Prayers for the Cotcher family

[UTfish]

Matt, I know from experience that Christmas time can be very hard for families who are dealing with adversity... stay strong in your faith and trust Him.

Have a blessed Christmas, and may Christ bring you joy!

 

[Bear19]

Would someone fill us in re Matt?

Hope like hell he enjoyed today.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Talked to Matt yesterday and he is hanging in there.  Still supporting his dad and family in Georgia right now.  Please continue to pray for them as they need it.  Cancer sucks.

 

[texasdalton]

Prayers.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Would someone fill us in re Matt?

Hope like hell he enjoyed today.

Thanks, Bear. I got a kick out of NSD. Seeing recruits pledge to Texas/Charlie Strong validated a lot for me.

And thanks also to everyone for the well wishes, prayers & support. Dad is steadily declining but isn't in hospice yet.

 

[Duke C #11]

Matt,

I went through this with my dad 25 years ago with mesothelioma. As you know, I wear a Livestrong bracelet every day in honor of those who fight this battle. I'll think of your dad every day when I put it on. Best of luck.

 

[joeywa]

Hang in there Matt.  Missed your input and conversation on NSD, but I know you are a bit preoccupied.  We're praying for you and the family as you go through this.

 

[doc longhorn]

I'm a doctor, but I am a Christian as well.  I have seen miraculous things that cannot be explained by medical science.  I have observed after death events that will take your breath away and question everything you thought you knew or believed in.  I know two previously hard core atheist colleagues, that worshipped the religion of science and that have become born again Christians.  I could tell you why, but the stories are just too long and convoluted.

I am a scientist and have participated in many research projects.  That's where my career led me.  Also, I was once an atheist.  I will end this part of my comments here.

Modern medical science is wonderful and I firmly believe the scourge of mankind will be eventually defeated.

Hang in there, Matt.

 

[java]

They are doing some miraculous things now. I love my radiology oncologist. She is amazing. The awards on her wall are simply awe-inspiring.

What amazes me about MD Anderson is the length of time of employee service. It's not unusual for employees to have spent 10, 15, or 20 years there. The stability must contribute to the success. They seem to take great pride in being part of a great facility that does miraculous things.

 

[Duke C #11]

java,

I wasn't aware of your fight. I will add your name of the list of cancer warriors I wear my Livestrong bracelet for. You are good people.

 

[joeywa]

Matt and I texted over the weekend.  He's doing fine, other than being pretty much without internet service most of the time.  (Ha-First World problems!)

He is still with his mom while his dad is being cared for.  He knows that we're all thinking about his family and have them in our prayers.  I jokingly press him about getting back online, but apparently hamsters are in short-supply in Georgia.  Who knew? 

 

[MBHORNSFAN]

Any updates?

 

[java]

I'm lucky, Duke, they caught mine pretty early. I've also tolerated treatment pretty well.

Thank you for adding me. People have very supportive, and it's amazing how much the support helps.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

I'm lucky, Duke, they caught mine pretty early. I've also tolerated treatment pretty well.

Thank you for adding me. People have very supportive, and it's amazing how much the support helps.

Java, you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Take good care of yourself - we support you in your recovery 100%!

As far as Matt's dad is concerned, you guys please continue to keep the Cotcher family in your thoughts and prayers. His dad is at peace now but the family is still, as you can imagine, grieving.  I'm proud to call Matt a friend because of the unselfish and committed person he is. 

I won't go on because I feel like it isn't my place to get into details, but I know Matt appreciates the support and kind words of encouragement.

 

[Duke C #11]

java,

Your kindness in the past has not gone unrewarded. I'd love to buy you lunch the next time you are in Austin.  BTW, that offer stands for Matt as well.

 

[java]

Thank you, Duke. Please don't be surprised if I take you up on that. I get to Austin whenever it is possible, and I'm suffering withdrawal right now because, with all of the treatment, there has been no time to visit my favorite city since last July.

