Cancer Free & Moto Ready!

After a grueling year of me fighting cancer, I was finally given the “Cancer Free” words this past Wednesday. I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the base of tongue with two associated lymph nodes. I underwent 9 rounds of chemo and 35 rounds of radiation only to discover that the cancer had shrunk on the base of tongue only mildly, but had spread to the other lymph nodes on the other side and on the side of my tongue. Options: 1. Remove the tongue. 2. More regular chemo (it doesn’t last usually) 3. Try a new immunotherapy drug that might work. I choose #3.

I underwent immunotherapy treatment at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. (www.sandiegouniontribune.com) At week #9 I was 90% cancer free and now, 18 weeks later I am fully cancer free! (Press)

Rikki Rocket, patient interview
This is the place where I get treated.

I am not cured and those words are given only after 5 years of remission, but it’s a huge step in the right direction. Immunotherapy drug response is usually a durable response. I will continue on the trial for quite sometime and I feel it’s a small price to pay to be cancer free and have the odds staked in my favor of remaining that way.

This all means it’s time to get back to work on obvious things like my family, Jiu-Jitsu, drums and of course music. However, it also means it’s time to enjoy my Moto lifestyle! I have officially launched a store praising the love of all things Moto. “Fallen Angel Customs” So far, I have a few T-Shirts, shop rags and stickers. I will be adding hand crafted items and more designs over time.

The Cat is back and happy! Let’s drag some fun in!

31 comments

  • I love seeing that smile on your face. It says I’ve fought my way through the debilitating journey and I’m back stronger than before!
    I too finished my battle 7 months ago. Squamous Cell of the Tonsil fossa, small amount on base of tongue and a couple of lymph glands. I’m feeling good. I had a set back of a few ulcers this week and I still have many moments when food seems like an enemy, but I also have many moments when I’m amazed with life and glad to have more time.
    I look forward to seeing where you go from here and how your company and music evolve after this experience.

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  • I was thinking about you the other day, I heard the news a few days ago. I’m very happy for you, this is great…. Best of luck to you with Fallen Angels. Is that your 690? That’s a great little adventure bike… Enjoy..

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  • That is great news! So glad to hear your health is headed in the right direction. best wishes for you and your family stay strong and keep drumming along.

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  • Rikki, Good news that damn C crap sucks!!!! My wife was diagnosed in 1993 and back then it was considered a death sentence, she is still hear now with us. My wish would be that you beat it the same way!!!!

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  • YES!!! Castaic loves you and we’re so happy to see you smile!! God bless ya and the fam!

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  • Great to hear! I recently went through open heart surgery in January to replace a bad mitral valve. I’m only 44! Maybe I’ll see you at Mugzey Music one day… my friend Bobby Forsythe is a salesman there! All the best on your recovery!

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  • That’s awesome my rock and roll brother I am a cancer survivor myself hang in there stay strong and keep on rockin you will be fine

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  • I’m so happy for you Rikki! I pray that it will never come back! Now it is time to get back to your life doing what you love to do!! You are a superb drummer and a great guy!! Happy, Happy, Happy for you!!!! I’m the person that won a contest round trip plane flight to anywhere in the United States and gave it up and asked if we could see Poison and meet you all backstage. It was in the 80’s at the “The Gardens” in Cincinnati, Ohio!! Love you and glad you are okay!!!!! 👍🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶☺💚

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  • Congratulations Rikki keep KICKING CANCERS ASS. I’ve been fighting Colon Cancer for 4 years now. I may have my Iliostomy bag for LIFE but I’m still here KICKING CANCER ASS. And you keep on fighting. You got this. STAY STRONG AND POSITIVE AND ALWAYS REMEMBER GOD GIVES HIS TOUGHEST BATTLES TO HIS STRONGEST WARRIORS AND THAT’S YOU. PRAYERS SENT TO YOU FROM ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND DESIREE. FROM DENVER COLORADO.❤❤💙💙

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  • My dear friend, your journey this past year is one we never plan. You chose your decisions wisely with the options you were presented. Your positive outlook, your willingness to take a chance, the support of your family and friends and the guiding hands of our Heavenly Father is a true chapter of life that you conquered. Cancer is always an enemy and the battle you fought has been won by you! Rikki you put that cancer on a “Rocket” and you won!

    I had the honor of meeting you “many moons ago” at The Old Mill Inn Restaurant in Newcastle, WY. From the age of 15 (bus girl) to the age of 41, you created a memory and one I love to tell.
    Continue to enjoy your rides and God Bless and your family. Stay strong and keep on “Rockin”!

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  • Wishing you all the best Rikki. This is great news and I hope you get back to your 100% and stay healthy very soon.

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  • Congtats…I too am a cancer survivor and in my 2nd year of remission…keep your positive attitude and good luck.

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  • Congratulations way to go. I’m so happy for you. My son David is going through treatments today. No radiation only chemo. We just got the word CT SCAN look good no cancer in his lymph nodes isn’t it amazing how treatment has come a long way. Enjoy life

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  • So happy for you Rikki. You will remain in my prayers always. We Pennsylvanian need to stick together. Your fight is my fight. I was born in New Castle PA, but have been transplanted to AZ, just as Brett. Have seen and met you several times. Was the winner of MTVs For Better or Worse contest in the 8th and hung out with you all at the Unplugged taping. You are truly a kindred spirit, I have been involved with animal rights and rescue because of you. Stay strong, you are well loved and cherished always.

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  • vrooom… vrooom… TRIUMPH! Oh, you thought I was talkin’ bout a motorbike? Nooooo…. FUCK CANCER! And then let’s ride to celebrate. Your pal Stuart is my neighbor in Knollwood, told me of your British obsession. We have the same curse – right down the road from him. If we see ya, we’ll let off the throttle slightly – you know, just enough to wave hello and you actually see us and not see our dust. 😉

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  • WAITADANGMINUTEHERE?! I was looking at your moto site and I see: YOU’RE the reason I couldn’t get “THRUXTON” on my own plate?? 🙂 Nice! Mine’s a 2013 standard issue – London Bus Matte Red. They don’t allow “13” in CA. Cryin’ shame.

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  • WOW That is SO awesome Rikki!!!! God Bless You and may the 5 years come and go quickly cancer free!!!!! You look great too 🙂 I had skin cancer but caught it early so they just took a chunk out of my back and I had to wait 10 years for the all clear. Unfortunately I have dysplastic Nevus Syndrome so my moles can turn cancerous anytime but I am down to just yearly check ups now. I met you once and you ere so kind!!! I am truly sincerely happy for you!!!

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