FIGHT OF MY LIFE

[MotownMadman]

After two days of extensive testing, blood work, cat scans, Xrays, pumped full of dye and god knows what else, it has been reported to me that the cancer monster has struck. I have not been told yet if it is Malignant or not, I almost dont want to know. This will be the first brawl I have ever had where I cant see the enemy face to face, but I sure as hell aint a quitter and I will be this crap. Put your money on me, I wont go down easy.
Motown http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[JChlupsa]

Matt, dont know what to say except WE and I MEAN WE are all on your side in this battle. Take care of yourself and do what the DOCs say. Recently members from the different boards have been losing way to many good people and thats not right. We almost lost a family member this past weekend with a blood clot in her brain and they were just lucky enough to get to it before she would have left a husband and 2 week old baby by themselves.

Things will work themselves out and I would be willing to bet youll be here on the site posting 10+ years from now. THoughts and prayers during this time go out to you from Hawaii.

[mhassett]

Matt,
"OUR PRAYERS and THOUGHTS are with YOU!!" Be STRONG and we will ALL hope for the BEST.. My sister-in-law has been in REMISSION with Breast Cancer now since 1999..
Take Care,
Mark

[COPO PETE]

#$%^! I just hate that "C" word! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Best of luck to ya Motown. My prayers and bets are both on you!
Peter

[Norm reynolds]

Matt I am shocked http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif and sorry to hear this DO NOT LET IT GET YOU DOWN
Fright it and fright hard Like Jeff has said we are all here pulling for you so take care
And hope it will work out for you http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[GOAT72]

[ QUOTE ]
This will be the first brawl I have ever had where I cant see the enemy face to face, but I sure as hell aint a quitter and I will be this crap. Put your money on me, I wont go down easy.
Motown http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Matt,
That's a great attitude, man!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

Something about this week... it was a year ago this week that my intestine ruptured and I went under the knife to have 14-inches of it removed. I got bagged and spent the next 12 weeks unable to work. Then they reconnected me and tossed that bag. I had the same attitude as you, Matt -- fight it and decided you'll never let it beat you!

I am very healthy today and I hope that in a year from today, YOU WILL BE TOO.
Good luck, Matt - I'll say a prayer for you and your continued resolve!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

~Goat72
(Keith)

[70 copo]

Matt,

Lost both Parents to it. Sounds like you may not have a complete diagnosis yet. There are Expert doctors in places like the Cleveland Clinic. If you handle this in the same way you have handled situations on this board You will win hands down. Prayers will help. You will get them from me. Please keep us all posted.

Phil

[resto4u]

Matt, Hang in there! You got that kick a$$ attitude, that "C" word won't even know what kicked it! Roger http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Jeff H]

That's the attitude Matt. My mom beat it, my coworker beat it and it takes a fighter which we know you are. Hang in there!

[Pantera]

Man my prayers will be with you. It is times like these that will make or break you. You sound like you will not be broken easy so hang in there and we will all have you in our thoughts and Prayers.

[MotownMadman]

I dont know what to say....you guys are the greatest, their has to be something special happening here to be able to put tears in the eyes of an ornery old biker. Thanks so much for the kind words and support. I have been swamped with Emails already from people wanting to know what they could do to help, my wife and I met with our minister last night and the church is setting up a benefit fund(against my wishes)since I have no health insurance and things were already not going well to begin with. So for those who Emailed I will post the info and address here as soon as the church gives me the details. That is certainly not necessary, I am more overwhelmed by the kind thoughts and promise of prayers then anything else. For those who take part in the benefit your actions will be recognized at the church as well as on this board. But as I said, this is not necessary, this is a conspiracy between my wife and our minister. God bless you guys for your kind thoughts and prayers.
Matt

[Chevy454]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to ya, Motown.

[Charley Lillard]

Good luck Matt. Kick it's Ass. I know you're ornery enough to do it. Or Pontificate to it till it surrenders and goes away. I know it has to be scary and depressing but know that we are pulling for you.

[Mr70]

If anyone Can Conquer this,it's you Matt.
We Support you.

[DarrenX33]

While reading this my stomach sank. Matt I have never met you in person but I want you to know that me and my family will be thinking of you an praying. The way to win is to fight it and obviously you are already there. You have a lot of support here.

