Well, that's it folks...I just came from the doctor...

He called me this morning said some more results came back from tissue samples he took during the ERCP. The reason my bile duct collapsed is I apparently have a tumor growing around the bile duct where it passes through my pancreas. The tissue sample was consistent with malignancy it could be benign but I am planning for the worst. I will deal with the outcome the best way I can and I know I have the support of my friends here at DU. I am scared about this...as can be expected.

I just have to say thanks DU for what you have given me. I have many wonderful friends here and consider some of you family. I am scheduled for surgery next week and until then I am on the edge not knowing what it is I am fighting. I may not be posting very much for a while after the surgery...but I will make sure greatauntoftriplets and VelmaD are updated as to my condition.

Pray for me guys...I need it now more than ever, and I hate to ask but if you can donate please help me out. I am gainfully unemployed right now and it does not look like I am gonna be able to work anytime soon.

paypal is Andy_Stephenson@comcast.net

Now I need to go for a while and :cry:

I will be sending healing thoughts your way.

Doctors are really good and you'll come through in fine shape, sore but good to go.

help you deal with this, even help you get well. I will be praying for you.

own needs all the support we can give.

I'll say a prayer and send what I can.

:hug:

Sounds like they found this early enough to do something for you. Hang in there, and know your DU friends love you!

I'm pulling for you. Hope you're back soon.

Will be praying for you.

that's awful to hear. Scary, but a good thing its been caught, whatever it is.

Wishing you the best.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm so sorry to hear this. just speechless. don't despair yet.

I'm hoping for the best for you. :hug:

in addition to or in place of the usual stuff. Google ESSIAC. Has been around for decades. Find testimonials, call people. Get pro-active.

Had another post around here somewhere that got lost,

but I know you've had a rough year. Best wishes and many hugs.
:hug:

you in my prayers.

my thoughts and in our hearts. It will be alright, you are strong.

Don't let it beat you mentally before it does physically. Think of it as republicans invading your system, then kick the shit out of them.

my thoutghts and prayers are with you. Please, follow porphyrian's advice. :hug:

I wish you the best, and think positive!

I remember when they told me I had lupus. It took about a month to start breathing again.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Please let us know what's going on!

no matter what the outcome of the surgery. Life is one hell of an adventure, isn't it? -Lisa

:hug:

I wish I could come over and cook you dinner or something and make you a pie but from hundreds of miles away I will pray and pray.

:hug:

I hope it all goes well for you.

Lighting a candle for you! You can beat it.

:grouphug:

to beat this thing. Can you receive the medical treatment you need since you are unemployed?

Try to stay positive until you know for sure what the diagnosis is. Do you have family and/or friends nearby? In the meantime, why not do what you love best and continue working to blow the lid off Gannongate?

:hug:

You hang in there. I'll be praying for you too.

Matt :)

Best thought and prayers coming your way...

RL

We can't lose you, too!

Prayers coming this week, and money next week, okay?

Take care!

you'll be okay.... I know you will

While you are waiting, I highly recommend reading this book, if you can get it: _Love, Medicine and Miracles_ by Bernie Siegel. Here is his Web site:

http://www.ecap-online.org/home.htm

All my best to you.

-wildflower

:hug:

Know that we love you and are sending good vibes your way.

Hope everything turns out for the best possible. Crossing all available fingers and toes.

I hope everything goes well with your surgery and that you're soon on the mend. We'll all be praying for you.

Sharon

and say some prayers for a good outcome.

And also, Andy-remember that we need you around here! Who else will solve the G/G/G mystery and help with election fraud?! As soon as I get some money in paypal-should be soon-I'll send you something for sure!

Keep the faith! :grouphug:

:hug:

Try to think positive Andy. My wife and I will be praying for you.

our prayers winging your way Andy! :hug: :loveya:

G_j & Stone_Spirits

get well soon!

your way Andy......

best wishes and many good thoughts.... :hi:

You will be in my prayers.

:hug:

Not that it will be especially pleasant or in any way to minimize what you're going through, but that the outcome will be fine. Please focus on that (expectation of a positive outcome), especially when you get scared, 'kay?

Two good friends of mine recently had breast cancer and I felt the absolute same way re both of them -- not pleasant to go through, but A-OK as far as outcomes go.

Sending mega good thoughts your way.

Hugs and blessings,

Eloriel

I am very intuitive and I feel sure that you will beat this Andy. It won't be a picnic but you will be fine. You're going to be fine.

xx
S

I know you'll kick this in the ass. Stay positive, and believe that you'll win in the end!

guide you to find the peace you'll need. It may sound trite, but it's an important step and a big part of the battle ahead.

