Visiting my mom and she's got these four cats that used to live in my house but then moved to hers because she has a garden and I don't (I live on the first floor) and just kind of bemused to look at my old black tomcat who's this big hunk of muscle, almost like a miniature black panther. But he's the sweetest cat and he mews like a little baby, and I can't help but feel a little sorry for him that he doesn't get to exercise his hunting instincts (even if that would be sad for the mice and birds out in the wild). I usually bring the kitties these chicken-flavoured snack sticks that you can get at the supermarket, although today I also bought a packet of snack pellets that had chicken and cat grass flavour which they didn't care about nearly as much. They're all sweethearts, but I think they would benefit from going outdoors a bit more, just so they could get streetwise.

I've been debating to myself about sharing this news. But since I've been conversing with so many folks here for many years, I consider you all as friends. So here goes

I got cancer. Bad. Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Started a year ago when suddenly I had trouble with breathing after small physical exertions. Tests showed buildup of fluid in the lining of one of my lungs. And the fluid was cancerous
So starting this past January, I began getting chemo therapy, infusions that lasted about 3 hours each round. The chemo occurs once every 3 weeks. Had about 15 rounds of chemo so far
And it seemed to had been working. I get a PETSCAN every 3 months and the news was that it looked like the cancer was retreating. There was a bad side effect to the chemo. It caused my blood to become anemic (not enough red cells resulting in extreme fatigue and shortness of breath)
I got the results of my latest PETSCAN last week. The cancer returned. And it is now mutated and won't respond to some previous medicines. This is uncharted waters according to my doctor and my next chemo therapy (tomorrow) will be a different chemical cocktail as they try to stop the cancer as well as reverse the anemic conditions. I'm on the borderline of needing a blood transfusion because of anemia

So there it is. Which kind of explains some of my prolonged absents and lack of chattiness. My motivation to converse as well as the amount of hours I'm actually awake have been limited. 
It could be worse. I'm not having any physical pain as of yet. I've lived over 70 years so I got my money's worth of life. Plus there are so many folks who have gotten worse breaks in life than I have and been able to overcome and survive
I know I'll not survive this. There is no lung cancer Stage 4 cure and cancer might go into remission but it always returns. Just got to enjoy what I can, while I can

Thanks for letting us know.  I've always considered you a friend and have always valued your input here.  Wishing the best mojo to you in this journey.  

Ish Kabbible, I wish you the best (where and when possible) in spite of your circumstances.

Very distressing news, Ish Kabbible; like Farrar, not sure what to say besides best wishes.

Ish Kabbible

Shit, man. I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope the new chemo treatment exceeds everyone's wildest expectations and you respond well to it. I send thoughts, prayers and vibes in whatever flavor you prefer to receive them.