You have cancer...(ME)

John R. Hall

Keep fighting -- I know you will overcome. Take care, my friend.

[Deleted User]

Wallies...

I posted a short message last week about going in to get my thyroid glands removed. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it then, because I didn't know at that point in time if I was in real trouble, nor how much trouble I was in. The "discovery" happened about 6 weeks ago while I was getting an MRI for a pinched nerve issue I was trying to work out. The MRI tech left me a message and said that they saw a pretty good sized node on one of my thyroids, and that I should get it checked out. Whooda thunk!

Upon further investigation, through a needle biopsy, it was determiend that the node contained "a-typical cells", which weren't cancer, but also weren't normal. The S.O.P. is to remove that half of the gland which is known to be suspect, and have a pathologist in the surgery theatre to diagnose the node on the removed gland, and make an instantaneous decision as to whether or not to take out the rest of the gland. The pathologist determined that it was indeed a papillary type of cancer on the node, so I got the news when I woke up.

NO cancer is a good cancer, but if there is a good cancer, this is the cancer to have. Caught early enough, it has a 97-1/2% cure rate and less than 2 % chance of spreading and causing long term issue's with any of the other glands. My surgeon felt confident that he had gotten most all of the affected glandular material and that it didn't appear to have spread.

I am a very lucky man.

During the next 6 to 8 weeks, they are going to keep me on a hormone replacement therapy (Cytomel) for the thyroid gland, and have me stop taking it abbruptly to cause any remaining thyroid to become starved for iodine. Then, they will give me an radioactive iodine cocktail which will be sucked up by the iodine starved thyroid materials that remain, thereby killing off any residual cancer cells.

This diagnosis comes as somewhat of a shock, as it would to anyone, but I figure that THE Man has a long term plan for me, and that the plan is to help educate my fellow mankind in more ways than just hydronics.

Chances are that 98% of the people reading this will end up with some sort of node on one or more of their thyroid glands. The education is that we need to pay more attention to our bodies, and have regular cancer screenings for all types of cancers to provide for early detection and elimination of this deadly disease.

Cancer will affect everyone reading this, either directly or indirectly. All we can do is the best we can do with the information we have available to help everyone detect and prevent it from spreading to the point of no return...

Thanks to everyone who I know will keep me in their thoughts and prayers. You people are invalueable, and the power of prayer is amazing in and of itself.

Remember, it WILL affect EVERYONE who reads this, in one way or another. Learn from my experience, and pay it forward.

I'm a fighter, and a survivor. You have to keep a good attitude in order to kick this stuff.

I WILL survive...

ME

Dave Yates (PAH)

You

were already in our thoughts and prayers following last week's post. Doubly so now.

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Paul Pollets

Thinking of you...

Mark, I'm feeling for you. Went through the same last year and after 2 very painful biopsies, still don't know if the nodule is benign. I refused to undergo a 3rd biopsy. As you know, thyroid is the easiest to deal with high cure rates. I learned more my googling "thyroid nodule" than from the physicians. Speaking of Google...look at the sidebars!

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Weezbo

i am overly educated on this subject *~/:)

so, let me roll with ...there is development mentally, physically and spiritually as long as we are alive on this planet and at any time we may recognise the Truth.

The struggle is not over till its over.

Ross_7

Strength & Integrity

Hang in there, Mark! You'll get through this!

hr

Hang tough, ME

We will be thinking and pulling for you. Thanks also for the reminder. Check up tend to get put off to easily.

hot rod

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jackchips_2

Anyone

reading this who had not been affected in some way by the horrible disease "cancer" have now through you Mark.

I agree with GrandPah. We were pulling for you before and even more so now.

Jack

Simply Rad_2

Life beyond hydronics!

Let us all realize the importance of life beyond hydronics(work)! Take a deep breathe and enjoy what is infront of you today because this is it,our one chance. Again, let us all learn a lesson here from THE MAN-ME and not let this disease get any of us reading this article
Thanks again for the always appreciated heads up. Hold on tight and know that we are here for you.
Best of luck Jeffrey

Constantin

Hey, glad you caught it!

Preesumably this has to do with the C5 disk? Has that gotten better? I hope so!

kevin coppinger_4

My sister...

went through the similar situation and is doing wll now...you will be in my prayers...fight the good fight! kpc

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David Sutton_6

Mark ....

You are a withness to hope, a player in the battle of life and and its sort commings. May you be side by side with the one who made hope and continue to share it, I Will pray for you and for myself that i to would have the courage to face life and sickness as you have shown...Thank you for sharing this with us. and you are right it will effect us all.....David

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S Ebels

You got it Mark

Not the cancer, but the fact that THE MAN has a plan for each and every one of us if we'll just slow down and listen to him. It's always a good plan. Lot's of times the sailing isn't always smooth but the landing is always a safe one. Keep the faith bro, you'll be in the prayers of the Ebels tribe.

