View Full Version : Not doing so well......
Diego Garcia
24-12-2006, 09:55
No one is really aware, but I have not been well at all and have been vomiting most days, to the point where I am practically bulemic. Been in and out hospital this year and I have been seeing a specialist over the last few weeks and I have been advised that there is a suspiscion of cancer (post biopsy) in the left side of my chest, back and arm pit. As such I am going into hospital for a 'big' operation on 5/1/2007, (next friday) with the op taking place on 6/1/2007.
Not looking forward to it, a big job and having my left nipple removed and put back at some point so they can remove what they need to via the 'hole'....also going in via the arm pit.....possibly having some remidial work done under my right arm pit too + some plastic surgery to 'tidy' it up.
I will then awaiut further news as to whether I am on the last train home and need more treatment, but remaining as positive as I can.
I have tried to keep this to myself but am pretty low and sit crying my heart out most days. I am worried about loosing my camera's as it is the only place I know where I am truly happy and no one can take that from me.
The last three years keep knocking me over, but I think you can judge a person on how many times they get back up.
I will be taking a break for a while thats for sure, but plenty of things to take pictures of yet.
I have decided to let you all know this as I kinda live on the net as most of my friendships ended when I split from Sue in 2004. You guys are friends, even though we have never met.
Pete.
Double_Agent
24-12-2006, 10:02
Pete,
I am terribly sorry to hear this news. To say I know what your going through would not do you any justice.
My Sister had Breast Cancer which passed on to her Lymph nodes with several ops later and reconstruction surgery she is finally beginning to see the end of this nasty disease after almost 2 years.
I know your photography of late is your love and can be seen by the amazing photos you have been taking. Keep that in the front of your mind and use the images to make you feel happy on those moments when you are down.
Live each day at a time and dont ever feel that it is your problem only and noone else is willing to listen or offer advice *** its simply not true.
I wish you all the best for your operations and hope that with enough peoples support you can get through this terrible time.
All the very best
Mike aka Double_Agent
Bloody hell Pete, that's scary stuff for sure - I'm sure I'd be a jibbering wreck in the same position.
It's easy for me to say mate, but it may not be half as bad as you think, and there's nothing worse than sitting there fretting about it. I'm sure we all wish you the very best of luck and a speedy recovery to doing what you do best - using those cameras. Keep your chin up mate. It's a difficult time for you I'm sure, but we're all here for you mate if you need to unload now and again. :)
Like many folks here, I've watched your photography grow with real interest and feel that while I don't know you, I've been on a little journey with you already.
So while you wouldn't know me from a lampost if we passed in the street, I will be adding all my good thoughts and best wishes for you to come out the other side of this with nothing more than a scary story to tell.
really sorry to hear your new's pete, i know only to well what it's like going in and out of hospital every week, as i was in that situation a few years ago,(but not for the same reason,s)and when you live on your own it make's it twice as bad, all that i can say is try and remain positive (easier said than done i know) and just take one day at a time, we will be all rooting for you on here i'm sure, if you need to talk anytime just pm me and i will let you have my msn or phone number.
tel.
my thoughts are with you Pete, im sure im not alone in wishing you better very soon
Been back to this thread a few times now. Can't find any words that have not been said but will just add that like others, I wish you well and a speedy recovery post op.
Me too. Ive been back to this thread a couple of times, and I'm not sure I've found the correct words to write.
I really hope you come through the other side of this with nothing more than a smile, a scar, and a load of pictures.
It sounds like you've been through the mill this past 3 years, but like you say...You've bounced back, got on your feet and carried on. I think that just shows you can bounce back from this too.
Keep taking your pictures, as it's evident from the pics you share, and from your posts that you have a real passion for photography. It's that sort of passion that can carry a person through even their darkest days.
Don't forget we're all here should you need to offload, or have a natter. If you need an ear to bend, I can usually be found on MSN (mbooth>gmail.com) most of the day, or on our IRC channel.
Don't bottle it all up, I know from experience that bottling things up like this doesn't help. And as Bob Hoskins famously used to say "It's good to talk".
Marcel
Pete,
Like the others Ive watched you soar over the last year.
A blind man can see the passion you have for your art and no-one can take that from you. Hold on to your gift for its that which will see you through, along with your family and friends.
I too, am finding it difficult to know what to say but several of us have said before that you can PM any time you need to talk and I dont think anyone would say it if they didnt mean it.
You dont have to go through this alone, we are here, I am here ... if you need to just 'let it out' at any time ... just a PM away.
You know we will all be rooting for you through your op, and we'll all be here throughout your recovery.
