I just had a long chat with ANDY

[nostamj]

he sounded good. up for the fight.

he's overwhelmed (literally) by the response from DU and elsewhere on the internets and will be trying to personally answer all the mail in the coming weeks.

he's gotten huge and important support from some Seattle-area DUers, esp. concerning his SS and Medicare issues.

I could have posted this in Will's thread from this morning, but I thought that many would not check there as it's been mostly kicks to support Will's posting on truthout:

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/2/24/84720/3496

and, ever the fighter, it looks like he's going to be ironing out a big wrinkle soon... :eyes:

don't doubt that your support (in all ways) is making a difference.

:grouphug: to DU!

[JanMichael]

1. Thank you for the update. I'm glad he's still ready to rumble.

Good luck to ANDY!

[lavenderdiva]

2. Thanks nostamj

for letting us know the latest on Andy and his situation! I went over to Smirking Chimp and kicked Will's thread over there... What is the wrinkle that's going to get ironed out? Any clues? Andy, if you are reading this: we love you!

[mzmolly]

3. Thanks for the update. Anyword on when he finds out about the tumor?

Biopsy and such?

Sending positive thoughts/prayers to Andy at this time.

[nostamj]

4. no, surgery is monday.

we won't know more until after that happens.

there is a small group who will be in contact with his SO and I'm sure one of us will let DU know more as soon as we can.

[mzmolly]

5. Thank you.

eom

[lavenderdiva]

6. Thanks nostamj, let us know how Monday goes... n/t

[greatauntoftriplets]

8. They're doing it Monday now???

I thought it was Tuesday and he was having an MRI and other tests on Monday....

[nostamj]

12. oh, I'm sure you know more detail...

I just understood he was going in the hospital on Monday. he seemed to suggest we'd know more on Monday, but, he may have been referring to the tests and not the surgery...

didn't mean to confuse.... <sigh>

[greatauntoftriplets]

13. Yes...tests and a final conference with the doc....

One an MRI (I described MRIs so he knows what they are like (had one last summer for a rotator cuff problem, nothing serious). Bummer about them is that you can't move during them (mine took 45 minutes) and the machines make funny noises. Told him to get music...Jimmy Buffett helped me through it.

Then I think he will have a blood workup and chest X-ray...normal pre-op stuff.

I'll be around Tuesday night and will at least will have left messages for termite.

[Digit]

7. I have been taking naps often so I can work on him visually.

I am newly out of work so I have nothing better to do than to work on such a deserving person. I am smacking the snot out of that disease which is trying to gain control.
I am working as hard on it as if it were my own child.
I am only one of many.
Andy, I feel your work is important in this life. Hang in there.
We love you.

[roguevalley]

9. Oh god. I feel so much better. Bless him and the internets. :)

Seattle folks rock.

[merh]

10. Thank you nostamj for the update!

I hope that wrinkle is ironed out soon, it doesn't surprise me that he is still working on it, he is ever the fighter and the truth seeker!

We love you Andy and all of our positive energies and love go out to you and tons of prayers are being said! :hug:

Let us know if you need any spray starch or steam to help with that wrinkle!!!

Take care of yourself! We need you, this nation needs you! :loveya:

[Pastiche423]

11. Thank you, Jeff

for talking w/Andy and letting us know the skinny. You are such a good soul.

Hey, Andy! I :loveya: you.

Can you feel all of the postive and healing vibes/thoughts/prayers being sent your way?

That's some heavy mojo!

[Ladyhawk]

14. I wish Andy the best.

Andy, I've been thinking about you all day. My thoughts are with you. You are loved and respected here.

On edit: thanks to Will Pitt for setting up a PayPal account. I hope DUers who can afford it will help. Please.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. Thank you so much, Nostamj!

I just checked out William River Pitt's posting, and was so moved by all of it. And I am privileged to be able to contribute a bit to Andy for his surgery. Please keep us posted! (I know you will...!) Hugs from California Peggy

[loudsue]

16. Thanks for the update, Nostamj!!

:loveya: Andy...if you're reading this.... WE LOVE YOU BIG TIME!! :loveya:

O8) You are constantly in our prayers!! O8) Keep up the good fight, and feel our love surrounding you!

DUers rock. They just do.

:kick::kick::kick:

[flyarm]

17. thabnk you for the update nostamj!!..all my love to andy ..you fight

you fight this andy..and know how many people you have touched throughout the country!!

you are a truely remarkable man!!

and go get the wrinkle!! wink and a nod!! if you need my help..i am here!!
stay strong and try to stay positive..its the best medicine you can have!

hugs and love andy..fly

[nostamj]

18. you're welcome all!

will post again when we speak next.

[in_cog_ni_to]

19. Thank You, Jeff.

I'm glad to hear he's doing alright and has friends and support in Seattle. I adore Andy. :hug: