Mighty Favog Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 _____________________________________ The old Rocker wore his hair too long, wore his trouser cuffs too tight. Unfashionable to the end --- drank his ale too light. Death's head belt buckle --- yesterday's dreams --- the transport caf' prophet of doom. Ringing no change in his double-sewn seams in his post-war-babe gloom. Now he's too old to Rock'n'Roll but he's too young to die. He once owned a Harley Davidson and a Triumph Bonneville. Counted his friends in burned-out spark plugs and prays that he always will. But he's the last of the blue blood greaser boys all of his mates are doing time: married with three kids up by the ring road sold their souls straight down the line. And some of them own little sports cars and meet at the tennis club do's. For drinks on a Sunday --- work on Monday. They've thrown away their blue suede shoes. Now they're too old to Rock'n'Roll and they're too young to die. So the old Rocker gets out his bike to make a ton before he takes his leave. Up on the A1 by Scotch Corner just like it used to be. And as he flies --- tears in his eyes --- his wind-whipped words echo the final take and he hits the trunk road doing around 120 with no room left to brake. And he was too old to Rock'n'Roll but he was too young to die. No, you're never too old to Rock'n'Roll if you're too young to die. _________________________________________ I post this because I got some disturbing from my mother. My yougest brother, Paul Vance Blasing, is in deep trouble. He's seven years my senior. For the last few weeks he's been rather disoriented, walking into walls and missing doorways and stuff. I noticed the last time I visited his house that he wasn't in the best of moods even though it was to celebrate our father and my birthdays. He went to the hospital this past Friday to see what was wrong, he's been there ever since. The doctors say there is a good chance he has a brain tumor at the base of the brain stem. It's inoperable but he'll probably start radiation therapy soon via three probes all aimed to one place. Paul kinda got me started in this crazy hobby along with my oldest brother John (eight years my senior) and they didn't even know it. Who knows, maybe I was just trying to gain their affection by doing what they do, though it didn't always work. Especially after I blew a mid-range out of his JBL L300 Industrial in the extra time I had between me getting home from school and he getting home from work. His favorite rock band is indeed Jethro Tull next to Neil Young, Neil even invited him and a friend over to his house one weekend but Paul (and friend Steve) couldn't afford the gas to drive there from Ohio. I think I knew every lyrics by heart because he played them so loud and so often. He even went so far as to free hand an ink writing of 'Thick as a Brick' in Old English on the walls of the stairwell leading up to the third floor of our house where his and my bedrooms were. If I only had a picture. If you know the lyrics to Simon and Garfunkle's 'Patterns', the description is uncanningly the same to that same room. He's being transfered today to another hospital because they can't do the test they need to at the first one. Paul saved my life when I was very young (1-2 years old??). I was runing around on the sidewalk and headed for the street. Paul ran out and pushed me out of the way only to get hit himself by the black Oldsmobile F85. He was in a coma for three days. When he woke he was in an oxygen tent and said nothing. My parents and the doctors didn't know what was wrong that he didn't speak anymore. Once they removed the tent Paul talked up a storm. He said he didn't think they could hear him. He now has a 13" vertical scar in the center of his chest from the surgery. We used to call it his 'pet worm'. I hope to know more sometime this week of his condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picky Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tom: What a terrible thing to discover about your brother. I am so sorry! My deepest sympathy and my hope that the treatment the doctors have chosen helps your brother. Let's all pray that he recovers soon. -Glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tom; There are no words I can type to ease what you are going through. It is indeed a tough time for your family. May you seek and find comfort from the lord Jesus, may he hold your family close and ease the journey for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodger Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 ---------------- On 10/4/2004 12:24:46 PM cablacksmith wrote: Tom; There are no words I can type to ease what you are going through. It is indeed a tough time for your family. May you seek and find comfort from the lord Jesus, may he hold your family close and ease the journey for you all. ---------------- Hi Tom: I just spoke with my Minister. You have the prayers of St. Stephen's Church and mine for the two of you. Losing a Brother is losing a part of you. Perhaps as happens in our journey here, the cure that you both seek shall be found. It would only be be fitting that he was willing to give his life for you that he should along with the Above, give up his passing for you. I will hold a good thought for the both of you. Win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
middlecreekguy Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 What a bummer Tom. I hope Paul and your family are optimistic about the radiation therapy. Sometimes these things are not as bleak as they seem at first. Think positive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tom, you have my support as well, I am sorry to hear about your brother, I will have him, and you in my prayers. I certainly hope the tumor responds well to the radiation. Please take some time for yourself to see your brother, and be with him. All the best from smilin to you and yours. Keep us updated please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tom, You have our sympathies on receiving such news of your brother Paul. We are always here for you to bend an ear if needs be and you and your brother and family will be in our prayers. While it may seem bleak at present never give up hope. Be strong for Paul and know we are all here for you. R/Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicholtl Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tom, please accept my deepest condolences. Your family will be in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluless Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tom- The telling part, is that none of us are TOO YOUNG TO DIE - But on the other hand.... I'VE NEVER HEARD OF SOMEONE - THAT WAS TOO OLD TO DIE. A Pretty cynical view, but, Take care of your brother, Be there for him. I know that you know the drill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Bad news indeed! Whether it turns out well or not ensure that your brother knows that you love him! It will make the burden of his illness lighter for both of you. You and he are in my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tell your brother there's another Thick As A Brick freak on the forum. I have at least 5 original copies with the full newspaper foldout, the 25th anniversary CD with newspaper foldout, regular CD and a sealed MFSL LP that I'll be opening when I get my new TT. In Jr. High, I learned to play all the flute parts on the recorder (and still can). Is your bro into vinyl? I'd be happy to send him an lp or 2 to cheer him up. I have tons of Tull on vinyl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Damn Tom, I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted October 7, 2004 Author Share Posted October 7, 2004 Thanks a lot guys (and girl), Here's the update from my sister-in-law Fran: Good morning, I got lots of good information this morning by getting to the hospital early (it's the only way!). Dr. Bailey, the neurologist, came in first, then we had a visit from Dr. Teller, the infectious disease specialist. Dr. Bailey said: - the highest possibility is still a primary brain tumor but they want to explore a lot of possibilities before doing a biopsy - a bacterial infection or odd virus could result in a lesion in the brain - although it's not likely, an infectious disease may be present - he may order a spinal tap - he will very likely order a PET scan (google it - very interesting procedure) - the biopsy is quite risky due to the location of the lesion Dr. Teller examined Paul's body pretty thoroughly and asked Paul a lot of questions about his medical history. I am glad I was there, as Paul doesn't explain and understand things clearly and wanders off on tangents. Dr. Teller said: - "My gut feeling is that I would be surprised if it were infectious" and "a needle biopsy seems likely," but a couple more days' delay for these tests was the opinion of all the docs who have looked at the MRI - Paul's HIV test was negative - Paul's SED rate (a blood indicator) and white count are normal - the possibility of a brain abscess could stem from infections in the sinuses, teeth or heart valves - toxoplasmosis (toxic blood disease) is possible but not likely ¯ Paul would be pretty sick - he wants to thoroughly check Paul's immune system - next steps include a CT scan of the sinuses FB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluless Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 Tom - And don't forget the most common diagnosis involving the brain...IDIOPATHIC....They just don't know! and the patient gets better! In spite of the ministrations of the witch doctors. sorry Tom, but I really suck at the condolence ****, but I REALLY do care, best wishes Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artto Posted October 10, 2004 Share Posted October 10, 2004 Man, seems like this has been, for whatever reason, one hell of a week for many of us. And I thought I had problems! Hang in there buddy. We're all here for ya! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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