tool fueds (please read)

[monster1]

Last Thursday I was told by my doctor after biopsy that I have Hodgkin's lymphoma. Imagine your whole world turning upside down in one sentence. Think about what that really means. In an instant, you know EXACTLY what is important to you. Things you thought were important are NOTHING, and thing you think aren't, actually are. I don't know the stage or progression but have been told this is treatable. I have to wait for further tests to find out. In the mean time, I have to live my life. I have to stay positive. This is the first time I've been back on this board since my news. Hell, I don't even really know why I'm posting this. I guess I just want you guys to be thankful for what you have. That brings me to the subject of where our tools come from and whether they are quality or junk or whatever. Trust me, right now a snap on truck could fall out of the sky into my backyard and I wouldn't care. The tool fairy could come in the middle of the night and replace all my stuff with sand cast ****. I wouldn't care. In the end it doesn't matter. All that matters in the meantime is that you do what makes you happy and to hell with everyone else. That's all that matters. Do what makes you happy. I guess that's all I'm trying to say. Good night.

 

[zjrog]

After my head, neck, back injuries last summer, I had lots of time to think about just these thoughts. A week in neuro surgery ward an two weeks in rehab. Five days after surgery, they got me on my feet, and I've not slowed since.

Good luck brother.

NEVER a spectator!

 

[vintagefan]

I'm not going to go into detail about my own trials, but trust me, I am right there with you.

Regarding your diagnosis, my sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma four years ago, she was successfully treated and now is considered cured. She is healthy and happy today as I type this.

There were some very hard times for our family, but there IS light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your head up and stay positive... if you can do that, you're already winning the fight.

 

[Danglerb]

The reason you post this is that in whatever twisted sense the world is with the internet, we are your community. This is where we socialize and talk about what we like so we don't drive the people we know in real life nuts. A little real life won't hurt us, best of luck with your treatment.

 

[geologist]

Time to kick Hodgi's ***. Best of luck, brother.

 

[TommyD]

Good luck

 

[WHT]

Best of luck to you and your family.

 

[4x4gearhead]

You can beat it. Especially if you can stay positive like you say. Treat that lymphoma as if it was a nasty old bolt that you need to torch! Stay strong.

 

[Gixerfixer]

All the best stay focused

 

[darkk]

First and foremost, I wish you a speedy and full recovery. I, fortunately have not had any devastating health or personal issues that I know of. *thank you, thank you, thank you* My life attitude has always been the same since I can remember. When I wake up in the morning, I think..great! another day on this side of the grass! Anything after waking up is bonus time. People sometimes wonder why I have such a positive attitude about life, It's because I don't have time to waste being miserable. I have people always telling me to save for a rainey day, save for your retirement, save, save, save. For what? I may not wake up tomorrow, I do what makes me and mine happy, I buy what I want when I want it as long as I don't go broke doing it. I do save a little but not much. I could, and I have had to just walk away from everything, and I do mean everything, all that I had. My attitude about it is, it's only stuff. I worked hard all my life for my stuff just like everyone else, I miss it, but I'm not chained to it. There is plenty of other stuff out there and I can just go get more stuff and start over. It's not the end of the world. Your health and love are the only things you should hold dear in life. Everything else is replaceable, everything...again, get well.

 

[rquackenbush]

Thank you for that shot of perspective. It's easy to lose sight of what our priorities should be.

Recover quickly so you can get back to doing what makes you happy.

 

[coalminer]

stay positive..... wishing you a quick recovery .....

 

[MrSnicks]

Good luck on your recovery and treatment. I too had a similar experience. 2 weeks ago on a Tuesday I started the week with a stomach bug. Got REALLY tired and had no energy, vomiting, couldn't stay hydrated. Thursday morning my wife comes in (She had the day off fortunately) and said "You look horrible, you're going to the doctor."

Thank God she said that and I listened. I was going into first onset diabetic ketoacedosis and slipping into a diabetic coma with a blood sugar of 1200. If she would have gone to work or I would have been stubborn and just slept I would have died.

I am now a Type 2 Diabetic and will do whatever it takes to keep it under control. I too had the "what's really important" epiphany while in the hospital as well.

Patrick

 

[KEH]

Best of luck with your recovery.

