I think you all know me by now....welllllll, maybe not entirely. What I have received from you all has literally saved my life...and, if there is a better man/woman than DJ...I have yet to meet or know of him/her.

Have been at ch.com for years...sometimes lurking...lately participating... because...as my teachers implied or taught...ya GOTTA give back.

I try...I really do...and sometimes I ask for help...cuz what is family for if ya can't ask when ya need it? Been doing that a lot lately...as most men would tell you..it's a hard road and not something I used to think I would EVER do. Been "healthy" most of my life...took it for granted. Things not so great lately...I can handle CH...screw THAT beast...you all taught me how.

Then along came the big "c"...and danged if I don't care a damn about that either...again...YOU! Now, and I have to ask...isn't there some rule where they have to stop kicking a man when he's down?

Well, enough already! On Friday I go in for spinal surgery. Seems I have an arthritic spine with bone spurs that are pressing on my cord and causing all kinds of unpleasant effects. Doc said 2 weeks ago...."if it was me, I'd be in the hospital TOMORROW...this is bad s**t."

I'm conflicted on posting this.... aren't y'all as tired of my dilemmas as I am? Don't y'all have problems too?
Can honestly say I care more about those than mine.

Anyway...miracles happen on ch.com..I've seen 'em.
If ya can spare a thought or a prayer this Friday...I'd really appreciate it. Have NEVER thought you or I deserve any of this, or did something that caused it...life happens...we deal with it as it comes. Have felt the wind beneath my wings more often than I can say
from y'all...just one more time, ok ? Good hospital (UW)...good Doc....I checked.....oh my, I'm so tired....

Best,

Jon

I will be thinking of you & praying for you, Jon.

Don't be conflicted. This is what family is for.

Charlotte

Man you don't ever have to feel bad about asking for prayers on here. I will be praying for you especially during the day on Friday.

Talk to you when you get back. :)

ALL of our love and prayers headed your way dear sir! 

NEVER feel like you can't or shouldn't bring these things up, we are family, and we stick together..through the thick and the thin of things.

Keep us posted when you can and we will see you back here soon!

:-*

All our prayers and healing thoughts coming your way Jon!!  Look forward to seeing you back soon!!

Dallas Denny

We got your back, Jon.

Give those nurses what for.

I'll add that gladly my friend.  I'll pass it along at church tomorrow as well.  How long will you be in hospital? 

Jerry

Sending all the best we can, Jon.   

George

Man Jon, just one thing after another for you... We will certainly keep you in our prayers this week and through your recovery. Do let us know how it went as soon as possible.

Ya got it friend... Prayers and good vibes going your way... :-*

All the very best Jon.

Come through safe and sound Friday.

Prayers, Iddy

Sending you all the positivity that I can.  Think of your upcoming surgery this way, "what better day to have surgery than *Good Friday*.

Here you go Jon, just for you.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Let us be your bridge.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Jon
I will totally keep you in my prayer's and thought's! Stay strong my friend!!

Jon

I'll be thinking of and praying for you on Friday... and always.

Jeannie

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Jon.

Beth

Haven't stopped yet, Jonboy. ,matters not what kinda pickle you're in, plenty of love and support coming your way!
I'm letting you do things YOUR way nowadays.....you just have to ask.....
You know how to reach me, if you need a voice, or an ear or silence. I'm here for you, Jonboy!
One favor......if you're going to be hospitalized for more than a few (3 or more) days, couldja call someone, let us know you're coming along just fine, couldja please???

Hey, if I rub my hands together really fast and really hard, I can make sparks fly and people will think I'm magic.....wanna see??

Remember, Jonboy, the ties on your hospital gown go in the back...unless people are standing behind you.....THEN they go in the front....... umm, unless people are standing in front of....... hmmm....take a robe with you, ok?