Long hugs to both you and termite.

:cry:

When you have a moment, I need a more specific explanation of how the paypal thing works. All I see here is an email address, and I don't get the concept.

I ask because I want to go big with help, but I need to know how it works first.

After you're signed up at paypal, you can then "send" any funds to Andy's email address (which is basically his account).

DU linkified his email address, but the first stop is here:
http://www.paypal.com

We're all pulling for you! I've seen and heard some amazing stories from the cancer survivors I've worked with and who knows what they will find in surgery. Here's hoping it's not as bad as you're thinking. Remember that you are receiving love and prayers from all of us to help you heal.

Robin

a period of shock and mourning is okay but please remember the power of positive thinking! I'll keep you in my heart and thoughts, hoping for the best!
:hug:

Keep your spirits up and tell your friend there to "be nice";) ;). Call any time--we're here for you. I agree with those who say to keep working--busy hands, busy mind, all that stuff. Love from D and me! (and the other 2 too!)

Go ahead and cry. Ask for help. All the good you have done for others will come back to you.

I will add you to my prayers on this full moon.

:hug:

you will also learn things that you didn't know, and will help others afterwards. Don't worry, but mentally and spiritually prepare yourself for change. Change is good, change forces us to grow in wisdom and it gives us (needed) new perspective. remember that.

(I know you have no idea who I am, but I have appreciated all your good work here, plus I'm a mom and feel compelled to say these things)

It's going to be OK. :)

i do hope things improve for you.

I'm sending prayers your way for good news and a speedy recovery.

I hope you'll be back at 100% soon.

Do today, Andy. That's really enough.

Not going anywhere,
Beth

They will get you through this because you are going to be fine! You are in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

Stay positive, Andy.

I know that's hard to do at a time like this, but the fact that it is operable is good news in and of itself. I've known long term survivors of inoperable tumors, but operating to remove the tumor is usually your best shot at a cure.

You should know they're getting much much better at it these days.

Also - my mother in law had situation uncannily similar to yours and they took the tumor and duct and are doing great with the after-therapies.

I will donate - with many thanks for all your work for us. But remember - medical bills can pile and wait - you can pay $5 a month and they can't report on you so let that go for now.

And I will pray too.

But you need someone to be with - do you have that? If no, get involved with a support group early - it can make all the difference.

Love and Light in your direction every day... promise....

PJ
Reiki Healer

andy's not alone. don't worry about that.

Do try to keep a positive attitude. It really does help. Keep in close touch with your good friends.

The following is a great sight for information and help with alternative and holistic help with cancer and Chemotherapy.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/cancer.htm

Someone above mentioned Essiac, which is an excellent suggestion. Do investigate it.

PEACEFUL SUNRISE

...chin up. You can get through this. You can fight this.

Hang in there. :hug:

I'm a cancer survivor. Is your tumor operable? Hopefully there's no mets to the bone. I'm sending you all my best wishes and I hope you get better soon. Kick that malignancy in the nads! :hug:

Make up your mind that you're going to beat this. I was diagnosed with a stage 2 primary of the liver back in 1997; I beat it, and so can you. Good luck, Andy!

I hope your surgery is successful, and the prognosis favorable. :hug:

Maybe we could all agreed to pray for Andy before Mike Malloy and Rhandi Rhodes come on, Andy, you survived November 2nd, you can make it through this, my boss went thru chemo and I swear that prayers help, someone sent her novena cards and they helped her through a rough patch, her husband was going to throw them out, I told him that prayers are like frequent flyer miles. Print out some of these good vibes and put them under your pillow. Just think of these prayers as verified votes!!!!

Good luck.
Miss Waverly.

You're in all of our thoughts!

You said that its benign and thats not terrible news.You are like I am. I expect the best but prepare for the worst.
There is hope, ok?

good thoughts to you

:hug: We will Heart-Link together with you on our mind :hug:

We'll pray for you. You have friends here.

and numerous operations all I can say is to take one day at a time or you will definitely be overwhelmed.

Take care of yourself first as the rest will fall into place from there, by that I mean rest and let your mind be as positive as possible.

Before my last surgery in Novemeber, I spent a day preparing myself mentally. Visualizing a positive outcome.
I'm sure being unemployed and worrying about your family is top priority for you but that should take a backseat just for a we bit.


Please know that I hope the best for you and I believe that you will be ok. You are a wonderful dedicated person and we will waiting for your return.
:hug:

I'm pullin' for ya man. Hoping for the best, you know you'll get lot's of support here.

