My perma-grin delayed

[Sidekick]

As some of you know, I shipped my SSR west to be waiting for my arrival in California as I helped start a new business in the SFO Bay area. Well all those plans have been cancelled and I am making plans to have my SSR shipped back here to Virginia, ASAP!
The reason is pretty simple, last Wednesday I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkins diffuse large B-cell Lymphoma. When the doctor told me that, she noticed that I was staring at her like a dog looking at a victrola, so she said, Jamie you have cancer. (had to dumb it down for me!) I am now facing SIX MONTHS of what she described as nasty chemo! Five days a week until next October! I promise you that one of my first questions was if I would be able to drive and she said probably not. The bastages just stole my summer permagrin! : I will miss the wind in my hair on those evening cruises almost as much as I will miss my hair! Those who believe that bald is beautiful are about to realize that when I join your ranks, bald is about to get a lot uglier!
I just dieted and lost 45 pounds in five months. Part of my treatment includes a heavy dose of steroids, so I will almost immediately regain all the weight plus another 40 and my body will start to resemble Barry Bonds' head! I thought that I was going to have two weeks to get my life in order, but the doc called today and the pesky cancer has started to spread so chemo will start about Wednesday!
So my SSR will come home to storage for this summer and all next winter! , However, I have all the incentive I need to beat this garbage and who knows maybe Sherryl Crow has a thing for survivors and she will be in my passenger seat at Maggie Valley 2008! (Hey it is my fantasy)
As my cancer is located in my hip and pelvis sitting at this computer and in the SSR seat is a real chore, so I will not be adding my strange perspective on here for awhile. I also want you to know that thanks to my SSR I have had a lot of calls and visits from well wishers offering assistance and offering a good home to the SSR should I lose the battle. I am deeply touched that they care so much and all seem to want to care for thisGM product!
I know that I will have your good thoughts as I take the path back to permagrin status, just know that I will be thinking of my extended SSR family and chuckling at all the wrong times thanks to you all and the SSR. If you are kind enough to include my name in your prayers, please be well grounded against lightening strikes even on a clear day.
Finally, please promise me that women in Red Hats do not volunteer at hospitals because in my weakened state I might not be able to resist :willy
See you all in a few months!
Jamie

[Flassh]

Jamie,

Your positive attitude and ability to find humour in tough times has you halfway to beating this already.

A laptop and wireless connection could keep you in touch - no need to be sitting down with that combo.

Wish you the best. Good luck fighting this nasty stuff.

[blueroadster06]

I want to be the first ...to say a prayer a day for your recovery........I know you as Sidekick only......but you are like a brother.....and this is just heartbreaking....I will add Sidekick to my church's prayer chain.....The chemo will be bad...phyically it will hurt.....but don't let it hurt mentally.....always walk out of there with a smile on your face and in your heart.......I know you can beat this with all the support of the Fanatics........
God Bless you and your family, You are not alone, we are with you whenever you need us...........Mrs. Blue and blueroadster 06

[Yellow Tub]

Jamie,

You will definately be in our prayers. We have alot of family history with this stuff. We understand your path... son't do this path alone. Reachout and accept all that is offered from your friends and family... And we are ALL your family
I know we are on the left coast but if we can help, please contact us.

Bruce
tub

[abadssr]

jamie , your in our prayers sorry you cant make it to sunny cal for that business take care and get better you. some one step up on that side of the coast Jamie saya he might loose his grin because of treatment. lets not let that happen someone make sure to get in anssr and go for a ball$ out ride at least once a week
remember jamie yellow rule

[ddprice1]

Jamie,

I am sorry you are going through that. I am going through the same thing for the second time and can tell you that this large B-Cell strain is beatable. I first had it 6 years ago but the aggressive chemo and radiation and I licked it. It came back last October and I am halfway through the chemo and the tumor has already disappeared. Ask your oncologist about Rituxin. This time I am getting the standard Chop along with the Rituxin and it works great. The only side effect is my baldness. Also, I am a Vietnam Vet and am now getting Agent Orange coverage as our cancer is number two on the hit list. If you served, be sure to contact the VA. Hang in there!

