Leland could use some support - Page 2

JR911 · 05-02-2002, 11:19 PM

Leland... Sorry to hear the news about your dad. I hope you and your family can gain strength from all of our prayers at this difficult time. Please keep us informed, J.R.

Rufblackbird · 05-02-2002, 11:40 PM

I am truly sorry to hear about your dad, Leland. Best wishes for you and your family...and make sure your dad kicks some cancer butt!

magilla · 05-03-2002, 03:31 AM

Leland,

I am very sorry to hear this news.
My thoughts are with you, your father, and your family.

Ali (magilla)

DJB · 05-03-2002, 05:25 AM

I lost my Dad 12 months and 3 days ago with cancer.

The best thing is that we was diagnosed over 4 years earlier. My god we have some fun in the meantime. The years we missed along the way were forgotten. The time we spent together were just fantastic.

Spend some time, life is about the journey not the destination. Isn't that way we drive P cars.

My thoughts are with you.

Leland Pate · 05-03-2002, 06:56 AM

Again, thank you all ofr the support. Some of the things you have said really do make me feel better.
In case some of some of you are curious, here is what we know.

We are told that this is a Class II tumor, meaning it grows incredibly slow. They also say that it could have been there since he was a baby. Unfortunately, because of it's location -on his brain stem- it is very hard to get at to do a simple biopsy. Plus, being a slow grower, it is very resistant to Chemo (sp). So, it's sort of a sit and wait game. They don't want to do anything (because of the risk) until his condition warrants the risk.
The sad part about this is that my father is in the top .5% of men his age in terms of physical health... perfect blood pressure... perfect cholestrol ...just perfect. The docs at vanderbuilt said they had never seen a 53 year old man in such good health.
This is the same thing that killed his mother about 6 years ago.
You are absolutely right about making the best out of bad situations. I do try to stay positive.
The hardest part is realizing how much of a part of me came from him... so much of what I know and who I am, stems from him. And to think that if I loose him... this soon... god, it just breaks me up to wonder how much I would never be able to learn from him. How much of me would be missing?
He is the best man I have ever known.
If I can somehow manage to be half the man my father is, I'll do ok in life.

Again, thank you all very much,
Lee

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Make sure you give Dad a big hug from all us......

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

"If I can somehow manage to be half the man my father is, I'll do ok in life."

Lee, somehow I think you're already there. Your Dad has got to be so incredibly proud of you for volunteering to go over and fight for our great country. Hang in there man! -- Curt

Joeaksa · 05-03-2002, 08:00 AM

Leland,

Your Father is in our thoughts and prayers. Spend some time with him and you both will enjoy it and realize that he has already made you the person you are now.

Joe

724doorE · 05-03-2002, 08:01 AM

Be positive and stay strong Lee.

My dad is in the middle of a tough fight with cancer as well. He had about 10 inches of colon removed but unfortunately it had spread to his liver. When Dr. Joe Levi of U of Miami, Fla. tried to remove the bad portions of the liver he discovered that it was to bad to chance ( spots everywhere). So my dad is stuck with Chemo. His lungs are clear still ( thats good) and he seems to be responding well to his treatment.

Its funny, we now get along much better than before, not that it was bad before.

Oh yea he's only 57.

Takes a bad thing to wake you up sometimes.

So, make sure you tell your dad a bunch of Pelicanheads are routing for him!

Dennis H.

72 911E

pwd72s · 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Leland Pate
Again, thank you all ofr the support. Some of the things you have said really do make me feel better.

The hardest part is realizing how much of a part of me came from him... so much of what I know and who I am, stems from him. And to think that if I loose him... this soon... god, it just breaks me up to wonder how much I would never be able to learn from him. How much of me would be missing?
He is the best man I have ever known.
If I can somehow manage to be half the man my father is, I'll do ok in life.

