[Solly Mack]

165. Thanks, bluedigger

My best to you and yours.

[JCMach1]

166. I wish you all the best...

!!!

[Solly Mack]

167. Thanks, JCMach1

[Soylent Brice]

168. :(

[Solly Mack]

170. I know.

Sucks.

[KC]

169. I'll be thinking about

you definitely on the 14th. Once you're out of surgery and up to it, please let us know how you're doing.
Just kick that cancer to the moon and get back on here sharing your wonderful pictures!
I have cancer too, just found in 2011, but so far so good.

[Solly Mack]

171. Sorry to hear that!

Wishing you the best!!!

[KC]

172. Thanks Solly

I appreciate that.

[RobertEarl]

173. I'm thinking of you, Solly

And sending good vibes.

You are a treasure of DU.