A problem

[Ken Hutchins]

I guess it’s time to inform everyone about a problem.
Back at the end of November I was diagnosed with having had a TIA or mini stroke, and treated accordingly. Continued to have problems and had all kinds of tests.
Finally I got into Mass General Hosp, saw the real experts. It has been determined that I actually have a brain tumor. I had a biopsy 2 days ago and it will be another week before I know the test results and treatment plan.
Most of the effects have been to my speech but recent developments have been coordination and strength in the fingers.
We know we can count on the love on support of all or friends during these difficult times.
The WBF are the finest of friends.

[S.V. Airlie]

Ken.. damn.. just damn.. I have no words to say that I can print.
Call on me if there is anything I can do for you or your family.
This is not a good day...

I assume you have my number... Ah heck, I'll pm it...
Just bloody damn...

[Hwyl]

It seems like you have the best team working on. It's an engineering problem after all. I'm trusting they can fix you up right. Let's put off Tally Ho's launching to 2008. Call if you need anything physical doing. I'm pretty close, 6464023.

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Our (Jo and I) thoughts are with you Ken (and Shirl too).

[Matt J.]

Damn sorry to hear that, Ken. You and Shirl take care of yourselves, and know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tally Ho will be launched when she's meant to. If it's '08, then it's '08. You first, then TH.

[Kim Whitmyre]

Ken, take it one day at a time. My hopes are with you.

[TomF]

buggar, buggar, buggar, buggar ...

Ken, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Please keep us up to date.

buggar, buggar, buggar ....

t.

[TimH]

Sorry to hear that Ken.
There seems to be a lot of that going around these days...

[mister_moon]

Damn. A good word on your behalf is on its way...

[outofthenorm]

Damn, Ken. Rough seas indeed. You have our heart-felt wishes for swift treatment and smooth recovery.

- Norm

[rbgarr]

Though your speech may be affected, we hope your ability and desire to 'speak' to us here will continue unabated.

Best wishes for you and your family.

[JimConlin]

Ken, you've gone to a good hospital. I got touched up there in Feb. and am fine now. Keep faith,
Jim

[Katherine]

Ken, I'll say a prayer for you and Sheril.:(

[Hughman]

Pullin' for ya, Ken. Let me know if I can help with anything.

[nedL]

Ken: I am so sorry to hear this, you and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts. (I'm pretty much at a loss for words, just wanted you to know I'm here & hoping for the best.)

Ned

[Lew Barrett]

God bless you, Ken.

[Vince Brennan]

All the best, mate. Sorry to hear this but hoping for a good outcome. MassGen is a hell of a good place with some fine Docs.

[S.V. Airlie]

Ken.. really good to talk with you.. briefly granted.. I can only add that I am not that far away if ya need help.. Milage makes no difference here when friends are involved.... All it would take is a phone call.

[Popeye]

probably not fair to draw parallels , but knew a guy who came through an operation for tumor , wife and kids and job .. terrifying,
yet it was a complete success and full recovery for him

amazing

[emichaels]

Ken I have been anxiously awaiting Tally Ho's launch after following your threads showing us how you have built her. Now I will anxiously await the news that you are on the mend and clear sailing is before you and your's. Thoughts and prayers are heading your way man.

Eric

[Concordia...41]

Ditto all of the above to you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love -
M

[Miami Mike]

Ken,

We have never met or even had a conversation here on the forum but I wanted to send you my best wishes. Thanks to your website I have come to admire your work. I also have come to admire the type of man that would chose to build a boat for the reasons you have and to build it the way you are.

Any person who decides to build a boat and starts to look at trees that would make a good boat with a chainsaw in their hands, deserves a certain amount of respect. I check in on your site form time to time to check your progress.

All though this is a difficult time remember to enjoy today. It seems obvious by the reasons you chose to build Tally Ho that family is important to you. Take joy in your family now. You have my best wishes for the future and my admiration for your past.

