Naked Science Forum
General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 21/02/2009 02:47:28
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Dear all,
As some of you already know, I have been diagnosed with a rather nasty form of cancer called mesothelioma for which there is no cure. I have decided to forego chemotherapy as it is not particularly effective for this form of cancer. It would probably only prolong my life by a few weeks at most and make me feel even more ill in the meantime. I would rather spend my remaining time in as good health as possible so that I can make the most of what time is left to me.
Andrew K Fletcher has pointed me at some alternative therapies for which I am grateful and I am looking into them. Unfortunately, though, those I have so far looked at are said to be ineffective against epitheliodal cancers, of which mesothelioma is a variant.
Some of you have commented on my recent absences from the forum. These have been due to periods in hospital. I am becoming increasingly susceptible to infections as a result of the cancer and, barring a miracle, my hospital stays will become more frequent and prolonged. My health will continue to deteriorate until the point arrives where I am no longer able to visit this forum. That point may be months away or it could be just a matter of weeks; there is no way of telling. Before I do reach that stage, however, there are some things I would like to say.
Firstly I would like to thank my very good friends Neilep, PaulFr & MakeItLady for being there for me, and an extra special thank you to that miserable Texan rock-hugger JimBob who has given me, and continues to give me, so much support & encouragement. Your friendship has been a great comfort to me and I am very grateful to you all and proud to call you friends.
I would also like to thank Chris for founding TNS. It is a truly great idea and I wish him and the rest of the team success and happiness in the future. And a thank you to Dave for taking the appropriate action when the forum goes pear-shaped. (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fcomputer1%2F10.gif&hash=59b211b6834ac63caa9ed078f4370463)
I have been a member here for the best part of 4 years and I still thoroughly enjoy my visits. I have made some good friends here and learned a lot, particularly from the likes of SoulSurfer, lightarrow, iko, Bikerman and AndrewKFletcher. I hope that in my own little way I have occasionally imparted knowledge that others have found useful. I also hope that I haven't upset too many people with my dreadful jokes and callous hijacking of threads.
I am not looking for sympathy by writing this. There are others in the world who are far more deserving. I can see an end to my suffering in the not-too-distant future. Those in places such as Zimbabwe, Darfur, Iraq and Palestine do not have that luxury. It is to such places that your sympathies should be directed. I want you all to continue to treat me in the same way you always have; when I write crap, tell me so!
My life has been a good one and I approach my end with very few regrets. I have seen and done things that most people never would. There are, however, some things I should have done that I just haven't got around to and now it's too late. Please, if there is something you really want to do then just get off your ass and do it. You never know what is around the corner and life can suddenly throw a handful of crap at you that will prevent you from doing those things.
Try not to fall out with people unnecessarily or, if you do, don't be too proud to make the first conciliatory approach. I am now trying to re-build some bridges so that I can meet my end at peace with myself.
Cherish your friends and your loved ones. Show them how much you care. Don't just say it - SHOW IT!
Now, just because I'm ill, don't think I'm going to go all soft on you. My FOG head still works perfectly well and I retain the faculty of pedantry. So be aware that your grammatical errors and spelling mistakes will still be spotted. I will continue to hold no truck with idiots (you know who you are!) and take to task any who put forward moronic “theories”.
Finally, thank you all for your contributions to this forum that have made my visits so enjoyable.
My very best wishes to you all,
Your friend,
Doctor Beaver
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Thanks Eth..You are an inspiration...All My best and Huge Hugs and Thank you's.. for all of your support also.
All My Best wishes!
Karen
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You are amazing.
Everyone who knows you knows that.
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My sympathies DoctorBeaver, we'll miss you.
Can't you get a laptop with internet at hospital?
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I haven't known you long but have always appreciated your insights, clear arguments and your humour.
What you have said about suffering and the need to cherish loved ones is so true and easily overlooked in the daily round.
We have more of you to look forward to - in the meantime, go well.
Roger.
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You are a gentleman and an inspiration. Your attitude to your situation shows you to be deserving of much admiration.
Don.
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Can't you get a laptop with internet at hospital?
