Model Engine Maker
General Category => Chatterbox => Topic started by: cfellows on April 28, 2015, 09:40:44 PM
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Last week, much too my shock (and chagrin), I was told I have stage 4 lung cancer. After a week of tests and excruciating waiting, they've determined that it is confined to my left lung, while my brain and other organs are unaffected. Guess I won't be having a "Phenomenon" experience like John Travolta in the movie of the same name.
I started chemotherapy today with drugs that have a 70% success rate. We'll find out in a month or two which percentage group I get to join - 70% or 30% . Best I can expect is that it can be put into remission since it can't be completely cured.
At any rate, I feel fine, so far, and my attitude is good. I'm sure the chemo will take a toll after a while, but it's all good for now.
Chuck
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Very sorry to hear that Chuck. You will be in my prayers.
-Bob
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Chuck I'm very sorry to hear about this, you will be in my thoughts and I'm hoping for the best possible outcome for you.
Dave
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Sorry to hear that Chuck. Will add you to my prayer list.
They say a positive attitude will do wonders, so try to keep your chin up.
Ron
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Stay positive Chuck and may the percentages work for you.
Ian
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:(
Fight it, fight it, never give in, just keep thinking of all of those model engine you still have to make, they will help pull you through ;)
Jo
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So sorry to hear this Chuck. The fact that it is confined sounds hopeful, as do the many advances in treatments. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.
Bill
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Sorry to hear Chuck. But for sure,we are all with you.
Best Regards.
CS
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Chuck, the title of your thread and then the post itself has sent me into deep thoughts and a whirlwind of emotions on some of my own fears. I wish you the best and will you all the strength possible. Stay tuff my friend.
Eric
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Chuck, you are the third person I have heard this about in three weeks. Of the group, I feel you have the best chance of survival because of your never ending desire to get stuff done.
I will thinking of you every day.
Cheers
Tom
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Chuck , I know how you feel , 2 weeks ago I had my left Kidney removed along with it's tumor , now they think I also have lung cancer . My cancer was found by accident and was caught before I had any symptoms which was a good thing . I spent most of my life in the printing industry as a machinist , doctor's blame the type wash that we used . Best of luck you are in my prayers .Jeff
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I am very sorry to hear of this news. As others have said before me, you will be in my thoughts. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you are in the 70% group.
Vince
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I can't add to what everyone else said. Just know you're in my thoughts.
I will however reinforce the idea that a positive attitude can make the difference. So keep at it.
Jeff...same for you. Take care and get well.
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Fight it, fight it, never give in, just keep thinking of all of those model engine you still have to make, they will help pull you through ;)
Jo
Could not have said it better myself. Plus only entertain positive thoughts, about your well being. We are all rooting for you sir.
Mike
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Chuck your one of my heroes buddy and I am also sorry to hear the sad news. You can win this my friend just keep focus and think positive as you are doing and don't give up. Your in my prayers and keep us updated on your progress. We all want to know how your doing. All of us have learned much from you post and I would be sadden not to here from you.
Your friend
Don
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Very sorry to hear that as well Chuck. If there is anything I can do, please allow me to do so!
Your Friend,
Dave
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Chuck, a positive attitude is a great drug in itself. Great to hear that it's confined to one area. My thoughts and prayers to you
Dave
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Chuck,
Must wanted to let you know I am thinking and praying for you, much like everyone here.
Art
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Dear Mr. Fellows-
So very sorry to read your latest posting. My heartfelt prayers for your speedy recovery.
Frank
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Chuck,
I'm a lung cancer survivor, a tumor was found in my right lung on November 2013. As luck would have it, it was found by accident and early, it 'only' cost me 2/3rds of my lung and rib to get it removed.
This disease can be beat, every day they learn more and more about cancers and their treatments. 70% is a pretty good number, they gave me 75% when I was diagnosed.
Keep a good attitude, and don't let your imagination get the better of you, I think my imagination was my worst enemy closely followed by endless appointments and waiting for test results. It can really drive up your stress levels if you let it.
Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Steve.
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Chuck
Hoping that you beat this. My thoughts are with you.
We're all here if you need anything.
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Sorry indeed to hear this news, Chuck. Hang tough, you can beat this, we need you here.
Joe
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Having stage 4 cancer is not very pleasing to hear but being confined and starting chemo, you have pretty good percentages. With your strong drive, all of us and your family and friends pulling for you, you just got to get it into remission and kedp it there. Keep the X axis straight in positive direction, don't waver in the y+ or y- and remember who is on the high z axis. Chemo won't be easy but you can handle it Chuck. We are hoping for the best for you. Keep us all posted on your progress.
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Dang! Sorry to hear, Chuck. Understand the shock. First of year was diagnosed with AML and not quite as good as odds as yours. First chemo was rough but other rounds got better and the treatment
seems is getting better. Know you have a positive attitude. It helped me hearing other people who had the same problem and being able to make it.
Pulling for you.
Gary
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Thanks, everyone, for the kind wishes. When I went in for my appointment this morning, I was prepared to hear that it had spread to my brain and all my organs. It was a great relief to find out that wasn't the case. I feel confident that I will respond to the chemo, and, if not, the Doc has told me he has a plan B and a plan C, one of which is probably surgery.
The sins of my younger days include smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. Even though I quit completely and cold turkey 20 years ago, the Oncologist said that the DNA damage done by smoking is permanent and can lead to cancer 20 or 30 years later. And, of course, I inhaled more pounds of sawdust than I'd care to think about, including decking lumber which used to be saturated in arsenic. You can also add any number of solvents and pesticides to the list of things since I never thought to wear a mask. Guess I'm lucky I didn't come down with this earlier. My lungs have done a pretty good job of holding up for 71 years.
As I said, I'm feeling pretty normal, physically. No pain although fatigue and nausea may be brought on by the chemo. I plan to stay active in the shop and I'm spending a fair amount of time playing with 3D modeling software. Who knows, maybe I'll get motivated to start documenting some of my builds.
Thanks again for the outpouring of thoughtfulness. It surely is nice to have you guys (and gal) as friends.
Chuck
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Chuck,
I'm sorry to hear this but my thoughts are with you,
Best wishes,
Simon.
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Chuck.
I'm so sorry to hear this news.
Though, I cannot add to what has already been said. My sincerest hopes and wishes are directed to you.
Keep on, keeping on.........
David D
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My thoughts are with you too, as are my best wishes for a successful treatment. Hugh.
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I was bloody sure I posted in this thread to give a small amount of moral support to Chuck.
Like a lot of things lately another senior moment. :wallbang:
Anyway Chuck..........hang in there mate and beat it; like you have all the other things life has thrown at you.
Best Regards
Bob
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Hi Chuck
Im very sorry to hear youre news. Hang in and I hope the treatment goes well for you.
Best wishes
Frazer
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I'm sorry to hear your news :( however your very positive attitude will certainly help you along :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:
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I am sorry to hear this Chuck...keep up the positive attitude and I wish nothing but the best for you.
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Sorry to hear the news Chuck, keep smiling, we are all thinking of you :ThumbsUp:
Ian S C
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Sorry to hear Chuck, but good news from the Doc. Stay tough and we'll be thinking of you!
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you are in my prayers.
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hang in there my friend and fight every inch of the way the odds are well in your favour.
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Chuck,
Best wishes to you in your fight with this thing.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Mike Nay
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Hello Chuck,
We are very sorry to hear about your illness.
Hoping the chemo will do his work and you overcome this.
You are in our prayers.
Tjark.
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Chuck,
I am so sad to here this terrible news. You are in my prayers. Keep up the good spirits and remember with God all things are possible.
You have my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Lonnie Kiger
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Sorry to hear of your health issues, Chuck. Hang in there.
