Here is an update on my health. After 6 months of chemo, a new biopsy shows that the cancer is not gone. This, of course, is not good news. There are however, several effective treatment options still open, and over the next few days I will be going through them with my doctors and family to determine the next steps.
I still hope to continue to teach and present via Skype where I can. Once again I don’t want to disappear or fade away. I hope to keep folks updated here and continue to make a contribution to my school and the field. However, it is clear that I just can’t plan too far in advance. Note the use of terms like “hope” instead of “plan to.” It seems every time I post something rosy and optimistic about my health something goes wrong.
I am worried, particularly about my family and the toll this will take on them. I have asked much of my family, friends, and colleagues, and I must now ask for more.
There is no joy in cancer, save the love of friends and family it makes evident. You all have been so supportive during this process. If you want to know how to help: please help my wife, give blood, and keep the faith.
David, Kurt and I were saddened when we heard the news. You and your family are in our thoughts. We would love to help in any way we can.
From a former student who keeps learning from you: about libraries and life-wishing you and your family strength and hope and health.
Well this is not what I was hoping to hear but I plan to keep the faith that you will make it through this bump in the road. Remember, we both have our 20th anniversaries to celebrate in May.
Praying for you and everyone whose hands and minds are supporting you.
Thanks for sharing, Dave. Cancer treatment is a long road with lots of ups and downs. Hang in there and enjoy every day with your family, friends and colleagues. Our best thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear this news. You are strong. You will overcome. Love from Australia (via Singapore).
David, you and yours remain in my prayers and thoughts. I believe in your total healing and restoration.
I will donate my blood this week in honor of you David. My prayers will also be with you and your family so that you may recover very soon!
I am so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and sending positive energy your way.
I have so enjoyed and benefited from your blog and online conferences sessions, and hope to continue doing so for many years to come. Do get well soon. Prayed for you and yours, and will continue to uphold you in prayers.
So sorry to hear this news. Keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts.
Hi Dave, Im so sorry to hear you have cancer and been so unwell. I had no idea. I went on line today to update on where we are on our project and found your post. I wish you good health and a long life. Miracles can happen I send my best wishes from here in Australia to you, your wonderful family and friends who support you. Look after you and family first and foremost. They are the most important people in your life.
I came from Australia to see you 2 years ago about our Neighbourhood Library in North Fitzroy Vic Australia.I left my sunglasses in your office as I was so jetlagged! Our community has been fighting for 22 years for a better library for our community. Your wisdom and inspiration about the community owning and having a major say in its development has paid off. Libraries arent just books! You inspired me to work smarter and harder to fight for a larger and state of the Art library of the future. When I came to see you I had no idea what a library of the future was or how to get it. Our local Yarra Council has doubled its size and they are working with us on the library our community wants and needs. Your work and inspiration will enable everyone in our community to utilise and develop new knowledge to make the world a better place.
You are a most inspiring and great man with a wonderful vision for the future.
THANK YOU
Anne
I remember your visit very well and cannot tell you how happy it makes me to hear about your progress. It is folks like you-community members who not only love libraries, but expect more out of them-who are the future of libraries.
Stay positive!
I am a new MLIS Student at Rutgers, at the ripe age of 52–career changer, and found your free class on-line this summer. I was blown away by your presentation, humor, and knowledge. Most of all it was the passion that impressed me enough to purchase your Atlas before I bought my first text book. I plan to frame the “road-map” as it reminds me of your passion, as I try to map my new career.
Hope this isn’t creepy, but some guy you don’t even know down in Philly, is keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Freakin cancer… capture your inner-Armstrong! (the good one–before the -roids)
It is now the New Year – and you have remained somewhat sane – another landmark ! Several years ago my spouse Robert began suffering from some weirdly unconnected symptoms, and we eventually learned of MDS; myelodysplastic syndrome, formerly called preleukemia. Little is known, still one gets very sick as organs lose functionality and die.
Some rather famous people died from MDS:such as Carl Sagan, Nora Ephron, Roald Dahl, Per Bak, Alan McDiarmid, etc. I should be clearer – some people just get stuck in an awful pattern!
Robert and I heard a prediction of two years of life left ,- after being properly diagnosed. We had each other to complain to and make love with. Our children were already established. We actually stayed home most of the time – not wishing to chance random bacteria.
I know that this is not very similar to your problems, but I’d be wiling to lend support to your family in any way I can. You have a much stronger support system than I did. One of his last comments to me was to embrace and work with ALA, as that was my ‘sanity support system’.
He spent that past two years writing essays for Eurotrib under the name” rdf” and in fact mailed his last one two days before the end. His mind kept working in first gear, and yours will too.
If there is any support I can offer, after my experience, please ask!
Valerie