Looking forward to good news,
your short sis from a different mom.......
Cathi

jon019 wrote on Mar 30^th, 2010 at 10:03pm:

I'm conflicted on posting this.... aren't y'all as tired of my dilemmas as I am? Don't y'all have problems too? tired....      Jon

My Dearest Jon..

Yes we do have problems... but I want you to know that YOUR PROBLEM is OUR PROBLEM...

The word YOUR also contains the words' YOU & OUR... So always remember, your problem are our problem and we are always there for YOU


I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and Prayers.... and place your name on the Prayer list at Bible Study this Evening..

Peace & Blessings
Ruthie

Continuing to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Speedy recovery to you, Jon.

You're important to us....we need to know how you are.  Please keep posting.

Love to you,
Jackie

We're family Jon...you buy me a beer when I need one, I buy you a beer when you need one. Our prayers heading over, we'll get you through this. [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=hug.gif]

Joe

You have been told many many times to lean on us and this time is no different.  If you close your eyes and concentrate real hard I'll bet you can FEEL all of our prayers and good vibes on their way to you.

I like it that your Dr. said "If it was me..."   that would give me confidence that this surgery is right and should be done.
Hope they give you something wonderful for the pain following surgery.   ;D

    

Jon,

I'm glad that you decided to let us know! Yes, we are all pulling for you - and will continue to do so.

Prayers are on the way to you right now and especially on Friday.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Sandy

You got it Jon.  Your balls have to be purple from getting kicked so much. >:(

Looking forward to your "that wasn't so bad" post next week. ;)

Good luck with everything.  I'll be thinking of you and praying.

-Dennis-

Stepdad had the same thing said he felt 90 before the surgery and 20 after, said the only problem was reminding himself that he was not 20 and to keep from doing something stupid like jumping off something tall and hurting himself. Hope you have the same experience my friend.
Vibes on the way.

Matt

we're pullin' for ya Jon....

Like Marc says, we're glad you checked in and we are all pulling for you.

Lots of thoughts and prayers Jon.

Charlie

Jon, my prayers are with you always, no matter what you go through.

Love you brother,
:)mel

Prayers on the way from Canada Jon.  We've all seen what the miracle of prayer can do.

Hugs
Carol

I haven't exactly taken a poll or counted, but I'll bet anything that out of 50 people who have asked for prayers on this site....49 have gotten positive results for whatever they needed praying for. 

This place is amazing Jon...as are you.

Luinda,

You are right. I've seen it over and over again. If you pay attention and watch, it is rather awe inspiring sometimes.

Oh my...probably last post for a while...I would say you folks amaze me...but then, I've been here long enough to know there aint nothing more amazing than clusterheads and their supporters .....THIS family.

I didn't expect to fall apart for another 20 yrs...but seems "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley." ...that Bobby Burns...he knew some shite!

CH used to scare me...then I found ch.com. Cancer scared me....then I heard from you all...THIS petrifies me (never been operated on)...and I wonder how much more I can take?

Yup, I know...this is a no-brainer...a wheel chair or a chance to be "normal" again (that's a joke...clusterheads aint normal). But I have seen 2 neurosurgeons and 5 nurses of varying responsibility and knowledge....NOT ONE had ever heard of Ch....one even gave me the cursed "oh ya, I have migraines too". Yikes....one beast at a time and I am scared spitless that my carefully titrated measures for "control" would be ignored. Thankfully, they say they will boot me out of the hospital the next day...I'll crawl out if I have to.

As has been said...stay stressed...always....AGAIN I find this latest has resulted in a "low" cycle..not worried about a stress free life for a while...little benefits...I'll take 'em.

Have been advised..."no worries"...we will make sure you have plenty of narcotics (oxy-whatever)...I suspect they are gonna be surprised when I don't use 'em...broke a hip in '02 and it hurt like a b**** but only took two tabs.....another small bene of CH...pain?...that aint pain....

Oh...I'm gonna stop now...just rambling and too many things rumbling through my tiny mind...please...just know...I am extremely grateful for the support and prayers and thoughts and vibes....see ya on the rebound.

Love,

Jon boy

Bless your heart and soul. God will be with you as he always is. I will pray all day for you. Lots of love:)

You hang in there Jon. I realy don't have the faith to pray anymore, but sending you all the positive vibes I possibly can.

I used to say, "I wonder if I wound up with CH so that, in the future whatever would happen that I could not handle, I would be able to handle it alot better since nothing can be worse than CH." In a way, I think that is true for all of us: we all have had horrid things come our way that, had we not fought a beast like CH, we might not be able to handle.

Will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts. Stay strong.

Peace,
Carl D

Hiya,

I’m back…and apparently the op went well…cuz I’m back! Did wake up with a black eye and a bruised ear…guess they like to beat up the old guys when they get a chance. Actually a very impressive place….every member of the surgical team (incl pre and post) introduced themselves at one point or another. I was trying to keep track of names but gave up at about 15. Doc came to see me right after surgery, then later in my room because, he said, let’s try this when you’re sober  (funny guy, I heard him the first time…no, really)….

Essentially have the equivalent of a broken neck so I’m off work for the next 6+ weeks.
Short term disability covering most expenses.

Taking delicious afternoon naps (which serve dual purposes) and doing balcony walks….thinking I’m already walking better…but that could be the drugs talking.

Did quit smoking…surgeon insisted or no op…bones don’t heal well in presence of nicotine. As he said, I don’t mind doing this once but I hate repeating myself for no reason. I promised so that’s it….finding it very interesting when the craving hits. First thing in the morning and right after a nap are worst…. it was automatic without realizing…it’s all I can think about for a few…also supposing after a hit I’m gonna be a hurtin unit. Sometimes the thought of a smoke after a hit is what gets me through the hit…..thankfully, low cycle right now…it’s the streesh! Finding that keeping my smokes at the store easier than not smoking them when they are here. Yup, I know, try this quittin business when you are sober…then report back…..I will.

Thank you all for the kind words, vibes, and prayers….one more hurdle crossed.

Best,

Jon

Jon..

I am very happy to see that you are up and posting.....My thoughts and prayers are with you.....Lenny

Yay Jon!  Glad things went well.  Surgery always hurts, but 9 times out of 10 it will make things better, not worse.  Speedy healing vibes headed your way!

Love ya!
:)mel

---

Glad it all went well.  A note here, after the first 72 hours, the nicotine is out of your system and the physical cravings are gone.  Now all you have to do is have a daily battle with your brain!

Carolyn

Great news, Jon!!!!!!!!!!!
Really appreciate you keeping us updated.

Love and a gentle hug... :)
Jackie

great news Jon! And congrats on quitting smoking too.

Very glad to hear that things went well, Jon.   :)

All the best,

George

Rest.....recover....and keep on keeping on my friend.

Good to hear the surgery went well. 

Hugs,

Pegg

good luck

Hoping things better for you and good recovery, Jon. 

That's great news, John!  Congrats on quitting!  Take care of yourself.  You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth

jon019 wrote on Apr 6^th, 2010 at 10:50pm:

Hiya, I’m back…and apparently the op went well…cuz I’m back!

good deal. [smiley=thumb.gif]

Hi Jon,

Unless I counted wrong, there're 37 "good luck," "sending prayers," "love for you," "get well soon," "yada, yada, yada" messages that members of this forum have taken the time to write. For you! Looks to me like lots of folks care about what happens to you. Maybe that's because it's obvious to them that there's nothing wrong with your heart. The loving kindness that it projects is obvious even from your written words. You'll do fine.

Ron

Great news Jon!

Keep healing

Iddy :)

A very gently MANLY  [smiley=hug.gif]!  Glad for the good news!  We're still praying, adn I'll ask the teens to pray for you again tonight. 

Jerry

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Good news Big Man..... ;)



Lefty

Terrific Jon!