Mike

[htom]

Prayers and best wishes, Ken.

[John B]

Best wishes Ken.

[KNOCKABOUT]

Fair winds and full sails.

[Bob Perkins]

Best Wishes Ken - You are going to one of the best hospitals in the country. They have some amazing machines to fix you up with.

My thoughts are with you.
Bob

[reddog]

Ken;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Earl

[katiedobe]

It is possible for you to beat this!!!
Don't despair! My mom beat the lung cancer when everyone around her said a few months at best. It is possible.
My mother in law beat the bad form of skin cancer, twice!!
Her trick is lots of bright colored, raw veggies and funny movies. Laughing alongside the people you love and eating good salads is healthy.
Try it, it can't hurt.

My love and prayers are with you.

[TimH]

I had skin cancer also. Got a 8" scar on my back to prove it.

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

Healing thoughts and prayers sent your way Ken.

[sawcutmill]

Ditto to what "Miami Mike " said.
Will pray for your returned health, godspeed.Stephen

[R.I.Singer30]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.Best of luck DanL.

[Russ Manheimer]

Ken,
Julia and I want you to have our best wishes for a good result. Keep us posted. And keep positive.
Russ

[Bill R]

Ken, best wishes to you.

If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to PM me. I'm not all that far away.

[Ian McColgin]

Carry on Ken. Pulling for you.

[rufustr]

Best Wishes to you Ken.

[Jim Hillman]

Ken, best of luck, I'm pulling for you.

[Nicholas Carey]

Ouch. We'll be pulling for you.

[Donn]

Keep the faith, Ken. It's definately beatable.

Wear sufficient padding, so your newfound clumsiness doesn't injure you.

Look at the bright side. This is confirmation of the presence of a brain!;)

Prayers from Amityville.

[Dave Fleming]

All the best to you and Shiril from SWIMPAL and me.

Ya gotta finish Tally Ho.

[Bob Adams]

Prayers sent your way Ken.

[gary porter]

Hang in there Ken and think good thoughts, It'll be ok.
We'll put in a good word for you.
Gary & Deb

[Paul Girouard]

Good luck Ken all the best to you and yours. Hang tough!

[Wild Dingo]

Bloody hell Ken!!:( Dont know about the hospital but will take everyones word that its a good one... keep positive hug Shirl more than ever and mate? were thinkin of you :cool:

Shane Jody and mob

Ps... Jo has a 3in scar on her throat from skin cancer and I lost my step dad from a brain tumor but he didnt have access to anything other than a small country hospital... YOU DO!! so think POSITIVE!!

[Brian Palmer]

Ken,

I've really admired what you've done with Tally Ho. Here's hoping you can pull on the same sort of gift from inside yourself and those around you to beat this thing.

-- Brian

[paladin]

Ken....it ain't time.......I "died" three times from Calvert county to Washington D.C.....had me tied down to the table, full of morphine and out like a light....pumping continuous morphine into me, nine days...I got up and walked....3 separate bullet holes.....stabbed once, 1 chopper crash, 3 aircraft smashings, even buried underground for a few days once....kinda like a bad penny, I kept coming back.....ya gotta launch the boat and have some fun first. Think positive thoughts...all doctors are liars......the only good nurse is a sexy one......the only downside..hospital food...

[Paul Pless]

Your in my thoughts and prayers Ken.

[Robbie]

All the best to you and your family.
I know someone who had a brain tumour removal operation 18 yrs ago and is still ALIVE AND KICKING!!!!. He does have to take some medication daily but is very well and not really restricted in anything he wants to do.Think positive thoughts and finish your boat....the dreams not over by a long way.
Prayers and good thoughts to you and yours
Regards
Robbie.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

You're in our thoughts - one of the truly great things about this place is the sense of community - good stuff from lots of good people - see above.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Good luck. Think of it as basically an engineering problem. If you can't taste the hospital food - it's because it's actually tasteless! You can do a lot of planning out whn on your back in hospital (DAMHIKT).