Darren

[hvychev]

Matt I bet that you have had tougher enemys than this in the past....you will prevail. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Zedder]

Hang in there Matt, we've all got your back! Our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[68z302]

Matt,
Wow, your post was not the best thing to wake up to.
Attitude is everything when it comes down to it, and you have a an over supply! My moneys on you in this scrap http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[mike32]

MATT, I HAVE NEVER MET YOU BUT YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. DON'T EVER FORGET THAT THE MIND IS A VERY EFFECTIVE HEALING TOOL. STAY POSITIVE (NOT ALWAYS EASY), AND I'M SURE YOU WILL BE JUST FINE.
MIKE

[KNAPPY]

Matt,

I know how you feel. Two years I was diagnosed with a tumor in my chest. You realize that you are not invincible. After surgery they found out that mine was not malignant. Trust in your doctors and in God. You will get through. There is a lot of prayers going out for you. God Bless You.

[jg95z28]

My prayers and thoughts are with you Matt. Keep fighting!

[skierkaj]

I had my dad pass on about 3 years ago from lung cancer. I know it's hard to deal with. If I were to give you any advice at all, I would say, keep your faith, and trust in God.

If you do end up getting kemo, or some sort of treatment, keeping your immune system up is top priority. I would suggest Vitamin C, and lots of Orange juice.

Good luck, and Godspeed.

[55chevy]

Be strong my friend. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[396L35]

Matt, I'm sorry to hear about your recent discovery, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Next to Charley you are the meanest "SOB" on this site and will kick this "C" thing in the ass..... Keep your spirts up, and if you're ever down log in and these guys and gals on this site will bring you back up.... Hang in there big guy.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr. T]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Matt. By the way, the COPO dog dish hub caps look awesome! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Eddie M.]

Matt... Ever since Charley hooked me up to this site and watching you and everyone else talk on here your one of the guys on here I'd like to meet someday, you sound like a strong person and a stand up guy and from just watching you on here I know you can take anything and beat it, my bets on you. You and your wife will be in my prayers.
Eddie

[Chris396]

Stay strong and always realize that you are't alone.

[Stuart Adams]

Matt, my family has you in our prayers. Thanks for all the phone conversations over the past year. Be positive and let me know if I can help.

[ORIGLS6]

Matt,

Too much of this lately in my life too. I had one cousin diagnosed with lung cancer and given 3 to 6 month. Faith and a strong will let her beat the odds by an unbelievable amount. The day after Christmas another female cousin underwent surgery for brain tumors. Again, thte prognosis was three weeks to three months. She's still here!

Strength, Faith and friends are wonderful medicine. You're surrounded by the latter here; the first two are up to you. As with most of the folks here, you'll be in my prayers. Kick Ass Madman!!!

Dennis

[MosportGreen66]

Matt,

Best of Luck! We have our fingers crossed for you! This is an all to familiar story. Be strong, you got a garage full of buddies here that got your back.

-Dan

[JoeG]

Take it day by day Matt and keep the Faith--Joe

[Jeff Murphy]

Give it hell, Matt. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif If anybody's got the fightin' spirit it's you!!

[John]

...I think this "cancer dude"....
...Has just picked on the wrong guy...
..Motown, we are behind you and you are in our prayers

[Verne_Frantz]

Matt,
We've never met, nor spoken, but we've exchanged ideas about what's important in this hobby.
We have goals for ourselves and need to be stubborn to achieve them.
A little over 2 years ago, my doctor told me I had heart disease and had maybe 5 more years. Last year I had another test and he said I've got 10 years. 2 months ago I had a test and he said I performed almost like a guy with no heart problems at all.
I think sometimes a healthy mental attitude and a firm conviction to see your goals through does wonders. I know you're made of the "right stuff", so I expect you to be around for a long time.
Be strong! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

Verne.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Matt

Keep the Faith and you will prevail over this thing.I know that ATTITUDE is a major part in overcoming obstacles like this.I had a MASSIVE heart attack in 1995 and lost 50% of my heart.I have been through surgerys,have a pacemaker and difibulator all hooked up inside and am currently awaiting a heart transplant,I am not able to do what I used to do but I do what I can everyday.I guess you could say I am sort of like an old 427 engine with 4 plug wires off,missing a little but still running(LOL).All in all I have kept the faith and for the most part have been able to maintain a positive attitude.By all rights I should have been long gone but I am still kicking and will kick all the way.I know you are a person that will deal with the problem head on and will keep kicking also.You and your Family will be in my Prayers.Also you are like me in a way we both have a few more classic cars to own before it is time to go. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

God Bless

Bobby Dodson

[jfkheat]

We will all be praying for you. Keep the faith.
James

[Belair62]

sonofabitch...Mo you keep the faith...if I can help I will....you will get through it fine.