My last radiation treatment was yesterday. Yeah! I have a few pretty significant burns, but they are tolerable and will begin to heal now that treatment is over. After treatment yesterday, I got to work and there were a dozen of the most beautiful roses and two gift certificates for 'pure indulgence' from my family and several of my closest friends of 30+ years. I was incredibly touched.

The support has been overwhelming, and I cannot tell you how much it helps. I don't believe that I was ever depressed during this entire time. Sure there were good days and tough days. In the beginning, I was shocked and then terrified. At times, I was a little down, but never depressed. I attribute that to the tremendous support of family, close friends, the kindness of strangers, and the support of this Longhorn community.

It may be hard to believe, but having spent so much time at MDA, having cancer treatment provides entre into an exclusive club. No one wants to pay the price of entry, but once you do, you are in. It's very difficult to understand, but it is exclusive. I decided long ago that I wanted to contribute to the fight that others have in front of them, rather hurt their efforts. Dennis was my role model and hero.

To that end, let me give all of you a word of wisdom. Ask your wives and other women you love to go to top notch mammography centers. Not all certified centers are created equal. I plan to have 3D mammograms in the future at MDA. I have been told by some the 3D's are unnecessary, but my radiation oncologist volunteered at my last appointment that she has the 3D every year. She is rated as one of the foremost oncologists in the world. They cost an extra $60.00. Just an FYI. When she volunteered that information, I hadn't asked for advice or mentioned follow-up checkups.

 

[Duke C #11]

Wow, java. What an update! I will PM you with my contact info. I will definitely buy you lunch or dinner on your next ATX visit.

 

[java]

Thanks, Duke.

Take care. I don't know if I will be able to make it to the Spring Game. It would be great, but I am way behind on many things I'm already trying to catch up, but it's more than a weekend of 'stuff'. If I don't make it, please cheer for the good guys for me, please.

Hook 'em!

 

[Duke C #11]

You bet. You know that you are in my heart.

 

[doc longhorn]

Thank you, Duke. Please don't be surprised if I take you up on that. I get to Austin whenever it is possible, and I'm suffering withdrawal right now because, with all of the treatment, there has been no time to visit my favorite city since last July.

My last radiation treatment was yesterday. Yeah! I have a few pretty significant burns, but they are tolerable and will begin to heal now that treatment is over. After treatment yesterday, I got to work and there were a dozen of the most beautiful roses and two gift certificates for 'pure indulgence' from my family and several of my closest friends of 30+ years. I was incredibly touched.

The support has been overwhelming, and I cannot tell you how much it helps. I don't believe that I was ever depressed during this entire time. Sure there were good days and tough days. In the beginning, I was shocked and then terrified. At times, I was a little down, but never depressed. I attribute that to the tremendous support of family, close friends, the kindness of strangers, and the support of this Longhorn community.

It may be hard to believe, but having spent so much time at MDA, having cancer treatment provides entre into an exclusive club. No one wants to pay the price of entry, but once you do, you are in. It's very difficult to understand, but it is exclusive. I decided long ago that I wanted to contribute to the fight that others have in front of them, rather hurt their efforts. Dennis was my role model and hero.

To that end, let me give all of you a word of wisdom. Ask your wives and other women you love to go to top notch mammography centers. Not all certified centers are created equal. I plan to have 3D mammograms in the future at MDA. I have been told by some the 3D's are unnecessary, but my radiation oncologist volunteered at my last appointment that she has the 3D every year. She is rated as one of the foremost oncologists in the world. They cost an extra $60.00. Just an FYI. When she volunteered that information, I hadn't asked for advice or mentioned follow-up checkups.

I've lost contact with most of my age level peers at MDA.  (There are so many young, brilliant oncologists today).  However, Debu Tripathy and I still attend a few luncheons now and then.

It is smart for women to be judicious with mammograms.  However, and by the same token, it is equally smart for men to be consistent with prostate exams.  Cancer is more prevalent among us older fellows, but cancer doesn't care how old you are - bottom line.