I beat cancer | FerrariChat

I beat cancer

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by ryankjb, Aug 3, 2009.

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  1. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2006
    1,071
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Ryan
    Just like it says. I was diagnosed last year at the ripe old age of 23 with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to my lungs and liver. That was a really bad day. But now, finally, after 16 rounds of 46 hour long chemo treatments and 3 surgeries my doctor just gave me a clean bill of health after looking at my last PET scan and biopsy results from my last and final surgery. I actually had a CAT scan done before that and there was no sign of disease before the PET scan so he scheduled the second just to make sure. Having to do that was without a doubt the worst experience anyone could ever go through. Waking up everyday and not knowing whether I would turn 25 or ever have a family of my own really bothered me, but I stayed positive and kept saying to myself that I can't go yet. I still have too much to do.

    The reason I am making this thread is because I would come on this site every time that I felt well enough to look at all the beautiful cars and read all your stories about them, and it really helped. It kind of gave me another reason to keep going because it has always been my dream to have a Ferrari for as long as I can remember, they are my favorite things in the world and I'm not going out without having a few of them. Now I can get back on track with that instead of having that huge cloud over my head and that giant weight on my shoulders.

    Even though I know that my family and girlfriend will never see this, I have to thank them for everything they did for me through this. I really wouldn't be here without them....none of the doctors I saw thought I would, so if you know someone that is struggling and the odds are horrible just be supportive and positive for them, it really helps. So thanks for listening and for all the stories and good moments that everyone shares. I look forward to doing the same thing cause you never know how much a stupid story about driving you car through the mountains can mean to someone.

    -Ryan
     
  2. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,272
    Seattle Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    GOOD LORD! You didn't just dodge a bullet, you dodged an ASTEROID. Way to go.... may you live
    a long and happy life after this and never go through that again.

    May I ask your age?

    Jedi
     
  3. Dipsomaniac

    Dipsomaniac F1 Veteran

    Mar 23, 2006
    5,956
    Doha/Sydney
    Full Name:
    Derek K
    From his post I'm guessing he's now 24 :D

    Honestly .. that is terrific news. I hope that you now live to a ripe old age but never stop living like each day is your last! Very happy for you & your family.
     
  4. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2006
    1,071
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Ryan
    Thanks guys, that's why I love this site, people seem to really care. Its a great community here.


    Jedi, I am 24 now. I was diagnosed a few months after my 23rd birthday but was suffering from really bad pains for over a year before the diagnosed it.

    Derek, thanks I look forward to everyday now...more than you can imagine.


    Ryan
     
  5. fiorano94

    fiorano94 F1 Veteran

    May 26, 2006
    6,892
    MW/NW/SE
    Holy cow!

    Congrats on beating the most terrible thing anyone could ever face!
     
  6. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Best of luck moving forward.
     
  7. Dcup

    Dcup F1 Veteran

    Jan 3, 2005
    8,645
    Between 2 Implants
    Full Name:
    Claude Balls
    Dude, good for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!! God is deff smiling upon you !!!!!
     
  8. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Wonderful story. I am glad to hear you are doing well.
    I don't know if you've yet had the opportunity to drive in a Ferrari. If you would like to come out one Saturday morning and celebrate your good fortune with our Cars and Coffee crew, we would love to meet you. We meet in West Chester, PA. If you pick the right sunny day, there will a nice collection ranging from 308's to Scuderias. I am sure the guys would be more than happy to give you a ride. Bring your girlfriend if you want and you guys can hop in my Mondial for one of our drives.


    Congratulations once again!
     
  9. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
    3,510
    Full Name:
    Brandon
    Congratulations!!!
     
  10. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2006
    1,071
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Ryan
    Thanks alot for the offer Joe, I'll have to come up there and check it out sometime, where in West Chester do you meet, its only about 30 minutes from me so I would love to come and meet up with everyone. I have been able to drive a giallo 355 f1 spider and a beautiful argento 550 but that's it. I would love to go for a ride in you Mondial, I've always loved them and they are my dads all time favorite ferrari. Would it be alright if he came along for a ride? If you've never driven a BMW 745 you can try out mine, its no Ferrari but it does get up and go for such a large car.


    Again, a BIG thank you to everyone for the kind words and support. It is sites like this one that make the internet great.

