Plumbdog Retires.......The Hard Way

[plumbdog10]

Fellow Plumbers,

It's come to my attention, through Plumber Rick and private personal messages to myself, that there are members concerned with my health since I haven't been posting much. I appreciate the concern of those members and feel that it is now best to post my situation for anyone who cares.

I was reluctant to post my personal problems on the forum, because I've felt that the forum should be a networking center for plumbers to discuss plumbing. But in this case, I think that those members inquiring about me deserve the truth, and my continued participation in the forum will be easier if it is done in the clear air.



During the holiday season I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Unfortunately, due to the silent nature of that form of cancer it was not detected until it had spread extensively into my lungs, liver, and lower spine.

The bottom line--- It is incurable. With treatments (chemo, radiation, etc.) I will probably have two years of living left, although some in my situation have lived five years.

At the current time I am bed ridden due to the enlargement of tumors in my lower spine. The tumors have created fractures in the spine causing nerves to be pinched. In turn this causes a tremendous amount of pain in my legs and lower back. In short, the only way I can be comfortable is laying on my left side or stomach, and taking heavy pain killers.

That was the bad news.

The good news is that I have been given a gift. I have stared into the face of death, yet been given the time to place my life in order. I've had the chance to re-establish a relationship with my estranged brother. I've talked to family and friends I haven't seen for years. I've had the time tell people how truly meaningfull they've been to my life. I've been able to view life through a different perspective. View it through the eyes of one whose every moment is precious.

Since I'm on forced retirement I will have more time to post, but sometimes it's difficult to find a comfortable position to work on the laptop with. Other times I have to medicate heavy, which I can't write on. So if you notice I haven't posted in a week, it's ok, I'm just having a bad week. When it gets to the point when I can't post I have a friend who will notify the forum.

So Plumbers,

Let's get back to plumbing discussion.

[ToUtahNow]

dog,

I can't tell you how sorry I am to read this post. I know you did not post it for sympathy but I want you to know you have friends on this site. Please let me know if you or your family need anything. I have learned much about you without ever meeting you just based on the posts you have made. I'm sure there are many young plumbers out there who do what they do because of your training.

Mark

[Tyman]

I really don't know what to say other than I am sorry. Take care of yourself.

[Aaron91]

Dog,

Man, I don't know what to say. You and I don't talk much, but it was always nice seeing a PM in my inbox from you. I really appericate the one you sent me when I first joined the site, roughly a year ago. The title to your message was 'Keep Going'. The meant alot to me then, and even more now.

So Dog, you do the same 'Keep Going'. If you ever need a buddy to talk too I'll drop my number in your inbox.

[DuckButter]

I agree with Mark, I know you well enough to know you posted this for the sincere purpose of letting us know your situation.

I have come to know you as determined, integral & strong...qualities that have become less and less common in the current world.

If there comes a time where you need to take a break and for once depend on the strength of others..I'm pretty sure I speak for the majority here that I'd be honored to help any way I can.

- Mark

[NHMaster3015]

Sorry to hear that Plumdog. Will be praying for you.


:angel2:

[westcoastplumber]

Zeljka and I are sorry dog for the bad news.

You will be in our prayers and we are only a phone call away Dog!!

We are glad you are back and we missed having you around. Please let us know if we can help, and like Aaron said, keep going buddy.

[HVAC HAWK]

Dog after reading your posts over the years you are a very wise man and a tough Dog at that .you have helped a lot of plumbers over the years and have made a lot of handy homeowners very mad .

so keep going as strong as you can and hang in there and enjoy a lot of time with your family
keep going buddy

[Woussko]

Plumbdog

We have had some howling matches, but I will pray for you. A good friend of mine just lost his mom to colon cancer and it really is hell to go through it. I hope you aren't suffering too much there. Please try to update everyone on the forum when you can as to your condition and do post about plumbing.

[Josh]

Plumbdog, thanks for posting the update. This is a plumbing forum where plumbing topics are discussed but its also become a family over the years. Your a big part of this forum and I have a deep respect for you.

I am very sorry about the cancer. Very glad that you have been given the opportunity to focus in on what really matters in life. Sorta sneaks up on you and doesn't really give you a lot of options. Norm (the webmaster before me) ended up with cancer and ended up really focused on his faith and family in the end. It just highlights how quickly our lives can take a turn and what really matters.

