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Upleasant News
#75097
11/15/2015 01:03 AM
11/15/2015 01:03 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
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"While Di was ill, I began having blood/urine issues. Not wanting to burden her, I waited to see a urologist. He scheduled me for a procedure on Oct 29. I'm sad to say that the results weren't good. I've begun weekly dialysis - and - some cancer was found. I'm opting to do the dialysis, but not treat the cancer and let it take its course. I'll manage the pain and deal with hospice and final arrangements with the help of good and loyal friends. I suspect I'll be doing hospice in Chattanooga, TN, when the time comes.
Been in the hospital for a week and doing a week in rehab to gain strength for outpatient dialysis. Then back home. Would like to work if they can find a place for me part time but we'll see about that. For now I feel pretty decent and don't have that many uncomfortable days.
Yeah, miss the hell out of Di but glad I didn't have to put her through this. She had enough health issues of her own. Doubt I'll be doing any island trips but will sure be thinking about all of you and the special times we've had there. It's still "heaven on earth". Also, didn't mean to bum you out but also didn't want you to find out about any of this through an obit.
So.. cheers and here's to an ice cold Presidente at Cow Wreck!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: BillH]
#75100
11/15/2015 08:20 AM
11/15/2015 08:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 171 Chester County,PA
sccpm
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 171
Chester County,PA
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I wish you the best, my friend. Like you, health issues have prevented my husband and I from returning to the islands but that's why I love reading these posts on TTOL. I've always enjoyed your insight and hope you will continue to post as long as possible. You have many friends here who will be thinking of you daily.
Island gal
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: BillH]
#75104
11/15/2015 10:24 AM
11/15/2015 10:24 AM
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 720 Pawleys Island, SC
Gatorman1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 720
Pawleys Island, SC
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Bill, Life can be so unfair sometimes. This news is devastating. Granted, we have never met, it doesn't make this news any less disconcerting. Reading your posts about your love of Anegada has been most enjoyable. Especially about waiting for the bridge cut on Anegada. That was influential in my decision to have my ashes scattered in the BVI's. Here's wishing you smooth sailing in your journey. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
As long as you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting what you've been getting. - Martin Hall
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: LianeLeTendre]
#75105
11/15/2015 10:29 AM
11/15/2015 10:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
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Read about your skin issues, Chris, and so happy you're all clear. Hang in there and keep an eye on them. You know what to do and just don't let it get away from you. Liane.. I was thrown for a loop at first. Got the usual blue funk feeling sorry for myself.. the usual "woe is me". Then you realize... no family, no relatives, no close by friends to come feel sorry for you and you quickly realize that no one gives a damn about all that but you. Next I tried to find out what I could/couldn't do and things were wide open. When I asked, "what can I eat, drink, travel, do, etc...?" they said, "what can you afford?" So... I came up with a plan. I'll see if I can work part time to help pay the bills but otherwise I'm going to do whatever feels good at that moment. Not going to worry about gaining weight or high cholesterol. Plan to stay clean but likely will sleep late and watch late late movies. If bloody mary sounds good for breakfast, have two! Lobster tails and ice cream are a good combo. Right now I'm limited by only my bank account. No.. not spending hours in some clinic dosing poison in hopes it will kill something else. Not hot on radiating myself until I glow in the dark either. If I feel bad, they have meds for that.. or Grey Goose, Three Olives, etc.. Not going to buy many lifetime warranties or extended service plans. The dialysis cruises sound interesting but those ships are likely full of sick people. Just going to play it a day at a time and have fun with each day that rolls by. I think you plan better and do more if you don't have so many days to work with so getting on that too. Stay in touch...I'll report on any adventures that sound fun. Best.... B
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#75108
11/15/2015 11:33 AM
11/15/2015 11:33 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545 Here and There
rita_irvine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545
Here and There
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Bill, I am so sorry for you. You have a great attitude and a plan for the rest of your life, whatever time that is. I hope you can go and do things that are meaningful to you and Di's memory. Take care....