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Charlie

Last month, before all this latest crap…my Brother…knowing my musical tastes… bought me tickets to see John Prine at the Paramount in Seattle.

So, 3 days before surgery, I told the surgeons asst (cute Chinese lady, got a couple of laughs out of her) that I had tickets to JOHN PRINE in 2 weeks! Really want to go….whadda ya think? Well…hmmm….that would not be advisable…you will be weaker than you think…nope, don’t go….

Rats…so tried the doc himself…Korean dude, 40ish…”John Who? ”…double rats…doesn’t even know who I’m talking about…”nope…you shouldn’t go”….

So then…HYPOTHETICALY…if I HAD gone, this MIGHT have been what happened.

At will call…I would have been nervous…I always worry about will call tickets…stuff happens, ya know? But then, sometimes, the entertainment starts BEFORE the entertainment. The lady in front of me WOULD have said…”I’m a friend of John’s wife…she always has a post concert party…and I’m sure she left an invite for ME! Where’s the party?” Will call clerk would have a passive face…honed over years of hearing every bs story imaginable…nary a twitch, and say… “Nope, nothing here….” Lady says…”but I’m sure…she always does…at least did she leave tickets?” Clerk….”Nope” and he would have then looked at me in a manner of polite dismissiveness. She would then have reluctantly slinked away…but still…God Bless her….provided additional yucks when I could have overheard her, on my way to the door, tell her beau…”didn’t work…guess we’ll have to BUY tickets!”    Bwaaaaaaa-hahahahaha…ya think? Note here: During the concert, John MIGHT have said, my wife, Fiona, is in Memphis tonight.

Too much fun?…naw…not yet! After being seated…a couple might have shown up and said…”excuse me, but I think you are in our seats…uh ha..uh ha”. Me…nope…uh ha…uh ha…here’s mine (and then he showed me his)…THE SAME… Much consternation would have ensued….ushers would have appeared THREE freaking times to “check” the tickets…the last time during the opening act…at which time I was finally getting pissed…and ALMOST had the chance to say…get the F out of my face and fix this! …but then the young man said…’we’ll fix this”…damn right you will, show’s on…..and I wasn’t moving…they never came back….

Note: my cynical side would have  surmised that the Paramount, realizing these were pledge tickets, purchased by an OUT OF TOWN buyer, simply figured no one would show and RESOLD the seats…but then, that’s just me surmising…IF I had been there….


So, to continue, that is, IF I had been there…the opening act would have been Dan Reeder. Never heard of him?…neither have I. A funny, folkie type, totally unassuming, seemed uncomfortable in front…and said so. Among the quips was…”they told me if I don’t play for at least 30 mins they won’t pay me…and if I play for longer than 35…they gonna drag me off. I’m thinking John picked a good one…also said his 13 yr old daughter hates his music…didn’t seem to bother him….he don’t care bout what don’t matter………I’m liking that…..

Had the audience in his palm…unassuming works when you open for a class act. My favorite WOULD have been a song entitled “I got ALL the f****n’ work I need”…title AND entire lyrics! Repeated…melodically! Got the audience singing along…at one point would have said…I don’t think you Seattle folks work hard enough…. cuz that’s f****n weak! The audience would then have proved him wrong…….we DO!

JP then would have come on. After an interminable 35 minute wait (gotta sell those lobby drinks methinks)….started slow…looked kinda chunky (I can relate…he’s a cancer survivor…never know when you gonna need those pounds). The 2 hour! show then would have built in passion and performance…at one point he might have mentioned that his early songs always killed off the protagonist…making it difficult for a sequel…he then made up for it…..his backup band (one on bass, the other on guitar, mandolin, harp, ukulele, acoustic, electric…Jason Wilber…..he gonna be a star!) SUPERB….if I had seen it…..that is…

Yup…WOULD have been a WONDERFUL show…by a real professional…with passion and panache…and the best lyrics this side of Dylan or John and Paul….and the drunk lady next to me would have provided delightful giggles and WHOOPS throughout….