Even though you have bitten some of the new members you are definitely one of my favorite parts of this forum. Glad you considered us close enough to let us in on your situation. We care about you and are glad to hear from you whenever you get a chance.

Sorry if anything I have said above doesn't strike you right. I can't even start to pretend to put myself in your shoes. Know that I will be praying for you (not just saying that)

Anything I can send you to cheer you up let me know.

Great to hear from you,

Josh

[MrsSeatDown]

Dog,

I am so glad you posted. . . honoring your wishes was beginning to kill Rick. I think the only other secret he ever kept was that he bought me an engagement ring;) You should consider yourself lucky(besides I held him back for ya).

You know how we feel and how to reach us. I will cook and deliver food if you want to, so don't start to be shy now:D

I know you always tease me, but you are our hero:running-dog:

Joey (and what's-his name)

[proplumb]

an honest man through and through, im going through a cancer scare right now and my feeling go out to you, enough said i wont turn this into a pitty party...i have much respect for you, from your comments here

[JCsPlumbing]

I empathize with you and your loved ones. My prayers are with you.

I'm newer to the forum but always enjoy plumbdogs straight shootin' to break up the bull. So as long as you can, keep shootin' dog.

J.C.

[plumbdog10]

Thanks for everyone's kind words. A special thanks to Rick and Mrs. Seatdown for support and honoring my wishes.

[Service Guy]

:angel2:
Blessings to you and yours.

[BAPlumber]

Dog, keep posting. Give'em hell.

[glkearns]

Dog-Keep on keepin on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Greg

[PLUMBER RICK]

dog, in the few years we've been on the forum, we've had our times:rolleyes:

but what it boils down to is you and i love our trade:grin-loving:


you have a unique way of telling it like it is:wink2:

since you've been away, some of the dog has rubbed off on me:cool:

joey, myself and all the members who have had the opportunity to mix it up with you, have all learned from your years of real life experiences.

joey and i are honored that you have included us into your life both on and off the forum.

i have always respected your input and opinions even if you were wrong:lmao:


i think i can honestly say, there is not 1 active member here that doesn't know the legendary dog:cool:

i ask that josh and the forum members add a permanent section to the forum.

"ask the dog" or "the dog pound" or "feed it to the dog"
"on the porch with the dog"

suggestions are welcome and i think this is a way to honor "the dog"

i hope and pray that "the dog" will have years to enjoy his forum section.

josh and others, lets make this happen;)

rick.

[smorris]

I'm sorry to hear the bad news about your cancer. You have a lot of friends on here who will help keep your spirits up as best as possible.

Steve

[Ruudacguy]

i ask that josh and the forum members add a permanent section to the forum.

"ask the dog" or "the dog pound" or "feed it to the dog"
"on the porch with the dog"

I think this is a great idea, Rick. This needs to happen! Several years ago I was a member of another forum in which another active member who was a carpenter, was killed on the job. Still to this day, the "Lounge" is named for him. A different scenario, I know. But I think the message applies here.

Dog, I have no idea what to say. I think everyone has been touched by cancer at some point in their life. A real good friend of mine is battling cancer for the third time. He is 42. A few years ago we built a racecar for a kid who worked at the dragstrip. He had Osteosarcoma and passed when he was 19.

[Pipestone Kid]

Dog, there is not much words can do except make you realize how much people care about you. I think the responses here reflect the feelings of most of the forum members. As for myself, I have never met you, but your posts brought back so many fine memories of my "days on the job", that I felt like you were one of my"crew". I wish you the very best and hope to read your posts for many years.
Jim

[Josh]

Rick, there is already a section like that at the top of the forum "Ask the Plumbing Experts" I originally created that section for Dog since he loves helping out DIYers so much :D


i ask that josh and the forum members add a permanent section to the forum.

"ask the dog" or "the dog pound" or "feed it to the dog"
"on the porch with the dog"

[Frankiarmz]

Dog, I know how much you don't care for non plumbers invading this space and I am not writing to be disrespectful or upsetting to you. I originally was going to congratulate you on what must have been a long and rewarding career, but now I would like to offer my prayers that you do not suffer. I sincerely hope you are able to get things in order and mend fences as you spoke of. Stay strong and take care. God Bless you in your time of need.