I have just such a beastie but there will come a time when I am too weak even to type. I don't know how long it will be before I'm in that situation & that's why I wanted to say these things now.
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My sympathies DoctorBeaver, we'll miss you.
Can't you get a laptop with internet at hospital?
DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM! He will have a laptop and broad-band connection installed in his coffin or one burned on his funeral pyre with him and we will NEVER be rid of him!
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Jolly good idea Jimbob..Mind if I insert one into mine too' using your idea!
We do all so love all our computerfriends!!!
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Oh sh*t, DB thats really awful. If this was due to asbestos I hope you sued someone. I breathed in some in a student vacation job in the late 60s when removing pipe insulation. I gathered it was a job given to students because the permanent workers were advised by their union not to do it. I found out about it later, but no obvious problems so far.
Keep fighting DB.
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Eth
My dear friend. I am truly saddened by your post and selfishly want you to keep us company for many more years to come. You are a maverick source of strength and humour and your experience in Africa has provided some stimulating insight into this troubled continent. I enjoy your quick wittedness and can’t remember a single time when you have trodden on toes within this marvellous Internet backwater.
It is an honour to share thoughts with such a knowledgeable Naked Scientist Stalwart. And let me assure those who fancy themselves as a beaver hunter. This Beaver has sunk his teeth into many topics.
Andrew
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Even after I have passed on you won't be rid of me. I intend cyber-haunting this forum. A ghost in the machine? [;D]
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I'm extremely saddened to hear this. I value your comments, insights, arguments and humour very highly indeed.
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http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/news/view.asp?ID=0019
“They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor's Story” Rhio explains what he did to survive his diagnosis of mesothelioma and provides much of the science behind his decisions. He cites nearly one hundred medical articles that support the paradigm of using nutrition to help manage a chronic disease like cancer. This inspirational book reminds us that there may be other ways to beat cancer beyond chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It also prompts us to recall the wisdom of Hippocrates, the "father of medicine." Over 2,000 years ago this Greek physician said, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor's Story is available from Amazon.com For more information please visit Rhio’s website http://mesothelioma.us.com
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb31%2FAndrew_K_Fletcher%2FPhoto%2520Misc%2FCheetahav-128.gif&hash=541da7f76e2322015dbe6ee434285218)
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Thank you once again, Andrew. As I stated earlier, I am continuing to look into the alternatives you have brought to my attention.
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Can't you get a laptop with internet at hospital?
I have just such a beastie but there will come a time when I am too weak even to type. I don't know how long it will be before I'm in that situation & that's why I wanted to say these things now.
When you are too weak to type you can use a dictaphone and get a lackey to type it for you. I'm very got with dictaphones although it is often just as good with a finger.
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Sharon - I'm good with my fingers [;)] Well, being a guitarist, I would be! LOL
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I fancy a good plucking session!
Seriously, I will set about training my teachers to educate our little darelings about difficult world issues with new gusto. What you say about the problems in other countries is so true. Cancer on the whole is the disease of a good and rich life. When you think of how many people die of diarrhea every day it gives you perspective. It still doesn't make it any better but brings things into focus.
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I fancy a good plucking session!
[:o]
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My sympathies, but... are you sure this will cause your death? Many people survive this form of cancer.
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My sympathies, but... are you sure this will cause your death? Many people survive this form of cancer.
There are some who have lived with mesothelioma for considerable periods of time (16 years in 1 instance that has been brought to my attention), but they are very few and far between. Statistically, my chances of survival are extremely low. The mortality rate within 6-12 months is in the order of 98%. But, believe me, if I can find a way to get into that other 2% then I will most certainly do so.
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read "Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide," by Paul Kraus
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Where there is life, there is always hope DoctorBeaver! [:)]
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MDriver & C4M - I am aware of all that but I will not build my hopes up. I have a positive attitude towards my situation, though, and I will not be giving up without a fight.
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There seems to be a book on just about everything. I guess I'd read everyone on the type of cancer that had gotten hold of me if I was in tour position but on the other hand I would be tempted to do silly things instead.