All the best.

Andrew

[Concordia...41]

Just wanted to say good morning and that you're in my thoughts and prayers. :)

- M

[Tylerdurden]

It seems like you have the best team working on. It's an engineering problem after all. I'm trusting they can fix you up right. Let's put off Tally Ho's launching to 2008. Call if you need anything physical doing. I'm pretty close, 6464023.

Ken count me in too. I am pretty sure you have my number Gareth, if not let me know.

[FSS172]

Hi Ken - I'd like to add my voice of encouragement to the others. One friend and one relative of mine have recovered completely from brain tumors. Here's hoping yours is similarly treatable and that you'll be around to enjoy all that you love for years to come.

[Ken Hutchins]

Thanks to all for the engouragement. We will get through this and finish building TALLY HO. If i didn't have Shirl, this project and my wooden boat friends I do not know how I would have got thru the past few weeks.

The recovery from the biopsy is progressive fairly well, other than Shirl was there when the therapist said "don't run any power tools". :mad: :mad:

I do have a photo of what my head, but I'm afraid it looks like another of Shanes drilling accidents.:eek:

[willmarsh3]

IIRC I saw you at last year's Newport WBS. Got on the WBF this morning and saw this. :( I sincerely hope you are able to beat this thing.

All the best.

[Katherine]

Ken, Next time anyone says you need to have your head examined you can show them the pics.:D

[ssor]

Paladin got it as right as it can be gotten, nobody deserves this sort of a deal. Hang in there we have friends that are whole again after the same diagnosis. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ross of Bel Air

[abe]

You and Shirl will get through this Ken and with the prayers and support from your many wooden boat friends on the Forum and in your community you will get back to normal and the pleasure of completing TALLY HO.

We are pulling for you and hope for the best news. You have selected a great team of medical professionals.

I noted that Gareth and others mentioned that it was an engineering problem. He is correct!! You will remember last year when I explained to you, Gareth and Steven when we met at your presentation in Portsmouth, that the neurosurgeons spend about three hours analyzing MRI and CT data on a computer in order to pinpoint the exact location of tumors prior to treatment. Worked for me!

abe

[Tar Devil]

I just saw this...

Ken, I don't have words.

But I do have prayers for you. All my best to you, Mate!

Regards,

Phil

[Memphis Mike]

Best of luck, Ken. We hope to see you in Mystic in a couple of months.

Mike and Sue

[brad9798]

Sorry for the potential bad news ... but you will come through ...

Hey- we have wooden boats ... implying we already have brain issues! :)

Plus wooden boat owners = perseverance!

[Wild Dingo]

I do have a photo of what my head, but I'm afraid it looks like another of Shanes drilling accidents.:eek:

Well... thank gawd for small mercies then eh Ken!! :D

Keep the humor happenin mate... and remember to hug the missus!! :cool:

[Tom Robb]

Damn.
God's speed.

[Rum_Pirate]

As a newbie on this forum I have not been around to get to know you, but I send a prayer and trust that the results will come through well for you.

[Rick Starr]

Best Caribbean wishes from our flock, Ken and Shirl.

We've had a few friends with those thingys who have come through without a hitch. So there's a bit of totally unscientific, anecdotal evidence in your favor.

We're pulling for you!

[Harry Miller]

Mary and I are pulling for you Ken. Good luck and hang in there.

[Mrleft8]

Jeez! Yanno...... This place is getting down right dangerous.....
Fingers crossed Ken, and as other's have said....Anything I can do to help, just give a holler.

[Cullen T.M. McGough]

Best of luck Ken, we'll be rooting for you.

Remember, if they want to haul you out for repairs, insist on good honest wood. No cold moulding.

[hikingchrs]

Ken sorry to hear the news; I am sure you will pull threw this if you need someone to distract Shirl so you can get back to work let me know. seriously if there is anything I can do let me know.
Chris

[Bill Griffin]

Ken, our thoughts and prayers for you. Good luck to you.

