It’s always something… This time, Cancer!

[tbellemare]

Very sorry to read this Tom. We spoke only a few weeks ago and I had no idea. Hope you have some good news soon,

Richard.

Thanks, Richard!

I did get some good news recently... I now have my first Tatts! And to think, I never even knew I wanted any. The weird thing is that I have an almost uncontrollable urge to get "sleeved up" for the winter.

The Radiation Oncologist tattooed me in 3 places so they could re-register the "ray gun" down below for each of 10 sessions that kind of need to have the same reference point(s). Each of these sessions is focused on the prostate tumor's march into my bladder as I understand it.

Another bit of good news is that session 10 should be Thursday and I'll get a day off before the weekend. Woo Hoo!

As long as they have a Reservation for me at the ray gun table covered in linens, they are also shooting a tumor on my left orbital. That's the bone behind the eyeball. Apparently, I have a tumor of the orbital pushing on the left eye and making it difficult to enjoy dessert. They seem pretty certain they can just melt that one away. We shall see... it certainly seems like it's working.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,
I've never met you or talked with you however, the magic of believing is a powerfull thing. Believe in an outcome and focus on that outcome and you will prevail.

Thanks!

I'm not looking for or counting on magic but rather professional and organized medical treatment. From what I can tell, that's what I'm getting. It also seems to be working as well as can be expected.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tom - I am so sorry to learn of this news. I wish you a speedy recovery and you are in my thoughts. Stay positive and we are all cheering you on!

Thanks, Scot!

The overwhelming support I have receive is just that, "overwhelming"!

This Thread was an attempt to finally "come clean" and because of the generosity and camaraderie that has bubbled up, I am having difficulty politely keeping up with all of it. I am receiving support from people with whom I have only had an on-line relationship and not even really then. The following are examples of that...

Tom, as a cancer survivor, I know, with your great attitude, it can be beaten.  It's not easy, but it can be done.  My prayers are with you.

Steve

My beat wishes for you and your family.

About 4 years ago I was told I had a growth on my liver that was suspected to be cancerous, fortunately 6 months later and after a myriad of tests it was discovered to be a non-malignent tumour. That 6 months was probably the longest and most uncomfortable 6 months of my life. So there is hope.

Get well soon Tom you are a valuable member here hopefully you get the business sorted out I sure you even me in Scotland now how good the our customer care is

Hi Tom

I'm so sorry to hear you have to go through this. I know what you are faced with having been through it myself twice before. It sucks ( as my 3 yr old put it at the time ) . There is not a single thing anyone can say that will make this any easier.

I do have two bits of advice for you though which helped me.

1. Surround yourself with positive people only. Not the kind that tell you, "you can beat this" everytime they see you. But with people who just continue to treat you as Tom. That when they say "see you later", it's because they believe as much as you do that they will indeed, see you later. Not the kind that treat you as Tom, the guy with cancer and everything centres around that.

2. If chemo is one of your options, then 70% Dark chocolate. I used to have a slab before every chemo treatment and they side effects were then bearable. i.e. less throwing up. I was taught this trick by a 6 yr old kid sitting next to me during these sessions.

My prayers wil include you and your family in this time.

Wishing you everything of the best

Leon

Tom,

This news makes me incredibly sad.

I wish you and your family nothing but good luck and happiness.

Kev.

If one doubts the health of an online community like the FOG, this should help relieve those doubts.There are literally people from all over the world, who have no other association with me than the FOG, wanting to help. That speaks volumes. Only one word out of one of those volumes should cause pause for circumspection to anyone desiring to "lead with negativity".

Tom

 

[Stephen B]

[attachimg=1]

Tom, rather than "see ya latter", "read ya latter".

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,

Thank you for the wonderful dealer service you have given me over the past few months.  You've set the bar high for whatever ends up happening with the business.  I wish you strength and courage for the challenges ahead.

ed

Thanks, Ed!

I'm glad I got a chance to serve you properly... But I'm not down for the count yet. I just have a little less time periodically and therefore, have to more carefully prioritize things.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,

I'm sorry that you're having to deal with this. Fight on and keep strong. On behalf of the whole Festool team, we're pulling for you.

Thanks, Tyler!

Everyone there has been great, as usual...

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Godspeed, Tom!  The prayers of multitudes are behind you as you fight this disease!  A friend of mine survived an equally serious cancer after treatment at M.D. Anderson in Houston.  They are the best!

"The prayers of multitudes"

It certainly seems that is the case... I would never have imagined such support as I've gotten, and globally!

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,

I'm saddened to hear this and wish there was a magic wand that could heal.  I dream of the day when Cancer is only an astrology symbol.

"a magic wand that could heal"

That's just another hand tool for you, Chris! I can already see a place for it in your shop... I'll see if Papa Francis can help with a commission.

I guess because I'm an Aries, I thought I could just "Ram" my way through this. Apparently, it doesn't work that way.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

i just lost my grandma a few weeks ago  [crying] and im even more sorry to hear about this news  [sad] i hope you try your best to fight it Tom! good luck to you and family!

This is just one example of the phenomenal generosity here.

Please accept my condolences for your grandma - May she RIP...

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

While I am not in a position to help with your business transition, please accept my well wishes and prayers for you and your new friends. 

We have done business one time, and it was one of the better transactions I've ever experienced for buying anything.

Thanks, Neal!

