Perhaps it's time...

Jon Yenulonis

Well-known member
Maybe it's time to ask for a little help. NOT FOR ME, but rather for my family. You see, recently, I've been diagnosed with stage 4, non small cell lung cancer which has also matastisized into the nearby bones. A couple months ago, I was suffering from chronic lower back pain, with sciatic nerve discomfort down the back of my right leg. So as my usual, I visited my chiropractor. After about a dozen visits over the course of about a month, my sciatic nerve pain was gone, but I wasn't getting any relief from the general pain. My doctor and I decided it was time for an MRI on that part of my back to see what was going on. After the procedure, and I hadn't even made it home yet, the doctor's offce called me in for an immediate consult. At that time, I was advised to see my GP for a more thorough exam and explanation. To condense a bit, after about two weeks of tests, being poked all over and giving up what seemed like gallons of blood, I was given the "semi-official" diagnosis. I write semi official, because they are still conducting more tests.

Prognosis ranges from 6 or 8 months, to a few years depending on how well my body responds to the chemo and radiation treatments. It's been difficult, but I am optomistic. I can still smile, and I have a few things planned yet before I check out for good.

One of my plans is to make my world a bit smaller as far as everything I own. Even if I make a miraculous recovery, I don't believe I'm ever going to find a use for "some" of the 400 or so decoys I have. Throw in the 4 boats, and a garage full of related items, too numerous to even remember. And then, there are all of the woodworking machinery and tools, (I owned and ran a custom cabinet shop for about 15 years), and I will be keeping our local shipping carriers busy!

What I am asking for in all of this, is perhaps a few good thoughts and maybe even a few prayers for my family. THEY are the ones who will be needlessly suffering thru all of this. Between my friends and family, I have such a great support staff, and they deserve better.

Thank you all for your consideration. I appreciate this,more than most of you will ever realize.

Regards,

Jon
 
Good morning, Jon~

I am so sorry to hear this news. Although we have not met in person, I have certainly come to know and appreciate your positive spirit over the years. I know you will make the very best of your time with your loved ones.

All the best,

SJS

 
John-
Keep your chin up and remain positive. True story: my uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10+ years ago and given only a couple of months to live. He went to Sloane Kettering in NYC to be treated. He has entered various clinical trials and they have kept him alive. Here we are, 10+ years later and he's still playing golf and living life to the fullest. He had one setback along the way, they found cancer in his hip a few years ago and he underwent a hip replacement. I disagree with many of the "life-expectancy" time frames that these Oncologist's convey to their patients. I have heard numerous stories whereby people have beat the odds. Stay strong my friend. God bless you and your family during this very stressful time.
 
Oh Jon, so sorry to hear this. I know the shock of hearing the cancer diagnosis and what you must be going through now. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Stage 4 can be beat - let's hope you are one of the lucky ones.
 
Good luck Jon. I started in construction when I was 16, and have been doing custom cabinetry and furniture long with renovation work for the last 15-20 years. Hearing stories like yours really scares me. No one ever wore respirators or even a dust masks when I started doing this stuff. I don't like to think about all the nasty stuff that has gone into my lungs. Hoping for the best for you and your family. Luke
 
Jon,

I'm sorry to hear this and I will definitely be keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Keep thinking positive and perhaps you'll get to check off more of your bucket list than you thought....life is certainly too short. And good luck with the downsizing.

Dani
 
Jon I pray for you and your family. Your positive attitude is inspiring. Please keep us up to date with your treatment. I am a pharmacist and can help with any medication issues or side effects.
 
Keep optimistic, follow the doctors advise and enjoy life with your friends and family as much as you can. Know you have all our support as well as thoughts, prayers and good vibes.
 
Jon

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

May God grant you and yours strength in this most difficult time.


VP
 
Jon, Though we've never met, I feel like I know you from reading your many posts over the past years. It's true that many people far outlive the estimates given by specialists, and sometimes the diagnosis itself is incorrect. I'm hoping your outcome will be another positive statistic to these statements! You are being realistic which is what I would try to be in this situation, but I'm sure you are hopeful of beating the odds also My best wishes in doing this, and keep us up to date on your situation. Sandy Allen
 
Jon,

I'm so sorry to hear this. You and your family will certainly be in my prayers. We've not met in person but I've always felt a connection given our shared interests. I don't have the words to convey my sympathies but please know you are loved.

Please continue to ask for help and prayers. There is incredible power in prayer!

Regards,

Gene
 
Jon, this is never easy to hear whether the person is a close relative or a just made friend. Will keep the family in my prayers that they will have the comfort and peace through whatever happens.
 
Sorry to hear this Jon. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Jon,

We'll be praying for you and your family. Remain optomistic and put on your best fighting face and can do attitude to give it all
to turn this in the right direction. God Bless.

-Ron
 
Prayers for you and yours Jon. I also know the shock of that diagnosis and understand how hard it is on the rest of the family. Keep the good attitude and day at a time.
 
Luke Berkey said:
Good luck Jon. I started in construction when I was 16, and have been doing custom cabinetry and furniture long with renovation work for the last 15-20 years. Hearing stories like yours really scares me. No one ever wore respirators or even a dust masks when I started doing this stuff. I don't like to think about all the nasty stuff that has gone into my lungs. Hoping for the best for you and your family. Luke

Luk no kidding x3..... when I started in the late 80s most shops didn't even have dust collection. But that's not my reason for writing. John, what a shock and disappointment the news must of been. But, docs know a lot, but they are not the end all be all. Enjoy every day, as much as you can. Whether it's 100 or 10,000. All of our time here is short. You have my love and support, and prayers for your family. You are not in this alone.
 
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