The beginning of the end for yours truly

Chat with other Parrotheads about dis and dat.

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Wino you know
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The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by Wino you know »

Well, gang, brace yourselves, I have some news, it’s about me, and it isn’t good. (Not for me, anyway).
All summer long, I’ve had health issues, mostly severe non stop coughing. (Just ask Larry).
My doctors and I were convinced it was nothing more than a fungal infection from mold spores I may have inhaled when I had water damage done to my home back in June. Since fungus forms around water, heat and humidity, it made sense. June in Iowa is EXTREMELY hot and humid.
Fast Forward to November when nothing helped with the cough and a test of 45 different allergies all proved negative, a chest X-Ray was ordered, something small but not suspicious showed up. Another chest X-Ray was done on the 4th of this month- the growth increased, so a CT scan was ordered. That’s when I got the news- a large mass (6 centimeters) was on my lower left lung, so a Spirometry (breathing test), M.R.I., and PET scan were ordered. The PET scan indicated lung cancer, and possibly metastasized into my pelvis. I met with a Pulmonologist this morning for a biopsy. Stage 4 lung cancer was confirmed. Chemotherapy to start just after Christmas.
Folks, this is what life is sometimes.
Please, please cherish the ones you love, cherish the ones who love you, please do not choose your friends by which sports team they cheer for, who they vote for, or even who THEY choose to love. Everybody in your life’s circle has something of value to offer. Embrace that.
Try to remember those less fortunate than you- give a dollar to the Salvation Army bucket next time you go to Target or wherever, give something to a food bank where the people there take care of the hungry who have nobody to spend the holidays with, and PLEASE, remember our veterans and the animals at the shelter.
In closing, I just want to say if, at any time, I’ve EVER said or did anything to upset you, I am sorry as can be. I’m deeply humbled and greatful for the friendship of all of you, and for all of you indulging me since 2002 when I wanted to come here and “play Jimmy Buffett” for a couple hours.
I sincerely wish everyone a Merry Christmas (or however you choose to celebrate the holiday or not), and to everyone, EVERYONE, a very happy, healthy, and joyous 2020.
tailgaitingph
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by tailgaitingph »

(((Garry)))

I enjoyed every minute I've spent with you & hope to see you again!

I'm sorry
You're only as young as you are right now. Make the best of it!

~/)~/)~/) RIP Bubba ~/)~/)~/)
dnw
Last Man Standing
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by dnw »

This sucks!!! I love you!!! Never, never, never give up!!! Lots of prayers, good thoughts and phin power headed for you. Keep us up-to-date with your chemo.
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Debbie
bodypainter
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by bodypainter »

Aw, geez. I'm sorry (((Garry))).
If I wasn't fishing in this all day rain,I'd be home doing something stupid.
sistergoldenhair
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by sistergoldenhair »

I am usually good with words but words fail this time. I will include you in my rosary every day.
I'm just tryin to get by, being quiet and shy, in a world full of pushin and shove
RIPH
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by RIPH »

Garry

This sucks but you are strong! Stay positive and you will beat it. Phin power and prayers from me and Luanne. Will be thinking of you. Lots of love to you my Phriend.
...Gypsy rain, dang hurricanes, white silver sandy shore...
tigzoe
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by tigzoe »

(((HUGS!!!)

For someone who spends a lot of time on the phone, I am at a loss for words! I'm sooo sorry you are going through this but I am happy that you finally have answers after all of the months! I've seen wonderful things happen with chemo patients at work and I certainly hope the same to you!

Keep being an advocate for yourself!

Tig
"That which is around me does not affect my mood; my mood affects that which is around me."
Carolinadreamin'
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by Carolinadreamin' »

Lots of phin power, love and prayers coming at you Gary!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Pinot Noir in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO"
SMLCHNG
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by SMLCHNG »

As as a Moderator, I want to delete this thread. :cry: :cry: :cry: ;)

I love you, friend.
springparrot
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by springparrot »

((((Garry))))
You know how much you are loved. You have brought so much happiness to all of us.
Keep fighting
❤❤❤
surfpirate
Here We Are
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by surfpirate »

Prayers. Love. Thoughts. And beer.
Repeat.
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FunkHouse9
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by FunkHouse9 »

I regretted that I wasn't able to meet up with you and Kate when you were in DC a while back. I was tied to work when you were passing my way on your way out of town. I sincerely regretted not getting to see you then and was truly thrilled when I got to redeem that when you came to Bristow. I'm just another face in your long line of Buffett-based friends, but you've always stuck out to me. We are very different politically, but I always enjoyed sparring with you on those topics on FB. Somehow it felt different with you and I hope you never thought otherwise of those conversations with me. I'll choose to have an optimistic outlook on it all. You're a good man Garry and I'm sorry you have to go through this.
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Maybe it's because in spite of all the work we do, it's the child in us we really value.
Big Phan
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by Big Phan »

((((Garry))))
alphabits
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by alphabits »

Aw crap, I’m really sorry to hear this. Having been on a couple of these “C” cruises, I know how much getting that diagnosis sucks. But I know you’re a tough guy and up to the challenge of the fight that lays ahead. Kick cancer’s ass!
jbfinscj
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by jbfinscj »

It was an honor meeting you and getting to hang out with you two years ago at the preshow in Bristow. We’re all pulling for you pal!
I'm back to livin' Floridays
Blue skies and ultra-violet rays

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Elrod
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by Elrod »

sistergoldenhair wrote: December 17, 2019 7:18 pm I am usually good with words but words fail this time.
SMLCHNG wrote: December 17, 2019 8:49 pm I want to delete this thread. :cry: :cry: :cry: ;)

I love you, friend.
alphabits wrote: December 17, 2019 10:23 pm I know you’re a tough guy and up to the challenge of the fight that lays ahead. Kick cancer’s ass!
I can't think of anything to add. You can beat this, Chief!
Dr.Corona
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by Dr.Corona »

Elrod wrote: December 17, 2019 11:25 pm
sistergoldenhair wrote: December 17, 2019 7:18 pm I am usually good with words but words fail this time.
SMLCHNG wrote: December 17, 2019 8:49 pm I want to delete this thread. :cry: :cry: :cry: ;)

I love you, friend.
alphabits wrote: December 17, 2019 10:23 pm I know you’re a tough guy and up to the challenge of the fight that lays ahead. Kick cancer’s ass!
I can't think of anything to add. You can beat this, Chief!
You're in my thoughts G. Remembering how chatting with you about losing spouse's helped ease my pain at my first MoTM.
In the words of Jim Valvano....Don't give up....Don't ever give up!!
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LIPH
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by LIPH »

Hang in there Garry, there's still a lot of Hooters girls to visit.

what I really mean . . . I wish you were here
big john
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by big john »

Man I'm really sad to hear this. I think I first met you in Atlantic City. You had a big smile on your face.
Hang in there and fight the good fight.
Who's got the rum?
TommyBahama
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Re: The beginning of the end for yours truly

Post by TommyBahama »

Garry , you are always a pleasure to be around. Even if you are a Yankee fan. This is definitely sad news. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong my friend.
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