KEH

 

[kissmeimgerman]

Kick it's ***! Get better!

 

[5lima30]

Prayers sent out for you!

 

[thooks]

Prayers sent.

I agree with you, some of these ridiculous threads about which tool mfg is the best are childish at best.

I admit I used to be a tool snob. Then those tool snob brands started to let me down, one by one. Whether going to Chiner or simply not 'being what they used to', I learned to buy what would get the job done for the most economical price. Does that mean all Harbor Freight tools? No. Does that mean picking up some vintage Craftsman, Snap-on and Mac stuff at flea markets? Yep.

Wishing you a speedy recovery...

 

[wellpoison]

be strong and stay positive! wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

[eljefino]

Your body is your #1 tool! Take care of it, appreciate it.

I broke my ankle working at a tire shop and am hopping around on crutches out of work (and finding new ways to waste time, eg GJ), so I appreciate 100% health from the sidelines.

 

[Mmfh]

You are absolutely right about keeping what is important to you up in front of the line! The things that keep you happy, the one's you Love, that's really all there is!

You will beat this, and also gain a great new appreciation of whats important to you.

Get well soon!

Mm

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

I hope you can use this to help you in your fight:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html

National Library of Med site, articles at all levels of sophistication on diseases, treatments, meds, etc.
Read as much as you can so you can ask intelligent questions and keep your doctors hopping...why this treatment and not that one, is this med worth the side effects in the small print, etc.
Doctors work better if they know you are paying attention to the ball too...
with best wishes, Bruce

 

[Syndicate]

Get well Soon! I wish you the best and will be praying for a speedy recovery. I can tell you, that I agree 100% with you on what is important! Take the time to spend it with family and great friends, and do what makes you happy! God Bless!

 

[GarageEnvy]

Perspective and priorities are certainly important. I'm glad you have yours straight. HOWEVER, I want you to start caring about the quality of your tools because we all expect you to be around for a few more decades using them in good health.

 

[woody 73]

Best of luck

 

[jeffmoss26]

Wishing you the best!

 

[wornoutoldman]

I'm not gonna wish you luck. You won't need it. Just keep a good attitude and know that we are all pulling and praying for you. Here's to your speedy and complete recovery!

 

[Bronson]

Prayers and good vibes coming Your way from Texas!

 

[blue dog]

Great post, and i wish you the best.

I to had a sever trauma that put life into perspective for me, it is very easy to be caught up in the world until 1 single event in the matter of a second brings you right back to reality.

Best of luck to you, keep us notified of any news please.

 

[shoturtle]

Get well soon, and I am in total agreement with you comments. They are spot on.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Get well soon as well. Very good post.

 

[Amitygravel]

Thanks for the reality check Monster.
Stay strong and hit it head on. Please keep in touch with us.

 

[The Dutchman]

Wow. Best thread I've ever seen on here.

Hang in, monster--you're gonna make it!

 

[68-camaro]

I always wondered why bad things happen to good people. I really think it's to remind us how good we have it. So easy to forget and take things for granted. We should all be happy what we have, it could always be worse. I would wish you good luck but instead I will pray for you.

 

[Keep]

Best of luck in your recovery.

While we may not all agree on the best tool, garage etc. We can all agree that your health is more important.

 

[Rixter58]

I have some personal experience with your situation. My wife was diagnosed with it awhile back. It is VERY beatable when caught early. I'm not going to tell you the treatment was a walk in the park, but it was tolerable for her. Hang in there Buddy and dont be afraid to pm me if you need a shoulder.

 

[Scout Driver]

Best wishes to you and your family.

Scott

 

[vssjim]

We all look forward to having you as friend for along time and know you will win this fight.

 

[ephotrod]

Good Luck and never give up!
Josh

 

[kippieland]

Well said. I wish you and your family as much happiness as can be during this troubling time. You can do it!

 

[ar2stp48]

Best of luck with your treatment; you can beat it. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.

My reality check was a stroke a year ago. One minute I was fine; the next, the world changed. Could not stand, or walk, and vision was messed up. Thanks to wonderful doctors, long hours of therapy, and a lot of help from the Man upstairs, I am better than 90% recovered. But a different outlook on what is really important in life.