Nothing derails your life plans quite like a doctor looking you in the eye and saying “You have cancer.” That is what happened to me in June of last year. Since then my life has consisted of hospital stays, surgical procedures, trips through exotic machines, and more needles stuck into me than I can count.
Last week I passed the halfway mark in my treatment plan. The doctors say everything is responding well and they have no reason to believe the treatment won’t be completely effective. Hallelujah.
If you have ever heard the term “cancer fatigue”, I can assure you it is very real. I have not had a single drop of energy for the past eight months and likely won’t have for the next eight. Simply staying awake is challenge enough. Needless to say, nothing has moved forward on the railroad or any other part of my life for that matter.
With the excellent care from the fine folks at Karmanos Cancer Institute I’ll get through this. My life will go back to normal and work on the railroad will resume. I felt you deserve to know why such a long absence for me.
Keep the faith, brothers.
So sorry to hear Alan.
Knowing your dedication to your model railroad, I’m sure your dedication in getting rid of this cancer will be very positive.
Take care and God bless.
Hey Alan….im down the road n lil left from ya in Ortonville….if theres anything you need. Let me know. You got this!!!
Alan your positivity through this continues to be inspiring, sending more positive thoughts your way, and as always thanks for your continued friendship over the years…. Jason.
Thoughts and well wishes being sent to you and your family. Everyday is a victory!
Hi Alan.
Sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but so glad that the treatment is heading in the right direction. I went down that road back in 2014 and I’m fine now, so know what you’re going through. I was lucky that I was able to continue working through most of my treatment, except for post-surgery recovery, although “cancer brain” was definitely a factor. I was lucky my employer was very understanding and allowed me to work from home, or just take a day off, whenever I needed to, either for appointments, or if I wasn’t feeling up to it.
Positive attitude (which you have in abundance) is key in fighting this, so you’ll be fine. Keep fighting the good fight. We’ll all still be here when you’re up to getting back to the layout.
Hi Alan
I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through and you’re in my thoughts and prayers I know it’s a long road and I know you can get through it you just need to focus on yourself and don’t give up and don’t rush back to doing model railroad take his time to focus on yourself. just keep us updated and when you get back to where you can work on the railroad we will be here cheering you on even more
Hello Alan,
I’m so sorry to read this bad news.
I wish you strength as you go through this.
I’m all the more pleased to see you continuing construction on the plant when time allows.
I wish you continued strength and a speedy recovery.
Keep the faith, Alan! So very sorry to hear of your trials and tribulations. I hope your love for model railroading helps to give you the strength to defeat this scourge. Thoughts and prayers being sent your way for a complete recovery.
Take care and get well sone.
Mike.
Keep a positive attitude and you will beat this monster! My wife has been cancer free for over 6 years now! We will pray for a complete cure for you.
Alan, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but happy to hear your treatment plan is going well.
I was just at MRH reminiscing about those that have inspired me over the years and I thought of you and looked up your website and this is the first I’ve seen of you in quite a few years. I’m sorry to hear the diagnosis, but sounds like you will recover and I’m very happy to hear that. I know the big “c” all too well. I was sitting with my wife in December 2024 when she was given the news. Unfortunately, it didn’t go her way and she passed in May. I look forward to you returning to health and getting back to modeling and I’ll poke my head in here regularly to see how things are going.
Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and words. I’m going to get through this. I have to, there is a railroad that needs finishing!
@skiloff My most sincere condolences. Speaking as someone who has been married for almost 50 years I cannot fathom the pain that losing her would bring. I admire your strength to carry on.