As I am getting ready to leave for Mexico City and start my treatment I wanted to take the time and thank each and everyone of you for all your kind and encouraging words. This is an amazing community! There are no words that can be written here that can explain and transmit the depth of feeling and gratitude I and my family have towards the APUG membership. I think it is incredible to find group of people who are willing to help a stranger based on the strength of a few written words.

I guess a little bit of explanation and background is in order. I have been battling bladder cancer for many years, this last exam a tumor was found that appeared to be of the invasive kind. The pathology report showed that it was, and that I have two choices, either have my bladder removed or undergo a very aggressive round of radio and chemotherapy. I chose the latter since it would mean I can keep my plumbing intact and avoid some of the side effects of bladder removal like impotence and having to pee in a bag for the rest of my life.

So here I go, I have now made all the necessary plans and arrangements for a long stay in Mexico city, I have to say I will miss my dogs......

Anyhow, One of the big worries with this kind of diseases is the financial impact it has even on people with medical insurance. Since I knew I was in danger I always had some savings for this, but to be perfectly candid, this time I did not have enough to pay for the treatment, and thought I would have to get heavily into debt to be able to finish it. Thanks to Sean, APUG and the membership who have so generously helped me, I am now at a point where I will be able to pay for most of the treatment.

I have too many e mails to answer at the time, but I wanted to post this and thank you all. When I showed my mother and girlfriend the many e mails, donations and help by purchasing my prints, they had tears in their eyes, they could not believe a community of people who have never met each other can band together to help on the members in need.

So, you all know I am not one for pretty words, a thank you is not enough and it will never will. So I will leave for now and the next 5 weeks by saying that I dont want any of you to get into any flame wars without me, I plan to be back and give you all hell...it is what you paid for.... :)

Thank you, thank you all very much!!!!!!

We're all rooting for you Jorge! You know when you get back you're going to have to answer all those people who will say, "I told you that pyro was unsafe!"

You are in my prayers Jorge. Go with God.

pretty words are just that Jorge. Good luck and will be praying for you. Be tough for it will be a tough fight and I know you are up to it.

as usual,

Bubba
aka lee\c

Forget about us now, and turn your formidably powerful personality inward to fight your disease...when you come back we can have a group hug, then continue as before :)

Murray

You have all of our support Jorge.

Good luck through a a very difficult few weeks.

Ian

Wow! I knew nothing about this!@!! I am really sad to hear you have to go thru this. That sucks! Very thankful however that the technology exists for you to take the challenge. Good luck!! If I can do anything you know where to reach out. Anything at all. I consider you a great friend and will be rooting for your success.

Great news about your finances Jorge, I am very relieved! You've been touched by the kindness of the APUG community, a truly amazing thing that I've experienced myself more times than I can count. I am always proud to be a part of this big family. We all know you can fight this thing and are pulling for you. Have fun reading the 30,000 posts since last visit when you return :)

Take care,
Sean

If one can fight the flame wars in APUG they can fight anything.
Cancer? You will soon have it running a thousand meters in seconds away from you!

You've engaged in and won no end of pissing contests! You'll win this one without a doubt. Best wishes and our prayers as well, Jorge.

Jorge,

I am so happy to hear at least most of the financial burden has been lifted, now its time for you to forget about us, and turn those energies inward and fight this, we know you will triumph, god speed my friend, the angel rides with you, be well and we will talk to you in a few weeks.

Dave

Good luck and God bless.

Jorge,

Good luck. Fight hard.

Frank W.

You've engaged in and won no end of pissing contests! You'll win this one without a doubt. Best wishes and our prayers as well, Jorge.


We should get that printed on an APUG t-shirt and mail it to him.

Murray

Best wishes Jorge, It's good to know you can relax and concentrate on your treatments and getting well. Many prayers going out for you.

Jorge...I finally get some decent paper to print with, since you told me what I was using was crap...and off you go getting into a pissing contest of all pissing contest!!

Give 'em hell my friend...get back to the dogs, they are good for you (just their love will help to heal - Thanks for the update on them!!)

very glad to hear that some of the $$$ burden could be appeased.
my thoughts and prayers are with you Jorge. Look forward to when you are back.

Great to hear this community has helped.
All the best to you and your family through this ordeal Jorge.

Get well and come back with "full stream ahead"...

Matt

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Best of luck.

Jorge, scary time - lots unknown. We're thinking of you over here.

If there's anything that is true, it is that you've the right attitude to get through this grinning.

John.

You have the thoughts and best wishes of the APUG community behind you.
I hope your treatment goes well.

Jorge:

I just read the post and learned of your ailment.

Tell the tumor to piss off!!! Its your bladder and you've got lots more pissing of your own to do!(In the Lounge forum, of course...)

Seriously, may God grant you strength and return you to good health. APUGers will be waiting for your safe and quick return.

Thoughts and prayers are with you Jorge.

get well jorge - and see you soon!

-john

Give 'em hell Jorge!