Bill

[Stiletto]

Best wishes for a positive outcome.

[Wild Dingo]

So hows it going Ken? If you dont feel up to it you know you can send Shirl in to keep us posted

Remember mate keep focused keep positive keep smiling and keep huggin her highness! :cool:

[JimJ]

Ken
Remember the power of positive thinking.
Jim

[Fitz]

Damn, I just saw this.

We are all pulling for you here in Concord. We are 30 to 45 mins. from Mass Gen. Just holler if you need anything.

[JimD]

:( My prayers for the battle ahead, Ken.

[few3]

Ken,

It's petty, vile, and smarmy.....

Kick it's ass

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/violent/sterb051.gif

[PeterSibley]

Ken, I just saw this ...don't get to this part of the forum that often .
Buggar ...this'll slow you down for a while .

Mate ! Take care and all the best , really !

[David Gilroy]

Ken, I don't know you except for a quick correspondence once about your tractor. You are in my thoughts. Dave

[Stari27]

Best of luck and best wishes. Ever thought of mentioning this development to the original MD's? Might help them to do continuing ed some time. "In our thoguhts".
PetrB

[BrianY]

My fingers are crossed for you, Ken

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

How's Ken Today?

[NYCKiwi]

Ken and Shirl,
We've never met, however I've watched in awe at your wonderfully skilled work on Tally Ho II. I pray that this setback becomes nothing more than a minor distraction and you'll soon be back to working on that beautiful boat.
Best
John

[ishmael]

Just caught this, Ken.

You should be getting biopsy results soon. I hope it's good news. The roll of the dice, when it lasts a week, can feel like a bloody eternity.

My best thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

[Phil Heffernan]

You are both blessed with many fortunes. Walker sends his best to the four legged members of your family as well.
A whole community of people are sending their prayers to you.

PH & Walker

[Ken Hutchins]

Each day has been a slight improvement recovering from the biopsy, got to get the stiches removed and results on Friday.
I have started splicing some lines and made robands for securing the main to the boom whipped each end of 19 robands for therapy.:)
Phil, Aelz and Brody are wonderful they know when I need an extra hug;)

[nedL]

I'm still saying prayers Ken. We all hope it's going to be good news for you on Friday.

[Concordia...41]

Just wanted to say good morning and I hope your news is good on Friday.

-M

[Thad]

Thanks for the update. There's always splicing to do.

[S.V. Airlie]

Good morning Ken.. Thinking of you all up there in New Hampsa!

[ssor]

Hang tough! Whipping line ends is good time passing work.

[Lew Barrett]

In step with everyone, we're glad you are feeling a bit better, and hoping for some good news to follow.

[paladin]

and if ya run outta things to do I'll send some 3/16ths line and ya can make me about 100 1 inch dia. grummitts......:D

[The Bigfella]

Best wishes Ken. Look at it this way mate - its just a little exercise to toughen you up a bit. Chin up and beat it.

Ian

[S.V. Airlie]

Ken.. just checking in on you, the other half and the pooches...
Hope for good news today....
Take care...
jamj

[FSS172]

Ken - Good Morning. Hoping for the best possible news for you and yours today...
Jim

[Bruce Hooke]

Hope things go well today.

We're thinking of you...

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Ken: Jo and I are thinking of you today.

[nedL]

I'm thinking of you Ken. I hope things are going ok.

[Concordia...41]

Thinking of you and hoping for good news.

Give us an update when you feel like it.

Love -
M

[TimH]

I have my fingers crossed..

[Hughman]

I feel like I'm watching a roulette wheel. So, Ken?

[Bill R]

Nervously tapping fingers...

[Paul Denison]

My prayers are going out Ken. My co-worker just finished with his treatments, surgery and radiation. Good prognosis. Stay positive.

