Hi All, I want to thank you All so much for the thoughts and prayers. It means the world to me. I'm also very heartbroken at Jerry aka Frostys passing. I'm sorry I didnt get on here sooner.  Thank you John for checking in and also letting others know how things were going. 

I've been very mentally and physically drained from a lot going on in my life and had stepped back for a while. 

I feel I should explain what happened, without certain specifics.

Anyway, I brought up a concern to my dr. on a visit and that led to me seeing a urologist. After testing it was thought I may have had testicular cancer so surgery was sceduled. Ct scans and blood work pretty much confirmed cancer. 

A week before surgery I got debilitating gout in my knee so finishing up things at work before I would be off for a while was a nightmare. There wasn't much they could do before surgery so I just did what I could to try to help it. All the while stress was up in the house because Lizs aunt Di was hospitalized while she was on vacation in Florida and it was serious. Her aunt was like a mother to her. 

Anyway January 9th I had surgery. And as I was in surgery Liz got the news that her Aunt passed. There's a longer story with what is going on about her aunt but that's a different topic and not drama we need here. 

Surgery went well. I went in for more ct scans and bloodwork in February and after seeing the urologist and an oncologist it looks like they got it all and I won't have to do radiation unless something shows up in my CT scans or bloodwork in 3 months from now. 

Testicular cancer isnt really mentioned much but it's a thing too. Apparently only really mentioned when it's mentioned lol. 

So thank you all, I believe all the prayers help. Another scar for the collection but I should be fine. Not getting out to my shop was killing me too. Then it's been so cold it's been rough as well. 

 

As for other things it has been rough dealing with my younger daughters emotional problems and her mothers even more so. I'm hanging in there and staying as strong as I can for my kids. 

Enough rambling. Much love to all of you. 

Welcome back Aric!  You were much missed.  Rest assured that we will continue to pray for continued healing for you and your family.  

Welcome back, and very glad you got it in the nick of time. A friend of mine had that last year, but he pulled through too. But what he said was awful. I’m glad you made it through and are here today. I’m sorry about the other losses- they can be extremely taxing emotionally, even if it is healthy to mourn. You’ve got support here, for what it’s worth.

rest up and keep on.

I’m glad you back! I’ve missed the regulars not being on lately. I’m very glad it was just temporary for you!

Continue to take care of your loved ones, but don’t forget about yourself. (Shop time really helps keep me centered, even it it’s only an hour a week…)

Take care,

David

Thanks guys. Many of us in this world could use all the prayers we can get. Deep down I feel like no matter what it seems like, everything happens the way it is supposed to even if we dont understand it. 

Glad your friend is OK as well Ridgeway. Its rough to go through. Tho honestly the gout in my knee was about the worst pain I've gone through.  (By the way, I forgot to mention that after my surgery my doctor got me on stuff for that and after the shots and strong meds it cleared up and I'm back to normal from that. I am on a daily medication to prevent it now too. )

Goods, yeah family is always my first priority. I love my family of friends here too. Anyway, not stopping forging. My lifting restriction is long passed now and Im feeling better that I can swing a hammer again. 

Im also very glad I had taken an older IRA out before the surgery. It really saved me financially. But also had some extra to buy a new tool for the shop. Waiting for it to arrive. 

Get well Sir.  May peace and good health bestow you and your family. 

My son in law is a survivor. He had surgery and did a bit of chemo. That was 15 years ago and he is all good (in that regard)

You only lose when you give up

Welcome back Aric, great to see you posting again! Was concerned when John posted initially but now the thoughts turn toward a solid recovery for you and your wife and your daughter. Looking forward to seeing some more creative sculptures!!

--Larry

Thanks Rojo, Larry.

Looking forward to some warmer weather to get moving in the shop. The ideas are piled up higher then the junk in my shop. 

welcome back we  missed you

Thanks Steve. I missed you guys and gals as well. 

Aric, I went through testicular lymphoma back in 2015, lost my right testicle and had chemo and radiation for most of that year. I was declared cancer free in 2017 and my oncologist cut me loose.

I now carry a 1 inch steel ball bearing in my right pocket. When anyone asks about my cancer, I show them the ball bearing and say I now have a ball of steel. Most get it and I always have the ball bearing to test the ring and rebound of anvils I might be interested in.

I can’t control the wind. All I can do is adjust my sails. ~Semper Paratus~ USCG 1964-1970