Hi guys,
Long time no speak :)
Sorry to start such a heavy hearted post out of the blue.
The Madbean Forum feels like my pedal building home, and I've always felt so welcomed here. This isn't easy, so here goes..
I received some disastrous news regarding my health last week, I'm still coming to grips with it.
I had a MRI on my neck after a slight injury. I was not expecting the MRI result to show cancer...After much testing, the hematologist has concluded that i have a blood cancer called Myeloma. Myeloma is treatable (extend life), but not curable. I now do not know what the future holds or how long i will be around for.
Priorities have changed. Things i once took for granted have become so important.
As such, I've had to re-evaluate, and unfortunately the guitar pedal store will need to be closed or sold.
Its a shame to have to shut the store down, it has been a valuable resource to Australians, but also, to those wanting to start out. However, i don't know how much time i have left, so i can not continue to run it.
If anyone is interested in the store, please message me and we can talk about it.
Alternative, i will just be selling down whatever stock remains. Store availability may fluctuate. I have a feeling i will be put through some serious hell at hospital soon to try to put my myeloma into remission, during those times, the store will be closed.
I have a young family, and i will fight for them as long as I'm able to.
Once again, I'm sorry to come busting in here with this news, after all these years.
I guess this post is to say, thank you to everyone for all their support over the years and to inform everyone why the store is closing down, I've had a lot of questions over the last 2 weeks.
Kind regards
Paul (DIYGP)
That is terrible news man. Sounds like you got your priorities straight though.
I am at a loss for what to say to comfort you. I lost both my parents to cancer, one after a seven year struggle and one after a four year struggle. There were very hard times but both also went through long periods of remission where things were much more normal.
What I can say is that I hope you have many good years of good health ahead of you that you can enjoy with your family.
Hey Paul, I'm terribly sorry to hear that. My wife was diagnosed with that probably 30 years ago. She is still feisty as ever, keep your head up buddy.
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Paul and I spoke a bit over PM in the last couple of days so I was aware this was coming. It's hard to find the right words like matmospehere said. Although your illness may be serious I hope you won't give into despair and keep up the good fight. You have friends here that care about you. And like I told you, your presence on this forum over so many years was part of making it such a welcoming and fun playground. I'll be sending you another PM shortly.
Let's all show love here.
I found a great number of your YT videos insightful before I knew your store/site, and the DIY world is better off for you being in it. I'm sorry to hear it, Paul. All I can think to say is here's hoping and praying for a remission.
Shit, that really sucks Paul.
Hoping that the treatment goes as well as it can for you.
Paul, I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through. I don't think words can say much other than know how much you're appreciated and I'm really hoping for a positive outcome through all of this.
Damn dude. I've never been the most active member here or any other forum, but I've definitely been around a long time and have seen how much you've contributed to the DIY community. So, thanks for all you've given us.
I sincerely wish the best for you and your family. You seem like a strong willed and just plain good person so I have a lot of hope for your future.
Quote from: Emily Dickinson"Hope" is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I've heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
The storm is coming, but that little bird will keep singing. Keep hoping. Keep fighting. I'll keep praying.
Strength Paul, and good luck with this most important challenge.
I still watch your vids from time to time, so much great info so nicely presented.
All the best mate.
Thanks everybody, I appreciate all the kind words.
I'm seeing the myeloma specialist tomorrow to find out what sort of future i can expect. Im a little "anxious" you could say. Wish me luck.
I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon, so you never know, you might see me around the madbean forum, my most favorite forum to hang out :)
Thanks again everyone, you are all such kind souls and i wish you all the best.
Paul (DIYGP)
Good luck tomorrow Paul.
Oh man, not the news I wanted to read :(
Stay strong Paul and I cant wait to read about you putting this cancer into remission.
Dear Paul
I was so sorry to read your news. As everyone has already shared much more eloquently than me, stay positive and draw on whatever makes you happy.
Take care
Ian
Only read this now.
All the best to you, Paul!
Let me mirror others here, all the best to you and your family as you navigate this. When I first started frequenting this forum back in 2011 or so, your YT channel was very much the face of the community for me, if that makes any sense.
Hi Paul, I just saw this though we've had email exchanges in the past and I order things from you every now and then.
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. I don't know if it helps but my Mom has the same condition and with the right treatment it has been stable for a good 15 years and counting (beyond expectations). I sincerely hope you will fall into the same category!
All my best wishes.
Paul, I'm so sorry man. Like you said I know you will battle for your family so let that be your guide when shit is hitting the fan I'm assuming with chemo/rad. I sincerely wish you well.
Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I knew posting on this forum was the right choice, you are all amazing people.
Paul