Jaybird's absence and cancer

[Jaybird]

Ok. So I just want to reach out to the community that has always been so supportive and help me get my business and my dream rolling and successful. First off a HUGE THANK YOU! THANK YOU THANK YOU for the years of support. and a HUGE apology for my absence, here, the store and in the shop. I'll get right to it.
My lovely wife of 22 years, my soulmate was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer about a year ago. The level of the cancer was, at first glace and from the first Ct's MRI and biopsies was that this cancer was deep stage 4 in her colon, in her small bowels, in her liver and in her tissue and likely inoperable. What that meant to us and her doctors really, was she was going to die from cancer. Now, for any of you who know me on a personal level knows I wasn't going to accept that as the fate of my bestfriend. I wasn't going to loose my wife to cancer. SO... First we cried A LOT! Then we prayed A LOT! Then we decided as a team, her and I that we were NEVER going to worry about the things we don't know in regards to her cancer and only focus on the things that we know. We decided we were going to stay positive. Also for anyone that knows my SWMBO knows that was going to be hard for her. So. We got in touch with UC Davis cancer research center and we started to fight. We fought like hell and I will tell you, this has been the scariest rollercoaster ride we have ever been on. With levels of sorrow and pain I cant really even explain. My bride has been in and out of the hospitals, through chemo, chemo radiation, surgeries, AND a messed up surgery that landed her in ICU for 7 days fighting for her life. The entire time I NEVER gave up hope and my convictions that she was going to beat this.
The reason I am writing this to you, the Homebrewtalk community is to just let you know "WHY" I have been absent from here, from my shop and why I haven't been there as much as I used to be. I have received a lot of emails asking where I have gone and why I haven't been around. People have been concerned about my health and wellbeing and I LOVE that some of you have reached out. I would go MONTHS and MONTHS without logging in and checking my PM folder and I am super sorry. My team at the shop I think has done a great job in attending to everyone. My business has ran along just fine without me. I basically took the last year to be with my wife and make sure she knew she wasn't alone in this. EVERY Dr visit, EVERY scan, EVERY chemo treatment I was right there with her to be her strength and her staff of positivity. What I found out about my wife in the the last year is she is the strongest person I know. The pain and discomfort, the horrible, horrible feelings and sickness she has gone through is absolutely indescribable. and yet still be able to joke around, laugh and have fun with the nursing staff. I am going to fast forward to present day. My lovely bride is, against all odds KICKING CANCERS ASS! She is in the final weeks of Chemo/Radiation and all her scans right now are void of all cancer! YES!!
I cannot say I will be logging in and actively participating any time soon but please know I am still very much a part of this community. Please do not hesitate to send me an email if your not being attended to or just need something. I am back in the shop and pounding away with new products and filling orders like crazy. Thank you all for the continued support, all the orders and the shares online! They all help and have continued to help me get through this.

Cheers
Jay

[email protected]

 

[Jayjay1976]

Ok. So I just want to reach out to the community that has always been so supportive and help me get my business and my dream rolling and successful. First off a HUGE THANK YOU! THANK YOU THANK YOU for the years of support. and a HUGE apology for my absence, here, the store and in the shop. I'll get right to it.
My lovely wife of 22 years, my soulmate was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer about a year ago. The level of the cancer was, at first glace and from the first Ct's MRI and biopsies was that this cancer was deep stage 4 in her colon, in her small bowels, in her liver and in her tissue and likely inoperable. What that meant to us and her doctors really, was she was going to die from cancer. Now, for any of you who know me on a personal level knows I wasn't going to accept that as the fate of my bestfriend. I wasn't going to loose my wife to cancer. SO... First we cried A LOT! Then we prayed A LOT! Then we decided as a team, her and I that we were NEVER going to worry about the things we don't know in regards to her cancer and only focus on the things that we know. We decided we were going to stay positive. Also for anyone that knows my SWMBO knows that was going to be hard for her. So. We got in touch with UC Davis cancer research center and we started to fight. We fought like hell and I will tell you, this has been the scariest rollercoaster ride we have ever been on. With levels of sorrow and pain I cant really even explain. My bride has been in and out of the hospitals, through chemo, chemo radiation, surgeries, AND a messed up surgery that landed her in ICU for 7 days fighting for her life. The entire time I NEVER gave up hope and my convictions that she was going to beat this.
The reason I am writing this to you, the Homebrewtalk community is to just let you know "WHY" I have been absent from here, from my shop and why I haven't been there as much as I used to be. I have received a lot of emails asking where I have gone and why I haven't been around. People have been concerned about my health and wellbeing and I LOVE that some of you have reached out. I would go MONTHS and MONTHS without logging in and checking my PM folder and I am super sorry. My team at the shop I think has done a great job in attending to everyone. My business has ran along just fine without me. I basically took the last year to be with my wife and make sure she knew she wasn't alone in this. EVERY Dr visit, EVERY scan, EVERY chemo treatment I was right there with her to be her strength and her staff of positivity. What I found out about my wife in the the last year is she is the strongest person I know. The pain and discomfort, the horrible, horrible feelings and sickness she has gone through is absolutely indescribable. and yet still be able to joke around, laugh and have fun with the nursing staff. I am going to fast forward to present day. My lovely bride is, against all odds KICKING CANCERS ASS! She is in the final weeks of Chemo/Radiation and all her scans right now are void of all cancer! YES!!
I cannot say I will be logging in and actively participating any time soon but please know I am still very much a part of this community. Please do not hesitate to send me an email if your not being attended to or just need something. I am back in the shop and pounding away with new products and filling orders like crazy. Thank you all for the continued support, all the orders and the shares online! They all help and have continued to help me get through this.

Cheers
Jay

[email protected]

God bless, and God speed.

 

[TheMadKing]

I'll keep her and you in my thoughts. I have two dear friends fighting cancer right now and its a real mofo. Thankfully modern medicine and unbelievably strong amazing people are beating the odds more and more these days.

I wish her a speedy return to wellness. Life will never be "normal" again, but at least it's life and you're together. Thank you for all you've done for the community, we'll be here if you have time for us.

 

[MaxStout]

Very scary stuff, but so glad she is doing so well against the cancer. Take care of family, and we will always be here.

Fark cancer.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Always thinking of you jaybird as you're one of the good guys. Although only known online easy to see your wife is one smart and tough cookie. Thoughts and good vibes going out to your entire family. Keep up the good fight. There's a lot of people behind you and your wife.

 

[Golddiggie]

My father fell victim to colon cancer back in the mid 90's. They put him through chemo and all that when they knew he wouldn't make it. Maybe it would have been different if it had happened now, but back then it sucked. He went after less than a year from being diagnosed.

So, I know how much it sucks to have that come up. It's great that your wife is winning/has won on that fight. Hopefully it will never show up again.

 

[shoengine]

Thanks for sharing that story. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

 

[doug293cz]

Sorry that your wife and you have had to go though this, and glad that things are going much better than they might have. Keep fighting, and loving each other. Your absence is excused.

 

[bkboiler]

Good on ya for keeping those priorities straight. Big praises to hear her recovery! Awesome!

 

[NGD]

@Jaybird This is the best thing I’ve read in the last week. I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes to you both.

 

[grampamark]

@Jaybird, I know exactly what you and your wife are going through. Six years ago, next month, my wife was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. After 16 months of nonstop treatment (4 surgeries, 8 months of chemo, and 2 rounds of radiation) she is now going on 5 years cancer free. Hang in there, friend, and stay positive. Cancer’s ass can be kicked.

Cancer should get cancer and die.

 

[NickTheGreat]

I'm glad things are going in the right direction for you guys. Well done!

