Author: Craig Ford

Stepping away again

Thursday was the last day for me to anchor a newscast in 2023. Unless something changes, I plan to undergo a 12-hour cancer surgery at MD Anderson in Houston on December 11. I know the doctors will remove my gallbladder, my spleen and part of my colon. They’ll also try to get the cancer on my liver, diaphragm and stomach. There may be more that’s removed, but the doctors won’t know until they start operating. They will also put heated chemotherapy drugs in my abdomen to try to kill any remaining cancer cells. The recovery from the surgery will take at least a few weeks before I can return to work.

Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas

People have been telling me since my last surgery in September they are praying for my healing and recovery. I can’t thank them enough for thinking about me then, now and in the future. The same goes for my coworkers and my wife’s coworkers who gave gifts in advance of the surgery. To say that both of us are blessed would be an understatement.

Please keep John Dolusic and his family in your prayers during this time. His son, Walter, died after suffering a brain aneurysm. Also do the same for the loved ones of two other WTVA employees who passed away this year: newscast director/master control operator Keith Richey and general manager Danny Walker. This will be their first Christmas without them.

A Sunday update

I apologize for not posting until now about how things are going. To be honest, I’ve been so tired after getting out of the hospital I just haven’t had the brain power to string a few words together.

Thankfully, my stamina is getting better by the day, so much so I plan to work from home later this week and return to the office the following week. I may even return to anchoring. All this comes while waiting for appointments elsewhere to get second opinions on how to proceed.

In case you are not aware, the doctor at UMMC did not finish the surgery because he found more cancer than expected in four locations: diaphragm, liver, rectum and stomach. His recommendation was for me to undergo chemotherapy to shrink those tumors before he resumes the surgery. He also encouraged me to seek second opinions on treatment.

Meanwhile, I continue to be humbled by the outpouring of support concerning my health from churches to cancer survivors and many, many more. There is no way to personally respond to everyone who has reached out. Just know the prayers and the words of encouragement are appreciated and do make a difference.

What’s next?

Thank you to everyone who has reached out about my health. The prayers, posts, phone calls, emails, messages and texts were totally unexpected but truly appreciated.

The plan is for surgery Thursday of next week at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. The surgeon plans to remove the mass near my appendix and any other cancer he finds. He will then apply some heated chemotherapy drugs in my abdomen. The surgery could take up to eight hours, and that will be followed by a weeklong hospital stay.

I actually returned to work late last week before having surgery yesterday for the doctor to see what he would be dealing with next week. I expect to be back at work tomorrow through early next week. For now, I feel good and ask that you continue with the prayers, good thoughts and good vibes in the next few weeks.

Where have you been?

Wanted to share why I have not appeared on television for more than two weeks. This time, it has nothing to do with vacation, a special project or managerial duties.

Following four nights at the hospital in Tupelo, I’ve been released after being diagnosed with a peach-sized mass that appears to be cancerous. I hope to know more tomorrow after seeing a specialist in Jackson. Thankfully, I’m in no pain, and I’m grateful for the healthcare workers I’ve encountered, who have been nothing but the best.

I haven’t a clue as to when I’ll return to work. Hopefully, it’ll be sooner rather than later. Thanks in advance for any prayers. They will be truly appreciated.