Billy's Fight Against Cancer

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Micky
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Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Micky »

William Apgar is a dear, dear friend of mine fighting colon cancer for the 2nd time in his life. Last year, he kicked cancer in the ass and sent it home crying...this past February he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer yet again, but this time brought a bunch of it's friends..

Bill has seen specialist after specialist who said that they'd be able to operate and remove his tumors after some chemo treatments, but Bill's cancer has reversed course and is aggressively spreading throughout his body to the point where they can no longer operate. They are going to try stronger doses of chemo and experimental drugs to help teach his body to defeat cancer cells on its own, and to help defeat his cancer yet again.

Throughout his second round with cancer, Bill has remained nothing but positive and his beautiful outlook on life has outreached to all of our friends and touched our lives. Personally, Bill has taught me to appreciate every aspect of life because we do not know how short it can be. He's taught me to forgive all those in life who have wronged me, to forgive myself for any wrongs i've done and to just live life positively.

About a month ago, I was experiencing some health issues that I was nervous about and i was telling bill about them, he told me that i needed to see my doctor immediately, so I went and they found polyps, which are precancerous growths, on my colon. I had an operation to have them removed and I am all good now. Bill checked in on me every day. Whether it be just a text, a message on Facebook, or just an inspirational quote to keep my spirits high.

I haven't been posting lately because I've been working quite a bit lately and dealing with my personal life. Up until yesterday, Bill's fight was looking winnable until the doctors gave him the news about his cancer reversing course. Now, the fight is looking harder, but Bill is as tough as they get and I pray every day that he can do this.

I want to share with you Bill's Facebook post, letting us know about his 2nd fight, and just see the confidence and all the life in him:

"Any good fight is one worth fighting again! Apparently this cancer won't give up and wants to go at it for another round...Challenge Accepted!!!

I start Chemotherapy treatments tomorrow for Stage 4 Colon cancer once again. This time, I have several large tumors on my abdominal wall and spread out in a few other locations. The doctors can't operate until we shrink the tumors. The treatments are a 2 day process and will be administered every two weeks. I have a lot of physical advantages which give me confidence that I will be able to beat this thing again and shrink these tumors down to size.

I am experiencing some pain because of where the tumors are located but it is not much so I am in really good spirits. I am not really worried about this and am ready to go-at-it just like I did last time assuming I will be victorious and carrying on with my life in a good manner as though nothing has happened.

I am strong enough to fight this and have tons of support from my family and friends to help see me all the way through. I trust my Doctors, they are exceptional in their fields and I feel they blessed to have them work so hard to get me better. Don't cry for me...this fight is only now getting interesting and I will enjoy the challenge.

Keep me in your thoughts and pray for me, pray for yourselves, pray for your loved ones, pray for your enemies. Forgive me, forgive yourselves, forgive your loved ones and forgive your enemies.

I love you all and I am looking forward to how this turns out. Feel free to reach out to me via, phone, text, e-mail or facebook, (the conversation is always welcome). May the Lord's blessings be upon you all forever and ever Amen.

Billy"

I don't usually do these things, and I do not feel good asking, but if you would like to help Bill kick cancer's ass a second time, his family has set up a gofundme for him:

http://www.gofundme.com/laykl8

Even if you cannot donate, I do ask that you all keep Billy in your thoughts, prayers and hearts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, thank you for being such a wonderful family to me over the past two years. I love you all. :)
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Lotha
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Lotha »

I truly hope your friend gets better. I know how it feels when someone you love and care for is diagnosed with cancer. My brother had it and recovered after surgery and chemo - luckily, it was not that serious. It's frightening when you think about how many people have to deal with it at some time in their lives, even young people! If we ourselves don't have it, we know and love someone who does. And it's really hard.
It's good that he's still positive about it and it sounds like he's an amazing person, and the world needs more amazing people. I'm not religious and I don't pray but he'll be in my thoughts.
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SHEAKENBAKEN
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by SHEAKENBAKEN »

Sorry to hear about your friend. My aunt is currently going through a fight with some form of cancer on her face so she's been going through the cancer treatments and chemo and all that stuff too. Last time I saw her I know she pretty much said the same thing about it being important to have a positive outlook and not to let the cancer bring you down. It's good that your friend feels the same. My thoughts are with your friend, Micky.

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zazthespaz
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Post by zazthespaz »

Hope he gets better and keeps his PMA (positive mental attitude - thanks Dave Grohl!)
anguyen92 wrote:
Oh well. Deal with it.
gbruin wrote:
Go reread what zaz says

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Timotheus
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Timotheus »

Good luck to him, and everybody surrounding him. It's so easy to whine and complain about the smallest things, but when you read stuff like this you really have to think twice before you do that.
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anguyen92 wrote:
Oh well. Deal with it.

