CFL great Dick Thornton’s cancer tests show no spread beyond his lungs

As was reported here last week, CFL great Dick Thornton was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and was awaiting more tests to see if that cancer had spread to other parts of his body.

After undergoing those tests earlier this week, the former Blue Bomber and Argo reports that they came up negative - there has been no spread of that cancer beyond his lungs.

That is buoying the spirits of the 74 year old, as is the news that some of his fans have signed a petition asking to have him installed as an All-Time Argo.

"The results of the bone scan from Monday were negative, so for now, the cancer cells haven't spread," reported Thornton, via email, from his home in the Philippines. "Thus, it seems the tumor has stabilized which is good news."

There had been a fear that the diagnosis of lung cancer - made earlier this spring - might be only part of the story. With the spread of cancer cells currently ruled out, Thornton can work on managing the condition, along with the help of his physician, Dr. Denky Dela Rosa.

"She (Dr. Dela Rosa) suggested to keep on living my wild and crazy lifestyle. She is not sold on chemo (I'm not either) at this point because there is no guarantee it will work in my situation and the after-effects can turn you into a zombie."

While Thornton plans on continuing to be active and enjoy life the way he so famously has, he will have to tailor that lifestyle, at least a little, in one area.

"It also seems that my blood sugar count has kicked up again (my mother had diabetes) so am on pills for that and have to cut down on dairy products, sugared beverages and my favorite...donuts. Ugh!"

As for that petition that's been started, asking that he be made an All-Time Argo, Thornton is thankful.

"What an honor. To think that a complete stranger would take the time and effort to put that all together, remembering all that I accomplished over 40 years ago is simply amazing," he wrote.

Regarding the collective bargaining impasse that dogs the CFL heading for the 2014 season, Thornton writes that he is well aware there may be a stoppage in play.

"I've been reading about it. Too bad it might have to come to that. So much simpler back in our day. Salaries were small though I picked up some extra coin, doing radio, TV and modelling, but we all knew that we had to have a second life when our playing days were over and that's what we worked for. I, for one, would have played for nothing, just to be able to run out on the field before 40,000 fans yelling and screaming and am sure many of my teammates would feel the same way. Today, it's all about money!"

Facing the challenges of lung cancer, Thornton knows full well that treatment options form only part of the picture as he endeavours to stay as positive as possible. With that, he has help.

"I have a lot to live for with a great wife (Lhyn) and wonderful daughter (Ashleigh) and having a positive attitude is everything."

"As mentioned, the Doc says 'just keep on living and enjoying life'," he wrote.

Dick Thornton can be reached at coachdt@gmail.com