An update...

[Andy_Stephenson]

I was going to post this yesterday but with my friend Jeff Matson's death I was not able to do it. I like many of you am mourning his death. He was a good friend and a wonderful human being. Jeff will be sorely missed.

Yesterday I went to the surgeon and I am scheduled for surgery on the 20th of April with chemo and radiation to follow after that. I am definitely scared of what is coming, but I am positive I will be OK. My doctor told me "don't worry Andy, we are going to take good care of you." I am still worried but I have faith that I am going to be OK.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone here that has sent me well wishes, letters of support etc. The gifts of your spirit have truly kept me going over the last several weeks and I know that in the weeks ahead they will sustain me again. Termite says thanks as well he is a man of few words but has been overwhelmed with the support I have gotten here.

More than likely, I will be out of contact for much of the time I am in the hospital as Bev Harris still has my laptop. I wish to God BBV would would give me my stuff back. But an organization with close to a million dollars in the bank surely must need it as they can't afford their own. I promised myself this was not going to be a BBV bashing post. I need to reserve the fight I have in me for the battle ahead. But here I am getting feisty.

Anyway, I am looking at a 3-4 month recovery time from all of this and with God, Shiva, Buddha whatever you choose to call it...I will be OK and will be back fighting voting machine Vendors soon. I am off to Nashville this weekend to train people how to audit elections. I am going to impart my knowledge so it does not go away if something happens to me. After that...well I will be in healing mode. Wish me luck...and timing because I need both.

Before I go I also want to thank Skinner, EarlG and Elad for :loveya: DU. I have said it before and I will say it again. This place means so much to me and I am glad it is here. DU ROCKS!

Andy

[proud patriot]

1. Sending you positive energy and well wishes

:loveya:

[Marnieworld]

2. You're in our thoughts Andy

Thank you so much for all of your work and words. Give that love to yourself now. As a pothead I think that it's good luck that your surgery is scheduled on 4-20 ;-) but that may mean nothing to you. In any case, we will all be thinking of you and sending you some really big, healing vibes. :hug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

5. "I think that it's good luck that your surgery is scheduled on 4-20"

OMG...we are on the same wave length!

hahahahahahahahahahaha

[Marnieworld]

11. Cool!

Man, if you need some to help with the chemo, PM me. I mean it dude.
B-):smoke:

[CornField]

3. All my best, Andy!

I'll miss you while you are recovering. :hug:

[Samurai_Writer]

4. I'm sure you will do fine, Andy!

Please let me know if there is anything I can do!

Hugs,
Bella

[Karenina]

6. You're so much more than OK, Andy!

You're ALL THAT AND a BAG O' CHIPS!!!! :loveya:

[suffragette]

7. your feistiness will carry you through

Andy:
I'm glad your feisty spirit is kicking in. I think it will help carry you through this ordeal. Sending positive energy and hugs your way.
:hug:

[Bethany Rockafella]

8. We all have faith in you Andy.

Be sure to visit us during your recouperation.

[AmBlue]

9. Dear Andy.....

Bestest of the best to you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers until you are well. With your determination and drive, I am positive that, even though it will not be easy, you are going to be just fine. After all, that IS what Superheroes do, you know.... ; )

(And thanks so much for all your help with the VVPB forum here in Florida. You were a big help and gave me the confidence and info I needed to get the job done...)

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ANDY}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[supernova]

10. Wishing you much healing and peace, Andy

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Please update us when you can. :-)

I haven't posted much to you, but I've always read your posts.


edit: "wishing you healing and peach?" lol. Well, peach season will be here soon. :silly:

[goodboy]

12. We love ya Andy! We're thinking about you all the time...Our home is open

to you as soon as you can come see us!

[DemExpat]

13. Thanks, I was wondering how it is going, Andy.

All the best to you for healing and peace of mind!

:hug:

DemEx

[OneBlueSky]

14. everyone here is pulling for you, Andy . . .

and offering our prayers and good wishes . . . stay positive, and everything will turn out okay . . . :hi:

[Avalux]

15. Take care of yourself Andy - positive thoughts!

What's most important is that you concentrate on yourself and nothing else - please know we will all be here pulling for you, praying and hoping for the best. You'll beat this thing and be back here in no time! :hug:

[porphyrian]

16. The surgery is the easier part...

...it's the chemo and radiation that suck the most. Expect to feel weak, sick and generally horrible, and you may have to have other people help you do things you take for granted for a while. Just remember that it's only for a while, and that, eventually, you'll get your normal life back. Hang in there, man.

