UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SS Dagger Forum Serious Illness

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been posting for a few weeks. Last fall, my doctor noticed some abnormalities in some regular tests performed during my annual physical. He sent me to see a specialist and on February 7, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma - bone marrow cancer.

Wow. That was a shocker. Took my breath away. Made me angry. Made me cry. I have always been healthy and when, all of a sudden, you are diagnosed with a life threatening illness, your focus on life changes... drastically.

Luckily, they seem to have caught it in the early stages as my only symptom so far is chronic fatigue. I am undergoing 3 monthly cycles of chemotherapy and when that is finished in another 2 months, I will undergo a stem cell transplant.

On February 7, my life changed forever. Luckily, my wife Pauline is my Rock of Gibraltar. I really don't know what I would do without her. My family is also very supportive as have been the few close friends that I have already told. I cannot stress how important the encouragement and support of my family and friends are to me.

Interestingly, one of the things that I thought would change, but has not, is my interest in collecting. It has almost become therapeutical for me.

Pat and I had a few recent lengthy discussions about collecting and I thought it necessary to explain to him that even though I am going through a rough period, talking about and discussing aspects of collecting are actually helping me cope.

One of the few positives to come out of this is that I have decided to retire. As such, although my buying power will be seriously curtailed, I will still endeavour to pick up a piece here and there from my friends on GDC.

So I would just like to say that I will be back in the game here on GDC, my health permitting, and will endeavour to continue to monitor the SS Dagger Forum to the best of my ability.

I have been keeping a "blog" of my experiences so far and have decided to make it public. For those of you interested, it is located at http://mylifewithcancer.blogspot.com. I will endeavour to keep it updated with my treatments and my personal thoughts and experiences on the road ahead.

It's good to be back.

My thoughts and prayers with you My Friend.................. every second of the day.

JR

Bernie... I wish you all the very best. The medical profession works wonders these days. A family member of mine has also been hit with a different form of cancer to yours but everything was fine in the end. Keep your positive attitude, continue on with this obsessive hobby of ours and remember us GDC members are here supporting you too. We maybe strangers in cyber world but we're all just friends that haven't met yet. Scott

My prayers are also with you. Although I have never had cancer last year my mother and god-mother were both diagnosed with breast cancer, and they both luckily caught it early like it sounds like you did the same and that will make all the different’s in the world to the outcome of cancer. You got lucky you caught it early even though getting cancer is a horrible thing my mother and aunt have both been strong and are both keeping a positive attitude about the whole situation and are doing very well now. Remember keep strong, think positive, and above all enjoy life as much as you can still, until you are fully recovered! And may God be with you.

Bernie:
I almost fell over when Pat and Stephane told me about your problem at the Show. I'm glad to see your looking past the "Dark Side" of this setback and are keeping a positive attitude.
You will also be in my prayers.
Regards
Jim

I've known about Bernie's health problem but didn't want to go public, until he was ready to make the announcement himself.
Bernie and I, have a special realationship, beside being best of friends, he was also my "mentor" when I first started collecting.
He's the one who really got me interested in the hobby and taught me much.
He's the one also responsible for taking me to my first Max show in 2001.
At the time, I still remember how excited I was about the whole thing. I remember Bernie telling me, "you remind me of myself when I first went to the Max show".
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you well and you'll always be "one of a kind".
Anything I can do, I'm only one phone call away my friend.
I will see you soon !

Bernie,
We have never had the pleasure of meeting in person however I greatly enjoy our emails. Although we have not had personal contact I do consider you of my good collecting friends. If you need any thing I can help with, as always, I am here for you. You will be in the hearts and prayers of my family and I!
Best Wishes,
Bob

Bernie,

I was also shocked when you told me about your illness a few weeks ago. However, having known you for a long time I know that you are a strong person and that you will get over this. As you and others have said, early detection is paramount and with the medical technology available these days this sort of illness can be beaten...and does get beaten. A continued positive outlook coupled with the heartfelt support of your hundreds of friends here at GDC and your wife Pauline and family will help immensely.

I agree with your desire to continue collecting. It will certainly aid in your positive outlook and give you another reason to get up and at 'em in the mornings.

My prayers and best wishes are with you. Hope to see you again soon at one of the militaria shows this year.

Bernie very sorry to here of your health.I think you made a wise decision to retire,Live life to the fullest.
"It doesn't matter were you go in life...
What you do...
Or how much you have...
It's who you have beside you"

You have your family beside you and I'm sure the entire GDC members.Good luck and our prayers go out to you.

I know that i am a novice guy on this forum but i want to wish you luck and power to fight with yours illness . From me i can only say that many things has connection with a state of the mind ,a year ago doctors find in me strange disease but with my wishes and will to live i can say everything is better. All the best for you.zet

Bernie, my BEST to you and also your family as you take on this challenge. I also agree with the importance of a positive attitude. My father was 66 when diagnosed, through chemo and radiation and attitude "I'm gonna beat it!" he used to say, he lived to the ripe old age of 79.