Again, thank you all very much,
Lee

Lee, One huge factor that is helping your dad through this time? He can look at you...and know that he and your Mother did the job of raising you well. That's what it's about with parenting, trying to reach the "Job well done" stage. Your parents have...I congratulate them both! Paul

Targa Dude · Targa Dude's Garage

Hello Lee,
I too am new to this site..I see how you guys have become so close, like family. you have strong bonds and freindships and a great support structure. My best wishes for you and your family through this trying time.
I would like to mention that break throughs are happening every day when it come to cures and treatments of these types of cancers. Please take the time to view this website
http://www.accuray.com I think you may find it helpful it's a company that is based here in Sunnyvale. they are just one of many that are persuing treatments of this type of cancer.

Jorge

cmelecci · 05-03-2002, 11:51 AM

Leland, although we haven't met, I share you grief. I was diagnosed with cancer of the throat/lymphnoid sometime ago. Nothing at that time meant more to me then family and friends, it was that I felt I was letting them down. The whole experience turned out to be the greatest time of my life. Friends and family didn't come to me with sorrow but with good times. We were able to make it thru two years of surgery, kemo, and radiation, and now I'm five years in remission. Sorry I'm not trying to ramble on but, believe me, make the best of the situation and enjoy the time together.

ebrownson · 05-03-2002, 12:10 PM

Lee:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. I am sure your father is very proud of his son. Unless of course he sees the porsche model you transformed in a moment of boredom!! Take the time to be with him. My father is 77 and I am starting to get that feeling of " I better spend more time with him before it's too late". Keep your head high and be proud of him and yourself.

Eric
83SC Targa

Leland Pate · 05-03-2002, 12:33 PM

Several of you have written me asking for my mothers email address.
If anyone wants to write them, I'm sure they'd be glad to see how much support you've given me.
My mothers email address is:
ppate@multipro.com

My father hates computers and doesn't even know how to turn them on... but my mom will relay anything any of you wish to say.

You guys always make me smile. No matter what.

rickeolis · 05-03-2002, 03:13 PM

Leland,
Give your dad a couple smilies from me and my family. Our prayers are with you guys. My mother had to be placed in a home last year and I see her when I can. She too is a great person.

SeaDweller · 05-03-2002, 07:15 PM

Leland,

Just remember, everything you have from your father, now and in the future, will never be lost, and will be with you for a lifetime. You'll likely pass this to your children, who will pass it to their children, so basically, it's everlasting. You'll continue to learn from him forever..............

Be thankful you have such an incredible relationship with your father........Science today is remarkable, so never give up hope.

old_skul · 05-03-2002, 07:45 PM

Leland, I'm sure you and dear old Dad have much time left together. Don't let this make you lose hope for quality time with your dad. Since it's a slow grower, there's a lot of time for treatment, and I know for a fact that there's been a lot of advancement in brain therapy in the last few years alone.

I have a girlfriend with a brain injury, so I know how weird these things can be. I also have a brother who works directly for one of the world's top neurosurgeons, so luckily I got exposed to a lot of the straight-from-the-source information.

I won't tell you to not worry. Of course you'll worry. But don't let that cloud the times you have to look forward to with ole Pops. Stay strong, my friend.

mark 74 carrera · mark 74 carrera's Garage

Lee,

I think you've made us all think about our relationship with our father. I owe every bit of drive and strength I have to my father. Thank you for reminding me.

I just went through a year with my mother having breast cancer. It is rare form and very aggressive. After a year, chemo, and surgery, she is cancer free. She asked me when we first found out to have my two little boys pray for her. She said kids have a direct connect with God. It worked! My family will pray for your father tonight.

Have strength. Mark

Tacoma911 · 05-04-2002, 05:13 PM

Leland, best wishes to you and your father - hope all goes well. I am going through the same thing with a sister over the last few months; its a hard time for anyone going through it either as a patient or someone close to the patient. As much I try to distract myself by working on Porsche or whatever, the reality is that the situation is still there "waiting" for me. Also it puts my hobbies and toys in a different light. My day job actually has been a blessing during this time because it really occupies my mind.
It sounds like you have a good relationship with your father - you have a lot to do with the quality of it. Again, hopes and prayers for your father. Bill

Doug Zielke · 05-04-2002, 05:37 PM

Bill,
You can read my PM, but let me say here, Joan and I offer our best wishes for your sisters recovery. Indeed, our hobbies pale in significance compared to helping a family member through a tough struggle. Hang in there; you know you have a lot of friends here.