[kath]

Actually, the chemo and radiation may not be bad at all. A colleague

who was diagnosed with pancreatic CA 5 or 6 years ago (sounds like a similar situation to Andy's - he was lucky that the location of the tumor caused him to present with jaundice before the tumor had a chance to grow very large or metastasize) was still able to work 4 days a week all through his chemo and radiation (after his post-op recovery period). They scheduled his treatments late Thursday or Friday and he was well enough to work by Monday. He sailed right through it and is now considered a CURE. Some of the chemo was a low-level constant drip administered through a pump over several days or a week (I'm forgetting the exact details of his treatment, but I'm VERY sure of the fact that he missed very little work, since he worked in the office right next to mine.) The types of chemo and radiation, and the resulting side effects, vary with different types of CA. But this colleague's was pancreatic (which I'm assuming Andy's is - I haven't read all of his updates).

Here's wishing that your course of treatment is similarly uneventful, Andy!!

[porphyrian]

58. That's good news. I hope it goes easily. - n/t

[Stephanie]

17. Andy, isn't there a neutral location where Bev could leave the laptop?

Just send her a message to drop it off somewhere and you'll pick it up later. I want you to have that back!

[SmokingJacket]

18. You and your work have inspired us so much...

I think about you often, even though I've never met you.

Is there some way we can help get Bev to cough up your lap top? For pete's sake, she has enough of our money. The least she can do is give you your stuff back. If I could get to Seattle, I'd picket her office...

:hug:

Will be sending good thoughts on the 20th...

[Cleita]

19. Thanks for checking in Andy.

I was wondering and worrying about you.

[Cooley Hurd]

20. Andy, a positive attitude will help heal you faster than anything...

...and it sounds like you've got that covered!:thumbsup:

Godspeed and get better soon, pal!:hi:

[elehhhhna]

21. Kick it, Andy. And hurry back, please!

[Individualist]

22. You and your docs can beat this, Andy

Give it all you've got, and know that we're here rooting for you. :hi:

[paula777]

23. I'm sending you my best wishes for a speedy recovery !

[MuseRider]

24. Andy

keep your head in that good healing place, especially through the chemo and radiation. Just remember to breathe deeply and know you are loved. We will be here, you just heal. You have every prayer I can offer and all my love and good wishes.

[in_cog_ni_to]

25. You'll come through this with flying colors! I just know it.

I'll be thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way! :hug:

[Lindacooks]

26. Good luck, Andy - YOU CAN DO IT!!

Take care of yourself, eat as well as you can (tons of fruits and vegetables, plus eat protein and Vitamin C-rich foods in the same meal for the most healing benefits), read your favorite books, and when you get stronger, LAUGH!!

My dh had cancer when he was 25, and it's now 20 years later. Funny movies and books were really our escape, and I firmly believe that laughter helps in healing and recovery.

Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.

[luvLLB]

27. Good luck, Andy.

[stevedeshazer]

28. Good luck, Andy

I wish you well.

[DeepModem Mom]

29. May the Force be with you, Andy!

:grouphug:

[Coventina]

30. Sending healing vibes

:hug:

[wicket]

31. Good luck Andy!

I'm pull for you! :hug:

[greatauntoftriplets]

32. And a Happy Chanukah to you!!!!

Just think...you'll be recovering during Pesach....

[Andy_Stephenson]

37. How...

Fortuitous.

[greatauntoftriplets]

46. Not to mention....

Greek (aka Orthodox) Easter, which is May 1.

Opaaaaa!!! We are celebrating.

:D

[MrScorpio]

33. Good luck, Andy

We're all with you.

:hug:

[Pharaoh]

34. kick ass andy..............

we will be here for you when you need us.....

and vice versa.............

:dem:

[meganmonkey]

35. Andy, you're the best

You have so much courage, integrity and strength. I am happy to hear you will be in Nashville to continue your great work.
I am also glad you are feeling the healing vibes that THOUSANDS of DUers are sending you! We'll keep it coming. Take care of yourself!

:woohoo:
(i just love this little woohoo guy)

[Jokinomx]

36. I wish you the best Andy...

Who knows the real reasons we come here. Somehow, someway we all will face what your facing. Compassion emanates from my heart as you proceed to travel along your journey.


:toast:

[checks-n-balances]

38. Thanks for letting us know what's going on

You don't know me, but I appreciate all that you do and I'm so sorry this has been happening to you. I'm glad that you're facing this positively, though, because I really think that helps make a difference.

Do take care!