I'll be praying for you and hoping for the best outcome.

and picture that vile person every time you think about it.. Positive vibe to you and a :hug:

:grouphug:

Thank you all for your concern and good wishes.

And Andy, you know I love ya more than my luggage. It is going to be ok. :hug:

Your DU family is here for you.

....and my prayers, Andy.

I know how frightening this must be for you, but do try to hold the positive thought yourself, too. I've dealt with malignancies in my own family three times and they are doing marvelous, wondrous things nowadays and there is much reason for hope, even if it does turn out to be malignant.

But you're not there yet, so try to keep positive. That's the best thing that you can do for yourself right now.

Hoping for the very best possible outcome for you and sending many, many virtual hugs.

will all pray for you! I don't know anything about you family situation....but could you go stay with mom while they work on this tumor....maybe they can do surgery or "something" to fix it....they are working miracles every day....mom can make chicken soup...think about it...and keep us posted:grouphug:

You are gonna beat this!

best wishes and good vibes your way. Stay positive. You're a wonderful, valuable person. Love you bunches.

:grouphug: :hug: :grouphug: :hug:

I will do some visualizations with all my heart and soul for you to beat this thing.

your name in a healing book that gets thousands of prayers daily.
I know they work from first hand experience.

Bless you and good luck.

n/t

Hang in there, hope for the best (even as you say you're planning for the worst), wait for the results, and keep us posted.

Even if malignant, there's hope. :hug:

had cancer 20 years ago and he's just fine. Let me draw on that experience to tell you a few things that may help.

Take care of yourself. You've had a major shock. Don't make any major decisions, try not to drive if that's at all possible, and be gentle with yourself.

Surround yourself with the things you love. Read some good books, listen to music, see a great movie, be with friends. All of these activities are soothing and all will help.

Listen to what the doctors say with a grain of salt. We had doctors tell us everything from a 90% chance of recovery to 50%. We both made up our minds that we would do everything we could to fight it, and we won.

Laughter truly is healing. From funny books to TV shows to laughter with your friends, try to laugh.

And know that we're all pulling for you, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Keep your spirits up and others will pick up some of the weight.

I wish you all the best GBnC, you have to become your own advocate for your health. You will have all the prayers and support from your DU family. You can beat this for sure. Sending you healing light from North Florida. The above advice is excellent. Draw strength from it. You have been through so much in this past year it is no wonder that your body has had this awful turnabout. We are here for you, there is amazing healing strength being sent to you tonight for sure.

This advice was hard won. I didn't realize the extent of the shock until I, with a college degree in Food Science, stood in the middle of the grocery store right after he was diagnozed: I had forgotten how to shop for food.

Be as gently with yourself as you can; try to reduce stress, and fight!

your Health! We will be with you always!

keeping you in thoughts and prayers...

from me

There seems to be quite a few of us cancer survivors here at DU. The shock cushions you at first, then comes the resolve to beat it. Good vibes are being sent your way.

I don't actually know you, but have certainly noticed and admired your posts around DU for the time I have been here.

If this makes you feel any better, I have a 92 year old Grandmother that was told she had 6 months to live in the 1950's due to cancer.

I will definitely send good vibes your way and I am sorry you are going through this horrendous ordeal :(

I hope the tumor turns out to be benign.

my thoughts will be with you and your partner.

that is not so good news, I am sending you positive energy (I am a cancer survivor). :hug:

If you need a good book to read pick up Lance Armstrong's books about how he beat cancer. His prognoses was awful and look how well he did. Attitude is everything! If Lance beat it.....you can and will!!!!!



:hug:

stay positive.

my mom is going through cancer treatments this winter and it has been very hard but the doctors say she is now in remission, though still recovering from lung surgery.

i'll ask her to pray for you and i'll send positive thoughts your way through the ethernets ;-)

stay positive and keep DU posted.

:hi:

peace

put you on my prayer list.

Sorry you have to go through this worry. I'm praying for a good outcome after your surgery.

I'm sending hugs, positive thoughts and a little help your way this week.
:hug:
Glad you have termite.

Kat

We're all here for you.

Get well soon. :hug:

Damn it. What teriible news - but I'm sure you'll beat this crap. Cancer picked the wrong guy, this time...:thumbsdown::hug:

And always happy to help a DUer and friend.:hi:

while I am so, so sorry to hear your news, there is every reason for hope! There are so many of us here at DU praying for you and your health. You have come to be so special to many of us, and you are in our thoughts and prayers! Never underestimate the power of the prayers of a LOT of DUers!! I'm sending you lots of these: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

--I know you can beat this. We all believe in you. Be well.

No matter what the prognosis, carry on bro.