    -Ryan
     
  11. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
    Full Name:
    Joe
    We meet at the Starbucks on the corner of Dilworthtown Rd. and route 202. It's in the Dilworthtown plaza. People usually arrive around 8:00 or so and stay until about 10:00. If you pick the right weekend, we may go for a long drive afterwards. If you go to the Mid Atlantic section you can see some photos. As for your Dad, we would love to meet him. It would be my pleasure to take him for a drive...heck, they're aren't that many Mondial lovers out there, we have to stick together!

    I hope to see you soon. PM me if you are planning on coming out and I will make sure I don't sleep in or head to the shore!
     
  12. u2fast

    u2fast Formula Junior

    Mar 22, 2009
    256
    bellaire
    Full Name:
    barry r
    5 year cancer survivor myself. as a 44 year old father of a 2 and 5 year old girls i am thankful i caught it early. congrats, always listen to your body and see a doc if needed. lastly, never, never give up. barry
     
  13. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2006
    1,071
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Ryan
    Barry,

    Thank God you caught it early, i was misdiagnosed for around 10 months before they knew that it was cancer which is why mine had spread so far. Now I am much more careful about things. It is very good to hear that you are doing well too. Keep fighting forever.

    -Ryan
     
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,091
    Vegas baby
    Ryan:

    Thanks for writing the "best news we've heard" thread of the year. Go get 'em tiger!
     
  15. bbs911

    bbs911 Formula Junior

    May 31, 2007
    590
    Dallas
    Ryan,

    Congratulations and thank GOD for your great news! You're obviously an Fcar guy, but if you ever make it to Dallas, I'd be more than happy to take you for a spin in my Carrera GT. You've cheated death once, so I'll take it easy on you.
     
  16. brainz

    brainz Formula Junior

    Sep 9, 2004
    428
    SoCal
    Full Name:
    Andy
    Glad to hear it! Now go out and live your life to the fullest! I'm sure you will.
     
  17. Sareve

    Sareve F1 Rookie

    Oct 23, 2007
    2,968
    Singapore/Melbourne
    Full Name:
    Daniel
    Ryan, congratulations on your recovery!!!
     
  18. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
    4,595
    MC/UK
    Full Name:
    Carlo
    #18 Ferrarista3, Aug 4, 2009
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2009
    I'm very happy for you.

    Thanks god for the happy ending. There's definitely a lesson to be learned here: never give up.

    I wish you all the best.
     
  19. zoRob

    zoRob Formula 3

    Oct 31, 2006
    2,004
    Cambs, UK
    Well done Ryan! :)
     
  20. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
    28,633
    Phoenix
    Full Name:
    AG
    As all have said. Congrats! That's amazing news to hear, I'm sure your friends and family are very happy for you!! :) :)
     
  21. Fan512bbi

    Fan512bbi Two Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Mar 25, 2004
    20,938
    Wales-UK
    Full Name:
    Steve.
    Ryan this story as really made my day :) i feel really great for you and your family, it is really good to hear a story with a happy ending, now get out and buy a lottery ticket :)
     
  22. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

    Dec 1, 2005
    7,573
    Denmark
    Full Name:
    B. Frandsen
    Impressive Ryan:)

    Stay healthy for the rest of your life, and that should be many many years to come!
     
  23. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 2, 2004
    72,429
    Cloud-9
    Full Name:
    Jason
    Congratulations Ryan!

    Keep focused on staying healthy so you can stay cancer free. Best wishes.
     
  24. ryankjb

    ryankjb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2006
    1,071
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Ryan
    Thanks again everyone for showing so much support. It was because of good people like all of you that I was able to pull through.


    bbs911, if I ever make it down to Texas I'll be sure to give you a call the CGT is my second favorite supercar....after the F50 :)

    Fan512bbi, thats funny you said that, I just bought a lotto ticket. My fingers are crossed.


    Again, thanks everyone for caring, it makes me feel good.

    -Ryan
     
  25. 3604u

    3604u F1 Veteran
    BANNED Silver Subscribed

    Sep 27, 2004
    6,298
    london/singapore/JKT
    Full Name:
    D
    congrats bro on beating cancer!!1

    My mum had it, and I know how it feels to have a loved one going through it.

    Hope that you would own a Ferrari soon.

    God Bless
     

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