But then…I probably wasn’t there, if anyone asks…cuz if I was…I would owe my Brother a WORLD of THANKS!………………………………………………………

As BB King would say…”Sommmmmmme-dayyyyyyy baaaaaa-bee……”

Later

Love

JB

Saw John Prine and Todd Snider at the Alberta Bair Theater. I envy you my friend.  Oh and saw Dylan at the Shrine Auditorium gymnasium.

                 Potter

Potter wrote on Apr 19^th, 2010 at 7:36pm:

Saw John Prine and Todd Snider at the Alberta Bair Theater. I envy you my friend.  Oh and saw Dylan at the Shrine Auditorium gymnasium.                  Potter

But he made it "perfectly" clear that this is what "would" have happened "if" he had been there. 

Doctors told him not to go, and we KNOW he'd never ignore his Doctors..... ;)

Sounds like it could have and would have been a very memorable evening Jon.  Had you have gone of course. :-*

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Potter wrote on Apr 19^th, 2010 at 7:36pm:

Saw John Prine and Todd Snider at the Alberta Bair Theater. I envy you my friend.  Oh and saw Dylan at the Shrine Auditorium gymnasium.                  Potter

I saw Bob Dylan about 15 years ago!

Hey Jon,

Nice to hear JP is still puttin on a great show!  Saw him several times in the 70's and 80's when he was playin the college circuit and have been a fan ever since!!  I've had his Anthology "Great Days" 2 CD set with some of his best cuts since the mid 90's, Dear Abby, Illegal Smile, Angel from Montgomery, and It's a Big Ol Goofy World.....when I met my wife a little over 10 years ago, I had a Saturday morning ritual of listenin to both CD's and my wife fell in love with him too.  Took her to see him here in Dallas at the Majestic Theater 3 or 4 years ago....same deal, just him and the upright bass and the dude that plays every instrument known to man....and then he sent both of em off stage and did several of the oldies... just him and his guitar....excellent....one of my favorite finger pickers of all time!!

Back when I used to see him at the Boomer Theater across the street from the OU campus he would bring all the "roadies" out on stage for the last song.....of course....Illegal Smile!!   LOL!!   My illegal smile was always smilin back at theirs!!!

DD

Jon,

I'm so glad you are well enough following surgery to be able to appreciate what "might have been".  thanks for the post!

Be well, my friend!

Jerry

Jon,

I only read this thread now. Lots of wished for a speed recovery. :)

Hugs from Finland,
Sanna

Jon, so glad to hear that you would have enjoyed seeing the concert you never saw.

All the best,

George

Maybe someone who DID go could tell you about it?!
love you loads jon boy xxx

Glad to hear what a good time you would have had.....you know...... if you were there.  ;)

Whew! That WOULDA been a great time, Jonboy!

Love those hypothetical times!!!

Now, wrap yourself back up in cotton and go to your healing corner............

Glad you're doing so well!

Cathi :D

Hi All!

Been kinda quiet lately...seems I don't have anything to say...been workin through some stuff. Finding it hard to formulate and express my thoughts...

It don't mean I don't care about y'all...you remain in my heart and prayers and thoughts...constantly. Reminds me of a true friend....one where you can sit in silence with...and still be totally comfortable (well, me anyway).

Doing better every day...I think. Tried to go to work last week...and it didn't work. As I told my boss...ALMOST forgot that I have ANOTHER issue besides this current battle, which complicates things.
He understood....

Anyway...working my way back slowly...and I cannot begin to thank you all...in any way I feel adequate what you mean to me...it's priceless. To quote Don Corleone...finger to the temple..."I don't forget"

Best,

Jon

We don't forget either, Jon.  You're in our thoughts and prayers daily.

Prayers continuing for you Jon.  Take the time you need for yourself but always remember we are only a keystroke or two away.

Hugs
Carol

Glad to hear you are doing so well that you don't need us anymore! :D  We love you anyway!  Keep improving, and we'll keep praying.