Thinking of you,
Rudy
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Chuck,
Very sorry to hear this news. As everyone says keep positive. The positivity works, a young friend of mine was diagnosed at Christmas, just as she was due to get engaged, but she stayed really positive and having finished chemo and part way through radiography she has been declared clear. Youv'e got lots more models to build yet and to keep us all entertained with your great builds.
Thinking of you.
Colin
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Chuck,
So sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best of luck through the treatments.
Kim
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Chuck,
I am so sorry. Can't say much more than that.
--ShopShoe
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Gladly put You on the Prayer list, check in here and We will take care of that positive outlook attitude. :cheers:
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Sorry to hear about this setback.
Couldn't agree more on the positive attitude thing. I have had my share of issues, including cancer, and all the doctors have commented on having a positive outlook makes a big difference.
So go buy some green bananas, a couple of casting kits and have at it.
John
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Oh no! I am very sorry to hear that Chuck and I can sympasise with you. I came home from Cabin Fever last year with a persistent cough which turned out to be a large tumour on my right lung. It seemed to be confined to the upper lobe and the surgeon estimated that I would have a 50% chance of surviving. So I had the surgery. They ruled out chemo because of a heart condition but I had radiation.
In mid-November, I was clear of the cancer.
By the end of January, I had multiple metastases on both lungs and the radiation oncologist gave me 3 months if I didn't have chemo. So, like you, I am having chemo. Now I just need to know what, if any, effect the chemo is having.
But more importantly for me is to take this opportunity to say thank you for your posts which have inspired me to meddle with your various versions of carbies. They set me thinking and I am still thinking about them. And, of course, your engines which are always interesting.
Whatever the future holds for you, I hope it is not too uncomfortable.
Jim
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I'll just post a positive note, and 70% is pretty good odds, so with good attitude (or maybe just by being an ornery cuss) you'll win this battle and stay on the green side of the grass for a long time to come. I'm home after having 4 level cervical spine surgery April 16 and I'm feeling a bit better, but am now looking forward to similar lumbar spine surgery once this has healed sufficiently. I have lost some strength in my right arm and some numbness in my fingers, so my major league pitching career is not likely, but I'm fortunate this was discovered and dealt with before more damage was done. The guidelines for recovery from such surgery stress a positive outlook and continued activity, so I hope you can manage that and focus on the bright side of things. :old: 8) :)
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Thanks, again, to all you great folks for the support and well wishes. And, Jim, I know what you are going through, it's a real emotional ride. But, so far, the chemo is tolerable and I'm hoping for normal activity on the good days. Hope to get back to posting some builds pretty soon.
Chuck
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Hi Chuck, best wishes for a swift recovery, I to am an ex smoker, packed up 26 years ago, looks like the threat is still there, good luck with the treatment,
Peter
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Chuck - I have not been around on here for some time but due to a phone call from a friend today I had your post brought to my attention.
I can only reiterate what so many others have said and wish you a successful and speedy response to treatment in the weeks ahead. We went through the anxiety of 'waiting' about three years ago so can empathise with you there but fortunately mine proved benign which was obviously a huge relief for both of us.
There's little more to be said but we both sincerely hope that all who are affected by this condition have as easy a time as possible through the coming weeks.
Best regards - Ramon (and Sue)
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Thanks again, for the outpouring of well-wishes. Sure makes a fella feel good to know that so many like minded people are pulling for me!
I had my second round of chemo today. Like the last one, it was pretty uneventful. Laid around for 5 hours or so, alternately sleeping and chatting up the pretty nurses and assistants. No discomfort from the treatment at all. My first treatment was a week ago today. The steroids kept me feeling normal (actually better than normal) for a couple of days. On Thursday I was tired and spent a lot of time dozing in my recliner. On Friday, I just felt like crap, kind of like FLU symptoms, but no nausea. Then, I woke up Saturday morning feeling pretty chipper and have been that way since. If I don't ever feel any worse than I did on the 2 days, I can sail through this with no problem. Of course, the next hurdle is trying to land in the 70% category. Won't know that for a couple of months yet. And, while I am keeping a positive attitude and being optimistic, I'm trying to temper the optimism a bit with a measure of reality. No sense in getting too cocky at this point.