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If DoctorBeaver "goes" (which I hope he doesn't, even though I only met him recently), I hope he will send my regards to the following people:
1. My Paternal Grandfather (1920-1950)
2. My Maternal Grandfather (1923-1991)
3. Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
4. George Orwell (1903-1950)
5. Ian Fleming (1908-1964)
6. Charles I of England (1600-1649)
7. Horatio Gates (1728-1806)
9. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
10. Pierre van Paassen (1895-1968)
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I am Fl
eaming too!
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Fleaming. You New Zelanders and your weird lingo. I know, I know, I (at first) I made a typo!!!!!
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Heres a Fleming for ya!
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MDriver - I shall first be making a beeline for Isaac Newton & Albert Einstein.
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That initial post of yours, Doc has upset me but I do appreciate all of the wonderful
threads/posts of yours, that I've read although I'm aware that I've known you for a short
while. I hope that the hospital's treatments manage in the best way possible to keep you sharing your
enlightening posts and conversations on TNS !!
Even supporting and cheering me up when I needed it recently, Thank you loads.
Thinking of my favourite beaver x [:(]
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MDriver - I shall first be making a beeline for Isaac Newton & Albert Einstein.
Why not someone interesting, such as the Marque de Sade?
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Because I ain't no perv!
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MDriver - I shall first be making a beeline for Isaac Newton & Albert Einstein.
I don't think they would appreciate a bus company!
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Because I ain't no perv!
Are you turning into a Beaver hoody. The standard of English on this forum is going down hill like a Beeline bus.
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Because I ain't no perv!
Are you turning into a Beaver hoody. The standard of English on this forum is going down hill like a Beeline bus.
I can do what I want now & get away with it so thrrrrrrp
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In that case I have a few crimes that need committing.
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Do tell
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Not here, as I would be implicated and thrown into prison.
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We wouldn't want that, would we [:P]
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My condolences, DoctorBeaver. I'm happy to see your spirits are up. Even though you claim not to be a physicist, which is my area of work, your posts on the subject have been deeply insightful and have more than once caused me to run to my books to learn something new. Hope to see you around here for a while yet,
Jon
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Thank you, Jon. I don't just claim not to be a physicist, I most definitely am not 1 [:D]. Jeesh, I have enough trouble just spelling the word!
Believe me, I have every intention of staying around as long as possible. And now I've got my super-whizzo WiFi laptop I can still visit even on bad days when I'm too weak to move off my armchair. Well, someone has to keep you lot on your toes! (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fwhipping%2F3.gif&hash=6e53eeaac9b68ef0f7636d1efff7524b)
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Then why do you have the cartoon of MIL (( (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fwhipping%2F3.gif&hash=6e53eeaac9b68ef0f7636d1efff7524b) )) in your post?
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I am weilding a very strange yo-yo.
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I am weilding a very strange yo-yo.
Yes, Mistress
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Doc
Sad news Doc & I wish all my best. Of course i do have my fingers crossed and im hoping something will come along which may help.
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Thank you, Micky. I can assure you that my fingers are also crossed as are my eyes (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Ffreak%2F4.gif&hash=2284f53aa32c2877e18ef510958ed03b)
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Doc,
I am only new here, but wish to give you my condolescences. But also to ongratulate you on your upbeat humour and positive outlook.
I will keep you in my thoughts.
Take care
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Thank you, Mr Optical-type-person [:D]
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Sheesh, I was away for a few days only to come back and find this sad news!
I really enjoy your posts and really hope that you will be able to continue as long as possible. When the time for you comes, I wish for you to be able to go easy and without pain and fear.
When you become to weak to type, speach recognition software might be a solution. Your body might become weak, but not your mind. And this can help to fight the endless boredom of being in a hospital.
I keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you are in the 2% group that survive for years!
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Monika - I have no intention going easy. I shall be scratching & biting as St Peter tries to drag me through the pearly gates! [;D]
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I'd almost be sorry for St Peter, if only I'd believe in the guy. [;D]
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I was speaking metaphorically.
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I was imagining you beating up the guy, and then he'd send you to hell, where you'd meet a lot more interesting people anyway.
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That's very true. Where's the "down" elevator?
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I loved that film with the elevator up to heaven. "A matter of life and death."