My Care Page
Dear Family & Friends,
This is a place to come and check on my status and leave messages for me if you wish. At the beginning of August 2007 I received the news that I have cancer. My diagnosis is that I have Non-Hodgknins Lymphoma. To be specific it is a Diffuse Aggressive Large B Cell type Lymphoma that at this stage has been found in lymph nodes all over my body and in my spleen. When diagnosed the the disease was at Stage III (out of IV). I started my Chemotherapy on August 17th. I will receive from 6-8 chemotherapy treatments every 21 days. In mid October I will have a scan taken that will give me a good idea of my progress.
I have many wonderful and supportive family members and friends. I like the idea of a care page as a way to hear from those that care about me. Having a serious disease changes the dynamic of how we relate to each other. People do not know what to say, maybe I do not want to talk about my condition on a particular day, so please feel free to use the comments section. I hope this blog will help to overcome this awkwardness, you can stay informed and I can feel the wonderful support that has already been forthcoming from friends and family.
Paul. August 13. 2007.
Updated August 18. 2007.
Paul,
You will be in the prayers of Michelle and I and we are hoping for the best. In the mean time stay strong and let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family
Steve Laskey
Posted by: Steve and Michelle Laskey | August 13, 2007 at 03:15 PM
Paul, this is horribly shocking news. I have already said a prayer for you and will continue to say them for you AND your family. I'm sure you have plenty of family and close friends to help you through this, but your friends in your Subbuteo family, like myself, will continue to be here for you as well! Keep positive and strong, my friend!
Jeff Drake
Posted by: Jeff Drake | August 13, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Paul - Monta and I are very sorry to hear the news. My mother is a cancer survivor and I know it is a difficult road to recovery. I hope and pray that your treatment is 100% successful and look forward to a one on one Subbuteo flick around. Stay Strong!
Wade Whitney
Posted by: Wade Whitney | August 13, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Paul, Glad we are fortunate enough to be close to you and your great family! You will have a huge support network during your treatment. Your strength and great character will guide you through this most difficult situation just fine. I look forward to talking with you soon! Trey Warman and Angela Nichols
Posted by: Trey Warman | August 13, 2007 at 04:18 PM
Hey Mr. Eyes,
I have known you as a friend for about 2.5 years now and although that isn't doesn't seem like a very long time I think of you as family. Like others said if you need anything let me know, but I really want to just let you know that my family and I are praying and we all care for you. You are probably the most incredible and influential person I have ever met and like someone before me said there is no doubt your personality and character will carry you through this. I hope to see you hitting some full pitch jump flicks soon!
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick Sheridan | August 13, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Paul,
I'm very sorry to hear this news, however, having seen your toughness on the subbuteo pitch and your dedication to the hobby and to the people involved in it off the pitch, I have no doubt that these qualities will help you fight this opponent, as well.
Never underestimate how what may seem like the smallest of positives can have a positive effect on your outlook, prognosis, and health. These, combined with the many friends you have both in our realm and others thinking good thoughts for you, will be enough to beat whatever this turns out to be.
You have been my worthiest opponent in this game for a long time, and I have appreciated every one of our battles, even the ones where you won by 1, 2, .... 7 goals. But I've learned a lot from you as well away from the pitch, and admire you for all that's been done in bringing a crop of youth into our hobby that our unmatched anywhere at any time.
I wish you all the best and without question, if you need anything, shout.
Ed
Posted by: Ed Morgans | August 13, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Paul,
So many words come to mind. I wish you and your family the very best outcome during these diffcult times.
Steve
Posted by: Steve Tucker | August 13, 2007 at 06:29 PM
Paul,
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Your resiliency will see you through this. After all, your character has seen you through countless years as a City fan and numerous England penalty blunders.
In all seriousness though, you are a tremendous person that will win this war.
Lenny
Posted by: Lenny Foster | August 13, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Paul,
My thoughts are with you. You're a fine fellow. Keep your attitude positive and keep laughing....it really helps. I survived a serious life threatening episode just months before I met you in 04', and I expect you to do the same!
Take Care,
Jody
Posted by: Jody Schaaf | August 13, 2007 at 07:53 PM
Paul,
My thoughts are with you. You're a fine fellow. Keep your attitude positive and keep laughing....it really helps. I survived a serious life threatening episode just months before I met you in 04', and I expect you to do the same!
Take Care,
Jody
Posted by: Jody Schaaf | August 13, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Paul,
Michael shared the news with us this afternoon. You, your family and your doctors are all in our prayers.
The energy, passion and strength of character that you've shown the kids both as teacher and mentor (not to mention your science and nursing educations) will serve you well as you start this journey.
I've already asked the "mom network" to contact us if you need anything - leave it to the women to come through when things get tough! In the meantime, if you or Louise need anything, please let us know.
