greatbear: (Default)
Phil ([personal profile] greatbear) wrote2011-03-23 11:40 pm

One less than B10

A quick update and some words. First off, and most importantly, Jeff and I went to his doc this afternoon for the results of the biopsy performed on his thyroid a a couple weeks ago. The growths are benign. This was a huge parting of dark clouds for us. Still needing to be addressed is the cause of and the symptoms (tiredness and lethargy primarily) from these growths. This will take place in the near future. Thankfully there is no push for surgery and treatments the worst of the news would have brought upon him. So, I can't yell "YAY!" loud enough or from too high of a mountaintop as an expression of relief and joy.

Now I can get on with my own health issues. These have gotten me quite bummed, but I will work it out.

And here's the part when I stand humbled, with hat in hand. In my post from a while back I lamented my dissatisfaction and disappointment in regards to "social media" and its varied and uncertain value to me at times. Well, in the posts since, I was (once again) reminded of the value of the phenomenon. While I still feel that it often exacerbates the disconnect I feel between friends because of the inevitable distances involved, there is no denying the connections offered. There are real people, with true concerns and even love at the other end of the posts, comments and messages. Yeah, I get frustrated that people I know I'd have an awesome time being around are hundreds or thousands (or even just a few) of miles away. So, I will try harder to measure the real folks with real words coming from the glow of my screen against the occasional disappointment I feel because they are not in the same room. I will also endeavor to rectify the latter as much as possible with more travel, trips and invitations. I might have been rather quiet here as far as followup replies to comments and such, but rest assured your words have a definite effect. And I loves yas all for it.

So, it's with a bit of extra sunshine that the plans we've been making for travel and fun despite what has been unfolding for the past few months. We've got tix to see Elton John this weekend, Cirque du Soleil's Totem in a couple months, four trips to Hillside and an extended trip to PTown. And we'll do more I'm sure. And I hope to make real more of the virtual connections I have.

I humbly thank each and every one who have left words of concern and encouragement. You've done more for me than you know. And, well, more than *I* know at times.

Peace.
ext_173199: (Bear: Portrait)

[identity profile] furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
I'm SO glad to hear Jeff's thyroid growths are benign!

And *hugs* to you in dealing with your own health issues.

[identity profile] maxauburn.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
Yay! Jeff is okay!!

That's a relief!

Now I understand why you've felt like leaving LJ.

It's the distance thing.

On other sites, distance bothers me!

Not on Live Journal.

I've gotten to know great people (Such as yourself!) through here.

I like this site much better than Bear411, Silver Daddies, or any Beard Site I've been on.

Here, I actually get to know people - as much as one can do online - and there is so much more of a chance to actually talk on the phone and perhaps even meet through Live Journal.

Why?

Because, unlike all the Gay Sex Sites, we actually talk about things besides sex. We share our daily lives, our hopes & dreams, our fears, our bad news,
and our achievements.

And yes, we do talk about sex! And so much more.

We offer encouragement, support, friendship, and a good old fashioned lent ear.

I feel infinitely more comfortable here than ANY other site I've ever been on, Phil, and you should, too!

I'd still like to meet you. You're only about as far away from me as The Farm was before George and I moved there full time in June, 1993. It was a 129
mile trek each way. No biggie for me to traverse that again.

*Sigh*.. I do wish we ALL lived in the same city, though. Wouldn't that be great!?

*ULTRA-HUGS*

[identity profile] teddyb.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 11:15 am (UTC)(link)
Great post, Phil. I'm so happy to hear the good news about Jeff's test results.

Thanks for making my day, bud!


Big furry hugs to ya! And to Jeff, too!

[identity profile] rcfozzie.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 12:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Glad to hear about Jeff's results. You both absolutely deserve some good news!
Also very happy to hear that you are able to work out the other issues, as well.
Great big hugs to you and thanks for being here.

[identity profile] mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
... and don't forget how much you offer to us with your support, advice and kind words. So glad to hear that Jeff got good news on the health front and that you are stepping back out into the world.

HUGS!

[identity profile] champdaddy.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 12:57 pm (UTC)(link)
very good news...

[identity profile] bearwad.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
wonderful news there. and just to point out, though i do not post often as i used to. i have been reading what you put out here every morning for many years now. i would indeed miss you if you left this odd yet effective outlet.

[identity profile] redmoonriver.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 02:53 pm (UTC)(link)
*HUGS* for both of you!!! So glad to hear read the word "benign"!!

[identity profile] restoman.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
I am very glad and relieved to hear the good news about Jeff's thyroid. YAY!!

I have been on LJ for almost 8 years now. One of the things I have learned is that internet friendships are fundamentally different from real-life friendships, ~like apples and oranges. LJ friendships can't and shouldn't be a substitute for real-life friendships, and shouldn't be held to the same expectations. But that doesn't mean that LJ friendships don't have great value in and of themselves. LJ is a wonderful place if you are looking for support, encouragement, a sympathetic ear, a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on a forum for discussion. But if you are looking for companionship or a good bear hug, real-life friends would be more helpful.

I have enjoyed getting to know you here on LJ, Phil, and value you as one of my LJ friends, so I hope you will continue to stick around!

Even though it's not as good as the real thing: ...*hug*

[identity profile] bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
hurray for that!

[identity profile] bygbrat.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
that is so awesome to hear! thanks so much for the update.

it sure would be great to meet you both.

i hope that you love elton john's show as much as i did!

big hugs!!!

[identity profile] wrascalism.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
FANTASTIC! and thank you for the updates.

Big hugs from Vancouver!
:o)

[identity profile] holy13nation.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Good news.

[identity profile] 2stroker.livejournal.com 2011-03-24 11:33 pm (UTC)(link)
So glad you both are doing better.I know it's hard sometimes but it's always better to hang in there than bail.You both are still young,not kids but not ready to go to the nursing home,your bodies will heal and if you do the right things 3 years from now you might be looking back on this from a very different ,much better place .Take your time and it will happen and your life will be filled with good times and the love of your friends.

[identity profile] liftinmoose.livejournal.com 2011-03-25 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
phew that's a huge load off your shoulders I'm sure! Hey where are you guys seeing Cirque du Soleil?

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2011-03-26 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
We are going to see them in Baltimore. We even went all out and did the "Tapis Rouge" thing. I guess it means hors d'oeuvres with the performers before and after the show, and better seats. X-D

[identity profile] liftinmoose.livejournal.com 2011-03-26 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
ohhhhhhhhhhh jealous!!!!!!!!!

[identity profile] ptownnyc.livejournal.com 2011-03-25 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad to hear all this. Give your man a huge hug.

[identity profile] thetarnishedowl.livejournal.com 2011-03-25 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
Fantastic news!! Hooray!!

[identity profile] ciddyguy.livejournal.com 2011-03-25 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
As for Jeff, wonderful news!

Now you need to work on yourself.

Hugs!