The end of my playing days.

[Kevin Winn]

Ivan,
So sorry to hear your news. The worst part is the not knowing. You have my heartfelt wishes for the best outcome possible.

[Hendrik Ahrend]

Dear Ivan, I'm very sorry to read this. Without ever having met you, from your posts I know for sure you are a really fine fellow. All the best to you.

[Dave Kirkpatrick]

Hi Ivan - I'm a late comer to the mandolin world and faithfully read the Cafe to try to more fully understand the instrument and how it's played. I've come to highly value your thoughts and opinions. Whatever happens going forward, please know you've been a positive influence for many of us. I think it's safe to say we'll all be keeping you in our thoughts.

[Jim Franey]

Lotsa love comin your way Ivan !
Praying you beat this !
Suburude

[Steve Ostrander]

Everybody here is pulling for you Ivan, that’s a lot of prayers and positive thoughts going your way.

[FrontRangeMando]

Ivan - I'm looking forward to reading your insightful posts for many years to come. Best wishes for your speedy treatment and recovery. Bill

[Frankdolin]

Now that's a "mic drop". Peace my friend.

[Nick Gellie]

Hi Ivan

My heart goes to you ol mate. I hope you recover from treatment and may the lord be with you in your journey at your darkest hour.

Nico

[LadysSolo]

Ivan, I'm really sorry to hear that you possibly may have cancer. I am hoping the biopsy is negative, and you may just have a "nodule," or perhaps were exposed to something in your younger years that left you with scar tissue in your lung (I worked as an oncology nurse for 23 years.) Scar tissue and unexplained nodules are not unheard of, and it is a real possibility. But be sure to let us know - there are many of us pulling for you!

[Lane Pryce]

Attitude is everything! Fight the good fight. Lp

[Steve Weeks]

I hope your biopsy results are favorable. There are many things that present as lung cancer but are less dire. Also, many kinds of cancer are much more treatable now than even just a few years ago. In case of the worst, I wish you strength, peace and competent and compassionate healthcare providers.
One of my co-workers had a nodule in his lung that was provisionally diagnosed as cancer. On the biopsy it turned out to be an encapsulated infection of some kind. I Hope something like this is what you have.
Steve

[Andy B]

Ivan,

Thinking of you, hoping for the best, and wishing you well.

Andy

[Al Trujillo]

Ivan... I haven’t been here as long as many but in that time you became a favorite. I also went through a cancer scare in 2002 and the time between suspecting and knowing truly is the cruelest. It came out right for me and I’m praying for the same for you. God bless!

[Mike Arakelian]

Ivan....I’m so sorry to hear of your possibly having cancer. Stay positive and we’ll all hope for the very best for you. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers.

[thecelloronin]

Don't be so quick to declare hopelessness! These are fearful times, but nothing is set in stone for you just yet. If there's a financial need to sell your gear, do it without question. But, it seems kind of crazy to just give up the things you love because you might have a life-threatening disease. These are the times you'll need the things that remind you of why it's great to be alive. Even if it is cancer, I've seen a lot of anecdotal evidence that the strength of one's spirit (in tandem with excellent doctors) is a deciding factor in making it through to the other side of remission. Accepting a fate before it's been given to you seems dangerously self-defeating. Please hang onto those axes a little longer - regret is a terrible thing to live with.

Sincerely wishing you the best of outcomes. Haven't interacted with you on these forums directly, but have lurked long enough to appreciate your perspective on things.

[Timbofood]

Ivan, we have had so many enjoyable “chats”! This is very disturbing news, rest assured that you and your family will be in my prayers, feel free to let me know if there is anything I can offer in support!

[Billy Packard]

Ivan, don't toss in the towel too soon, lad.

Keep your treasures close and your wife closer.

Many are the survivors.


Billy

[Ivan Kelsall]

I have the op. to drain the fluid around my right lung tomorrow which will be a big help. Right now i can hardly climb the stairs in my home without being totally out of breath. A biopsy sample will be taken at the same time & i'll get the verdict on Thursday 14th Feb.

It's been utter hell both for me & my wife. To say that such a situation messes with your mind has to be the biggest understatement ever, in the known universe. The uncertainty just takes over & that's all you can think of - evil beyond description !!,
Ivan

[Tavy]

Good luck for tomorrow Ivan - I had a few collapsed lungs (not at the same time of course!) as a youngster and while having a drain put in is not so pleasant, the effect afterwards is more than worth it. Good to hear there is some progress at least, take care, John.

[trevor]

Good luck Ivan.

[Mandobart]

Ivan - I surely hope your diagnosis improves. I lost my mother to lung cancer in 2003. She never smoked, but both her parents were heavy smokers and she grew up in coal mining company towns. She was first diagnosed in 1976; it was very slow growing and she had a good 20 years when it didn't affect her health or quality of life at all.

[John Soper]

Best wishes, Ivan! I've enjoyed your posts over the years. As a physician who specializes in cancer care, and a care-giver for a spouse who had cancer, I appreciate what you are going through from both sides of the white coat. Peace come to you.

[MontanaMatt]

Beams of love and prayer are shooting through the planet right at you Ivan. Be well brother.

[Elb2000]

Sorry to hear this news.
I've enjoyed your comments and notes.
Good luck and the very best wishes.

[OneChordTrick]

Positive vibes for you today Ivan!