1811 Chances slipping by to Cancer

[Eaglearm]

For those that know me, I'm 36 and will be turning 37 in August. All of my years of military, college degrees (AS,BS,MS), and current LE experience was designed to assist me into getting an 1811 position.

Like others in my position, I've applied to all the alphabet soups and my final one still in the works is NCIS. It's NCIS or nothing else.

Well last Novemeber I had my physical with NCIS and a Tumor was located on a chest xray. Long story short surgery, melanoma cancer discovered, 10 weeks recovery and 37 radiation treatments completed, I returned to full police duty and passed my physical with NCIS. Started working out and getting back into shape. :cool:

Last week, I had my monthly CT Scan and it turned out not good. ;) A tumor was located in a different spot. Biopsy showed another melanoma cancer. This time surgery is a last option. Thus, second and third opinions from various research hospitals around the nation are going to be conducted this month. Possible chemo and other????

I know my health is most important to include my supporting family. Yet, I can't swallowed the fact that I may not be able to pursue my 1811 dream. All that preparing for the past 17 YEARS of being an 1811 is about to be flushed.

Once a treatment plan of action is determined, should I call someone at HDQTS and advise them of my situation?

[Mongo]

I would contact them. You don't want to get the call for the next step and have to decline because you just had surgery....then have to explain that.

Seriously though, remember this is just a job you are chasing here. You seem to have been working hard and have dedicated yourself to your profession but take care of yourself and your family first - in the long term that's what is still going to be around. Melanoma when caught can be effectively treated, however if you are having reoccuring bouts with it you have to keep on top of it. Also, Melanoma can lead to cancerous growth in other areas of your body. The timing issue sucks, but do what you have to do with your health and family first, nobody would ever look down upon that move.

[brassstar]

I am not deeply religious, but I have to say that God works in mysterious ways. How fortunate that you had a physical for your 1811 dream job and it helped you find a potentially lethal growth? I think you are doing all the right things and should continue to press forward with the idea that you have nothing to lose. The age 37 deadline is approaching, so I would pull all the stops and do whatever it takes, risks included. Good luck to you.

[Eaglearm]

I think once I get my second and third opinion and a plan of treatment is determined, then I'll contact HDQTS.

The other day I asked my Doctor about chemo information. He said that he did not want to provide it till all the opinions are sought. Also, he said medical technology updates all the time, so why get yourself set on an idea that my be old. When a better one maybe out there.

[Browning]

I can't really provide any good advice or insight but I'm pulling for you. Brassstar is right though, as much as it may hurt or not seem fair at the time, God does work in mysterious ways. All that is important and right will surface when it is time. I know it is a tough pill to swallow but have faith.

Good luck and I hope this is speedy for you.

[cpwclarke]

Don't stop until every last chance is exhausted. I agree you need to take care of yourself, but I would still keep chasing the dream.

We're pulling for you.

[Big Sexy]

I wish you all the best Eaglearm and I hope everything works out for you. God bless and get well brother.

[Chickw/Guns]

Eaglearm you are what is most important....not what you do. A 1811 is a time in space.....a title.......nothing more......And I am not pretending to understand your situation or disapointment....Because I can't...but know our prayers are with you and your health is above all is our greatest concern. There are positions out there that are investigators that will be as rewarding and are not bound by that magical age of 37....ATF,ICE,DEA and FBI all have versions of the positions and many pay really well up to a 13 with mangement potenial...So lets do this...please...please...please...get well and we here will help you see you through some version of your dream.....My Best...Siempre...Chicks

[PEACE]

Eaglearm -

I can't say it any better than BS or Chicks - focus on you brother, and know that all of us here are praying for your full and quick recovery!

[ATFpoa]

Eagle,
Your health is the important thing here. The 1811 position is just a job, some people dress it up, but is still, just a job. You living to a ripe, old age is the important thing. If the 1811 gig doesn't happen before you hit 37, it just wasn't meant to be. Like Chicks said, there are a bunch of great fed jobs that just aren't 6c covered. Besides, I know the PD you are with, and you could do plenty worse than where you are. Life comes first, the job just pays for it. Get better.

My prayers are with you...to get better. Oh, ok, I'll ask the big guy to check in with NCIS too!! :D

[Geronimo509]

Eaglearm,

I am sorry to hear about your medical situation and latest set back. I've been in a similiar position for the last few months myself. Although my issues pale in comparision as they are not life threatening, I think I can understand what you are going through a little.

I got the conditional offer from DSS as I sat in the hospital not knowing if I would be able to walk again. As things gradually improved over the next month and I moved from the hospital bed to the wheelchair and finally to a walker, the mental and emotional rollercoaster was at full speed. Here was my objective for numerous years seemingly within my grasp, only to be yanked away by something totally out of my control. It felt as if God had given me a kick right in the Jimmy. :mad:

But things slowly improved as I recovered and my open leg wounds healed, I started rehab and even got to the point where I was doing the bike and eliptical machine. My spirits were up and I felt as if everything was going to be alright. Then an infection hit my right leg and I had to go back into surgery twice last month. The final time they removed 2 tendons and some more dead muscle.

It was like starting all over again, only this time the questions remain open on what mobility and running ability I will have minus two tendons in my right leg.