Im sure we'll all find ways to keep you busy, Ill make it part of my New Years res. to go out & do those street candid's Ive been trying to pluck up the courage to do, give you something to laugh at and rip up while youre not out & about.
Tis good to be getting the op out of the way early in the year, then you can concentrate on all the good stuff thats yet to come.
Take good care of yourself mate. :hug:
Blimey Pete ! Im not sure what to say that hasnt been said already mate ! I cant say i know how you are feeling.
One of my friends is going in for an operation on the 2nd, he has cancerous tumours in his face, and so far has been through quite a lot already. After this overnight op, he has to go in everyday for 6 weeks for more follow on treatment.
My thoughts will be with both of you, and the recoveries you both will hopefully make ! :)
Whoa, sorry to hear this fella. Wish you all the best for the op and a speedy recovery too.
Feel free to add me on MSN as well - evilowluk at hotmail dot com (same goes for anyone else on here) I'll be about most of xmas and new year if anyone fancies talking nonsense for a while.
All the best mate,
Ross
chuckles
24-12-2006, 12:21
Wow - that's a shocker (to say the least)! Why is it the best get clobbered by this awful disease? Never the bad guys..... grrr!
Can't really add a lot except to say Marianne and I are here any time you need a chat or something... PM you our details (we've been through a couple of horrid years ourselves, not as bad a this but enough to be totally empathetic).
Just remain positive and focussed - half the battle is in the mind. My father fought it for years and it was this + the medication and surgery that gave many extra years. It can be beaten.... ;)
Our best and most sincere wishes... Baz and Maz
h.r.ford
24-12-2006, 12:31
Hmm. Like others I've been wondering what to say as words are not always sufficient. Your street portraits were one of the first pictures I saw when I came to talk photography just a few short months ago and I remember calling my husband over to say wow! I want to be able to take a portrait like that. So I guess what I'm saying is that you are an inspiration and even in the darkest of times your talent and passion will be there for you so use it. I am wishing you all the best and a quick recovery!
namllihs
24-12-2006, 15:48
All I can say is my thoughts and prayers are with you Pete.
The quality of your sports shots and street portraits are an inspiration, I for one look forward each week to see what you will post from your assignments.
Best wishes and a speedy recovery.
Steve.
hypnotic
24-12-2006, 15:55
Cannot say anything more than has already been said.
Get well soon. :thumbs:
Venomator
24-12-2006, 16:38
That's a hell of a shocker Pete ... and I don't suppose anyone can know where you are unless they have been there ... !
I have not and I can only guess waht you are going through !
You are a man of passion - we can all tell that through your pics ... and more importantly a survivor ...
Get through this and get back up again Pete ... we'll miss you while your recovering and be there for you if you need a chat ... :thumbs:
Best wishes m8 ... ;P
Rog...:p
minimeeze
24-12-2006, 16:51
:hug:
Hopefully things aren't as bad as they seem right now. You say they have a suspicion it might be cancer, but you haven't been given this as a definite diagnosis yet, so don't write yourself off just yet ;) I know when you're on your own that you tend to look at the worst case scenario (been there, done that!!)
Sending you best wishes for your op and a speedy recovery afterwards.
No-one can take away your dedication and skill with the camera. I think even if they amputated your arm, you'd find a way around it :lol: (look at Rick Allen from Def Leppard!)
Best wishes Pete, and as everyone has said, we are all here and thinking about you :hug:
:agree: - well said Min - trust a midwife to hit the nail on the head ... Paul :thumbs:
The correct response to this is:
Buy a bottle of nice malt whiskey and drink it while watching a great DVD (The Great Escape; Pirates of the Carribbean; Where Eagles Dare etc).
And raise a glass to all of us as we raise a glass to you.
Cheers Mate. We're all here for you any time you need us.
minimeeze
24-12-2006, 18:18
:agree: - well said Min - trust a nurse to hit the nail on the head ... Paul :thumbs:
Nurse??? :eek: I'm a midwife, I'll have you know :razz:
Diego Garcia
24-12-2006, 18:35
Thanks all, I appreciate it.
Keep you all posted and Min is right :)
Hopefully get to meet some cute nurses at the hospital, you know me ;)
Nurse??? :eek: I'm a midwife, I'll have you know :razz:
Sorry - I stand corrected & now edited - you can slap me the next time I see you :nuts: - Paul :baby:
strewth, sorry to hear that mate. not much i can say other than, all the best for your recovery and i hope you find those nurses. (go to paeds - it's where all the hot nurses hang out.)
Thanks all, I appreciate it.
Keep you all posted and Min is right :)
Hopefully get to meet some cute nurses at the hospital, you know me ;)
Confuscious say...man who want pretty nurse must be patient.
