Hunter was a 41 year old devoted husband, father to two young boys, PhD student and Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army when he was diagnosed with a malignant synovial sarcoma in his left calf on October 19, 2012. This is a glimpse into his journey.
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It's Not a Sprint 
I worked with your mom at R. D. Head for many years and think she is such a beautiful, gentle lady. From reading your posts, it is evident to me that you are her son. Your words reflect her goodness and strength. Please know that I am praying for you and your family at this difficult time.
Hey Hunter,
I just heard from someone here at APL about what was going on and got the address for you blog (which is great by the way). I hope this goes through as I am having some technical challenges with the APL firewall (apparently it is not in favor of blogs!). I am sorry to hear about everything going on but it seems like you are making the best out of a horrible situation.
I will keep you in my prayers and I have signed up to follow your blog. Keep it up as it is nice to read how you and your family are doing!
Thanks Chris! I got it. I appreciate the prayers. Great hearing from you again!
Hey Hunter, thank you for the incredibly nice note on your blog post. I’m glad that my blog has been able to help you prepare for some of what you are facing! After reading a few posts, I have a few more tips for you. For phantom pain, have you tried mirror therapy? Drugs didn’t help me in the slightest bit, but mirror therapy worked wonders. You can read about how it works here: http://survivingsarcoma.com/?p=987
Also, have you tried using forearm crutches? If not, you should definitely look into getting some. They allow you to be much more mobile than the underarm crutches you are using now. Like it or not, crutches are going to be part of your daily routine when you take your leg off at night, etc, so getting some that allow you the most mobility possible is definitely the way to go.
Keep up the positive attitude and good luck with the upcoming chemo. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send me a note at rrgreg@gmail.com. You and your family will be in my prayers! Take care of yourself!
Hi Hunter and Jenn
We have received the horrific news of your diagnosis and are feeling devestated for you all. As a nurse I can admit that I received strength from the patients that I took care of going when going through life with a serious illness. And through your blog,you have provided us and others with that same feeling of strength.You are coping with tremendous issues AND ALL WITH HUMOR. You are incredible! We are keeping you in our prayers and hope that the following days will be SMOOTHER as you recuperate..Keep up the positive attitude. You are an inspiriration to others.
Affectionately,
Jean and Ken Driskell
Thanks Jean! Those are very kind words. We take them to heart.
Hello Hunter,
I believe I may of met you at a 5K race but not sure. I am a personal fitness trainer at The Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA and your sister is my boss : )
Robin shared a link to your blog and I have been so inspired reading your stories. I just wanted you to know that many people here in Toccoa, Georgia including myself are lifting you and your family up in prayer as you journey on.
Nanci Fulbright
Of course I remember you Nanci! You ran a great race that day. Currahee mountain is no joke. That was my last road race before the diagnosis. I’m glad you are reading the blog. It means a lot to me that Robin’s inner circle (most of Toccoa!) are supporting it and my family.
My friend Tanya Jennison posted your blog tonight on Facebook. I just wanted to say that you have an amazing spirit. I am a ten year survivor and Army spouse. My husband is AD and currently deployed to Afghanistan. We are on our last rodeo. Reading your blog brought back memories from the early days after my diagnosis. My husband was at NTC preparing for a deployment when I got the news I had the big “C”. Your positive attitude will carry you far. I can hear incredible strength in your words and I wish I had that much grace all those years ago. I will add you and your family to my prayers and wish the very best for you. What are you working on your PhD in? I just finished my MSW this past June. Continue your mindfullness/meditation work. I am a firm believer in mindfulness (I am a therapist and use this in my practice with most of my clients). Always remember no judgement. God Bless You.
Hey Julia! Thanks for the post. I’m glad you can relate to it and hope you continue your cancer free journey. My thoughts go out to your husband and family and hope he comes home safe. I’m grateful for yours and his service. I’m getting my PhD in biochemistry. Mindfulness has carried me far in this crazy journey and I continue to rely in it to carry me farther! Thanks again for the kind words.
I read you have been in the hospital. I am glad you are doing better. I hope your next round of chemo leaves you with some energy. Biochemistry? Sounds like fun. 🙂 Here is a good website on mindfulness and health. http://www.umassmed.edu/Content.aspx?id=41252 Keep up the faith and fight.
Hey Hunter was going through my favorites and thought I would catch up and drop you a line. Nice Marine Haircut! Glad to see your spirit is strong my friend. All your friends here in J9 (the Enterprise formally known as R&D) are praying and thinking of you and your family though these tough times.
Hang in there bud! Happy New Year. Better days are coming!
Hunter, brother, I’m ashamed that this tragedy has brought me back in contact you. Back in the days at UGA, you were always “that guy”. That guy that everyone respected. That guy who was level headed despite the chaos. That guy who was nice to everyone. Even to us in Ranger Company 🙂 Whenever I make it back to campus for a football game, you have always been one of the ones I hoped to run into again. Know that I am praying for you and your family. I have this feeling that your legacy will strongly live on in your family. Maybe one day, I can meet your family and tell them what a great guy you are. I wish I could drop by so we could share stories about the days. Ranger house parties, late nights in Athens, MSG Byrnes stories. Wow, great times and you are a great one. Again, praying for you brother!
Hunter,
It’s been too long… You might not even remember all us Silver Stars… But my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family, Lani
Dear Hunter, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I remember the UGA days when you always had a smile on your face with a nearby joke and/or fantastic attitude. You and Dave G. where a hysterical combination. I’m sure that great quality of yours continues and is a strong within your family and children. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Michelle Baldwin Kenyon
Jenn: We along with all his friends, coworkers, military buddies and admirers are there with you and the boys at this time. Fred (and Ellen) from DTRA CXC