A good cry :cry: never hurts, sometimes it is the best thing to do.

on the behalf of Truth, Justice, and the American Way to come flying back in your direction, along with the positive energies of all of the good folks here. I remember you, GBnC, from the early days and have admired your good works.

Try to keep us posted on what is going on so that we know what needs to be focused on in our thoughts for you. You are surrounded by friends from around the world and we are each pulling for you. Peace.

If I may just ask one question...

Have you ever been in a competition?
IOW - Have you ever striven for anything?

If I may, I would be priviledged to share anything I have learned.

He is having some more tests on Monday, an MRI for one.

tonight

I've just joined up here on DU, so I don't know you well, but it is heartening that you have shared this with us. You are brave to face the unknown, and G-d willing, you will overcome the worst of it. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

protocol at a hospital (UMC) in Vegas. My mom has all the info. The name of the protocol and the requirements. I remember one requirement was your cancer has to be inoperable and it can't have matastisized. I don't know if that's how you spell it. I will PM you my mom's email address. She will be happy to tell you everything they know. Hang in there. Take care.

*friend of phillybri's*

Can you give me the contact information concerning your stepfather's recovery?

My mother-in-law has inoperable pancreatic cancer that has not yet matastisized but it's taking a toll on her. She's survived a year now...but I know what the mortality rate at 5 years is and so does my wife who is a medical professional. Any advances in protocol or any information pertaining to your stepfather's recovery would be greatly appreciated. With her first grandson born this spring, and I not ever knowing one of my grandparents and hearing all the great things about him...I don't want this to happen to one of my children if I can at all help it.

Doctor?...I see UMC in Vegas...anything that describes the specific protocol or if there is an industry buzzword that we can pass along to her doctors to research would be a great help.

Thanks...and thanks phillybri.

you need. Please, let me know, if I can do anything else to help.

Good luck.

Kimber

I can't donate thru paypal, but can donate thru an address,a P.O.Box maybe, I don't know you ,but have read your posts and you do a lot of good around here, I need you here.PRAYERS SENT YOUR WAY. dalia

I found out today that my dad has lung cancer, don't know how advanced yet. My mom is a breast cancer survivor, from back in the early 60's... Hang in there buddy... You were the 2nd political contribution I ever made, after AWD...

I'll see what I can do...

Be at peace, and be cocky. It's game time and you're the star!

We are all hoping/praying for your health to improve... :hi:
Lori

gather that strength and use it to fight.

love ya!

nost/jeff

Be Brave and Believe.

Hang in there, man.

We need you here! Good Luck on your surgery. May it all come out well! You're in my thoughts and prayers.

:hug: I hope everything will work out. I wish I could help you but I'm just a poor college kid. So I don't have any money myself. All I have are my prayers and best wishes. :hug: Hang in there!!

This has been shown and further, larger clinical trials are now starting, I believe through the NIH. We are all connected, truly.

I will donate in the next few days. I have never met you but again, we are connected and I can't turn my back. Nor do I wish to.

I do suggest that you set up a PO Box for donations, as someone else has suggested. Not everyone uses PayPal.

I also suggest you or a friend post your picture so that those of us who don't know you can put it where we can see it and meditate on healing for you. Please let us know the time (and time zone) of your surgery so that we can meditate then. You will know we are with you, all across the country, and as I said, there is evidence now that healing intentions actually do have an effect. Please make sure that someone posts the results of your surgery. We will be waiting to hear.

You really do have an amazing number of friends.
:grouphug:

Take care.

-Technowitch

Andy, you don't know me, but I just sent a donation to you on my credit card via my PayPal account. PayPal indicated you weren't yet registered with them, so if you have any difficulties getting the donation (I sent it as "quasi cash) please email me. PayPal should send you an email with the info, and should furnish you my email address.
You're in my thoughts, and I'm sending healing vibes your way.

Take care of yourself and get well, ma friend. A true American you are. I salute You on all the hard work you have brought forth here on DU. I will be looking forward to reading more of your posts when you are feeling better.

Click the link: and turn up your speakers

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?pv=J401EN

We have much more work to do and we need you. In my experience with doctors, they almost always tend to lay out the worst case scenario, so I expect you'll be recovering in no time. My aunt had her pancreas removed (might have left a bit, I'm not sure) and was a surgical diabetic after that, but she lived a long and happy life.
You're going to be fine. Positive vibes heading your way!

I'll keep you in my prayers.

God Bless,

Andromeda

and are going to be just fine. Much love and light to you!

that you got news like that, you'll be in my thoughts. :hug:

much love & support, one day at a time.

Please focus on taking care of yourself NOW, and let the future take care of itself.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

You have many fans and admirers here...