[Ken Hutchins]

Got the stiches out and the report.
It is a primary brain tumor, left frontal. I'll save the typing of all the fancy words to describe it.
So got go back next week to determine the best treatment which at this time seems like it will be a combination of radiation and chemo. Information on the latest developments in treatments are being evaluated.
I am mighty glad I was in good health before all this started, it will no doubt help me on the road to recovery.
Massachusetts General Hospital is finest kind.:) :)
In the mean time boat work will continue.:) :)

[Ken Hutchins]

Not to be confused with the topic of this thread.
Our phone lines both land and cell ,are out as a result of the northester and subsequent flooding, full service is not expected for possibly 3 weeks. At least we have email back.

[ishmael]

Best wishes.

[Hwyl]

Good news, you'll look better bald anyway. I may even go bold myself to support you (looks in mirror) Oh I already have.

Seriously, a combination of good news and good luck wishes.

[FSS172]

"Information on the latest developments in treatments are being evaluated. I am mighty glad I was in good health before all this started, it will no doubt help me on the road to recovery.
Massachusetts General Hospital is finest kind.
In the mean time boat work will continue. "

Ken, it is your spirit that is finest kind. Carry on.

[Paul Pless]

Best wishes and thoughts and prayers from central Alabama.

[JimConlin]

Have faith and put one foot in front of the other, Ken.

Best wishes,
Jim

[Katherine]

Hugs, love, and prayers to you and Sheril.:(

[S.V. Airlie]

I have great faith in the concept of "Attitude" Ken.. and you have the right one... And also, as you wrote, you have been in good health until now.
Just maintian that attititude...
And am glad you are going to a hopsital that is known for its excellence. It is obvious you are in good hands...
Take care.. Best.
jamj

[bamamick]

I will keep you in my prayers. Be strong. Have faith.

Mickey Lake

[Rational Root]

Hope it helps to know that people from across the world are wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.

Dave

[katiedobe]

Glad to hear that there are treatment options available.
Attitude and healthy living is a good thing to have. YOU HAVE IT!!!

Try the comedy movies with your family.

And bright, cruncy veggies.

Peace and love your way.

[J. Dillon]

Ken , I hope you get better soon and have lots of sailing miles ahead.:)

JD

[nedL]

I'm still thinking of you . I hope things do nothing but get better from this point on for you Ken.

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

I'm very glad to hear work on the boat will continue.
You're in my thoughts and prayers Ken.
Hang in there.

[mariner2k]

Ken, the fat lady hasn't sung yet. (sorry fat ladies). Sounds like you should have a long, fruitful road ahead. Think Positive.
Good luck, Kevin

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Best of luck Ken, Tally Ho needs your expertise. Prayers your way..:)

[Lew Barrett]

Thoughts and prayers your way Ken. Your attitude and general good health will see it through.

[htom]

Thinking of you, Ken. Get well, please.

[PeterSibley]

Just checking in Ken .....that was good news above !!
Look after yourself mate .

[Ken Hutchins]

I'm going be put on a combination of chemo, at home daily pills, also radiation 5 days per week for about 6 weeks at the hospital.

[S.V. Airlie]

Thanks for the update Ken....I'm thinking about you...

[S/V Laura Ellen]

I'm going be put on a combination of chemo, at home daily pills, also radiation 5 days per week for about 6 weeks at the hospital.


Hang in there Ken, We're pulling for you.
Thanks for letting us know.

[Concordia...41]

Yep, thanks for keeping us updated and in return you both are in the thoughts and prayers of many.

Love -
M

[JimConlin]

Ken, you're in our prayers.
Jim

[nedL]

I'm saying a prayer for you & your family Ken, and hoping things go well.