[PLUMBER RICK]

Rick, there is already a section like that at the top of the forum "Ask the Plumbing Experts" I originally created that section for Dog since he loves helping out DIYers so much :D

josh, i've always suggested a "quarantine area" for first time poster. this would be a way to stop the spam before it gets into the rest of the forum.

the quarantine area for this could be named "the watch dog" all new members would be directed there on their first new thread post, before it gets put out to the general forum.

i know i've always kidded with dog about names, but i'm serious about this.

it's not like he is leaving the forum because he doesn't like what he reads. honestly i would like to suggest a way to honor dog while he is still around to read the post.

is this something that others would agree on?

or should i drop it?

every member here both new and old know the dog. i for one have a serious respect for what he has contributed over the years. there's a little bit of dog in all of us.

rick.

[Aaron91]

I'm with ya Rick!

[TOPDAWG]

Why don't you change the name of the members list to the DOG POUND

[craigofva]

there is a sign up in our shop that says "plumbers dont retire they just fade away under some sink" i cant figure out what it means, but maybe some day i will

[HVAC HAWK]

how about a spot in the plumbing area called Plumbing Legends and you can put some ones name there and people can post how these people helped them with there experience in the trade and make it that people do not hijack the thread and keep it on track .

to get a name on this list it must be talked about in a PM to josh before He puts a name up for people to post about .

this person must have posted a lot on helping others and there dedication to the trade.

i do thing some thing should be done to honor these people that help keep this site going .

:rant::rant:

[libbyloulou]

Plumbdog, i am very new on here, and never got to read much of your posts yet.

But i still feel for you. be the first to live 10 yrs.

All the best to you and your family





From across the pond.

[michael stephen]

cherish every moment you have.. my prayers goes with it..

[JimDon]

Dog,
I just read about your illness tonight. You and your family are in our prayers. We've been there and know how important it is for support, even if it is just a written word, a thought, a prayer uttered during the height of the day. If there is anything I can do for you, I'd be glad to help. Don't be afraid to PM if that ever moves you. And I'm sure that would hold true for other members of this forum. I'm sorry to hear of your illness, but I know you are one hell of a strong guy who never gives up. That my friend, is very important.
Best to you,
Jim Don

[All Clear Sewer]

Dog You and your family are in my prayers.

[haycad]

i just read this tonight. i lost my father a few years ago to cancer. although its a horrible disease i believe its gods way to give you another gift in a complete life. as far as my father went it allowed him to stop and smell the roses, he was able to focus on the important things in life and not deadlines and contracts. some of my fondest moments of my dad were in the last few months of his life. be sure to call your kids as much as you can IT MEANS ALOT! your in my prayers!

[Josh]

Plumbdog, as a retirement present I'm officially changing the name of your favorite smiley. Whenever I see it I think about you and your love for DIYers asking for advice on solving complex problems, so I figured instead of :cool: the smiley is now coded as...
:Plumbdog: Plumbdog:

Still in our thoughts, Hope its a good day.

Later,

Josh

[All Clear Sewer]

Way Cool Josh!!!! http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[ToUtahNow]

That is perfect.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

Plumbdog, as a retirement present I'm officially changing the name of your favorite smiley. Whenever I see it I think about you and your love for DIYers asking for advice on solving complex problems, so I figured instead of :cool: the smiley is now coded as...
:Plumbdog: :plumbdog:

Still in our thoughts, Hope its a good day.

Later,

Josh

josh, great idea;)

i know it's not an april fools joke, but the real deal Plumbdog: Plumbdog:

it's better than retiring his smiley;)

now there will be a little bit of dog in all of our post Plumbdog:

rick.

[Josh]

Rick and Joey get credit for the idea. Its a good one though. That smiley has always reminded me of dog so it might as well be named after him.

josh

[Bogart]

Dog,
peace and blessings upon you. My feeble words can't help much, but prayers are like incense to The Lord. So, my prayer is for you to get healed. I also pray for grace, mercy, comfort and dignity for you in this trial. I have found forgiveness and a new life thru Christ. He is here for you, too. In a perfect world there is no sickness, sorrow or death. Until He comes back and makes it perfect, we live in a vale of toil and tears. You have always been a strong voice for professional plumbers and our great trade. The number of replies to your post is a testament to the respect in which you are held, and the esteem we hold you in.
"Mat the LORD bless you, keep you and make His face smile upon you and give you peace."
Jeff

[smelly]

Sorry to hear the news of your illness, I am not a plumber .... woodworker.
But I like to read the plumbing posts.
Will hope for the best, and hope you have more better days, than bad ones.

