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
Pat, what a great weekend! It was a lot of fun to spend time with you again. I was concerned about you having too much pressure to keep people entertained and talking with all the people who wanted to meet you.

Rick from Virtual Dynamics mentioned that he was hoping to meet with you for a while, but I didn't run into him till after you left.

Pat, I have to say this publically. Your wife is a wonderful woman! It was a pleasure to meet her. I guess we both married above our pay grade. It must have been a lot of work for her to care for the needs of two people, but she always had a smile on her face.

I was impressed by the Caravelles at CES. It was interesting to hear them in two different rooms, with different gear. They did not disappoint on either occasion. Tom and I got to sit and listen for a while late Sunday afternoon.

Pat, I had tears in my eyes as I watched you and the gang drive away, as I had the same thought. I was choking back tears as I returned to my tour of some of the rooms that I missed. I will not forget the words you said as you got in the truck. FWIW I would gladly feel the sorrow because it reminds me of the joy of friendship.

Thanks for making yourself available to your friends. Both of the weekends I got to spend with you and a few other new friends will be cherished for the rest of my life. I loved being able to sit and talk with you at dinner. What a great group of people, on both occasions. Sorry for keeping you out so late on Friday.

Hey rnm4 - that's because he couldn't get it off of Brahm's head!
Patrick,

This feels a little awkward as I met you breafly at the RMAF. I wish you the best in this life.

Michael
Nate,

I had tears in my eyes as I stepped into the truck. I know you won't forget my last words to you and I really appreciate that. Thanks also for mentioning Barb. She has been carrying the load in the Lugnut household for some time now and has done it without a hint of frustration. She's pretty incredible.

Hey Michael, no need to feel awkward. We don't want any of that stuff going on here. It must have been a pleasure meeting you but I'm having a little difficulty connecting the dots. Forgive me. LOL. I don't remember anyone I met at RMAF not being a pleasure.

Did anyone even mention Tchaikovsky? ;o
Okay, as I said, here's the facts. Current chemo has failed. Doc wants to do dual chemistry attempt on Friday. If I don't feel better by next Wednesday then we will cease all further treatments. We both agree that any more CT scans are meaningless. Barb and I will be shopping among the Hospice programs next week.

I'd like you all to chuckle with me cause it's better than crying. This nonsense seems like a bad episode of Ground Hog Day. For sure, this doctor is a very caring person and that means a lot to me. I'll be glad if this new treatment makes me feel better but, honestly, if it doesn't then I'll be happy to get this final show on the road.

I'll ask my wife if she will continue to post should I not be able to. If she cannot do it then perhaps one of my friends that calls often to check up on me (hint, hint Nate) will let you all know what's going on.