[Seattle Sam]

Matt,
Stay strong, you'll be tested in ways you never expected. Take care of those things that are most important, and may God be with you and your family!

-Sam

[AnnieHartweg]

Mowtown,
By now, you must realize we are all pulling for you! I am not much of a gambler but my money is on you Dude! Do your best to keep an open mind....tough at times I know, but from what I hear, you are the one guy who can accomplish just that.

No matter how hard, stay strong and try to take comfort in knowing we are all thinking of you and have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Take Care,
Ann

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Matt

I will freely admit that I do not know you, but can see from the many responses here that you are loved by many and have much support. Cancer and it's treatment is what I do for a living all day, everyday. Depending on what kind, where ( body site ) and extent, many are now beating this disease... take your time, ask many many questions of the people who you have put in charge of your care... your Life. Don't just accept that line of thinking I see all too often.... "he's the Doctor, he must know what it is best " Get a second opinion on the treatment options, and do your homework.. take charge of your treatment. You would be very surprised to see the differences in opinion about what is the best treatment for any particular type of cancer., and it can make all the difference in the world.... TRUST ME on that. Ask about Clincal Trial Treatment Options, and don't be scared off by that TERM.. it doesn't mean Guinne Pig treatment.. it means the chance to get the BEST Treatment available before the rest of the General Public has access to it.... it means getting more than just the STANDARD TREATMENT... which by the looks of it in the last 10 years... isn't working so good http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif BUT don't despair, as I can already see, you are not... because I see more and more people living longer and longer every day and living a good Quality of Life.... in general, folks are not as SICK from the treatment these days due to our many advances. We have so many treatment options and all have pros and cons... Chemotherapy, Radiation ( which is so far refined now days with things like IMRT ) and Biologic therapies are so advanced... the list goes on and on my friend... do your homework, do not sit idle and let the people around you just tell you what they are going to do for you, find out why, ask why, ask when, ask.. ask ask... and read up on the particular type and grade of cancer you have.

Lastly, I can tell you first hand... having a great support system of friends and family throughout the process WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. I see it everyday.. I have patients that come in, sit in the chair and get treated and leave... all by themselves and they generally don't fare as well. Then I have those with friends and families by their side throughout, showing their love and care.. accept that love and caring.. ie... let your wife and Minister do what they are doing... everyone feels helpless with this type of thing and so this may just be a chance for the folks who love you to feel they are not helpless. It will help you as well, this I see every day http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good luck

Michael

[70LS6454]

Hope everything gets better for you and your family.

Ray

[L72COPO]

Matt, be strong, keep the faith, and heed Michaels (mystery Chevelle) word's. Good luck.

Don Stowers

[Belair62]

Thanks Mysterychevelle...those are powerful words for our buddy....just goes to show you...this hobby binds people of all walks of life together...

[Pantera]

At tough times like these I like to share this great little piece of writing. It has a message that we all can use.

Most of all I am sure that we all wish our on line buddy to have a lot more sunsets.
================================================== ========

The Station
By Robert J. Hastings


Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We’re traveling by train, and from the windows , we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures of smoke poring from power plants, of row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skylines and village halls.


But uppermost in our minds is our final destination - for at a certain hour and on a given day our train will finally pull into the station with bells ringing , flags waving and bands playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true.


So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting for the station. “Yes, when we reach the station that will be it!” we promise ourselves. “When we’re 18 .... win that promotion ... put the last kid through college ... buy that 450 SL Mercedes-Benz ... pay off the mortgage ... have a nest egg for retirement. “ From that day on, we will all live happily ever after.


Sooner or later , however. we must realize there is no station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The Journey is the joy. The station is an illusion - it constantly outdistances us.

Yesterday’s a memory; tomorrow’s a dream . Yesterday belongs to history; tomorrow belongs to God.


Yesterday’s a fading sunset; tomorrow’s a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.

So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow.

“Relish the Moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles,. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains kiss more babies.

Count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot more often. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds.

Watch more sunsets,. Life must be lived as we go along.

Copyright 1886 by the Southern Illinois University Press

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif