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
I'm saddened the chemo can't continue working for you Pat, but I share your feeling of relief that you're off it now. I really grew to hate that stuff watching what it did to my mom. I think it was worse than the disease in many ways, and if it prolonged her life, it also prolonged her suffering. But that was her case, and I know other people whom it saved, just like Lance, so you usually have to try, and I know that you did. In your case I think if it has prolonged your life it has been well worth it. Savor every day, every note, every kiss, and keep giving it hell like I'm sure you are. (For what it's worth, I've intimately witnessed and been involved with the dying process with relatives six times now, and though I don't know your family's plans or situation, if at all possible I strongly recommend staying at home and not going to stay in a hospital or hospice facility. I've found in-home hospice visits and the comfort of familiar surroundings are far preferable, and not only from the patient's point of view. While it does place increased demands on your family members while you are alive, I can say it gives a lot more peace of mind after you are gone.)
Pat -

I haven't contributed to this thread, but have read it occassionally and have been on Audiogon for many years now. Nobody knows how they will face up to the inevitability that awaits us all, but I think we all hope we can face it with as much bravery and dignity as you have shown. I'm sure the people who know and love you well understand that the world is a better place with people of your strength around us. All of us have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Kirk
Pat,

I have only been able to make it halfway through page 11. I have kept current the past week though. I wish you peace in your remaining journey on this earth. May all your future journeys be as joy filled as this one has been. Your strength as you already know has been an inspiration to all who have frequented this thread.

Peace.

Michael