 

[Cammanron]

Ok. So I just want to reach out to the community that has always been so supportive and help me get my business and my dream rolling and successful. First off a HUGE THANK YOU! THANK YOU THANK YOU for the years of support. and a HUGE apology for my absence, here, the store and in the shop. I'll get right to it.
My lovely wife of 22 years, my soulmate was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer about a year ago. The level of the cancer was, at first glace and from the first Ct's MRI and biopsies was that this cancer was deep stage 4 in her colon, in her small bowels, in her liver and in her tissue and likely inoperable. What that meant to us and her doctors really, was she was going to die from cancer. Now, for any of you who know me on a personal level knows I wasn't going to accept that as the fate of my bestfriend. I wasn't going to loose my wife to cancer. SO... First we cried A LOT! Then we prayed A LOT! Then we decided as a team, her and I that we were NEVER going to worry about the things we don't know in regards to her cancer and only focus on the things that we know. We decided we were going to stay positive. Also for anyone that knows my SWMBO knows that was going to be hard for her. So. We got in touch with UC Davis cancer research center and we started to fight. We fought like hell and I will tell you, this has been the scariest rollercoaster ride we have ever been on. With levels of sorrow and pain I cant really even explain. My bride has been in and out of the hospitals, through chemo, chemo radiation, surgeries, AND a messed up surgery that landed her in ICU for 7 days fighting for her life. The entire time I NEVER gave up hope and my convictions that she was going to beat this.
The reason I am writing this to you, the Homebrewtalk community is to just let you know "WHY" I have been absent from here, from my shop and why I haven't been there as much as I used to be. I have received a lot of emails asking where I have gone and why I haven't been around. People have been concerned about my health and wellbeing and I LOVE that some of you have reached out. I would go MONTHS and MONTHS without logging in and checking my PM folder and I am super sorry. My team at the shop I think has done a great job in attending to everyone. My business has ran along just fine without me. I basically took the last year to be with my wife and make sure she knew she wasn't alone in this. EVERY Dr visit, EVERY scan, EVERY chemo treatment I was right there with her to be her strength and her staff of positivity. What I found out about my wife in the the last year is she is the strongest person I know. The pain and discomfort, the horrible, horrible feelings and sickness she has gone through is absolutely indescribable. and yet still be able to joke around, laugh and have fun with the nursing staff. I am going to fast forward to present day. My lovely bride is, against all odds KICKING CANCERS ASS! She is in the final weeks of Chemo/Radiation and all her scans right now are void of all cancer! YES!!
I cannot say I will be logging in and actively participating any time soon but please know I am still very much a part of this community. Please do not hesitate to send me an email if your not being attended to or just need something. I am back in the shop and pounding away with new products and filling orders like crazy. Thank you all for the continued support, all the orders and the shares online! They all help and have continued to help me get through this.

Cheers
Jay

[email protected]

Man, you actually made me tear up here. My neighbour passed away from stage 4 last month. She was 48 and left behind a husband and two young children aged 7 and 10. It went so quick with her. From diagnosis to last day, was around 3 months.

All the best and keep your foot on that fu@&er cancers throat.

 

[Yooper]

Oh, wow- I'm so shocked. I missed you, but I know how life is and many of us move on to other interests. I had no idea!

Thank you for letting us know what's been happening, and for sharing this victory. I'll keep you both in my prayers, and please keep us updated as to what you'll be doing to celebrate and what the future looks like for both of you!

 

[cmac62]

My positive thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife. Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[passedpawn]

Best wishes to you and your bride Jaybird. Every time I clean my mash tun, I see that CHEERS you etched on my false bottom there (at least 10 yrs ago) and smile. I wonder how many smiles you've produced with that.

 

[Jaybird]

God bless, and God speed.

Thank you JayJay!!

 

[Jaybird]

I'll keep her and you in my thoughts. I have two dear friends fighting cancer right now and its a real mofo. Thankfully modern medicine and unbelievably strong amazing people are beating the odds more and more these days.

I wish her a speedy return to wellness. Life will never be "normal" again, but at least it's life and you're together. Thank you for all you've done for the community, we'll be here if you have time for us.