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Micky
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

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Thank you for the love and support guys, cannot tell you what it means to me. Will pass on your get well's to billiam and keep you updated on his progress.
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Micky
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

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I wanted to let you guys know that Billy passed away this morning. He fought very hard and diligently but ultimately went on to a better place. In his last update before he passed, Billy was, as always, nothing but happy and positive. He was nothing but smiles when I last saw him, and we both expressed our love for one another. I thank you all for your support and just wanted to pass on Billy's message in life: Don't take anything for granted, because every moment of life is a gift. Forgive your enemies, your friends, family, but most importantly: yourself. Love your enemies, your friends, your family, and yourself.
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by SHEAKENBAKEN »

Oh fuck. shit Micky, I'm so sorry to hear that. :hug My condolences and deepest sympathies for you and Billy's family. :( :S Billy's message is something I do agree we need a lot more of in life.

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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Andy92 »

Sad to hear about the end result, but happy to hear about his outlook on life throughout it all. He set an amazing example for the people around him.
anguyen92 wrote:Oh well. Deal with it.

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Lotha
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

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So sorry to hear that Micky, my condolences :/ :hug
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Timotheus »

My condolences, Micky :/
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anguyen92 wrote:
Oh well. Deal with it.

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austinjhnsn
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by austinjhnsn »

Im so Sorry for your loss, Micky. Its amazing how he continued to stay positive through the whole thing. Praying for Billy's family and friends today.
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AB4Lyfe
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by AB4Lyfe »

Sorry to hear, Micky :(
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Micky
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

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Thank you guys, very much. This isn't an easy time. I'm happy that Bill isn't suffering anymore, and i'm all but positive he went out with a smile on his face. I'm also happy to report that Billy was in nothing but positive spirits throughout the last few days of his life. He was living with his sister and her family at the time of his passing. I know he would be happy to be near his family at his time to accept his invitation to heaven.

The outpouring of love towards Billy's family is incredible. It's a true showing of the amount of love Billy had for the world and all those in it. Friends, family and coworkers are just posting stories of Billiam as this angel on Earth.

Once again, thank you for all the love and support you have all shown Billy, his family and myself during this tough time. I cannot express how much it means to us all.

Love to you all,
Bobby.
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Ryan
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Ryan »

Very sorry to hear man. My thoughts are with you and his family.
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Micky
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Micky »

Thanks Ryan!

I'm headed to Billy's wake today..going to be a tough one, and then the funeral on Friday. The amount of love and support throughout the large group of family and friends in Billy's life brings an overwhelming sense of happiness to me.

When I first met Billiam, it was a phone interview for a job I had applied for. The interview turned into a lot more laughing and talking about life than an actual interview. Then when I started working there, we just really hit it off. Even when we disagreed or were angry with each other, Billiam and I always knew how to make each other laugh.

He was very helpful for me in the brief year i knew him. He completely changed my outlook on life and taught me to be more appreciative and happy with all that life has to offer. There was a lot of brotherly love between us. I miss him, terribly.

I don't mean to get religious but: His sister posted on Facebook that Bill didn't lose his fight to cancer, he won a chance to be at peace with God. I know Bill, and I can tell you that he lived life on his terms, and he lived it with a smile on his face and love in his heart. He was the truest definition of an Angel.

This post turned out to be a lot longer than i intended haha. Didn't mean to ramble, but I just miss him, is all.

Have a beautiful day, everyone.
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by gbruin »

Hey Micky. I'm so sorry to read of Billy's passing and the loss of your friend. It is a tragic outcome, but he was very lucky to have been surrounded by family and friends like you in his last days.

Cancer can kill our bodies, but it cannot kill his message of love and hope and forgiveness, and in that sense, he did kick cancer's ass again, and he always will.

Thoughts and prayers to you and everyone at the funeral today.
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Micky
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

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Thanks G, means a lot.

This has been a really hard time for me and all those who loved Billy...it's been a lot more difficult than i expected. I haven't expected a loss this personal before and I don't really know how to handle it.

It's just really shocking for me to know i can't get in touch with Billy anymore. It's difficult for me to not have one of my best friends to go to when I need him anymore. I don't mean to ramble, but I just have a hard time talking about it and accepting it, I suppose. His funeral was hard, really hard. The priest at his church said that the night Billy died, he told the father that he knew he was going to pass, but that he was more than ready to go because he lived the life he wanted to live. I think sometimes people know when it's their time.

Billy was a great guy and a huge impact on my life..I miss him dearly. I will try being on here a bit more to get my mind off things. Sorry i've been off and on lately, I just have been so busy. Thank you guys for the love and support. It really does mean a lot.
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Lotha
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Lotha »

I've experienced some difficult losses in my life, so I know how you must feel. You probably will never get used to the fact that he's gone. It's always strange, but with time, it becomes less hard. Simply, life goes on, even if it's emptier.
What you need to remember is that he wouldn't want you to be grieving forever. He'd want you to find happiness, in small things first, again, and you will. One day, soon, you'll be able to laugh again and slowly start letting go of the pain.
We're all here for you :hug
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Micky
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Re: Billy's Fight Against Cancer

Post by Micky »

Lotha, that actually was the best advice i've gotten about this. This is why you're the best mom ever :hug
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