[Devils-list] Koivu

[StarDew]

At 10:10 PM 9/6/01 -0400, you wrote:
>Well... I'm not sure... the ESPN article stated surgery wasn't an
>option... they aren't sure if it's a lymphoma or if it's a tumor in his
>abdominal cavity... that will be determined in the next two weeks.
>
>Rick
>www.rickberk.com

Surgery is never the first option when dealing with cancer.  Other
treatment is first and surgery is last.  I know this from experience.  I
was told in '81 that my Crohn's disease had manifested to the first stage
of cancer.  I was given 3 months to live.  All other treatment had failed
so then the surgery was performed.  20.5 yrs later and I beat it.  Saku is
young and if he keeps a postive attitude he has a good chance of recovery.
See it is like 90% mental and 10% physical in these cases.  Mind over
matter so to say.  Yes, in some cases of advanced disease this does not
apply.  I do not recall any article saying that his cancer was inoperable
tho.  I wish Saku well.  He asked for Lance Armstrong's book but he could
benefit from other athletes in life threatening situations where all hope
was lost.  Rolf Benirschke was the place kicker for the Chargers in 1980
and was extremely ill from Crohn's and not much hope was given for him.  He
had surgery and is doing well.  Now married with children.  Matter of fact,
Rolf was my inspiration.  I figured if he could beat the dreaded illness
and play again in the NFL then I could survive and live my little
quasi-normal life ;)

Anyway, sorry for rambling.  I am leaving to visit family in NC on
Saturday.  Gonna be a long drive from NJ.  Will catch up on mail in a week
or so.  See y'all soon :))

Dew