:hug:

and a prayer O8)

I'm sorry you're going through such difficult times :cry:

...

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/2/24/84720/3496

Also here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3169679

And here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x333316

Thank you.

I don't know the circumstances of your illness, except the information you shared here .... but it reminded me of the summer of 1988. My mother had what by the sounds of it was about the same as you describe. A couple doctors told her that she needed to make her peace, and that she would die. But we found a doctor who was making advances in the surgery and treatment .... and my mother had surgery in '88 that has become more common. I remember that the doctor said he was confident my mother would have at least 5 more years. That was 17 years ago, and my mother is still alive, and lives independently, drives her car, etc.

A number of factors were and are involved. My mother is stubborn as can be, a trait I have noticed in most of my family. That stubborness allowed her to be open about feeling a whole realm of emotions, from scared and depressed to determined and hopeful.

Keep hope alive. You have a lot of friends praying, meditating, and sending good thoughts your way. I include myself in that group.

blessings and light coming your way.

:hug:

I'm sending lots of good energy. I will be reviewing my finances and sending some cash. And lastly, I know you're here in Seattle, is there is anything more concrete that I (or probably any of the other locals) can do for you. Don't feel obligated to write back but if something occurs to you, let me know.

We will surround you with our prayers and positive energy, strength and hope.

You are not alone, my friend.

:grouphug:

My best wishes to you and yours! I'm sure everything will work out. Keep your chin up!

You can beat this. You can. Cancer sucks- it is a vile plague that tears apart lives every day. We went through the battle 3 years ago, when my SO was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer and given 15% chance to make it. He just had a CT yesterday, almost 3 years after his diagnosis, and it was all good.

If this turns out to be cancer you are going to have a long, hard road ahead. It is not without rewards. You will be amazed at the support you get from friends and, even more surprisingly, strangers. You will cherish things in life that you took for granted before. Things as simple as a beautiful sunrise or the smile of a friend when you are sad will mean the world.

Chemo sucks. Radiation sucks. Surgery sucks. We went through all 3. I don't know how you feel about marijuana, but damn, it worked wonders for my husband. But you can get through it- I am sure of it. One day at a time. Rent funny movies. Laugh as much as you can. And cry when you want to, it is OK.

If you ever want to talk with someone who has gone through this feel free to PM me. You will need now, more than ever, support from friends. And we are all your friends.

Fight the good fight Andy- You can win!

Debbie aka Willy Lee

may God help you, my prayers are with you!!!

Stay strong, you are a fighter and this is just one more battle for you to win!

Everyone wishes you a speedy recovery

Andy has just set up a post office box.

It is Andy Stephenson
P. O. Box 25624
Seattle, WA 98165-1124

am i doing something wrong at the paypal thing..sorry i never send money on internet...but when i hit paypal i just get a email thing and no place to send money..whats wrong...

or andy please send me you address and i will send a check out now...let me know please someone pm me and tell me what i am doing wrong??

andy we love you sweetie..look for my email to you!! i sent it by email!!

dont you dare give up..fight like hell kiddo!!

fly

but if something is goofing up, here's the mailing address:

Andy Stephenson
P.O. Box 25624
Seattle, WA 98165-1124

Prayen fer ya!!!
:kick:

Keep good thoughts and keep your spirits up.

God bless.

and say,I sent you a donation Andy with my prayers.God Bless!

But Andy, you can do it. Positive thinking. Right! I've lived through some very traumatic events in my life and it's hard. But, if I've learned but one thing from all of these near-devastating events it was to fight those negative thoughts. Fight the depression (it's hard, I know first-hand), but you can do it. Hell, look what you did for the Vote. And I've got that PO Box - you can count me in too!

Keep telling yourself, "you are not alone." "Many, many people love you, and hold the highest regard, respect and esteem for you."

If anyone can beat this, it's go Andy... hands-down. Just said a prayer for you and will continue to do so.

:hug:

Sugarbleus is sending warm and long embraces, a lot of hand holding, whispered prayers....and she's digging into her stash looking for cash.

I'm very sad you have to go through this. Please keep us posted.

Warmest Regards, SB :grouphug:

Don't be afraid to lean heavily on us here at DU.

I went through a ton of biopsies and a cancer diagnosis, so I know this walk -- NOT that you have diagnosis yet. It's a painful cliche, but..one day at a time.

You are in my best thoughts and prayers. Stay rested and strong -- you are much needed! :hug:

Your work has been inspirational, and I am sure that, with the support of your family, friends and fellow DUers, you will summon the strength to overcome this.

Read some Nietzsche if you have the time to, during your recovery.