Alex, Best of Luck with your Surgery.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Hi Alex, I'm not on the net much myself either, but your posts have often been the most interesting and thought-provoking. They have made my dropping by this little corner of the web a very pleasant sojourn.
So I'm sad to hear that you've been having some tough travails of late, and I sincerely hope and pray that you do well with everything. One thing's for sure, you've always demonstrated an indomitable streak (- some might say stubborn -) mixed with humility, respect for others, and a certain philosophical attitude which I've always found rather inspirational. Keep enjoying life, because plenty of people are enjoying yours too, I bet.
Cheers,
Brian.

[ngcles]

Hi Alex,

I have dropped by this thread at least a half dozen times, meaning to make some response since you let us know of your diagnosis, but have not responded simply because words failed me.

I still really don't know what to write ... but here goes:

I think nearly all of us will eventually greatly miss your presence here Alex. I am sure I am not alone in sincerely hoping and praying somehow for a miracle. I admire your capacity for thought outside the box (while infrequently agreeing with the conclusion) but also the respect and friendship you showed for everyone you encountered here. The world would be a better place if more people acted toward their fellows the way you have.

You have my prayers and best wishes mate. Ad Astra ...


Best,


L.

[Astronovice (Calvin)]

I too have wanted to respond to this thread and didn’t know how. I share the sentiments that are so well expressed in the two previous posts, as I am sure many others on this forum do.
I am a daily lurker, sometimes poster here and alway look forward to reading your posts. I sincerely hope we can all share you a while longer yet.

You have my thoughts and best wishes.

C

[JohnF (John)]

best wishes, get well soon, and speedy recovery.

[JohnF (John)]

Am praying for you Alex.

[astroron (Ron)]

Hi Alex, I like other's here have felt a lack of words to say as to your diagnosis.
We both joined iceinspace at the same time 16 years ago and over that time have had some interesting discussions, not always agreeing, but always in a cordial manner.
You have been a great institution on here and have helped many people along the way.
Here's hoping for pain free and peaceful rest of your stay on this mortal toil.
All the best mate.
Ron

[xelasnave]

Thanks everyone.

Everything is going great.

I was discharged from hospital Wednesday and although I was very happy there find getting home ( at least to the main house with the girls) very nice.

They are helping me....I am not allowed to drive for 2 weeks so having someone to take me to blood tests, doctors, specialists etc is invaluable. A local nurse will change the dressings today and is calling by ..but every day it seems I need to go someplace for tests or stuff.

I have been enjoying the chooks, the cat and the pet chicken my daughter is looking after...I hope to set up one microscope to play with but astronomy is out of the mix for a while it seems.

Yesterday I had to go to town for bi weekly blood test and scored a wheelchair and a wheely walker from the op shop run by the Salvation Army for free..I know them there and they just would not take any money....and the wheely walker is just so good for safety and for taking your plate out to the sink. The wheel chair is very handy even if I don't really need one as after being in bed for 3 weeks my legs seem to have gone downhill.

Tomorrow I am getting a tribe of visitors I guess who want to see what I look like with short hair and no beard.

I must say I see each day differently,...I thought I was appreciative of things before but having confronted the reality that we all die and brought that to somewhat front of mind I find I have a greater determination to be positive...like yesterday I even made getting the blood test something to be enjoyed ... a nice chat with the nurse and I can show an arm that looks like I am a heroine addict..something to joke about.

I have said it so many times but ones attitude is really all you have ...that's why I feel so sorry for these folk who say own their home, have enough capital to provide an income to support two people, a decent car etc grizzle over a change in the price of eggs...those folk who are always bitter and happier judging others than to address their own short comings.

I am absolutely impressed by the health care system, particularly the team mentality that underlines all actions....often a nurse would offer assistance to another or call for it and never did I hear "I am busy etc I can't help".

I made a point of thanking each and every person from the Surgeons to the ladies who cleaned my room to make clear I appreciated them and what they did even though what they did was their job. I could hear another chap who was an ungrateful fool who would complain to his visitors about everything .... he even complained to his visitor that a nurse had a tattoo... so sad that one can be the master of your own destruction yet blame everyone else.

Thanks for being here my friends your kind words touch me greatly and make each day just that much better.

Alex

[GrahamL]

Your positive attitude does the same ..thank you

[muletopia (Chris)]

Alex, you are impressive.
Keep on keeping on.
More best wishes
Chris

[Renato1 (Renato)]

Great to hear that you are home and doing okay.
Cheers,
Renato

[leon]

What would we do with out you Alex, you keep IIS alive, we want to read your post for evermore my friend, thinking of you often.

I still think of you each time I see a little bug or insect and smile, that story will be with me forever, you are a kind humble man Alex,
and appreciate what you have today, and I'm sure all here wish you many more years of stories.

Leon

[Derek Klepp]

Alex like others I find it hard to think of something to say.A few years ago my father passed away due to prostate cancer I still don’t think I,ve come to terms with that but I am not faced with my own mortality so there is no way I can even comprehend what you are going through.
I always enjoy reading your posts and I think it is good that people can agree to disagree.
Cheers Derek

[JohnF (John)]

still worried about you.

[xelasnave]

Thanks for the kind wishes.

Please understand I am 100% OK in the head department...it boils down to realising I have today to enjoy and to worry about a condition ,death, wherein I will have no comprehension of anything or any awareness whatsoever ...or pain...it cant hurt when you are dead...is just silly.
So given I have a nice life today I am not going to degrade that by worrying about what death will be like.

As to the blood tests, trips to specialists etc I have determined to treat each as a little adventure...further I am sure if the pain gets bad there will be great drugs to manage it...there is only a down side if you allow it to cloud your reasoning.
Think about all you have now not what it will be like when you will have no feeling or awareness...sooner or later we all lose all we control in life...it is hardley fresh news.
Specialist Thursday so will get a plan to fight the thing...It is aggressive but I wont let that phase me...I have 4 hours left today and I am off to make the most of every minute.
Alex

[toc (Tim)]

Alex - I am a pretty infrequent visitor to these forums, and we have not ever interacted at all - but I just want to pass on my best wishes and support for you and your loved ones.

[xelasnave]

Saw cancer doctor..its rare and they are not sure etc but we have a treatment program now and given the rareness no probabilities to worry about because there is little data...so how good is that ...and it is rare ...not just one everybody gets...so thats it really ... Nothing to worry about for a couple of days at least..hole in neck near closed...feeling excellent...enjoying every single moment to the max.
Alex

[JA]

Every Good wish Alex !!!

Best
JA

[leon]

What she said, Alex

Leon

[xelasnave]

Well today I am treating as the first day of the rest of my life...whatever it may be .

Picked up my cancer "stop or slow" medication on Saturday and so far no side effects...anyways today I am stopping being a sook recovering from major surgery and an uncertain future to get going again...so spent the morning doing paperwork and now I am going to see how I go at driving down to the caravan to see if the rats have left anything undamaged...the pills if price is anything to go on simply must work at $6500 approx for 2 boxes ..3 pills a day at $100 each...but because the Government likes me I got a special price..but you know if I had to pay $300 for each extra day of life I would happily pay it and more.

Thanks to all for your interest, concern and kind thoughts ...I have little contact with the world other than here so it is really a big deal to me.

However hopefully the next thing you will hear from me is posting some photos next dark..

And some sad news...other than what I had on my phone lost all my astro images...long story short ending ...so I will just have to do them all again.
Alex

[glend (Glen)]

New Moon next week Alex, an opportunity to image again.