Dorsey
Tucson, AZ

[ddprice1]

Sidekick,

I finally realized that you and I chatted at Laughlin and have our F-4 experience so definitely get with the VA on this. This shouldn't happen to anyone especially a gyrene.

Semper Fi,

Dorsey aka Skypig

[smokey]

Smokey & BlueSSR are sending positive thoughts your way! We really enjoyed meeting you in Laughlin. We will stop at San Javier Mission (White Dove of the Desert) and light candles for you!

Smokey & BlueSSR
PS: BlueSSR got the new exhaust system this week! She sounds like Sidekick now!

[turnheadz]

Jamie, I never got a chance to meet you - YET!! I pray that your chemo days are a success. And that you are back in your ride ASAP
All the best my friend, Sandy

[Paul Simpson]

We`ve never met either, but I like your witt and positive attitude. We certainly will have you on our prayer list in the comming months. Our best to you and yours.....Paul and Sandee

[XSELER8]

Good luck Jamie.

[grimmye]

Prayers for you, Jamie, from gimmye

[ssrgarage]

TIM

[BMBLBEE]

Prayers from us as well. I think permagrin is more a state of mind than a physical experience so hang in there and permagrin your way through this Jaimie.

[HotRodGirl]

Jamie

You will be in my thoughts and prayers
Yes your attitude will have a lot to do with your healing process! Posistive is a plus!!!! If I had anyway of reaching Sheryl Crow I would make your fantasy come true

Best Wishes sending you a warm

Deb

[ZR1Rick]

Jamie, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Having lived through kidney cancer many years ago and then a heart attack last summer, I know it's a real pain in the a$$ when you can't drive for awhile. However, with your wonderful attitude I'm sure you'll be driving sooner then you think.

[pikeville904]

Absolutely.... Prayers for ya, and don't EVER give up that Permagrin. Just know that the fanatics here are here for you if have need! The folks here are with ya. If there's anything I can do let me know!

Dale

[Greg Ducato]

Good luck and God bless you through this journey to recovery. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

[Gina]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
You have a geat spirit and that is going to help you make it through this.

As Sheryl Crow Sang: "Everyday is a Winding Road"

[GIG'emSSR]

Jamie,good luck & you will be in our prayers. Look forward to meeting you down the road. GIG'emSSR

[OP]

WOW! Jamie,
so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. We will hope for the best in your prognosis.
When you get down, just reflect back on when you followed us and watched us dance in the SSR...

[ssr71]

Jamie,

I wish you well for a speedy recovery. I can relate to what you will be going through as I lost my dad to Lymphoma back in '01. I don't know what kind it was but apparently, it was pretty agressive. Keep thinking those thoughts and you'll be back behind the wheel before you know it!

[SSRENITY]

Jamie...All I can say is, what you have to go thru makes my ordeal sound like a walk in the park. I will be adding my thoughts and prayers to you as well. I hope someday the big "C" will be like polio. Your great attitude is going to go a long way toward getting you thru this and best of all, you have your SSR waiting for you when the battle is done.

Best wishes,

Roger

[LTs SSR]

Jaime! Oh my goodness! I am so sorry this is happening to you! I will send good thoughts and prayers your way! Anything you need... just holler!

[Doug Allen]

Jamie, Deb and I had the good fortune to meet you in Laughlin. You have a good thing going for you with your positive outlook and humor. Good luck and keep us all informed.

[Focks]

OMG, Jaime, I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear this. You know I enjoyed chatting with you in Phoenix and later on in Laughlin. I am still around, so drop me a line or give us a call if you need something or a good laugh. You are definitely in our prayers.

[susiessr]

Jamie, If I get to Virginia, I'm picking you up and we are going for a riiiiiiiiiiide So you will have to spare a day between treatments. Be tough it sounds like you are and how did I miss you in Laughlin? You fight
susie

[blueeyes]

Your friends in Phoenix want to see you again, so hang in there, follow doctor's orders (mostly anyway) and get ready to cruise in the fall. When you finish your chemo in October, the cruisin' weather in Phoenix is awesome - come back to see us!

[hawaiinfun]

your in our thoughts and prayers jamie, god speed,ray and donna

[JeffDBFl]

So sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in next few month.