Fighting a new battle.

[ryan1325]

Mastering golf is no longer my biggest challenge.

GolfWRX marshalls, members and guests -

I've really enjoyed reading the forums here over the last couple years, but typically don't post very often. However, news I received on Friday has me posting this. Following up on some abnormalities identified during my annual physical, the doctors at Mayo have found cancer that has reached into my bones. We still don't know the source and will be doing more tests this coming week. Once we have that narrowed down, we'll identify the appropriate treatment to beat this thing.

As I'm sure it is with many others in similar situations, this news came as a complete shock. No history in my family; relatively young (42); healthy; etc. Not exactly the news I was hoping for, especially with a loving wife and two boys (15 and 2) that I'm looking forward to growing old with. I'll be honest...I'm scared to death of the potential prognosis with this, but I've also stepped past that fear and am very much in a fighting mood ready to take action. I know I'm not the only one in the world fighting this war, but at the moment I'm being a little selfish and asking for as much support in my corner as I can get to help maintain my strength and postive attitude. I will beat this thing! I have way too much to do yet in this life that I fully plan on completing. Anyways...I just wanted to share what I'm facing with what I've seen as a great golf community. I know it isn't the typical post for this site, but thank you for letting me share.

Hit 'em long and straight...but don't forget to make the putts!!!
Ryan

[BuckyBadger]

I will say a prayer for you Ryan. I know you can beat this this. Never give up.

MJ

[jebb]

I just wanted to offer up prayers and support from the Uk for you.

Keep up the fighting spirit and maybe one thing I would do is have a read of Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About The Bike". It's inspiring and Lance's Livestrong site has much support for people dealing with this issue.

Take care x

[Gotblades]

Ryan,

I live in Maple Grove. I stumbled on your post and sat here with my mouth open for a few minutes thinking how I would feel if I had gotten the same news. You see, we have similar statistics. I'm 42 with 3 beautiful children whom I love very much.

The research and development of new treatments is really expanding right now. I'm doing some work with a charity for the cure of Pancreatic Cancer. It really gives me hope to hear about the efforts being made to that end right now. In other words: YES, I think you will beat this. I know you aren't sure what type of cancer you have or what it's origins are but it really doesn't matter. Cancer CAN be beaten as proven by so many others!!

God bless you and your family during this time. When you are feeling better and CURED, let's go tee it up!!

Brent

[BParis]

Ryan, I just said a prayer for you, and will continue to do so. All my best to you and your family in this difficult time. I hope it all works out well for you.

Best regards,
Bill

[mikpga]

Keep swinging Ryan!

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers...

[profsmitty]

I've always thought that if athletics are anything other than a way to burn off excess energy, its that they prepare us to deal with the unexpected. In golf, we deal with the unexpected every shot. Whether unexpectedly good or unexpectedly bad, the very best golfers are those who play the next shot as though it was the only shot they will ever have to hit. They live to make the most out of every lie, get the ball in the hole in fewest possible strokes from wherever they are, and then move on to the next challenge.

I hope you have learned your lessons from a lifetime of golf well. This is your lie. You aren't allowed to improve it. You're hitting to a tight pin, uphill, over water, into a two club wind. Plan your shot, commit to it, relax over the ball, and let it fly. If things go well, make the putt. If they don't, play the ball as it lies.

We're your gallery. Show us how to play the game the right way. We'll all be in our own fairway sometime in our lives hitting a similar shot. Lead the way. We want to know how a pro does it. We're behind the ropes watching and hoping . . . with you.

God bless you and those that love you, my friend.

[Asleep]

You and yours are in my prayers, Ryan.

[sheldonjhacker]

saying you a mighty prayer. good luck and we know you will fight hard for you and your family !

[patty_13]

you will beat it. good luck, all the best,

Patrick

[ironmikes]

Ryan,

Sorry to hear of your condition. my wife is a nurse and tells me of young people who have a bad health break come their way.

I can not imagine what it must feel like ( having a great wife and two kids )

she always says the people that do the best are the ones with positive attitude.

you are a fighter and keep that in your mind always !

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

[ws6]

Godspeed in your recovery.

[tElihu]

Stay strong, stay focused, and stay positive. And know that people do beat this disease.

We're all rooting for you.

[MrParr1Noid]

Ryan

Thank You for sharing the thoughts of your heart, and your soul with we here at GolfWRX, we are honored that you would do so here with us. You've demonstrated to us true strength, and courage that few could fathom. Please include me as one of many who in spirit, are in the corner of life with you, and your family. Keep the spirit, and press forward, and remain optimistic..

With highest regards to you and to yours.

Peace Be With

Mac

[XYB34A]

I will include you in my prayers. My father is a Southern Baptist Minister, and I called him and asked that you be put on the prayer list at his church. God Bless you, and your family.

