About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone


Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
Thank you all for your kind words. Friday at 6 pm on a holiday weekend I get a call from my oncologist. He had just read the radiologist's report about my CT scan. I am back to where I was prior to beginning the Taxol. Everything I already knew has been confirmed. There is considerable fluid build up and tumors are clearly visible. He commented that the quantity of involvement is substantial. It's everywhere. I really don't think there is any option left that is approved as standard protocol. Radiation will not help. This is charting new territory for yours truly. Have a great weekend guys, I'm going to. A listening session tomorrow and a friends birthday party. Sunday will be a day of celebrating Scott's second birthday. Haven't made plans for the 4th yet. Barb and I alone would be as nice as anthing I can think of.
I truly don't know what to say, but I feel a need to show that I am here for you.
God Bless

Jeff
Oh man, Pat. 2nd and 3rd sentence got me thinking that this would be one of those feel good pieces about the hard-working doc bringing some good news. Sweet dream, but a dream nonetheless. At least for now. I know you have developed a good relationship with your oncologist and he has given you some real relief the last few months. It must have been very tough on the two of you, and your wife and family as well. From your words, it sounds like you may be considering either experimental or alternative therapy. To say that I wish you luck in whichever path you choose (or choose not to take) is an understatement. At times like this I wish I was a religous guy and could offer my prayers for you and your family. That's not the case for me, although you know that there are plenty here who will be doing that. I sincerely hope that they are right and I am wrong and the prayers provide you and them some comfort. Please forgive me for rambling- have a great weekend; enjoy your family and wife and know that I will be thinking of you all.