I've started thinking about another engine design. I want to stimulate a large, Fairbanks 4-cylinder, 2 stroke industrial engine from the turn of the century. It will be modeled after a 2-stroke diesel but will be powered by compressed air and my slave ball valve design. I want it to be big, maybe 3/4" bore to achieve a realistic running speed and sound without it sounding like a chainsaw! So, we'll see how it goes.
Thanks again everyone! :cheers:
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Thanks for the update Chuck, keep them cumming
get well soon so you can keep passing on your tips!
Peter
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Hiya Chuck - sorry I'm a bit late on but like Ramon I've been away for a while. I was horrified to hear your news, but, given the doc's thoughts and your personal attitude towards it, and how well you seem to be doing with the treatment so far I'm glad that you aren't feeling completely consumed. As others have said, we're all here if you need anything, even if it is just an afternoon of talking bull, or engines, or both (are they the same thing?). I'm looking forward to this new idea of yours coming to fruition. All the best
Jim
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Chuck--I have always admired your ability as a very creative machinist and as a very nice man. I hope you find a way through this time of trouble, and know that my thoughts and best wishes are with you.---Brian
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Chuck:
Just returned from a trip to N Arizona and S Utah to find your post. My thoughts are with you and trust you'll work through this. I suspect you're feeling poorly a week into treatment, but hope you are able to manage some shop time. I do hope so as I'd miss your posts otherwise.
All the best.
Hugh
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Hi Chuck,
I am sorry to hear this news but am happy to hear the chemo treatments are tolerable for now. I hope you can get this in remission and start putting in some shop time.
Cheers,
Phil
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glad to here you are coping well with the chemo, and as others have said, I hope and pray this goes into remission so that we can continue to be entertained and educated by your posts.
good luck and all the best
peter
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Sorry to hear about your bad news Chuck - really hope the treatment works as well as it can. Wish you the best of luck. Nick
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My thoughts are with you, keep up the good work.
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Just wanted to post an update. A PET scan this week revealed that I'm responding well to chemotherapy and the cancer is receding. I will continue the same regimen for another 2 months followed by another scan to check progress.
Thanks to everyone for your support, concern and words of encouragement.
Chuck
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That is great to hear Chuck. I hope the side-effects of the chemo have been minimal also.
Bill
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Popular news, Chuck, the sort of progress we'd like to hear. Like Bill, I hope that the chemo is not too debilitating. Best wishes, Hugh.
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Great news Chuck, and by following your new build, it doesn't seem it has slowed you down much. Keep those cards and letters coming.
Eric
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Best bit of news today chuck - keep it rolling.
Ian
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Good news Chuck. We're pulling for you :ThumbsUp:
Cheers,
Phil
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Excellent news Chuck.
Tom
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Great to hear that. Excellent news!
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If our support from all over the world can help then you are a shoe-in to beat this.
Jim
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Chuck my friend that is great news, just keep moving forward were behind you.
Don
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Hey Chuck
I would like to echo what the other guys have said; great news on your progress.
Dave
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Great news Chuck! :ThumbsUp:
So glad to hear it.
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Chuck, glad to hear of your good report. Hang in there we are all pulling for you.
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Glad to hear it seems to be working well for you, Chuck. Hoping and praying that it continues to improve over the next two months!
Kim
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Great news Chuck! We're pulling for you!...
Dave
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Chuck-
That is great news! You continue to be in my prayers.
-Bob
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Great to hear things are working Chuck
Best Wishes
--ShopShoe
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Chuck--I am pleased for you. I hope your treatments continue to work and that they don't make you feel ill. You have my best wishes.---Brian
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Good to hear, Chuck. I haven't been active here lately but I check in once in a while. I admire your "enginuity" :praise2: