Missing a Son, Brother, Husband....TEAM LEADER!

Welcome to Tracy Lanius' Web Page. It has been provided to keep YOU updated on his progress, and now his family's journey through grief.

After almost a year of physical problems and subsequent (and many) doctor visits, Tracy Lanius, 43 year old husband, son, and my big brother, had enough of the pain, sickness and frustration. He researched for the best doctors in the area, referred himself, and gave them his diagnosis that our primary care physician did not. On February 4, 2005, Tracy was officially diagnosed with colon cancer.

On February 22 he had surgery to remove the cancerous section of his colon. The tumor had grown through his rectum wall and wrapped itself around his semen sacs. Although the perimeters were clear, they were close, and unfortunately, the cancer had spread to his liver.

He has endured indescribable pain, sleeplessness, infection, distended bowel and bladder, weight loss, and many "stabs" with a catheter. All the while, he refuses to give in or give up. He has always said he will face this demon head on and chin up.

Cancer bites, but this cat bites back!

Journal

Tuesday, September 2, 2008 9:22 PM CDT

Hey, TEAM TRACY! Thanks for those who have stopped in and emailed or called or left personal emails and have acknowledged Tracy's 46th birthday. We miss him each day of course, and it's especially hard on days when you are 'supposed' to be celebrating something.

I have a black ribbon pin that I wear on the 11th of each month, and today I also wore it. Just a symbol for me that I'm missing someone dear. Typically no one ever asks and perhaps they don't even notice...and that's ok. As I said, it's for ME, but I'll gladly share with anyone who will listen!

Today was a good day in another regard. Because of Tracy, I'm obviously passionate about screening--COLONOSCOPIES--and awareness in any form. I stumbled upon Sherry's Run recently (info on that below) and talked with the founder today. It's unbelievable when you hear of yet another YOUNG person who was diagnosed with colon cancer and who has died.

The good part of the day was that a number of my coworkers have signed up to go to Sherry's Run on the 13th. Now they're not walking / running in memory of my brother...that would be ME. As you know, we have two guys at work actively fighting (Mike and Randy) and I'm sure everyone is walking in their honor. But the part that drives me the most is that I don't want someone else to be THAT sister...or THAT mother...or THAT wife....who lost their brother/son/husband to colon cancer.

The more people that get involved, the more money that gets raised and the more people that get helped, the more they (SHerry's Run and other organizations like this) are able to go out in the community and promote awareness, education, screening, etc.

Another good part of the day is that because of the involvement of folks at work, my company has decided to be a sponsor of the event, which means in addition to paying our registration fees, they will also donate a fairly good size amount in general. Please be in prayer with me that those making these decisions will be kind-hearted with the company funds for this type of community event and that they will give generously! In speaking with the founder today, she said they had set a goal of $100,000 and she really felt like they would be able to reach that!

We have another week until the event, so if you are local, holler at me and get on my team...we need you, and our TEAM LEADER would be very proud! As always, your donation in Tracy's memory to this event will be gladly accepted and appreciated.

It's a week full / month full of anniversary dates so continue to pray for us, especially Momma, and please don't forget Mary. We've not heard from her, but it doesn't mean we love her any less or care any less about her. She is family. I can't tell you if she's struggling or if she is soaring, but either way, I ask you to pray for her.

Don't forget the info I've shared recently...see past journals if you have! (Silly YOU!)

**Sherry's Run on September 13 (link is below) Your prayers and support of this event, either in person or in $$$ is appreciated!

**Pray for Mike Moss at my work. He was scanned today and will have another treatment on Wednesday. He treasures cards...they really lift him up. Send to my home address.

**Pray for Randy Kent at my work. He is waiting on what his next move is. He also treasures your cards sent in care of me.

**Log on and support our cousin, Mike Lanius. The link to his CB site is below. He is battling colon cancer, too, and could use some encouragement from the best team ever: TEAM TRACY!

**New prayer request...a TEAM TRACY member's mom is having difficulties right now and is hospitalized. They were fabulous to Tracy and continue to be to Momma and me...please remember this TEAM member's mom.

Ending with a quote:

Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.
--Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Loving my brother today and every day!

Kriste (and Momma, too!)

Hospital Information:

Walking on the Streets of Gold!

Links:

E-mail Author: Kristewithane@comcast.net

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent. This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.