Rita It is better to be happy than it is to be right
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: BillH]
#75109
11/15/2015 12:32 PM
11/15/2015 12:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826 Tortola, BVI
LianeLeTendre
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
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Bill, when my Mom was told she had liver cancer, she told me point blank that she was not going to do anything about it ... other than indulge herself.
At first, I was very upset with her that she wasn't going to fight ... and then I thought about it long and hard and asked myself, "what if it was me?"
I soon came to the same conclusion that she had ... so from that day forward, she was indulged. She had the best food money could buy, we went various places that she normally wouldn't have and spent lots of money just having fun. If truth be told, we had some of the best times (and best discussions) I can recall.
I plan to do exactly the same thing when my time comes. I already have most of my bucket list items and if I get even just a few items ticked off, I'll be a very happy camper.
The dialysis thing makes it tough for you to travel, but I am sure there are other fun things to do close by that you can find to give yourself a thrill or two.
I have always had a fear of small airplanes and though I never had a problem with heights when I was younger, I have developed acrophobia over the past 20 years or so. One of the things on my bucket list is to conquer both of my fears at once and go sky diving. I'm going to wait until I hear from some doctor that the time is nigh before I do it though. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
I kind of look at receiving that nasty news from some doctor as though it is the start line for my last hurrah.
Man ... I won't be wasting any time divesting myself of all worldly goods, cashing the cheque and heading out the door for the party of a lifetime! It's going to be my reward to myself for a lifetime of hard work before I go to my last reward.
I would be so pissed off if I were to die in some stupid car accident or something like that. I am counting on enjoying an extended vacation/party ... indulging myself to the hilt and trying to tick off as many items as possible on my bucket list, before I hang up my jet pack and leave my family the last $10.00 in my purse. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Fair winds my friend and God speed. I'd love to hear about any cool things you manage to dream up to do!
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: sandsea]
#75115
11/16/2015 04:52 PM
11/16/2015 04:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,980 Seabrook, Texas, USA
Warlock
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,980
Seabrook, Texas, USA
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Damn Bill, you old Soldier...sorry to hear this. My best wishes to you no matter what. A life well lived is my goal like yours...Dave
Last edited by Warlock; 11/16/2015 08:20 PM.
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: Warlock]
#75116
11/16/2015 06:51 PM
11/16/2015 06:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321 Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
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Sorry to hear this, Bill, but I'd like to say that I admire your pragmatic attitude. Wishing you the longest, happiest, healthiest, and most comfortable life possible. Many hugs.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning.
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#75117
11/16/2015 07:00 PM
11/16/2015 07:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
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Rick, If I could figure out how to make the finances and dialysis work I'd be planning a BVI return trip for early '16 for sure. Wish it were in the cards. I think I'm going to be partying in GA from here on out and staying close to dialy clinics!!
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: BillH]
#75121
11/16/2015 10:38 PM
11/16/2015 10:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,613 Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,613
Woodstock, GA
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BillH said:Rick, If I could figure out how to make the finances and dialysis work I'd be planning a BVI return trip for early '16 for sure. Wish it were in the cards. I think I'm going to be partying in GA from here on out and staying close to dialy clinics!! Well then Belinda and I will have to figure out how/when to come see you. Maybe if any TTOL'ers live around the Augusta area a TTOL gathering could be planned like Bill and Di used to organize that was held here in North Atlanta??
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: BillH]
#75123
11/17/2015 09:30 AM
11/17/2015 09:30 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214 Toledo, OH, USA
Orange_Burst
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,214
Toledo, OH, USA
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Bill,
So sorry to hear the news, being on TTOL for 15 years, I feel like I know you and want to thank you for all of your wisdom through the years.
I admire your selflessness of not wanting to burden Di in her final stage, that shows how much you loved and cared for her.
God Bless!
Colleen
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Re: Upleasant News
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#75125
11/18/2015 11:46 AM
11/18/2015 11:46 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
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"Well then Belinda and I will have to figure out how/when to come see you. Maybe if any TTOL'ers live around the Augusta area a TTOL gathering could be planned like Bill and Di used to organize that was held here in North Atlanta??"
Not sure that's practical. Just trying to get from day to day right now. Let's chat privately about that stuff. Would love to see you both.. B
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
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