Unknown

Mark

I missed your short message last week . No need to say it , but I know you will come through healthy as an ox . Where was the pinched nerve ? Was the node and the pinched nerve related or did they pick it up separately while looking at the MRI ?

[Deleted User]

I know you'll fully recover Mark...

since it has been absolutely clear for eight years that you will be "the man" on our Colorado project whenver it finally happens. Keep on fighting; mere survival isn't 'you' -- you'll thrive!

Jim Pompetti

Cancer sucks

My wife just finished surgery and will start cymo, in the coming weeks. Cancer does touch each one of us every day. The cure is out there and all it takes is money to find it,and of course, people who are willing to give there time and brain power. So we pray for the victims and pray for the doctors who are looking to help wipe put this disease.

Gregory Pex

I'm glad ...

to hear you are on the mend.
I stopped by your shop on Friday to get an update. You have been in my prayers over the last few day's buddy.

[Deleted User]

Ron Jr...

The pinched nerve thing was a completely seperate issue, and for the most part has settled down to the point that I may opt to not do anything about it unless it becomes an issue again.

The tumor was "inadvertently" discovered when they were doing an MRI on my neck for the nerve issue.

Get yourself and your loved ones checked out, and quit smoking, will ya:-) No sense in ASKING for trouble...

Thanks for your thoughts.

ME

singh

My thoughts

and prayers are with you,Mark.
Your strong will and positive attitude will pull you thru this, I'm sure.

Devan



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Mad Dog_2

You are a TANK ...........Mark

Nothing stops the M1 Abrams! Caught it early which means EVERYTHING. Fear not , you will beat this and Die of old age. Now, go kick the crap out of it!!!!! Mementote! (note well)If you aren't happy with the treatments, Sloan-Kettering in NYC is thee place. My prayers are with you my man. If you need support or some psycho motivation I am here. Love you man. You're gonna KILL THE CANCER!!!!!! Mad dog

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Unknown

You are definitely

in my prayers. Keep the faith God is able to do all things well.

Terry_14

Prayers

Although cancer has not affected my family directly I have lost friends.

Thanks for sharing yours with friends on the wall. Our prayers will be with you in the days and weeks to come.

Hugs Terry & Cindy Thayer

Darin Cook_2

Mark

Hang tough! Keep your thought process in a productive manner! I wish I knew what you know about hydronics. You know, I have never met you in person and YOU have made a DIRECT impact in how "I" view the field of hydronic heating. If there is something you need, I and Mark will support you in what you need!!! Keep us informed!


Darin

Cosmo_3

kick the **** out of it ME

As humbling as hearing those words from a doctor can make us sometimes, I am just sick and tired of seeing people I love, and people I know falling to cancer. Mark you have the right attitude, get pissed and get rid of it!

I will keep you in my prayers buddy


Cosmo Valavanis

Dependable P.H.C. Inc.

Dan Foley

Mark

Mark,

I know what you are going through. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. You are tough and you will beat this. -DF

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Jeff Lawrence_25

Mark,

We just got back from visiting my Dad. Several of the doctors (and nurses) said he wouldn't get out of the hospital still breathing. He did.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and TLL. We're glad you caught it early and have an excellent chance.

The Lawrence's

Paul Rohrs

Fight

Mark,

If you fight this like you "hydronic", it won't stand a chance. Keep the faith. Fight the fight.

Paul

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Jamie_6

Mark,

Cancer is a scary and real thing. I am shocked at the rate it has become present in my own family. Within the last two years my birth mother, grandmother, and step mother have battled with breast cancer.

I will keep you in my prayers and I know you will be alright! You are a fighter!

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bob_50

Mark

Good luck Mark, You are in our thoughts. bob

jwade55_2

You are in our prayers ME.

And I'm glad I scheduled that checkup for next week, at 31 I still feel invincible, but my wife leads me to believe otherwise, she is much smarter than I.

J

EBEBRATT-Ed

Mark glad they foud this early it makes all the difference.

Jim Pompetti-My wife is batteling this. She was a stage 4 but after surgery and chemo she is in remission--keep up the fight. Chemo sucks its worse than the disease but we have no choice.

Ed

Gordy

Wish you the best!

Mark, Although I'm not from the inner circle of the wall. I always look forward to your postings. I have learned alot from you, and others here.....Guess you can say I,m one of your students, and ya did'nt even know it.

You are lucky that you went in for that pinched nerve. Most of us tend to bear with the aches, and pains. We blame them on getting older, or it will work itself out.

Obviously you did not believe that, and the man gave you the good sense to seek medical assitance. The heads up by the individual reading the MRI is a God sent. Sometimes these things get missed, when looking for something else.

Fight the good fight man, I'm thinking of you in my prayers. You will be fine, its funny how things can transpire, and come out alright.

Gordy

Gordy

Wish you the best!

Mark, Although I'm not from the inner circle of the wall. I always look forward to your postings. I have learned alot from you, and others here.....Guess you can say I,m one of your students, and ya did'nt even know it.

You are lucky that you went in for that pinched nerve. Most of us tend to bear with the aches, and pains. We blame them on getting older, or it will work itself out.