Heres hoping next year that things work out for you. :)
Keltic Ice Man
24-12-2006, 21:33
Its all been said - but rest assured were all thinking of you :hug:
Catdaddy
25-12-2006, 13:41
Just read this for the first time today. I know it's very difficult to focus on anything positive right now, but we're all rootin for ya!
Sorry to hear you're not well, but keep your chin up give the Nurses hell and I can't wait to see more of your pictures in the New Year. You are certainly an inspiration to many people on here.
Get a laptop and take your camera in to hospital with you, play with old pics and there are certainly plenty of interesting people and pics to be taken plus it will keep you busy while you are in there.
I can't add to what has already been said but I'd like to offer you my very best wishes for a speedy recovery
Ive just joined here but wish you a speedy recovery. I cant imagine how youre feeling but have a good idea, as my mum is currently undergoing chemo, due to a lump on her upper arm..she's expected to make a full recovery and she's 81.
Best of luck :)
realmofconfusion
26-12-2006, 23:22
Pete, sorry to hear about the possibility of cancer.
I was disgnosed with a melanoma (skin cancer) about 5 years ago. I was lucky in that it was spotted very early (purely by chance as it happens) and it was removed without any problems.
I've had checkups every six months for the last 5 years and my last one is in January 2007 after which I get the all-clear.
"The Big C" is an extremely worrying thing, but remember that survival rates are higher now for all forms of cancer than they were even 5 years ago.
Wishing you all the best.
John.
neonpollen
26-12-2006, 23:46
All the very best Pete my thoughts are with you.
Just noticed this thread Pete, keep smiling and be positive, you'll be back down shooting at Bristol before you know it. VERY best wishes and I'm sure there are bound to be one or two nurses that may want to know all about your fully extenable lenses every now and then ... ;) Neil
Pete, watched this from the start, wasn't sure what to add to this thats not already been said, just keep doing what you do best, this makes you happy, I can tell from the self portraits you post :lol:
Take your camera everywhere, do everything you want to try, go ahead and sell yourself to all the people you can, this will keep your spirits up. As said, take your camera into the hospital an snap some of those sexy nurses for us.
Don't let it beat you Pete, keep fighting, don't forget you've always got your army on TPF for backup if needed. :thumbs:
Pete, I'm really sorry to hear that you will have to undergo a major operation. Where abouts are you? If you are within a couple hours of Cambridgeshire and need someone to bring you a magazine or something while you're in hospital, give me a shout.
I will use my New Year wish to wish you a straight forward, successful operation and a speedy recovery!
Jees, just saw this.
I'm rubbish at the wordy side of things mate but I'm thinking of you, keep the shutter speed up :thumbs:
photostar_1
27-12-2006, 12:21
I'm struggling to find the right words..........but I suppose nothing is "right" in these circumstances, so just take all our love and best wishes to keep you strong in the dark moments and we'll do our best to support you via the wonders of these computer thingys.
As someone else has already said, we could all pass one another in the street without knowing it, but thoughts and wishes and prayers dont need visual identities do they?
Keep as positive as you can, Pete,
Loads of love and hugs :hug:
Carole
I've had two relatives get hit by cancer in the last 12 months, and both of them made a full recovery. Not young people either.
Its not the "big bad disease" it used to be, its more treatable than ever. Keep positive! It might not even be that anyway, right?
Pete, I can't add to what has already been said, so I'll just wish you good luck. Lee
All the best Pete - fingers crossed for everything to be OK.
:'( been watching this thread pete and all i can say is i "and everyone else"
am right behind you hoping you get checked out and all is ok :thinking: nothing else i can say that has not been said . but someone is always here for a chat or moan or anything :thumbs:. fingers are crossed.
Pete, I've only just seen this too.
You've been a great member of these forums in many ways over the past year or so, especially when you sold your 30d to me in a generous and trusting way...I appreciate it no end.
And your work is inspirational. (I love looking at those rugby men!! ;) )
We will all be thinking of you on the 5th/6th January and hoping you are ok,
if there is anything I can do, or send you, please let me know.....that goes from all of us here I'm sure.
Love, Janice :)
I do read these forums on a daily basis but hardly post but I'd just like to say that Diego Garcia, your works are very inspirational and I have to say your captures show you have a true passion for photography. I sit here thinking "I wish I could produce photos like that?" and perhaps so many are thinking the same!
I'm also quite crap for words in difficult situations but remaning positive is important in recovering/getting you through this time.