Roger

I do not have a response worthy of your sobering news. Just believe that many people you do not know are touched by it.

Bernie:
You have my prayers and I am sure you have everybody elses on GDC. May ther Lord be with you. Rod

Bernie, as one who was involved in health care at the hospital level, I know what you are going through, but am also aware that early detection is the best in this situation.
Chemotherapy is, at best, ever changing and improving and, while undergoing it is never pleasant, it is much better today than in the past.
My best hope for your series and outcome and I sincerely hope that the side effects are minimal,
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria

quote:

Originally posted by Skyline Drive:
I do not have a response worthy of your sobering news. Just believe that many people you do not know are touched by it.

Definitely sums it up for me and i sure many many more.

Regards Mark

Best wishes Bernie,

John

Bernie, My thoughts and prayers are with you. We also have never met but you have always replied to my questions and always had nice comments about pics of my items that I posted. A positive attitude I am sure you will have as well as the support of your many friends here at GDC.

Bernie, I wasn't supposed to know but a was informed of your illness a couple of weeks ago. Truely shocking news. Cancer is not the death sentence it was just a few years ago. It is still an incredible challenge, but with the support of your friends and familly you will come up on top.

Stephane

Bernie, I have learned a lot from you posts. My God Bless you during these very trying times. Erich

Bernie,Glad to hear you are back in the game!!keep it up we all appreciate you sharing with us .Best wishes and prayers from the Ward family!!!! Geoff.

Bernie,

You're so fortunate to have had such a test early. That's a good thing, so remember to keep those good thoughts handy.

I'm happy a thing like collecting, while small in the scale of life, can actually be therapeutic in reality. All the best my friend, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Bernie I have never met you but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Get well soon.
tonym

Bernie;

I don't post very often, but this is definitly a needed time. My families prayers and hopes are with you and yours.

George

Bernie,

My thoughts are with you as well. All possible wishes and goodwill to you sir.

Bernie,

Like others, I don't know what to say. Hang in there and God be with you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hang in there and I look forward to seeing you back around the forum!

Tyrel Linkhorn

Sorry to hear the news, Bernie, but the good news is they caught it early, it is treatable and you have a positive attitude. All of these elements point to a complete recovery. Continue as well as you can, stay strong and stay on the forum!

Bernie,

It is with sadness and great empathy that I hear this news, but I share your hope and optimism. Although the emotional and physical pain you must be going through right now is hard for me to imagine, I take heart that your doctors have detected this early. As Ron has pointed out, that is indeed something to be grateful for, and something that should give hope.

I will pray for you also. Moreover, anytime you want to talk collecting, give me buzz (dad4ajj@comcast.net) - it is therapeutic for me as well.

Take good care, and know that your friends here are with you.

"He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

Mr Brule:
I wish you a fast and decisive victory in your personal Battle.
In these crucial times my thoughts are with You.
Pablo Sela

Romans: vs 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know
what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with
groans that words cannot express.

The Lord will lead you thru the darkness, trust in him. Get well soon.

Bernie:
I've known you for over 20 years now and enjoyed your company through all of them. I wish you a speedy recovery. All my best to you and your family.
Brian Rich

what is there left to say that others have not already said better than I am able too with my bad english...Bernie...my thoughts are with you...you are and will be the mainstay of this forum...bleib stark...und werd bald wieder gesund...Roland.

PS...and when you get stronger...and spring is just around the corner...come and regroup in Ocean City, Maryland...hope that you will be able to take me up on that soon...again...your SteinMeister.

Bernie-

Please let me add my wishes for a rapid recovery from your illness. Knowing that so many of us are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers will, hopefully, lighten your burden a bit. That's what we're all here for....

Bernie, We live a mile from each other and didnt know until I saw this posting. I remember when my wife and I came over for dinner a month or two back all seemed well. You had mentioned having the flu for a week or so but you never let on that it was more serious. Ansley and I had a wonderful time and hope to invite y'all over when the time is good for you.

Im sure the treatment will be no picnic but Godspeed my friend and teacher.. All the best
Chris

This pic is Paul Hogle, Chris O'Connor and Bernie Brule in my house in Ottawa.

May you have a speedy recovery Bernie.

Bernie,
i also dont know what to say except my family wishes you a fast healthy recovery, and our prayers are with you and yours, and your blog is a great one, you are a strong man to face this problem, and share with others.

Bernie

Good spirits,Good Faith and Family..those along with your Doctors will have wonderful results.Keep your head high.Godbless.

TOM
Chicago.

Bernie, I wish you the very best. I still have the nicest private purchase SS ring I ever got from you. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Best

Mark

Bernie..........You are in my thoughts and prayers now on a daily basis. Your contibutions to this hobby have been and will continue to be magnificent.........Best Always Jimmy

Bernie, i wish you a full recovery and I will add you to my prayers. Thank you for sharing this with us so openly. My brother David is fighting cancer as well, so I know a little of what your family is going through. God bless you and your loved ones.

My best wishes to you and your family Bernie.
May you fight it off and have a speedy recovery.

Ulf.