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,
I, along with all the other FOG members wish you the best and will be praying for you.  My father had the near same diagnosis and lived many wonderful years afterwards to the age of 94.  I pray you do too!

I hope you're right. I'm counting on you...

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

All the best and God bless....!

Thank you!

 

[tbellemare]

Really sorry to hear this Tom

Wish you all the best .

Thanks, Mick!

 

[tbellemare]

Very sad to hear this - my very best wishes as you face the challenges ahead, and I know you'll find someone worthy to help out with the business.

I hope everything turns out good for you Tom.  Prayers sent.

Prayers to you for strength and healing Tom!

My many thanks to these and all similar sentiments!

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,

Thanks for letting us know what's going on.  You've been a great part of the FOG, and I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.  I wish I could help with ToolHome, but there has to be a solution to help you keep it going while you devote yourself to getting the treatment you need.  I'll add my prayers to the many others for you on both fronts.

David

I'm not too worried about my ability to keep up the standards I've set for Tool Home, David. The amount of generosity I've received is overwhelming. Between my friends, relatives, and customers' wanting to help, I may not need much more...

Hi Tom,

I am saddened by your news.
I pray and hope that you will have a good recovery - it is amazing the treatments the doctors have available these days.

Keep us up to date with your progress.

Dave W

The treatments are indeed improving. My current therapuetic strategy is delay/arrest progress and hope for the best. It's sort of a beat the clock thing right now.

Tom, I am truly sorry to know of your problem.  I have several friends and relatives who have had cancer and have beaten it to the point of remission for several years.  There are new developments in treatment showing up every year. 

I have never had any dealings with you, nor direct communications, but i have always been very impressed with you helpfulness and sensitivity to your replies to fellow FOG'gers.  Good luck to you and you are in my prayers.
Tinker

Tinker:

Though we don't deal on a direct basis, I feel like I know you VERY Well...

Here's hoping I can beat 39!

I need a quick cat nap before today's visit to the microwave. Can I do that before 39?

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

  Tom,

Prayers and thoughts with you as you go through this ordeal. For a little background,even though Tom and I are competitors, we are friendly competitors and though have never met in person, throughout oh so many years,we have spoken many times - sometimes for hours on end about Festool, tools, customer service and a smattering of other issues, including this one. Tom is a darn good dealer and more importantly a darn nice guy.
Carry on Tom.

Bob

Bob:

I have always thought of us as cordial competitors and am quite happy with that arrangement.

My business philosophy has long been to gather as much information as is reasonable and use it to help customers figure out what will work best for them. Everyone has 2 ears and 1 mouth - use them proportionately. Unfortunately, the nerve to my right ear recently got pinched useless by a skull tumor. I guess that means I'll have to make some adjustments...

Gathering and disseminating accurate information is, in my opinion, key to saving people time/money. It can also help you and I manage our own resources.

After all, it's all about Customer Satisfaction, isn't it? I don't consider that just a platitude and I don't think you do either.

Tom

 

[Tinker]

Quote from: Tinker on September 18, 2015, 03:28 AM
Tom, I am truly sorry to know of your problem.  I have several friends and relatives who have had cancer and have beaten it to the point of remission for several years.  There are new developments in treatment showing up every year. 

I have never had any dealings with you, nor direct communications, but i have always been very impressed with you helpfulness and sensitivity to your replies to fellow FOG'gers.  Good luck to you and you are in my prayers.
Tinker

Tinker:

Though we don't deal on a direct basis, I feel like I know you VERY Well...

Here's hoping I can beat 39!

I need a quick cat nap before today's visit to the microwave. Can I do that before 39?

Hey Tom, i have been taking cat naps, dog naps and just plain old dozing for almost 85 years.  that's what has kept me at 39 for so long. You have good humor; and that, along with the naps, will keep you going for many more moons.
Tinker

 

[tbellemare]

Tom ,

As you know you are in my daily prayers.

I wish I could help you.

Being over here makes it very hard.

You'll pull through this my friend.

You have a lot of people in your corner pulling for you.

It's always good to hear from you, Ron!

I'm giving it my best shot, just as you asked a while back... With you and everyone else helping, this just might work.

I've lived a largely blessed life and am not ready for that to end. It hasn't necessarily been easy but then the good things generally aren't.

I'm not really into status or symbolism though I would like to return to a status I claimed until recently - "the luckiest guy on earth". Peter Halle snagged that one from me a little while back. Though I'm happy to share and I couldn't think of a better person to share such a title with, I want it back now.

So I'm comin' to get my title back, Peter.

Tom

 

[Wooden Skye]

Tom ,

As you know you are in my daily prayers.

I wish I could help you.

Being over here makes it very hard.

You'll pull through this my friend.

You have a lot of people in your corner pulling for you.

It's always good to hear from you, Ron!

I'm giving it my best shot, just as you asked a while back... With you and everyone else helping, this just might work.

I've lived a largely blessed life and am not ready for that to end. It hasn't necessarily been easy but then the good things generally aren't.

I'm not really into status or symbolism though I would like to return to a status I claimed until recently - "the luckiest guy on earth". Peter Halle snagged that one from me a little while back. Though I'm happy to share and I couldn't think of a better person to share such a title with, I want it back now.

So I'm comin' to get my title back, Peter.

Tom

Tom you go get that title back!  Don't stop fighting until it is in your hands. 

 

[tbellemare]

Tom,

My prayers are with you. Hang tough.

TC

Thank you, Tom!

Tom