Friends

[Yates]

My friends,

This is not an easy post for me to type.  I have told some of you, but I feel that, after developments which occured this evening, I should tell you all. 

A little over one week ago, I checked into the emergency room after sensing seemingly random odors and tastes.  These occured at unpredictable times, and I believed myself to be having some sort of migraine.  After performing X-rays on my head, the doctors located a brain tumor.  Upon hearing this, I was hardly surprised, as brain tumors seem to be part of my genes.  However, throughout the week, the doctors determined that this tumor was malignant, and must be removed.  However, due to the tumor's position near the base of my skull, it cannot be removed by surgery.  Though I was initially expecting to return to my doctor's office tomorrow to explore options, my doctor phoned me earlier this evening, informing me that the situation is dire, and therapy must commence now.  Tomorrow, with my doctor, I will explore the possibility of radiosurgery.  If the doctor determines that radiosurgery is a safe procedure, meaning no major blood vessels would be damaged by the procedure, I will undergo this process for the next few months.  According to the doctor, if the procedure is successful, I could be free of tumors for as long as five years.  However, if either it is determined that radiosurgery would not be safe or if it is unsuccessful, my life expectancy would be decreased to six months at the most.

Tomorrow, I will know more.  If I begin radiosurgery, I may be required to travel to another hospital elsewhere in the country for a prolonged period of time.  If radiosurgery cannot be done, I will return to Iowa, my home, to live out my remaining time with my family.  However, in both cases, I will intend to live life as normally as possible. 

Those I have told, in the forum, in my workplace, and elsewhere, have asked me how I feel or how I can be so stoic.  The answer, my friends, is that, with the possibility of death so near and so early in my life, my sadness is too profound to express.  I have, no matter the result of tomorrow's consultation with my doctor, resigned myself to the fact that the good Lord wants me, and Lord, I am Your servant.  To all of you, I feel I owe a debt of gratitude, in case I never get the chance.  For over one year now, this forum has been a part of my life.  I have gotten to know some of you especially well, and I am immensely grateful for that.  Yet, I am also grateful for the chance to discuss politics and life with a group of people such as yourselves. 

If I am unable to post for a prolonged period of time, I will resign my Vice Presidency.  I will also remain in contact with afleitch, who has kindly offered to stay in touch with me, and inform all of you as to my condition.  It is likely that I will post tomorrow, informing all of you of the results of my consultation.  In the meantime, I beg for your prayers.  God bless you all.

Yates

[PBrunsel]

I shall pray for you Yates, for you are a good man. Its awful such terrible things must happen to such good people.

Best of luck to you, my good man.

[YRABNNRM]

My God; this is truly awful. I'm quite sorry to hear this. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through.

My best wishes and thoughts go out to you, Yates.

[Boris]

I'm really sorry to hear this. I honestly don't know what to say

[CPT MikeyMike]

You will be in my prayers buddy!

I know you will be back on here soon.

[Colin]

This is absolutely horrible and I wish you the best with the radiosurgery. Beyond that I'm at a loss for words.

[True Democrat]

Like others, I am at a loss for words.

I will put you in my prayers tonight.

[AkSaber]

Damn. I don't know what to say except that I'm extremely sorry.

I'll pray for you. You can count on that.

[ilikeverin]

*hughughug*?

[Bacon King]

You will be in my prayers; i wish you the very best.

[Gabu]

That's just terrible.

[Alcon]

I don't really have words for this.  This is terrible, there's no real way to sugarcoat it.  You're in my thoughts.

[CultureKing]

I really hope you the best and wish that everything turns out for the best for you. My thoughts are with you.

[Smash255]

What a horrible and tragic thing to see.  Wish you the best and hope you get well quickly.

[MAS117]

Yates, I am very sad to here this. You are a good guy, and I know this will all work out for you in the end.

[Jake]

That's the most horrible thing I've read in awhile Yates. I can't imagine what you're feeling right now; death has never been that real. Just know that modern medicine can do absolutely astonishing things. You seem to have great faith in the Lord. Make sure you spend your days, no matter how awful, in positive thought. Believing you'll destroy this thing is the only way to do it. Tell us how everything goes tommorrow. We're thinking about you.

[MODU]

Best of luck, bud.  Make sure you provide someone with your contact information if in case you are unable to post.  As everyone has already said, you will be in all of our prayers.  I'm sure my niece will be more than willing to talk with you if you are interested.  She's already had two brain tumors removed (one being located under the pituitary gland when she was 3) and has lived to tell the tale.  Keep the faith and remain positive.  It is tough to do, but it does help with the recovery.

[Hatman 🍁]

Good luck Yates!

[MasterJedi]

Hopefully everything goes well for ya man, I'll keep ya in my prayers.

[Ban my account ffs!]

Hang in there.  I will pray for you and your doctors.  And do try to stay optimistic.  I'm sure you'll come through in the end.

[Keystone Phil]

  You'll get through this. You have a lot of people praying for you and will be in the care of your family and hopefully an amazing medical staff. Stay strong, my friend.

[afleitch]

David, you already know my reaction to this. Like eveyone else I can only stress that you have my thoughts, support and my prayers friend.

[Democratic Hawk]

David, I've always considered you a good friend on the Forum and I'm absolutely gutted to hear of this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm sure the medics will do everything they can for you and I prayer that  radiosurgery is an option for you and that it is successful

Dave

[minionofmidas]

*hughughug*?

Yeah, can't think of anything better to say now either.

[DownWithTheLeft]

Wow, this was the first time I almost cried reading a post on this forum

Good luck to you