FIGHT OF MY LIFE

[JoeG]

Take it day by day Matt and keep the Faith--Joe

[Jeff Murphy]

Give it hell, Matt. If anybody's got the fightin' spirit it's you!!

[John]

...I think this "cancer dude"....
...Has just picked on the wrong guy...
..Motown, we are behind you and you are in our prayers

[Verne_Frantz]

Matt,
We've never met, nor spoken, but we've exchanged ideas about what's important in this hobby.
We have goals for ourselves and need to be stubborn to achieve them.
A little over 2 years ago, my doctor told me I had heart disease and had maybe 5 more years. Last year I had another test and he said I've got 10 years. 2 months ago I had a test and he said I performed almost like a guy with no heart problems at all.
I think sometimes a healthy mental attitude and a firm conviction to see your goals through does wonders. I know you're made of the "right stuff", so I expect you to be around for a long time.
Be strong!

Verne.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Matt

Keep the Faith and you will prevail over this thing.I know that ATTITUDE is a major part in overcoming obstacles like this.I had a MASSIVE heart attack in 1995 and lost 50% of my heart.I have been through surgerys,have a pacemaker and difibulator all hooked up inside and am currently awaiting a heart transplant,I am not able to do what I used to do but I do what I can everyday.I guess you could say I am sort of like an old 427 engine with 4 plug wires off,missing a little but still running(LOL).All in all I have kept the faith and for the most part have been able to maintain a positive attitude.By all rights I should have been long gone but I am still kicking and will kick all the way.I know you are a person that will deal with the problem head on and will keep kicking also.You and your Family will be in my Prayers.Also you are like me in a way we both have a few more classic cars to own before it is time to go.

God Bless

Bobby Dodson

[jfkheat]

We will all be praying for you. Keep the faith.
James

[Belair62]

sonofabitch...Mo you keep the faith...if I can help I will....you will get through it fine.

[Seattle Sam]

Matt,
Stay strong, you'll be tested in ways you never expected. Take care of those things that are most important, and may God be with you and your family!

-Sam

[AnnieHartweg]

Mowtown,
By now, you must realize we are all pulling for you! I am not much of a gambler but my money is on you Dude! Do your best to keep an open mind....tough at times I know, but from what I hear, you are the one guy who can accomplish just that.

No matter how hard, stay strong and try to take comfort in knowing we are all thinking of you and have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Take Care,
Ann

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Matt

I will freely admit that I do not know you, but can see from the many responses here that you are loved by many and have much support. Cancer and it's treatment is what I do for a living all day, everyday. Depending on what kind, where ( body site ) and extent, many are now beating this disease... take your time, ask many many questions of the people who you have put in charge of your care... your Life. Don't just accept that line of thinking I see all too often.... "he's the Doctor, he must know what it is best " Get a second opinion on the treatment options, and do your homework.. take charge of your treatment. You would be very surprised to see the differences in opinion about what is the best treatment for any particular type of cancer., and it can make all the difference in the world.... TRUST ME on that. Ask about Clincal Trial Treatment Options, and don't be scared off by that TERM.. it doesn't mean Guinne Pig treatment.. it means the chance to get the BEST Treatment available before the rest of the General Public has access to it.... it means getting more than just the STANDARD TREATMENT... which by the looks of it in the last 10 years... isn't working so good BUT don't despair, as I can already see, you are not... because I see more and more people living longer and longer every day and living a good Quality of Life.... in general, folks are not as SICK from the treatment these days due to our many advances. We have so many treatment options and all have pros and cons... Chemotherapy, Radiation ( which is so far refined now days with things like IMRT ) and Biologic therapies are so advanced... the list goes on and on my friend... do your homework, do not sit idle and let the people around you just tell you what they are going to do for you, find out why, ask why, ask when, ask.. ask ask... and read up on the particular type and grade of cancer you have.

Lastly, I can tell you first hand... having a great support system of friends and family throughout the process WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. I see it everyday.. I have patients that come in, sit in the chair and get treated and leave... all by themselves and they generally don't fare as well. Then I have those with friends and families by their side throughout, showing their love and care.. accept that love and caring.. ie... let your wife and Minister do what they are doing... everyone feels helpless with this type of thing and so this may just be a chance for the folks who love you to feel they are not helpless. It will help you as well, this I see every day

Good luck

Michael