[MissWaverly]

39. Please keep us updated

You are always in our prayers, please take care of yourself, please have someone post for you, even if its 2 words, he's okay.

enjoy your trip!

[MissWaverly]

40. Forgot to tell you about my dream

I posted this on another thread but I don't think anyone has read it.
I dreamed that I saw George Bush approach a podium to speak, the podium had papers on top of it, but as he started to speak this wind began to blow, I could see his hair moving back but no one else felt any wind, and suddenly all this pieces of paper, the size of dollar bills, rose up and landed on him, and they did not fall off, and more of these papers rose up, and he was covered with paper. Then I heard him announce that he had resigned the presidency. (could this be about election fraud), you have to get better so you can go back on the hunt for election fraud.

[Zan_of_Texas]

54. That's a great dream, Miss W!

Now you need to come up with one where Andy is done with all this medical stuff and healthy and strong again!

Go get 'em, Andy!

(PS One of my ICU nurse friends says the feisty patients do great!)

[MissWaverly]

69. hey I will work on my crystal ball to give good vibes to Andy

Hey, let's hope he has a great trip, and continues to fight the good fight against the big C. Why are the Repugs so healthy, are the bugs afraid of them.

[vanboggie]

70. The Pugs are the Bugs & Best Wishes Andy

Couldn't resist, Miss Waverly.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Andy. I am grateful for feisty patriots like you to help fight The Evil Doers. If you can fight them, this pancreas thing should be a breeze for you.

Add me to the list of DU'ers sending good vibes your way.

[MissWaverly]

71. that's okay

I sent Andy a message saying that he should get a small picture of the bugman and hang it over the cancer site, it will probably send the tumor packing. It would probably sneak down a drain, I saw that on 1 of the x-files episodes.

[Eloriel]

41. "but I am positive I will be OK."

I am too.

:toast:

[Andy_Stephenson]

44. Thanks...

I knew you were...I was not so sure myself...but I am now.

[ocean girl]

42. I still check DU every day to get news about you...

good luck to you. I know that you are embarking on a tough road, but I believe your spirit will help you survive it.

You're a survivor - look what you've survived just since the election!

Best Regards!

[Donailin]

43. Ah!

>>Yesterday I went to the surgeon and I am scheduled for surgery on the 20th of April with chemo and radiation to follow after that. I am definitely scared of what is coming, but I am positive I will be OK. My doctor told me "don't worry Andy, we are going to take good care of you." I am still worried but I have faith that I am going to be OK. <<

Toldja. I have to ask because I've been in the situation where I fear the worst and then the doctor says, "It's going to be fine" -- did you feel like the weight of the world had been lifted off your shoulders so much that you could physically feel the positive energy re-circulate through your veins?

I remember one winter day in 2003 thinking that I was so ill I was going to leave my children as orphans. The thought made me literally pass out, as in go uncouncious because it is the biggest fear I have -- not living to finish my job, and I was completely beside myself with fear. Mind over matter. When the doctor put my fear to rest, I thought about the future in such a different way. Like in "It's a Wonderful Life" all the things that had bothered me became blessings. Not enough money to pay the rent? Who cares! We'll live in the car! I own the car!The broken lawn mower? Thank God I can fix it with a smile on my face! My anger at my dead beat ex? Vanished. I'm happy to be alive, and that I can make a plan for the future.

Perspective is everything. Remember, life is giving you painful lessons, but those are the ones that count the most.

[Catherine Vincent]

45. I'm sending hugs and prayers your way, Andy!

[bonito]

47. Andy, I'm with you too.

I'm a simple man, I give you my strength. I call it What is, LOL. well you know what I mean, words just don't do. does not matter,just feel the power within your self now.

[NMDemDist2]

48. warmest wishes Andy for your speedy recovery

you're in my thoughts and prayers (to buddha or shiva or whoever LOL )

[Ladyhawk]

49. Hi Andy. All I can do is wish you well, my friend. :)

Losing Jeff this week was really hard, especially on folks like you who have been here for so long. You need to grieve, but I have been a bit worried about how you are "internalizing" this news. Bad timing...then again, when would have been a good time? :(

I hope you're taking care of yourself. You've been through a lot. I want to bash a certain person in her lying mouth on your behalf. :mad:

Please take care of yourself, OK? We're pulling for you. I wish I could send money, too, but I am just so tapped out. :( I'll be having surgery on the 25th, so I'm right behind you. :) Luckily, no chemo for me. I hope you're one of those people who tolerates it well.

Love ya! Take care!