[Phil Heffernan]

Got the stiches out and the report.
It is a primary brain tumor, left frontal. I'll save the typing of all the fancy words to describe it.
So got go back next week to determine the best treatment which at this time seems like it will be a combination of radiation and chemo. Information on the latest developments in treatments are being evaluated.
I am mighty glad I was in good health before all this started, it will no doubt help me on the road to recovery.
Massachusetts General Hospital is finest kind.:) :)
In the mean time boat work will continue.:) :)

If anyone is a survivor, I'd lay money on you, KH...

Kick ass, take a few names, and make plans for the party:cool:

You got this one COVERED...

PH

[Andy Bangs]

Ken, your courage and spirit will stand you in good stead during your treatment and recovery. I wish you the best of luck.

[FSS172]

Ken - Just to let you know you and yours are thought of. Hope your treatment plan is proceeding well and that your energy and spirits are holding up.

[Spin_Drift]

Ken,
Don't know what kind of tumor you have but here are couple of links to Dr. Burzynsky. He saved the life of a friend and is highly recommended by many people.

http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/

The link above is for his clinic and the link below has info about him posted by another medical doctor.

http://www.whale.to/cancer/burzynski.html

Hope this will be of help to you and your family.
We wish you all the best.

[Concordia...41]

Ken, Shirl, and Phil, Aelz and Brody:

Just a bump of the thread to remind folks of the challenges that you face. My heart reaches out to you and I wish you all the strength that all of your WBF friends can give.

I have an offshore trip coming up, and when I'm on watch at night, I'll channel the beauty of the nights and stars to you and Tally Ho.

Love & strength -
- M

[Ken Hutchins]

Margo, many thanks.:)

[erster]

"Tally Ho" Ken has set sail on a new adventure today. We must all remember him and his family during the next six weeks. There is pleny of unfinished work to do, so plot your course for your next journey while you are underway with this one too.;) :)

[nedL]

I've been thinking of you & your family Ken. Best of luck on this journey, we all wish you well and hope you are back working on "Tally HO" soon. :)

[Spin_Drift]

All the best for you Ken and for your family from Our Family, Aulikki

[Bob Perkins]

Best wishes Ken. I have a close friend who is in month 7 of the same situation. If you want to talk to someone other than doctors who are in the same *boat*. He is more than willing to share.

My thoughts are with you.
Regards,
Bob

[Ken Hutchins]

Thanks for all the prayers and offers of help, you the greatest.:)

The first 3 days of Chemo and radiation passed little complications.

My right hand and arm was barely just basast rocks 4 days ago, with the help of a med adjustment, is begening to respond so I can do some mininal threapy with it.

[FSS172]

Hang in there Ken.... We're with you. After serious rotator cuff damage and surgery, all kinds of PT wasn't doing much of anything to restore function to my right arm... getting back to work on the boat was what did it for me - little by little, one day at a time... With continued thoughts and prayers for the best possible outcome for you,
Jim

[S.V. Airlie]

So glad to hear this Ken... I was telling Joe the other day that I had to stop in and see you all on my way to NS... I'll give a call to check to see if its okay.
But this is good news.. I'm thrilled....

[StevenBauer]

Ken, don't forget that there are a bunch of us here in Maine who have been planning a visit to see you and Tally Ho II. If you need to move anything big or have any other project you need help with I know that Eric, Hugh, Dave, Mark, Bill, Clint, Gareth, Chris and I would be there to pitch in. (Sorry if I forgot any of youse guys)

Steven

[erster]

Its very thoughfull that you took the time out and the energy to report to us the latest on your progress. Prayers for the continued upward progress to full recovery. Remember that six week summer is too short to be messing around the big city hospitals and flirting with the nurses when you have a fulltime one at home.;)

[Bill R]

Thanks for the update Ken.

Ditto what Steven said. Anytime, just ask.

[Jay Greer]

Ken,
That you are in Anne's and my prayers goes without mention. I have another friend who suffered from a brain tumor as well. She was treated by a new form of pin point focusing radiation that is available at Loma Linda Hospital in California. Apparantly this new technology is having great success. Hang in there buddy! We all are pulling for you!
Jay & Anne Greer