Hello all,

It's been quite some time since I last updated everyone on my health condition. I wish I had better news but things are not looking great.

As many of you know through several threads and other posts, I was forced to cancel a trip to SA for plains game last October due to my being diagnosed with cancer. The cancer turned out to be urethral cancer which is quite rare.

After going through several different chemotherapy regemins and other drug therapies, I have now pretty much exhausted my solutions.

It is with a heavy heart that I now tell you my oncologists are giving me two months, give or take. My eldest daughter is scheduled to be married in early October, my oncologists are not very optimistic I'll make it that far.

I have a few regrets, like anyone, the largest of course dealing with family, especially given I've got another daughter who will turn four in August. Small in comparison is that I will not have been able to hunt in Africa, something many of you on this forum tried to make happen.

I was amazed at the generosity I received from the AR community, the well wishes and prayers were quite touching for me.

It was concerning my cancelled hunt that started many conversations and debates, I believe one person posted, quite accurately, "This thread has shown some of the best and worse in people". It was many of the members of this forum who reaffirmed my faith in my fellow man and for that I sincerely thank you.

This will be my last post. I want anyone out there contemplating a hunt in Africa, or any great "bucket list" adventure you have on your list of things to do.......By all means do not wait, life is too short.

Thank you once again and best regards,

John

So, so sorry.

Words can be cheap.... but I hope you don't mind my telling you that it was my prayer this morning that you and yours find a Peace that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time.

quote:

Originally posted by JudgeG:
So, so sorry.

Words can be cheap.... but I hope you don't mind my telling you that it was my prayer this morning that you and yours find a Peace that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time.

+1

We might have different faiths, but we will pray for you and your family.

John,

So very sorry, just know that your brothers love you, and are praying for you.

Best regards,Butch

John - So sorry to hear this news. Just the other day I was wondering how you were doing, but this isn't the kind of update I was hoping for. I know what you and your family is going through. I lost my wife to cancer. It's a horrible diseasse.

Good luck and god bless you and your family.

John, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

You give everyone good advice about doing the things they want while they can. My own father passed when he was 46, and he said the same thing as you are now. Go and do the things you want to do while you can.

quote:

Originally posted by JudgeG:
So, so sorry.

Words can be cheap.... but I hope you don't mind my telling you that it was my prayer this morning that you and yours find a Peace that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time.

Another +1. Make sure you have your heart right with the Man upstairs.

Revelation 21:4

John, I’m sorry to hear this news! I somewhat understand what you and your family are feeling at this point, as I have been there myself, and thankfully recovered. I just got a clean exam on the 3rd of this month seven years after two separate surgeries and radiation treatments. John my heart goes out to you, and your family. God speed and my prayers are with you, as are those of your AR and hunting extended family!
......................................................................Mac

Sorry to hear this news.
Take care

John
I am so sorry. Nothing compairs to loosing or dying from a small child.
Carl Frederik

My family and I will be praying for you. God's mercies. We shall be diminished.

Tough deal
Hang in there and enjoy all you can
Happy hunting grounds are waiting for all of us.

Thanks for your very classy and dignified last post. I am pulling for you to make it to your daughter's wedding. Good luck.

Sorry to hear your bad news and my respect for the way you're taking it.

I'll be raising a glass to absent friends at 2100 hours my time and will be thinking of you....... and I'd hope a few others here will do the same at 2100 hours their time.

John, I've gotten to the age where some friends, work colleagues, and former classmates have passed on before me, and it's made me think about the ultimate fate of all of us. Most died without warning, which to me is an unjust way to go. Knowing that our time is short allows one to make peace with ourselves, heal relationships, say the things we really want to say to others, and tie up loose ends. It really is a blessing in disguise.

With modern pharmaceuticals, the pains and discomforts of our advancing disease can be avoided, and we can pass in peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you...we'll all be there someday.

Biebs

I can not think of anything that has not been said. Spend every waking moment with those you love. And.....It is NOT that difficult to move the wedding up a little. I am betting your daughter is already making arrangements. Having you there to give her away would be her greatest wedding present.

My sentiments mirror all of the other ones that have been posted. God be with you

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
My sentiments mirror all of the other ones that have been posted. God be with you

+1...I pray the PEACE of God which surpasses all understanding will comfort you...and that He will grant you to see your daughter's wedding!

Bless you my dear brother and keep you in prayer!

Roland

John,

You have been in my thoughts since you introduced yourself here. I am so sorry to hear this. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

David

God be with you sir. jorge

My heart goes out to you and your family.

God Bless

I admire your courage and strength of heart.I hope for the very best for you and your family
in this very difficult time.

quote:

Originally posted by leopards valley safaris:
I admire your courage and strength of heart.I hope for the very best for you and your family
in this very difficult time.

+1

See you on the other side one day

John:
My words echo what has been said here and in my PM to you. If you can, send me your post address.
Cal

John, a healing is still possible, but if not I'm asking that your remaining time is filled with love, and that you are at peace with yourself and the universe. It's going to be awfully tough on your girls. My wife's previous husband, a judge, died of a brain tumor leaving a 9-year-old boy and 15-year-old daughter. I've come to love them as my own, but they each have a private place where their father still lives -- and loves them.
God be with you.

By your courage and your pragmatism i am sure you Sir have the admiration of all AR members.
My prayers with you and with your Family.
May God be with you and yours.

my prayers will include you and your family.. I wish you peace and no pain...

John,

I once read some advice about retirement planning that really struck a chord with me.

He began by asking people what they would do if they knew they were going to die within 10 years. The answer was "take trips, fill my bucket list, etc."

He would then shorten the time period to five years; the answers wouldn't vary much.

He would then ask what they would do if they had a year left, and the answers started to change; people said they would visit old friends, perhaps take them on trips to cities they had always wanted to visit, etc.

I don't remember the answers for the two month question, but I do recall he said everyone answered the "what would you do if you were to die tomorrow?" question the same.

Every person would respond that they would tell those whom they loved and how much they had meant to them, and try and spend as much time possible with those with whom they were the closest.

The retirement adviser would then say, "Well, you just answered what is most important in life and you should really focus on that."

I have often said if I knew I were to die in a year or two I would certainly not be going back to Africa, unless it was to show it to someone I loved who had never been there.


God bless you.

Our prayers are with you and your family.

God is by your side,keep your courage close to your heart.

Well said Bill73. Spend every minute that you have with those that you love the most.

So sorry to hear of your prognosis. Take one day at a time and simply do the best you can. Any chance your daughter could move the wedding day up? Will continue to pray for you. Bruce

You and your family are in my houghts and prayers.

God bless sir!

John, My Prayers are with you & your Family
God Bless

Words fail.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

This just breaks my heart. I have thought about you a number of times over the past 6 months or so, just wondering how you were doing and praying for a positive outcome. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers

God Bless

Drummond

Thoughts and prayers sent for you and your family sir. God bless you.

Gents:
While at times we piss and moan and disagree, I must state you gents from AR are among the best there is and come together when needed.
My hat's off to you all and it's an honor to be among you.
Cal