About three weeks ago I noticed some pain and swelling in my groin area, my wife thought it would best that I see my doctor. Well I went… he told me I possibly had an infection, which is common, and put me on antibiotics to try to kill the infection, and to make an appointment to see an Urologist. Well this afternoon my fears came true, I had an ultrasound done and I had been diagnosed with a highly treatable form of testicular cancer; the prognosis for recovery was 95%. But I think that no matter who you are, you think you’re going to be in that 5% that don't make it. Heck it’s only human nature right…in the next two days the testicle will be removed and a biopsy will be performed. This will determine the exact type of cancer that I had and to see if there was a chance of it spreading or any chance that it had already spread to other parts of my body. The Urologist informed me that it was highly doubtful that it had spread due to finding it early.

Anyhow due to this illness I’ll be unable to finish the Armorama 500 campaign as leader and entrant. I’m not even sure about the Capture Aidid campaign as well. So I am asking if anyone would please take over the campaign (s) and to see if they can be finished. I already have the ribbons made up and could email them to you. I’m not sure how the changes take place, but I’m sure one of the Staff Members would help out.

Again, I was assured I’ll make a full recovery in the coming weeks and I’ll pop in as soon as I’m able, and from time to time.

Joe,
You take it easy... If you need anything.... drop me a line...

PS the figgy's will go out tomorrow.

Matt

Joe , you take care of yourself, my thoughts and wishes will be with you. If you need anything let me know. See you soon. Kevin

Keep the faith Brother. We are sending prayers your way. Let us know if there is any thing we can do for you or your family.

Joe,
You are in my prayer and I am convinced you are absolutely in that 95%! It's a very good thing you discovered in an early stage. Keep ya head up!

If it will help I will take over one or both of the campaigns. I'm in Armorama 500 allready, so that's no no problem at all.
If you want I can also pull Capture Aidid untill you are back. Just let me hear OK!?

Paul

Joe, I really be praying for you on this one, just remember that these days a lot of these problems are treated with great success. My brother has beaten the BigC three times now and still works full time, full life etc.

Damn Joe

That is some pretty bad news. Having the C-thing is never cool. My mom had the C-thing too but the nasty stuff was removed and she is working again just as she did before the trouble.
It is a good thing you were early mate. I too believe you are in the 95%. And Remember Lance armstrong won the Tour de France 6 Times and he had the same.

I wish you and the fam strength in the coming time and hope to see you back as soon and as healthy as possible.

Joe,
Hang in there and best of luck. I thought I had the same thing about 2 years ago. Went in and did the biopcy and it turned out benign. Removed the lump and have had no problems since. Good luck and you will be in our prayers.

Joe, prayers & beers, I'll be thinking about ya man, been through similar with the prostate thing. Scared the sh*t outta me.
Everything will turn out ok, God protects drunks, fools and old biker rowdies.
Cheyenne

Can't help with the campaigns, but I'm sending kind words upstairs for you. Keep us posted.

Art

Joe
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Keep smiling buddy.

Pete

I just talked to Joe at home. He is shaken up by this situation but he is one tough guy. He has a loving and very supportive family and a super Wife. I know that all will be good for them. He wanted me to tell you all that he appreciates his "family" here at Armorama. He will have the surgery on Saturday and should get the results in a few days after. Remember that Lance Armstrong had the same thing and he survived it and our Mother will too.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joe. Good luck and come back soon.

Ciao Mother,
My best wishes for you and a speedy recovery!
Ciao for now
Rob

Holy cow - take care of yourself. I absolutely hate the idea of you having to deal with this.

Armorama 500 is sooooo way down on the list of priorities. This is just a hobby, you can't do next years 500 unless you're here. Take care of yourself, you'll be in my toughts.

God speed - You will be in our prayers tonite. I'm sure your in the 95%, you would have known by the look on the face of the urologist if is was the 5%.

Joe,
Damn man...
I am sure I speak for many of us when I say we will be pulling for you. I am confident you'll be okay. Probably uncomfortable as hell for a while but okay. Modern medicine is a marvel, but it's a good think you caught it in time!

Keep us posted as I am sure we will all be thinking about you.

Take care,
Jim

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joe. Take youe time and get well.. The models and campaigns will still be here waiting when you return...Look forward to seeing more of those fantastic helos of yours..
On a side note... HEY GUYS.... DO A SELF EXAM ONCE A MONTH...I found a lump when I was in my 20's.. Fortunatly it was nothing to be worried about.. And have been religous about it ever since...

Dave

Good luck Joe. Stay strong. We´re all behind you. See you back here again soon!

A good friend of mine contracted it overt the summer. He only had a 12% chance of survivng. Well, he kept a good attitude, and we all prayed for him, and by the end of the summer, he was up to 95%! So, just keep a positive attitude, pray, and the Lord will see you through! Prayers are coming your way!

The only friend I have in this country (except my wife) had it. He got it when he was 23. He is alive and kicking less one testicle and has since fathered 2 children. I got confidence you will be fine.

I'm certainly pulling for you man! God speed and quick recovery.

Hoping the results are good, and adding my thoughts to the stack. Positive thinking is half the battle. All the best.

Henk

Joe,

Stay strong my bro... lucky that the C-thing was detected early. You have my prayers and thoughts. Have faith in the modern medicine technologies.... and i pray for a smooth recovery. Be strong again and fight them well!!!

Shocking news Joe, I'll keep you in my prayers.