I appreciate the kind words. I agree, life will never be the same. God willing we will grow from this and be better humans. My wife and I have always been pretty tight. I mean you don't get to 22 years together, happy and are still madly in love with each other without being pretty tight. Cancer, even at its worst has brought my SWMBO and I together in ways I can't explain and created an unbreakable bond. So on the bright side and all.
Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

Very scary stuff, but so glad she is doing so well against the cancer. Take care of family, and we will always be here.

Fark cancer.

FARK CANCER indeed! I love that! I might have to have it printed somewhere.. LOL

Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

Always thinking of you jaybird as you're one of the good guys. Although only known online easy to see your wife is one smart and tough cookie. Thoughts and good vibes going out to your entire family. Keep up the good fight. There's a lot of people behind you and your wife.

I appreciate that my brother! We will continue to fight the good fight! I can't wait till I get to get back to Brewing, Smoking cigars and playing with my friends and hobbies. That day is coming for sure. As soon as my bride is back together again.

 

[Jaybird]

My father fell victim to colon cancer back in the mid 90's. They put him through chemo and all that when they knew he wouldn't make it. Maybe it would have been different if it had happened now, but back then it sucked. He went after less than a year from being diagnosed.

So, I know how much it sucks to have that come up. It's great that your wife is winning/has won on that fight. Hopefully it will never show up again.

Yeah man.. BLOWS! We will destroy this $#!T
Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

Thanks for sharing that story. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

Thank you Devin! We need all the prayers and good vibes we can get. Its those that are making the difference.

Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

Sorry that your wife and you have had to go though this, and glad that things are going much better than they might have. Keep fighting, and loving each other. Your absence is excused.

ha ha ha I needed the excused absence to be honest. So, Thank You! We will absolutely just keep fighting and loving each other.

 

[Jaybird]

Good on ya for keeping those priorities straight. Big praises to hear her recovery! Awesome!

Thank you. Its amazing how straight a person can be and direct the priorities when something is trying to rip someone from your life.
Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

@Jaybird This is the best thing I’ve read in the last week. I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes to you both.

Thank you NGD! Were are gonna need all them prayers you can spare tossing our way! She still has a long road ahead of her, But its a fight she is winning!

Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

I'm glad things are going in the right direction for you guys. Well done!

Thanks Nick! Good to see you still on the board!

Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

Man, you actually made me tear up here. My neighbour passed away from stage 4 last month. She was 48 and left behind a husband and two young children aged 7 and 10. It went so quick with her. From diagnosis to last day, was around 3 months.

All the best and keep your foot on that fu@&er cancers throat.

I appreciate the emotion Cammanron My wife is 46 years old. Colon cancer is on the rise for sure! Its sucks and is very scary. It used to be an old mans disease. Now people are getting it in their 20's WTF! Were stomping hard!

Cheers
Jay

 

[matt_m]

---

 

[Jaybird]

Oh, wow- I'm so shocked. I missed you, but I know how life is and many of us move on to other interests. I had no idea!

Thank you for letting us know what's been happening, and for sharing this victory. I'll keep you both in my prayers, and please keep us updated as to what you'll be doing to celebrate and what the future looks like for both of you!

Thank you Yoop! Yeah I hear ya. Michelle and I have kept this pretty quiet and to be honest since she was diagnosed time has stood still. This crushed us! I took a leave of absence from the shop and really from life to do nothing but care for her and to be there for her every step of the way. What am I going to do to celebrate??? WellI have given this a LOT of thought actually I will be trying to find and obtain a bottle of Deward's Double Double 32 year. I will be twisting the cork and throwing it way. This will be opened, shared and emptied with a very close group of friends that have been here for us the entire way. I haven't had a drink since 11 months before Michelle was diagnosed. I was taking a year of sobriety to focus on some personal growth. Then when we received this news I made the decision not to drink again until M and I can have a drink together. I have a while to go yet to gather the bottle to celebrate with but It's on the horizon! I'll keep you posted! Thank you!!

Cheers
Jay

 

[Jaybird]

My positive thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife. Thanks for sharing your story.

Thank you! I love your avatar picture. My SWMBO LOVES LOVES LOVES Hummingbirds.

Cheers
Jay