Ryan’s Story

Site created on September 16, 2019


Welcome to the Bald1's (Yup, that's Ryan Vieth for those of you who didn't know my lovely Wife Emily's nickname she gave me back in the day!) CaringBridge web page about all things
related to this battle I have been chosen for with Rectal Cancer. My hope is to keep everyone informed, encouraged, and connected so that we can get through this thing together!

A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT NOTES
1. One of the MANY things that I have learned through the last 17 months of this battle (hard to believe we started this journey in September of 2019!) is that time is short, people are precious, and the only life worth living is YOURS. To that end, this page will be honest, blunt, frank, and much of the time funny, twisted, and 'off' (like me!). This page is just as much therapy for me as it is a way to stay in touch with all of you. SO - please keep in mind that laughter and humor (even about horrible diseases) is how I survive. Also, some comments, jokes, thoughts, and entries may be blunt, and at times, offensive to some. I mean no ill will or offense but living life without being yourself and worrying about what others think is not something I have the time or patience for. You've been warned! :)

2. As much as I have lived life convinced that the only way to do something right is to do it yourself and that it's MY responsibility to take care of myself and family , I have had to learn the HARD way that I can't do it alone. If you go to our MealTrain page at https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/58q1yk  you can see ways that you can help. The focus for this coming round is going to be on meals, errands, cleaning, and laundry. Not glamorous but it is the best way for our family to be able to focus time and energy on the important things.

3. COVID makes this whole support thing TOUGH! As much as I want to see, hug, and hang out with everyone, the reality is I can't take the risk with my Immune system being screwed over by the treatments. Please don't take offense if I can't see you if you stop by with help or if we ask you to do things if you do visit. The biggest are going to be that anyone coming over that has not been in immediate, regular contact with us is going to be wearing double masks and rubber gloves. Want you all to be aware before you show up.

We are now heading in to ROUND 2 of this battle! Chemotherapy treatment for the next 8-16 weeks starting tomorrow, February 7th. There have been a ton of changes since the 1st round battle and I'll update this as I can to give a rundown and history.

THANK YOU to all of you who continue to show Emily, the boys, and myself your love, support, and caring. This journey wouldn't be possible without all of you and your continued prayers, encouragement, and love.

With that,
NEVER lose hope, NEVER stop fighting, NEVER stop loving - WE GOT THIS!!!!

Ryan

Newest Update

National Cancer Survivors Day

Journal entry by Ryan Vieth —

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day. According to the National Cancer Institute, a person is considered to be a survivor from the time of diagnosis until the end of life. The amazing team at Fight Colorectal Cancer has been able to convince me of that fact! It's been 2 years and 9 months since my rectal cancer diagnosis. That’s 996 days as a survivor!!

I am incredibly grateful and blessed to have the team of Doctors, Family Members, and Friends who have supported me throughout this fight.

Reflecting on exactly what my journey as a rectal cancer survivor means is both amazing and daunting. Putting some numbers to it, during this time I have had:

  • 1 baboon butt (man is THAT a memory!)
  • 2 diagnoses (Sept. 12th 2019 at Stage 3c and January 20th, 2021 at Stage 4a)
  • 2 ostomies (1 temporary and 1 permanent)
  • 2 knocks on Heaven’s door
  • 3 surgeries
  • 3 blood transfusions
  • 3 emergency hospital stays
  • 7 necrosis wounds
  • 14 wound drains
  • 28 chemotherapy infusion treatments
  • 30 chemotherapy pill treatments
  • 35 radiation treatments

It is amazing how much the human body can endure! Beyond the crazy number of treatments and events, I am SO grateful to all of you for the prayers, support, messages, visits, and help. It is DEFINITELY one of the reasons I have been able to continue to survive!

As many of you know, music and quotes have been a mainstay of my journey and blog as I communicated with you during this battle. There have been three consistent statements throughout this journey that truly summarize all that has transpired:

  • WE GOT THIS!
  • NEVER stop hoping, NEVER stop fighting, NEVER stop loving
  • Live life UNFORGETTABLE!

We STILL got this! I will NEVER stop! And I hope to truly live every day as unforgettable as possible!

I am thrilled to be able to say I’m a survivor. However, in my mind ‘surviving’ isn’t enough. My goal and purpose moving forward is to help as many people as I can who experience this battle, push for research and solutions for colorectal cancer, and create memories of happiness, love, and hilarity along the way. Surviving is a great feat, but THRIVING is so much better.

Love you all!

Ryan

Read More of the journal titled "National Cancer Survivors Day"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Ryan Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like Ryan's for two weeks.

If you donate by May 12, your gift will be doubled, up to $10,000, thanks to a gift from Living Water Foundation.

Leave a comment of support for Ryan

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top