Janet & Paul Tillman
Posted by: Janet Tillman | August 13, 2007 at 08:04 PM
Paul,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My company (EFW Inc.) donate a lot of money to the leukemia and lymphoma society.
Anyone can donate at:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/
I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Cheers Calum
P.S. You're my favorite Englishman
Posted by: Calum Keenan | August 13, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Paul,
So sorry that you and your family must endure this trial, yet know that you will never be alone---you will remain in our thoughts and prayers, and we will gladly help with any need during this challenging time. You have been such an incredible role model, mentor and friend to Patrick and have become special to our entire family.
Kim
Posted by: Kim | August 13, 2007 at 09:23 PM
Paul,
I am so sorry to hear. Hang in there and know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill
Posted by: Bill Prantl | August 13, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Dear Mr. Eyes,
It is difficult for me to imagine a person as strong as you in this situation. As my teacher, both in the classroom and on the subbuteo pitch, and most importantly, as my friend, you have been one of the most influential, kind, forgiving, and selfless people I have ever met. From my first day of 6th grade science, to those days when Michael and I got out of lunch in middle school to practice subbuteo, to my first actual tournament, it is hard for me to remember a time without Mr. Eyes and table soccer. You have made that kind of an impression on me. I know you will be able to get through this difficult period. Your strong will, hard work, and determination will make sure of that. My thoughts will be with you and your family and if there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to ask. I look forward to playing you sometime soon.
Stuart Russell
Posted by: Stuart Russell | August 13, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Paul -
Words cannot describe the shock Walter and I felt when Louise first mentioned the possibility that you may have lymphoma. You're right - the last week was a whirlwind and your life has changed forever.
Although your body will need to fight this cancer, know that you have an army of people behind you who will do anything to help you win (and you WILL win) this battle. You are strong and brave. Our love and prayers are with you, Louise, Emma, Katie and Tommy. We will help you anyway we can.
Karen and Walter
Posted by: Karen Bartnett | August 13, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Paul,
My prayers go out to you and your family. Even though we have not spent much time together you have had a huge impact on how I approach the game of Subbuteo. Strength to overcome any obstacle is equal to will power and support and you have abundance in both.
Jonathan
Posted by: Jonathan S. | August 14, 2007 at 01:08 AM
Paul and family,
I'm sorry that this has happened now. I understand how this is hard for you and your family. I've had three of my family go through cancer as well. I'm sure you will be up and raring to go soon, as you are very strong willed and a nice guy. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. I'm sure that it will be in the very near future. I will be thinking of you the rest of this week before you get your test results back. Stay strong. See you soon.
Posted by: Keith Constable | August 14, 2007 at 02:10 AM
Paul,Louise and children,
Can't find the right words to say. Vince gave us the news late last night. Wish we were nearer to lend our support. Use all your strength to fight the battles ahead. We'll try and help your family this side of the 'pond' as much as possible. We want to see all of you eating Ice cream again next summer in sunny Lancashire.
Ron & Jan
Posted by: Ron & Janice Seymour | August 14, 2007 at 03:25 AM
Sorry to hear your news Paul, my thoughts are with you and the family.
You are a real positive guy and that is so much in your favour.
When I came to visit you in 2001 with Dave, I had just come through serious surgery. Today i am fighting fit. It is often hard to think about the good times when you get the bad news, but you can get through it and pick up where you left off.
My mum recently had a breast cancer op, so I can feel some of what your family are going through right now. Stay positive and you will beat it.
My thoughts are with you all
Posted by: Chris Evans | August 14, 2007 at 05:30 AM
Paul, Louise, Emma, Katie and Tommy,
Please know that the road you are on has many stops along the way. Those stops are places of comfort and compassion, friendship and love. We hope you use them often. You are not alone in this fight. Your team is huge. We are ready to do whatever it takes to get you through.
You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Paula and Family
Posted by: Paula and Family | August 14, 2007 at 07:19 AM
You know my thoughts are with you and we'll be with you every step of this journey...
Posted by: Jen Peduzzi | August 14, 2007 at 09:04 AM
The Eyes family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Giffen | August 14, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Paul and Family.
I was very shocked and upset to hear the news. My hear goes out to you and your family along with my prayers for a quick recovery. It was a real pleasure meeting you at the National in St. Louis recently and I look forward to seeing you again. I really enjoy the times we get to talk football (real and table)over the emails and when you were in town. You're great fellow my friend and I know you'll win this battle.
Jim
Posted by: Jim Monken | August 14, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Paul,
I was shocked when I read the e-mail that Jen sent to all of us. Please know that you, your family, and your doctors will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult and challenging time. I have confidence that you will get through this and that, as others have said, you will stay positive. If it is alright with you, I will send an e-mail to my church so that our prayer group can be praying for you and your family as well.
LeAnn
Posted by: LeAnn Rice | August 14, 2007 at 09:22 AM