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About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone

Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Pat, by sharing your journey so freely, you are giving your family a gift the magnitude of which you may never comprehend.

My father passed away in December. He was never one to complain about anything, and he certainly never openly shared his physical ailments with his family beyond what was obvious or necessary for us to know. I realize now that he clearly understood for quite some time what was happening to him. Neither my brother nor I were with him when he died, although I was on a plane and within an hour from landing. I believe this is what he wanted, but I'll never understand why. Nor will I understand why he chose to keep it so private.

You are freeing your wife and family from these questions, and from many sleepless nights. You can take comfort in knowing this.

Rest easy, Pat.

wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Patrick, I've followed this thread very carefully since its' inception and heretofore never posted. Your strength and dignity as you continue fighting, remind me so very much of my wife's unsuccessful battle with breast cancer a few years ago. I just wanted to tell you how much admiration I have for you. You're an inspiration to all.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cello
645 posts
 
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Pat,
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I read this thread daily and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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We are blessed to have you and for the great gift of sharing you have bestowed on us. You are truly the bravest person I know. Keep the faith.
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Talk to you soon.
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Warmest Regards,
Larry
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swampwalker's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Pat- I can only echo Larry's eloquent words. Every single one of them. In reading that post, I am reminded of Mark Twain's words (I'm paraphrasing here)- "I am sorry that my letter is so long, but I didn't have time to write a shorter one". I think about you several times each day, frustrated that there is nothing concrete I can do for you. And Patrick, don't underestimate your strength, composure and grace. There are many others who have not shown your style. Maybe it will give you some pride to know that I aspire to be half as honest to myself and others, as you have been. Our combined experience here has opened my eyes to the positive power in the internet, FWIW. This is a real "virtual village" here at Audiogon.

WC- I'm sorry for your loss. My wife is one dose ot taxol away from finishing her breast cancer treatment (oops, except for the tamoxifen. Its been easy for me to think that this is the end of her illness; you have reminded me that its just one battle and that I need to focus on living in the present, since the future is a big question mark. This should not take a cancer diagnosis for a loved one to fully appreciate, but sometimes it does.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Pat, it's very hard to read your words especially after I watch many of my keen went the same path through the chemo tortures...
Now's the turn for my dad, a very painful part of my heart. Every next one is longer and larger and his right leg is already numb.
Do you still have any hopes to get back?
Should I have any?
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