Obviously you did not believe that, and the man gave you the good sense to seek medical assitance. The heads up by the individual reading the MRI is a God sent. Sometimes these things get missed, when looking for something else.

Fight the good fight man, I'm thinking of you in my prayers. You will be fine, its funny how things can transpire, and come out alright.

Gordy

John Barba_2

Fight the good fight...

Peace and love be with you, Mark. Give it hell and never give up. The big Wethead upstairs has lots more for you to do!

JMB

Unknown

Wow.

Mark,

I’m glad to hear it was detected early. My dad had those "a-typical cells" found in his esophagus six years ago. They got to them early and he hasn’t had any problems since. Had us worried for a while.

You’ll be in our prayers Mark


Wallace Radiant Design

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Harold

Effect when you are off the thyroid hormone

I do hope you will get through this without a problem.

Just a bit of a warning. The person treating me failed to warn me about these side effects. When they remove your hormone treatment the effects can be severe. I have been through this. You can become very unbalanced mentally. You may have problems in day-to-day activities. Your judgement and ability to think may be very impared.

The hormones are very powerful things. You do not realize their effects until you get to this sort of situation. The pre-iodine testing period can be relatively short and you may not have serious side effects, but later when they may take you off the hormone for a couple of weeks to evaluate the results of the treatment. That can be very bad.

When I went through this my wife was very clear that I was impossible to live with (worse than usual). I had a telephone job interview during this exercise and it was absolutly awful. I even realized it while it was going on but it was a disaster. I could not think. Things I know, I simply could not access. Be very careful if you do things that cause places to blow up.

If they need to do iodine treatment to get any remainning tissue it can get interesting. At a low dose they will let you go home with a warning to stay away from people; especially children and pregnant women (who of course filled the elevator while leaving the hospital - I had to get on and off 4 times to be good about it). A higher dose will require a few days in a lead lined room with plastic on everything. And nurses that don't linger in the room. I wound up doing both.

And they keep telling you that the radiation does not hurt anything else. Right. If you get to this sort of process get yourself a cheap geiger counter. It is interesting to track things. I took it to the hospital and discovered that the radiology waiting room was seriously contaminated. It is one of those photo moments when they ask how you could possibly know that and you pull a geiger counter out of your shirt pocket.

Anyway - good luck.

ScottMP

Mark,

> I do hope you will get through this without a

> problem.

>

> Just a bit of a warning. The person

> treating me failed to warn me about these side

> effects. When they remove your hormone treatment

> the effects can be severe. I have been through

> this. You can become very unbalanced mentally.

> You may have problems in day-to-day activities.

> Your judgement and ability to think may be very

> impared.

>

> The hormones are very powerful

> things. You do not realize their effects until

> you get to this sort of situation. The pre-iodine

> testing period can be relatively short and you

> may not have serious side effects, but later when

> they may take you off the hormone for a couple of

> weeks to evaluate the results of the treatment.

> That can be very bad.

>

> When I went through this

> my wife was very clear that I was impossible to

> live with (worse than usual). I had a telephone

> job interview during this exercise and it was

> absolutly awful. I even realized it while it was

> going on but it was a disaster. I could not

> think. Things I know, I simply could not access.

> Be very careful if you do things that cause

> places to blow up.

>

> If they need to do iodine

> treatment to get any remainning tissue it can get

> interesting. At a low dose they will let you go

> home with a warning to stay away from people;

> especially children and pregnant women (who of

> course filled the elevator while leaving the

> hospital - I had to get on and off 4 times to be

> good about it). A higher dose will require a few

> days in a lead lined room with plastic on

> everything. And nurses that don't linger in the

> room. I wound up doing both.

>

> And they keep

> telling you that the radiation does not hurt

> anything else. Right. If you get to this sort

> of process get yourself a cheap geiger counter.

> It is interesting to track things. I took it to

> the hospital and discovered that the radiology

> waiting room was seriously contaminated. It is

> one of those photo moments when they ask how you

> could possibly know that and you pull a geiger

> counter out of your shirt pocket.

>

> Anyway -

> good luck.





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ScottMP

Mark,

Once again you impress me with your desire to help others. You have taken a very perssonal issiue and taken it public with the idea to help others. I am over whelmed constanly on the wall by the outpouring of good will and you are at the center of it.

You met me once, a veritable stranger, to talk heat and business with no other result but to help. Your writtings here on the The Wall, you classroon teachings and your articles all show your nature of giving.

Be well, be strong and I know good will come to you. I am a true believer in Karma. Good things come to those who do good.

All the best

Scott

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Wayco Wayne_2

What Scott said

is so true. Thanks for sharing this. I admire your attitude. Keep on being strong. WW

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DanHolohan

If love can cure,

then this outpouring will surely help. Thanks for all that you do for all of us, Mark.

Mike Lampkin_2

All the best Mark....

And have a speedy recovery. We have you in our prayers.
Kind Regards, ML