[philsRHman]

[quote name='smith5606' timestamp='1307284298' post='3285902']
I've always thought that if athletics are anything other than a way to burn off excess energy, its that they prepare us to deal with the unexpected. In golf, we deal with the unexpected, every shot. Whether unexpectedly good or unexpectedly bad, the very best golfers are those who play the next shot as though it was the only shot they will ever have to hit. They live to make the most out of every lie, get the ball in the hole in fewest possible strokes from wherever they are, and then move on to the next challenge.

I hope you have learned your lessons from a lifetime of golf well. This is your lie. You aren't allowed to improve it. You're hitting to a tight pin, uphill, over water, into a two club wind. Plan your shot, commit to it, relax over the ball, and let it fly. If things go well, make the putt. If they don't, play the ball as it lies.

We're your gallery. Show us how to play the game the right way. We'll all be in our own fairway sometime in our lives hitting a similar shot. Lead the way. We want to know how a pro does it. We're behind the robes watching and hoping . . . with you.

God bless you and those that love you, my friend.
[/quote]

Wow, this is a great post, very poignant.

Ryan, best wishes, my thoughts are with you.

[Clintness]

I recently made a trip to the Mayo Clinic last summer for my own health issues, those guys are awesome. You're in good hands.

[PDXGOLFER]

Good luck, you will have place in my prayers.

Stay Positive and poised for your comeback


TW

[Croacka]

best of luck friend

[ryan1325]

Thanks for all the support, EVERYONE! I can't tell you how much your replies are helping (especially my wife and my mother, who were both very touched by the responses.) As a quick update, I had a PET Scan and MRI yesterday, which didn't identify anything new other than what they've seen so far in my bones. Since they think what is in my bones was driven there by something else, and they have yet to identify the source, I'm taking that as "good" news because it doesn't appear to be in my organs or other tissue. I'm still anxious to find out more answers, but this in my mind is a moral victory...Ryan 1 up!!

More later...
Ryan

[jldavis73]

Stay strong my friend. The fact that you are young and healthy with such a positive outlook are huge advantages. Best of luck, and God bless.

Prayers going up for you from Kentucky...

[DMViking]

Hey Ryan,

Sorry to hear the news. It's never easy to hear news like that for yourself or loved ones. My step-mother has leukemia and my aunt was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. They are both fighting hard (although my step-mother is just a stubborn Italian woman so according to her, she's basically immune to the cancer that she has). Good people get good breaks. Maybe this ball you've been given will kick out of the rough and into the fairway? Stay strong!

Dustin.

[Cwing]

Prayers will be with you and yours!!!

[scifisicko]

Ryan, afte reading your news i am going to give my kids an extra hug tonight!

Sending love, light and good vibes from Australia. Sounds like you are a fighter and Im looking forward to hearing you've gone 3 up with 2 to play.

[Well Played]

[quote name='smith5606' timestamp='1307284298' post='3285902']
I've always thought that if athletics are anything other than a way to burn off excess energy, its that they prepare us to deal with the unexpected. In golf, we deal with the unexpected every shot. Whether unexpectedly good or unexpectedly bad, the very best golfers are those who play the next shot as though it was the only shot they will ever have to hit. They live to make the most out of every lie, get the ball in the hole in fewest possible strokes from wherever they are, and then move on to the next challenge.

I hope you have learned your lessons from a lifetime of golf well. This is your lie. You aren't allowed to improve it. You're hitting to a tight pin, uphill, over water, into a two club wind. Plan your shot, commit to it, relax over the ball, and let it fly. If things go well, make the putt. If they don't, play the ball as it lies.

We're your gallery. Show us how to play the game the right way. We'll all be in our own fairway sometime in our lives hitting a similar shot. Lead the way. We want to know how a pro does it. We're behind the ropes watching and hoping . . . with you.

God bless you and those that love you, my friend.
[/quote]

Well said, smith - one of the best posts I've read on this site.

Ryan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You stay strong, and beat this! Keep us posted - we are here for you. Best of luck, and I gotta feeling you're goin' low this round...

[honketyhank]

Ryan, given some experience in my family, all I can say is "Enjoy life, NOW". 1) Enjoying life is a way of fighting disease. Sounds hokey, but I think it is true. 2) Enjoying life makes it easier for those around you who are disturbed by negative prognoses.

If it is golf, fine, we are here. If it is stamp collecting, well you probably have another forum. But do it. Wholeheartedly. We support you. Post here when you can.

[MadGolfer76]

Ryan, positive thinking saves three shots per side. Make cancer your personal b****, buddy. You got this shot.

[hoolio99]

Ryan,

I wish you success on your journey. Give 'em hell.

I too will be giving my wife and daughter an extra squeeze tonight.

Will

[mukster]

Ryan, wishing you well from up here in Canada!

[PhillyHack73]

Prayers sent from Mississippi to you and your family.