If you don't hear from me for a month or two............

[pacifichrono]

...I'm probably dead.

Almost two years ago I was diagnosed with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. Despite being treated with the two FDA-approved therapeutics, my condition has worsened more than expected. My pulmonologist called me yesterday to review my latest test results and to tell me he was referring me to a doctor specializing in "palliative care," which is basically one step from hospice care.

I've known this was an eventuality, so it really comes as no big surprise. Next month I turn 75 years old, a good number of innings.

As I said up top, if I don't post for an extended period...you'll know why.

[ryanb741]

Ah man I'm so sorry to read that. What I will say is reading your posts here with your sheer enthusiasm, plus hearing the stories about your amazing life, it's clear you are strong on character and have an amazing spirit and attitude and that will go a long way to getting the best outcome.

I look forward to reading your posts for a long while yet.

[markrlondon]

Damn, my commiserations. I'm sorry to hear that.

If I may say, I think you have the right attitude. Try to enjoy it while you can. Which is something we should all do, all the time.

Good luck!

[unclealec]

Cripes.
I always enjoy reading your input.
We're all shuffling along the same path, but it must be a bit of a bugger when someone gives you your exit schedule.
Prove 'em wrong, mate. Prove 'em wrong.

[Marios]

Best of luck man, I will echo the above regarding your attitude.

[noTAGlove]

I can only wish you the best.

[bambam]

That is very sad to hear. Hope to read your posts for years to come yet.

[manganr]

Stick with us buddy. The place wouldn't be the same without your Yankee input!

[kevkojak]

Jesus, I thought you were joking with that first line! Wow, that's very heavy stuff but I'm sure (God willing) you'll be back amongst the forum in no time. Stay out of the bear pit, that's enough to give anyone health issues....

[PickleB]

Well that's a bummer...I've enjoyed reading your posts and you'll be missed. Let's hope that you're around for a good while yet and I especially hope that the doctors can get you onto a decent regimen where you are comfortable so you feel up to taking an interest.

I don't think luck has much to do with anything at this stage so I'll simply wish you all the best for the future and whatever it brings.

[Tuna1138]

Great attitude you have to this news and the fact you are still posting here echos that.
I hope you can keep you chin up and I wish everything works out in the best possible way for you and yours
cheers

[TKH]

What an incredibly positive attitude in challenging circumstances

I have always loved your input from the other side of the pond and of course the Vietnam stories from someone who was actually there and hopefully you’ll still be around for a long time yet.

Regards and Respect
Tim

[kozza6]

Echo the sentiments above. Enjoy reading your posts and your enthusiasm for life and experiences shines though. Keep on fighting the good fight and we could all learn from your attitude in the face of such extreme adversity.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[DANH]

Best wishes I always enjoy your posts and hope I’ll continue to do so for a while longer yet.
All the best
Dan

[Devonian]

Very sorry to read this from you. You’re a great asset to this forum.

Something about you, tells me you’re a fighter and will fight this! Long may you continue to be an asset here :-)

[learningtofly]

You hang in there, Tom, and hopefully your already impressive life story will have a few chapters yet to come. You know that you'll have all of us willing you on, too.

[hilly10]

Just enjoy the time you have left. Brave guy.

[JasonM]

I know you have the fight still in you, as said above, prove them wrong, we’re all behind you.

[Suds]

Best wishes PC…

[Bondurant]

All the best to you and your family PC. A lot of heart and courage in your post. No surprise given the life you appear to have led. I hope I can be as sanguine.

[ben4watches]

Are you still on your way to Hawaii Tom? I really hope so as you certainly deserve it.

Good luck my friend…………….

[pacifichrono]

Are you still on your way to Hawaii Tom? I really hope so as you certainly deserve it.

Good luck my friend…………….

Oh yes, the last of many visits.

[phil h]

Sorry to hear this, I hope you can make the most of your time. A trip to Hawaii sounds like a good way to start. Stay safe and best wishes.

[P9CLY]

Ive enjoyed your posts Tom,I wish you all the best Tom.

[magirus]

Wow Tom, so sorry to read this! I can only echo what has been said before and hope you get the best possible outcome.

[sundial]

Very sorry to hear your news Tom. Might there be a possibility of a lung transplant? Enjoy your Hawaii trip.

BW, dunk

[jukeboxs]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, OP. I've enjoyed reading your posts over the years, once of the few worth reading in the BP. Stay strong and positive - and great you have your good lady wife for support.

[CardShark]

By coincidence I poured myself a large bourbon before opening up TZ and this is the first post I've read.

Raising a glass to you, PC.

[LRB255]

Your a natural born fighter PC so stick in there as I’m sure during your life’s journey you’ve encountered equal adversity and overcome, all the best and looking forward to more of your wonderful posts of your life’s experiences

[Sinnlover]

Keep the glass at least half full PC, positivity is key.
Wishing you all the best.

[Chinnock]

Time to do everything that makes you happy and sod everything else!

[Hood]

Don't be popping your clogs for a while yet
Your contributions to the Boy's Room are an invaluable resource.

[Ruggertech]

So sorry to read this PC, I echo every positive word above. And do everything in your power to get out to Hawaii, please send pictures too x.

[Papa Hotel]

Aw PC, not really sure what to say without sounding trite... I always enjoyed your considered posts in amongst us more combative Brits, you're a great guy for a Septic!

Making peace with the inevitable is a big part of the human experience most people struggle with, even just being able to have a laugh about it with strangers online is a good indicator of... of what, I don't exactly know, but it feels like a positive. All the best PC, we'll raise a collective glass when you go quiet for a month or two.

[Stanford]

I'm sorry to hear your latest news.
I've enjoyed your posts, your history (those bits you've shared) and your watches.

You have my very best wishes - stay positive.

[MFB Scotland]

So sorry to hear your news. Wishing you all the best and always enjoy your contributions

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

[M4tt]

I'm sure you have plenty more to contribute and will carry on with your usual class. Good luck with it all.

[in_denial]

I am very sorry to read this, and wish you and your loved ones all the best. I have always enjoyed your posts and positive attitude. I am sure you'll enjoy Hawaii and will be back with some good memories

[Davidd]

My mum has this too PC,not a good things to have but wishing you the best and hope you can continue for much longer.

[Cat7]

Just to echo what everyone else has said and the very best of luck with everything Tom.

[dkpw]

Hello Tom,

I am so sorry to read your sad news.

I too have enjoyed your posts, seen your collection and jealously admired it, as well as respecting your excellent taste in watches. In the Bear Pit you have been a beacon of light and reason from across the pond, in a time when darkness and utter stupidity seemed to triumph. As a history student of the Vietnam War, I have appreciated reading of your experiences there.

I wish you all the best for the future and so admire your positive outlook. Enjoy it all!


David

[Ric356II]

So sorry to hear this, we're all thinking of you, stay strong.

[Kidsteruk]

Best wishes Tom. I'm sure you'll live every day to the max, and we'll all cheer you on

[Thomps68]

Sad to read your post and I can only echo all the previous comments and wish you and yours all the best , keep fighting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[petethegeek]

My thoughts and best wishes are with you. I always read your posts when I see them and enjoy the memories invariably invoked by your choices for the 'What are you listening to?' thread. As others have said, stay strong.

[Passenger]

All the very best PC of luck and pharma/ care, your optimism shines through.

[Jon Kenney]

Difficult what to say, Tom.

Stay strong.

[lenlec]

God bless. Thoughts are with you

[Montello]

Best wishes. You’ve always been a positive poster here and I hope that positivity continues to serve you well.

[JonRA]

Wishing you all the best PC - I have been in awe reading some of your exploits. Stay strong.