Dear Friends,

I can’t thank you enough for your thoughts, prayers and kind words. Maryann and I were over whelmed with all the posts from everyone. I have to tell you that the family never understood why I talked so much about everyone here, and now that they read some of the posting they have some understanding.

The surgery went well, now the healing is taking place. The pain is bearable, mostly in my stomach area. The procedure was a Inguinal Orchiectomy, an operation in which the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin area. The testicle will be biopsyied to determine if the cells are seminoma or nonseminoma. X-rays and blood work reviewed no signs of blockages or has spread to the lymph nodes. I was told that I most likely won’t need Chemotherapy treatments. So in the next couple weeks I’ll know the extent and what if any other treatments are necessary. On a side note, not trying to be a spokesperson here, but gentlemen have yourselves check from time to time. TC signs are overlook or mostly ignored. With me I had a dull ache in the lower abdomen and in my groin area which I assumed it was from the surgery’s I had earlier this year and that I was still healing, and the fact that I sat around most of the days. So again pay attention and examine yourselves from time to time.

Again what can I say to everyone but Thank You, and I can’t even express that enough. Hey soon I’ll be joining you guys and gals in sniffing the glue and dripping the paint on my next project. Till then, this is to Merlin, I’ll be flooding you with some reviews.

Feel for ya Joe. When I first heard I finally went to see the Doc about a pain I'd had 'down there'. It turned out to be just a cyst, but it had worried me for a looonnng time. Thanks to you I got it sorted. Take care of yourself.....I'm not a religious man but my thoughts are with you and your family, and all my hopes.

Vinnie

Joe I am glad to see you back!!! I hope the rest of your ordeal is easier than what you have already been thru. Welcome backl!!! Cheers Kevin

Joe,
It's good to hear you are recovering. Take it easy for a while... you deserve it!

Cheers,
Jim

My thoughts are with you joe, good luck and all the best over the coming weeks.

Take it steady

Vic

The helicopter king has returned, welcome back Joe. Looking forward to your reviews.
Andy

Hello Joe. Take it easy and don't try to do too much at first. Give yourself p[lenty of time to mend.

good to know that everything seems OK now Joe. Take it easy and get fully fit before trying to do too much at once.

cheers
Cliff

Joe
I'm glad to see you back with us, keep smiling buddy.

Pete

Joe,
Glad everything is working out. I have to reiterate what Joe said about the cancer. I had a pain down there about three years ago and did the self check. Felt a lump and scheduled a doctor appointment immediately. Turns out I had an infection due to my vasectomy but don't bet your life on it, guys. (That is a bit of an over share there but it is important) I had an abdominal pain in January of this year that I thought I would just work through. Turns out I had a perforated colon and I damn near died.

That said, guys, go to the doctor. Health problems are not the same as asking directions. If you hurt, go to the doctor.

Joe and I are going to have to trade scar pictures before the year is over because we have both had pretty bad year surgery wise.


Maybe we could set up a special gallery...

Glad everything is working out,

Shaun

Good to see you back Joe..Put your feet up and relax..And heres to a speedy recovery...

Dave

Good to have you back Joe! Take care!
And eh... actually it's a funny thing: you have us all checking our 'tools'!! But the advise is taken!

Paul

Joe, it's great to see you posting again! ANd great to hear you're coming back already.
Be well, friend.
Al

I'd post something funny and witty, but I save it for the phone calls..... :-)
Good to see you up and around......

good to hear your are doing great Joe. Heres to a Speedy Recovery!

Salut Joe!

I'm very happy you are with us again... je "touche du bois" pour la suite!

Jean-Luc

What ever happens don't take Daves calls -cause he'l kill ya with laughter :-) :-) So dave You are giving Joe the calls I would love to make from Aussie
Take care of yourself and look after Maryann too - it probably has been just as tough for her
Ian

Hi Joe,

good to see that you're back.
and it's good news also the learn that the ops went well.
I pray for your speedy recovery. Cant wait to have you at you 100% here at armorama!!

From the family and me,
good luck in the recovery mode..hehe

When I saw you were back on-line I just couldn't help smiling. Good to have you back Joe.
My best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Welcome Back Joe! Gladto hear that everything is going well. I will still keep you and your family in my prayers

Good to hear Joe, take it easy and get yourself a P.S. 2 to mess with while mending.
Hope you can get back to sitting there and model real soon.
Cheyenne

Oi big bro, ya had me worried for a minute, knew ya would be ok mate, feel's like a weight has been lifted off m back knowing ya doing ok.
Cheers mate, rest it up, talk to you real soon.

hello mate! nice to hear you're doing o.k. now take it easy!

Thats great news Joe glad your back , I remember before my triple byepass waiting to find out the results of tests man I ran out of fingernails. I also had a vasectomy and I know that pain my diagnosis relax make models and drink some beer.