Findings....

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 3:56 pm

Well folks it been an interesting few months to say the least... I have been working with my doctors here this summer regarding an autoimmune condition called ankylyosing spondylitis which is essentially an autoimmune disease of the spine.

I do have some bad news, I have been wondering why the extra MRI and CT tests and blood work work lately and today I found out I most likely have bone cancer in my L2 vertebrae, a 1.5cm osteoblast has been identified. I go into the hospital tomorrow for a deep bone biopsy

I just wanted to say thanks to all here these past many months for your friendship and support. I don't think I'll be on the board for a while, I am at a point that I just need time for myself and frankly am just out of energy overall and just need my privacy. I am just just not sure how to feel at this point and am at the end of my rope so to speak.

Take care to all here and thanks again for everything.

Best wishes...

fatbuster205 · Post by **fatbuster205** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:06 pm

Oh dear Joe,
I am so sorry to hear this news and you will be totally in my thoughts and prayers. With your permission I will have a daily mass said for you for a year - I hope that doesn't offend!

What you and your family must be feeling right now is beyond words - but take comfort in what you have given to me in the short time I have "known" you and no doubt to countless others here says so much about who you are and what your values are. As far as I am concerned you have reached out to people you have never met, who live thousands of miles away, and yet you have touched them in their souls!

I hope that your treatment goes well, that your prognosis is good and that you will rejoin us here in due course.

Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Anne

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:07 pm

Joe,

I am shocked and saddened by your news. I know you have struggled with your health the last few years, despite your best efforts to get a handle on things. I hope and pray for an uncomplicated course of treatment and full recovery. I respect your need for privacy now but please drop in once in a while to let us know your progress and for support.

Love and hugs,

Mary Beth

JFR · Post by **JFR** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:16 pm

Joe,

I am so sorry to hear this. You certainly have had more than your share of bad health news. Meeting you and Nestle has been the high point of my summer. I am not far from you and if you need anything please let me know. You will definitely be in my thoughts.

Much love,
Jean

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:17 pm

Dear Joe,

I'm so sorry to hear that news. I too will be praying for you, that the treatment will go well, and you have a full recovery, and that you can keep your spirits up during this hard time.

As Mary Beth says, if you feel up to it, drop in and let us know how you are doing. We all care about you.

Love,
Martha

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:25 pm

Joe, I am so sorry. Please know that we will be thinking of you and supporting you through this. Hugs and God bless. Deb

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:41 pm

Your words of encourgement have helped me more than you'll ever know. You are in my thought and prayers, Joe.

Denise · Post by **Denise** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 6:03 pm

Dear Joe,

We never got to meet and my prayers are with you.

Love,

Denise

garina · Post by **garina** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 6:49 pm

Joe,

My promise to you is to pray every day for your complete recovery.

Blessings,

garina

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 6:51 pm

Joe - You have had more than your share of health issues. I want to thank you for all the posts you have shared - love the BBQ sauce and recipe!

You will be in my prayers - I sincerely mean that. Although we have never met personally, I feel like everyone here is like family.

If or when you do decide to come here, please say hi and let us know how you are.

Love & Hugs,

Paula

Deanna in CO · Post by **Deanna in CO** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 8:22 pm

Oh, Joe, I am so sorry! You are in my prayers!

Deanna

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 8:27 pm

Joe,

You have certainly had a rough year - this is another sad setback. You have always been able to overcome health issues and I hope you'll be triumphant again. We certainly understand your need to do some reflection.

I will also be praying for you and will put your name in my church's temple prayer rolls.

Let us know how you're doing if you can.

Gloria

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 9:22 pm

Oh Joe,

I can't believe it - yet another health hurdle to overcome. It has been an incredibly trying and stressful year for you. The silver lining is that you have such superb health care resources available to you. It goes without saying that I am here for you, dear friend, anytime. I am hoping the biopsy goes well and that the news will not be as bad as you fear. Will send prayers and positive thoughts your way.

Lots of love,

VCP xoxoxo

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 9:33 pm

Joe,
All I can do is to echo what everyone has said. I have SO appreciated your help and encouragement since I have been on the board.

I will be rooting for you!

marihabs · Post by **marihabs** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 9:34 pm

Dear Joe,
Your posts have always been such a joy and inspiration to read...I agree with all that has been said...you are a treasure. Thoughts and prayers are with you, with hopes for positive outcomes.

Mary