Ed :)
HIMUPNORTH
27-12-2006, 19:21
What a sobering post Pete! I wish you well and my thoughts are with you whilst you undergo your treatment. I will be praying that the surgery is successful and you will be back to full health doing what you enjoy most...and what we know you do so well.
Kindest regards
Gary.
I really don't know what else to say either but, I do wish you well Pete, and I will be thinking of you on the 5th of January. Take care of yourself and keep positive.
Jewel :)
Hope they put your nipple back on the right way round ;) I'm fairly rubbish at these things but if you need a laugh get me on msn. I'm fairly rubbish at jokes too so you can just laugh at me if need be :) Hope its nothing at all and you can get back to enjoying photography. Good luck.
Thats a point make sure they don't stick another one on too......:lol:
Pete Scaramanga.......the man with the golden camera........:exit: :tumbleweed:
Forbiddenbiker
28-12-2006, 00:04
Blimey Pete, stressful news indeed. I can only agree what has already been said.
I can't think of anything to add.
So, optimistically and possibly realistically...I'll presuming the op will go smoothly and the results not be to worrying.
Thinking of you mate, fingers crossed it all goes well on the 6th. :)
Diego Garcia
28-12-2006, 08:22
Thanks for your thoughts all. Hoping all will be well and just counting down the days.
However, if things are not quite as promising as I hope I must divvy up my kit.
Anyone for one of two Mark II N's ? :) (only joking)....
Dark Star
28-12-2006, 09:07
Pete not sure if this helps or not but my wifes cousin just had a operation to remove a potentially malignant growth in her neck/throat. She's my age (50) . Many years ago she survived stomach cancer which first was diagnosed when she was 18. Thankfully this recent operation was a success and she's clear again.
Not sure what I'm saying other than things may look black sometimes but theres no such thing as 'inevitable'. Our cousin has been through some very rough times but remains about the most positive and upbeat person you could ever wish to meet - and I think that her attitude goes a long way to combatting and overcoming the physical illnesses she has suffered.
Good luck next week!! I'm sure the thoughts of all of us on the forum will be with you!
Diego Garcia
28-12-2006, 09:32
Pete not sure if this helps or not but my wifes cousin just had a operation to remove a potentially malignant growth in her neck/throat. She's my age (50) . Many years ago she survived stomach cancer which first was diagnosed when she was 18. Thankfully this recent operation was a success and she's clear again.
Not sure what I'm saying other than things may look black sometimes but theres no such thing as 'inevitable'. Our cousin has been through some very rough times but remains about the most positive and upbeat person you could ever wish to meet - and I think that her attitude goes a long way to combatting and overcoming the physical illnesses she has suffered.
Good luck next week!! I'm sure the thoughts of all of us on the forum will be with you!
Cheers. I am really upbeat and kinda being all Homer Simpson like in that I am past caring. What will be will be. I am now looking forward to post op as I am going to hit the treadmill every day when I can and trim up (nice pun).
To talk in cliches, if I croak tomorrow, well, I have had a blast really. My diary would make for a great book. I have done some crazy stuff..........
I may document it one day but I would need to removed details of when I slept with a transvestite. :nono:
Pete.
I may document it one day but I would need to removed details of when I slept with a transvestite. :nono:
Pete.Hell no! you cant remove that!!!
They say theres at least one book in all of us Pete and from the sounds of it, yours would definately make a compelling read!
So spend your recuperation time well young man ... can I have a signed copy? ;)
King_Boru
28-12-2006, 09:47
Best of luck buddy. Keep us posted.
King.
I'm sorry Pete, but being ill just isn't on the schedule. :nono:
A lot of people like me have just arrived at TP and are pretty dam amazed/inspired by your pix. So just get on with it, get over it, and get out there again pdq! Thank you :D
So sorry to hear about this,my dad's in a similar position to you and like everyone on here i wish you a speedy recovery and we are here for you every step of the way :) :hug:
Mark Grant
05-01-2007, 22:50
I just realised its the 5th and Pete will be probably be in a hospital bed right now.
Good luck for tomorrow Pete :thumbs:
Mark.
Thinking of ya mate, good luck
Yup. Am sending him good thoughts. I think he is in the operation theatre now.
Awww I really am sending good vibes and good everything I can muster for Pete right now. Let us all think good for him today. I sincerely hope he fares well.
If anyone's struggling to think good thoughts, just view this set of photos by Pete, your jaws will drop: :nuts:
(warning, lots and lots of photos!)
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=10523
Double_Agent
06-01-2007, 09:41
Yes sending good vibes to him today also. And in appreciation of the man, I am going out there today outside my comfort zone and taking some Football pics of Redditch United that I hope I can do some justice to.
Pete Get well soon.
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