[Andy_Stephenson]

50. I will be send you thoughts too

Are you ok? Now I am worried about you. We can't lose anymore DU'ers.

Jeff's passing has been tough...but I take comfort that he and Keph are watching over us all and they will always be here in spirit.

Damn now I am crying again :cry:

[Ladyhawk]

53. Big hugs, Andy. :)

Hehe...I'm crying again, too. :hug: I didn't know Jeff well, but what little interaction I had with him was wonderful. I was definitely planning to get to know him better. I loved the items for sale in his store and desperately wanted two of his t-shirts: the "I worked my ass off" shirt and the "girl singer" shirt. I wanted to learn more about his musicality. :( I love artistic people.

I am having three vertebrae in my neck fused and yes, I'm scared shitless. I was told there is a 5-10% chance the surgery could permanently damage my vocal cords. Since I am a singer, this would not be good. In fact, it would be a tragedy for me. I've worked hard on my voice for the past four years, refining it into a finer instrument. Music is a big part of my life. Losing music would be like losing a limb.

And of course there's always the nightmare of the surgeon dropping the scalpel onto my spinal cord after the damaged discs are removed: "Whoops! She's a quadriplegic now. Oh well...let's close 'er up."

Sigh. I'd get to go live with my crazy fundy family and be under their thumb for the rest of my life. That is a fate worse than death.

[Redstone]

51. You need a laptop?

I have a Powerbook 520c that you can borrow if you want to, for as long as you need it. It's old, and would need an external modem, but it works.

PM me if you want it.

Redstone

[Redstone]

55. Oh, I forgot to mention I have a modem

that you can use with the 520c as well.

Redstone

[Lydia Leftcoast]

52. And you rock, too, Andy

Not everyone would go off and teach others so soon before facing a crisis.

[mzmolly]

56. I know your gonna be ok too Andy!

Were all pulling for you. :hug:

[lonestarnot]

57. Yes Andy DU ROCKS AND SO DO YOU! Please hang in there and be

ok. Even though many on DU are not God people, I have no fear of admitting that I believe and I am going to pray for you.

[Fovea]

59. You get back together completely.

Don't hurt yourself with hurry.

Hwas thu Hal!
RealP

[Richard Steele]

60. Let's keep this KICKED for ANDY!

I am one of MANY DUers who don't know him personally, but followed his posts from the day I found this site. (around August, last year)

Mr. Stephenson certainly 'walks the walk' when it comes to WORKING for the very IDEA of DEMOCRACY. A real PATRIOT in a world of CONSUMERS.

He doesn't know me, but I want to send him best wishes for his recovery from this medical problem.

People like him are just WAY too rare; we need every one we've got!

Andy, we're all pullin' for ya!

My PERSONAL prediction:
You are gonna KICK that tumor's ASS,
and then spend the next 60 years making FASCISTS jealous of the tumor!

You ROCK, Mr. Stephenson!

Sincerly,
Richard

[Desertrose]

61. My thoughts and best wishes will be with you, Andy

I feel your fighting spirit will carry you in a good way and with all the love DU can send you, you are off to a great start...:loveya:
:hug: :hug:& healing energy
DR

[murielm99]

62. Rest and take care of yourself, Andy.

You will be in all our thoughts and prayers. Heal well and come back to us.

[VOX]

63. Keep punching, Andy, keep punching!

I've dealt with cancer, so I know the road you're traveling.
Unfortunately, for most of us, a certain amount of our lives must be spent swatting away these potential killers. But we do it eagerly because it beats the alternative! :)

Keep us informed, and hang in there. *TONS* of positive vibes are coming your way. :hug:

[DemExpat]

64. kick - maybe Andy can get a laptop for the hospitalization....

Redstone has one available, above.

:kick:

DemEx

[bettyellen]

65. good thoughts + prayers for you andy....

so great you're going to nashville to share your expertise. but take it easy, okay.
:hug:

[deutsey]

66. Peace be with you

:thumbsup:

[Lisa0825]

67. Speedy recovery wishes to you, Andy

:grouphug:

[CitySky]

68. You're Doing Great, Champ!

Hi Andy - I just PM'd you right before I saw this post. Thanks for the update! I am super proud of you! Your plan sounds good: go teach some people how to kick some vote-fraud butt, then concentrate on kicking some c***** butt. :thumbsup: You da man.

Your surgery date is in my calendar so I can focus on that in my prayers: the doctors getting every one of those stinkin' cells OUT of you that day.

Hugs :hug: to you!

-Sky in Houston

[Domitan]

72. All the best

Speedy recovery as much as possible.