[drtyhands]

Plumbdog, as a retirement present I'm officially changing the name of your favorite smiley. Whenever I see it I think about you and your love for DIYers asking for advice on solving complex problems, so I figured instead of :cool: the smiley is now coded as...
:Plumbdog: :plumbdog:

Still in our thoughts, Hope its a good day.

Later,

Josh

ALWAYS.. AS LONG AS I'M HERE....Plumbdog:

[westcoastplumber]

Great idea Josh!!

Hang tuff Dog!!

your in our prayers big guy.;)

[toolaholic]

God Bless You Dog,You're in My prayers. Tool

[Alphacowboy]

Hang in there Dog! PM me if you want more info, but I have a customer that was diagnosed with cancer that was untreatable, and was given a few months to live. She is alive and kick to this day, and that was over a year ago. She went to Mexico for some alternative medicine, and it obviously has worked, as she is doing very well. If you want the info, let me know, and I will ask her about it for you.

God Bless, and hope you are having a good day.

[Bob D.]

Wow, I don't know where to start on this. I've been so busy at work I have not had much time to get on here in the past couple months, so this thread kinda hit me out of the blue when I logged on today it was near the top of the list of unread posts.

Dog, I am sorry to hear of your siruation, and my prayers go out to you and yours. I enjoy your posts and insight into many of the topics we have discussed here. Since we reside on opposite coasts, this forum and the 'net have brought us together in a way that most likely would have never happened otherwise. I look forward to your future posts as much as I have in the past.

Take it easy and check in when you can. Plumbdog:

Bob D.

[westcoastplumber]

I love the Dog, I believe he didn't like the smiley named after him, so he changed his signature to " cool " which was the old name.

Hmmm, maybe not such a bright idea anyways:scratchhead:

Keep us informed big guy. through PM is fine, if you wish.

[Josh]

Actually he didnt change anything. when I renamed the smiley his signature no longer had the right code. So I switched it back. to cool. I left it so when you mouse over it it still says plumbdog. But the code is back to cool.

I love the Dog, I believe he didn't like the smiley named after him, so he changed his signature to " cool " which was the old name.

Hmmm, maybe not such a bright idea anyways:scratchhead:

Keep us informed big guy. through PM is fine, if you wish.

[MrsSeatDown]

Actually he didnt change anything. when I renamed the smiley his signature no longer had the right code. So I switched it back. to cool. I left it so when you mouse over it it still says plumbdog. But the code is back to cool.

Yeah I thought it was just because it got re-named. I do not think he was offended by this gesture:hug:

[PLUMBER RICK]

josh, great idea;)

i know it's not an april fools joke, but the real deal:plumbdog: :plumbdog:

it's better than retiring his smiley;)

now there will be a little bit of dog in all of our post:plumbdog:

rick.

josh, i think the fix has made for another issue.

it has caused the plumbdog :cool: smiley to ":plumbdog" on a certain amount of old post.

any way to fix it or do we have to go back and remove?

rick.

[kathleen]

Dear Plumbdog (alias :cool:)

Just spotted this thread tonight while surfing through like I do now and then. :o

Page by page I went through so many emotions. Grief I guess it is. So now by page 6 and time to respond, I'm done not believing, done being angry and done crying, and now I am accepting.

I have only one wish for you Plumbdog and it is that your life is filled with L.I.V.I.N.G.

And if you find a moment now and then while you are travelling through this journey, I hope that you will post here, especially when you have a wonderful day or more so when you need a boost. You know that your fans are here. And when you're not posting I hope that you'll be reading here because we all know that

you can take The Dog out of plumbing but

:cool:YOU CAN'T TAKE THE PLUMBER OUT OF THE DOG :cool:

[drtyhands]

I'm thinking a lot about you this morning Plumdog.