Jerry

Callico wrote on May 3^rd, 2010 at 5:28pm:

Glad to hear you are doing so well that you don't need us anymore! :D  We love you anyway!  Keep improving, and we'll keep praying. Jerry

OH NO...don't even kid about that Jerry. I'm here every day...whether I say squat or not...and I don't think I'm EVER gonna be so OK I don't need you all! :P

Even if you DON'T need us - we need you. When you took a hiatus before I missed you horribly and when you came back it was like all my Christmas'es came at once.

I don't think for one minute you comprehend what you mean to people here and always have. You are a huge and important part of us and you're a bedrock too. Don't leave it too long between check ins.. please  :-*

wrote on May 3^rd, 2010 at 6:47pm:

Even if you DON'T need us -

Never said it....never meant it if implied...you guys are gonna make me cry  :'(

Cheer up old mate, and you must be getting better because you remembered to send me the six-pack you promised.

jon019 wrote on May 3^rd, 2010 at 7:07pm:

wrote on May 3rd, 2010 at 6:47pm: Even if you DON'T need us - Never said it....never meant it if implied...you guys are gonna make me cry  :'(

You can cry when I give you one of my super wedgies and not before.. even if I have to stand on a chair to do so!

I wasn't being serious, I hate the written word sometimes as "tone" can get lost. I know how much we mean to you... its ALMOST as much as you mean to us  :-*

Pish-tosh! Jonboy! We'll love bomb anyone we feel like......SO THERE!

Now, get back on the couch and mend.........and remember, we are all on that couch with you!

Cathi

Yeah so budge up and get your elbow outta my ear.. and pass the chips too!

Where's the remote? I want to watch something ELSE!

Scratch my back please... there! Don't you feel better now with a couch full of us?!  ;D

Jon, as long as you are living your life, I am happy.  As with anyone here, as long as you check in, all is good. ;)

:)mel

....been to the doc today...he released me for work! (part time anyway)...and I'm feeling like I can contribute again! Operation has alleviated 70% of symptoms...doc said that's 70% more than he expected...so he is delighted...me, I'm greedy and want the other 30%....we'll see. New kinda stress now...but that'll work cuz...

...in a LOW cycle (only 1-2 hits per day)...knock those suckers out with O2 and "wired"...

...cancer is "stable" (shhhh...that's whispered)...

...feeling a whole lot better....and life is GOOD!!!!!!

THANK YOU ALL,

jb

You just made my day!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)
I LOVE posts like this!!!!!!!!! :-* :-*

Wow Jon that is SUCH good news!

Fantastic news Jon, big time congratulations! [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Joe

jon019 wrote on May 12^th, 2010 at 5:57pm:

...feeling a whole lot better....and life is GOOD!!!!!! THANK YOU ALL, jb

Wonderful!!!! :D

Thats what I like to hear!

That news ROCKS Jon!  I am SO happy for you!!!

[smiley=grin2.gif] [smiley=grin2.gif] [smiley=grin2.gif] [smiley=grin2.gif] [smiley=grin2.gif] [smiley=grin2.gif] [smiley=grin2.gif]

Oh Jon....I'm so happy to hear this I'm nearly in tears.

Keep the great news coming my friend.

Fantastic news!!!!  Now just keep on keepin' on Jon!!!

Hugs
Carol

Fantastic, super, wonderful, fabulous, tremdous, spectacular news Jon.

I'm doing the happy dance for you.

Ahhhh START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Terrific news and we can read it in your post just how good you feel!

About time and I know more to come!

Charlie

I've been doing the happy dance for you my friend!  Here's to continued improvement and the beast losing your address!

Jerry

That's wonderful news, Jon.   :)

Fantastic!

Best wishes always,

George

jon i never had any doubts man ;)

God is good all the time
                and
           All the time God is good

So happy to hear such great news Jon.....

Peace & Blessings
LL