Several weeks ago I had my BI interview at my office. As I was explaining my situation to the investigator (retired FBI) I could tell he was just sitting there looking at me like "are you crazy, what are you still pursuing this for?" - I think he thought I was a lost cause - it just pissed me off. I also had to explain to my boss and co-workers who were going to be interviewed as well about the conditional offer from DS - several thought it was a joke given my latest physical issues. I could tell that the attitude from them was that I should just be happy to be walking, etc...

Those attitudes just piss me off - I am happy to be able to walk now and hopefully run, excercise, etc... I do not take any of that for granted. But. like you, I still have an unfulfilled objective as well. That has not gone by the wayside due to my medical situation. There are alot of variables that are in my control as I recover such as eating healthy, trying to do excercises I am capable of, doing my rehab, keeping a positive mental outlook to assist my recovery, etc... and numerous variables out of my control: the overall timeline to a full recovery, exactly how much ability I will have, the final determination from DS on if I am still physically competitive enough if / when I do recover to get a final job offer, etc...

I don't mean to compare my situation for yours - obviously yours is still life threatening and much more serious, - but what I want to do is point out that there are things that are going to be out of your control as you recover, just like there are things out of my control. Keep that positive mental outlook (which can, at times, be incredibly hard), stay focused on a good recovery, remember that you might do everything within your grasp to beat this thing and do it, yet still fall short on your federal goals.

I know it will be hard to deal with, if it comes to that, but you need to prepare yourself and look to the bright side of life - I am trying to prepare myself as well. Honestly I'd rather be succesfully hired, but even if I do my part - in the end it is their decision.

Keep up the fight - wage war against that cancer, you will be succesfull! Do everything within your means to put yourself in a position to achieve your objective. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope to meet you at FLETC or on the job some day.

D

[Eaglearm]

Thanks all for the round of support. Currently, taking oxycodone and unable to drive so my wife dropped me off at my Barber Shop today which was directly across from our Department's Traffic Unit.

It was quit a sight to see all the Uniform Guys coming and going in the Black / White Cruisers.

As I sat there, looking out the window I just got a little Home Sick. :(

Providing I get healthy this summer, I'll be happy to step back into Uniform and drive a cruiser. Those boring radio calls that I use to complain about ( ;) )do not sound so bad now. :)

[Kimble]

It was quit a sight to see all the Uniform Guys coming and going in the Black / White Cruisers.

As I sat there, looking out the window I just got a little Home Sick. :(

Providing I get healthy this summer, I'll be happy to step back into Uniform and drive a cruiser. Those boring radio calls that I use to complain about ( ;) )do not sound so bad now. :)

You have an excellent outlook on a less than desirable situation. Stay positive, Eaglearm, and good luck.

[Eaglearm]

Just got off the phone with my Cancer Doctor. My Tumor has grown. ;) I will not be able to wait for a third opinion. Once I return from M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX next week, it will be time to start rolling with a treatment plan.

Plus, I continously have fluid that builds up on my left side area. Possibly, the melanoma itself. Yet, once a week ever thorentesis (fluid drain) shows negative results with testing.

Only God has the answers. I just wish that he would hurry up and get on with his final plans. This crap is getting old.

[Browning]

Eaglearm -- I can't begin to imagine your frustration here. Most important thing at this point is to get healthy. Take care of yourself and your family. In the end, it will all work out in the right way. I know, its easy to say that but YOU'VE got to believe that!!! Beat this thing and come back 1000 times stronger.

[Chickw/Guns]

Eaglearm MD Anderson is the place, there is no better you are taking the right steps to get better and a prayer for you and your family. Get well.... we will be here to chat with during and after your treatments keep us updated.....often..........we are here to listen.....Chicks

[PEACE]

Chicks is absolutely speaking for us all here Eagle - you are in our prayers and we are here to chat with you any time brother.

So get home, get mad, and kick this things ass!

[UncleSugar]

You're in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

[nickstone]

I hope you beat this thing Eagle, you're in my thoughts and prayers too.

[Chaser199]

Eaglearm, a job is a job. Whether your a police officer, 1811, or a garbage man. Your health is what's important. You take good care of yourself and heal quickly ... my heartfelt prayers are with you my friend.

[nwfiregirl]

Tons of thoughts and prayers are going your way! You will overcome this!!!

[WDC1811]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Eaglearm.

[Eaglearm]

Well I received my "Hiring Pool Letter" today for NCIS. Hopefully, I can clear this cancer before my last opportunity to hire for the August CITP.

Its in God's hands now.

[concord160]

Glad to hear you got the pool letter from NCIS. Get through your treatment so you can get on with NCIS!

We are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

I know it's a tough time for you, I have a close family member going through something very similar and I am glad to be there for them.

Sorround yourself with family and friends....that's a treatment that no medicine in this world can provide. You'll get through this and we'll be here to chat anytime!

[vetfed]

Anybody heard any updates about Eaglearm's status??

[Kimble]

Anybody heard any updates about Eaglearm's status??
Other than this- http://www.911jobforums.com/vB/showthread.php3?p=343763#post343763 - no, nothing else.

[Dave1068]

Looks like he visited this site last on 7-05, hopefully all is well w/ him in the last 4-5 mths