I'd like a few moments of your time to talk about Andy Stephenson

[In_The_Wind]

I've had supper with Andy for the past two Saturday nights. There is no doubt in my own mind about the validity of Andy's health problems.

Last week I met Andy for the first time. He had spent the day teaching a workshop about one of his favorite topics the Voter Verified Paper Ballot. He was looking forward to putting his Whipple surgery behind him and continuing his work.

But I saw a different Andy Stephenson yesterday. Andy was the same goodhearted person but he had lost something in the one week that had passed. He was in pain and he was tired. The stress brought about by the continuing complications of the week seemed to have totally depleted his normally positive attitude. However ~ Andy wanted Termite to meet bettyellen so Andy, Termite, Stephanie and I boarded the Path Train for a trip to Hoboken. As we sat enjoying one another's company over supper it was apparent that Andy's strength was fading fast. His surgery has been rescheduled for later this month.

A positive attitude is essential to Andy's healing process. He needs Du's continuing emotional support until he is able to get back out there and return to the work and the people that he loves.

Please join me in wishing Andy the very best of luck.

Joani

[NMDemDist2]

1. kick for andy n/t

[Maat]

2. Andy, please hang in there! We are almost there.

I was one who donated and NEVER had a doubt about anything.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!

Take care!

"Andy's surgery goes perfectly; he has in good health and attitude. The news is excellent. And it is so!"

(Religious Science prayer)

[iconoclastic cat]

3. When I asked him last week whether he'd had the surgery yet,

he said something about it being pushed back due to "freeper interference." What exactly does that mean?

[MissWaverly]

10. Andy is staying with me in Baltimore-Miss Waverly

Last week there were setbacks that delayed his surgery, when Andy arrived last Monday in Baltimore, the check that he sent registered mail to Hopkins could not be found, so they canceled the surgery, we
tracked the check down by the next morning but it was too late by then to do any good, but it turns out that the surgery could not have be done Tuesday anyway because Andy needed a super duper test first, well billing now has the certified check, he has had his
preliminary test and surgery is now scheduled for May 26th, they will
try and move up the date (Andy is now on standby & will move up if there is an opening.) The problem is that more money is needed, the extra test was $1600 and the doctor bill will be another $7000. You guys know me I've been posting here since last November. This is legit, Andy really is ill and these are real charges.

Andy would not be staying at the Dust Bunny Palace if he wasn't not
serious about getting care here at Hopkins.

Miss Waverly

[johnaries]

14. Thank you! for this update and for helping Andy.

Please let him know that all the non-trolls here on DU love him and are rooting for him. :hi:

GET WELL, ANDY!

[MissWaverly]

35. He is very close to everyone here

He's a very down to earth guy, he really appreciates his friends
at DU.

[EFerrari]

18. HI there, MissWaverly.

Let's check in with each other about what is needed in the morning.

Thanks for all your help. And please see that Mr. Smith gets some Echinacea!

much love to all,
Beth

[KC21304]

71. I know you mean well, but PLEASE have Mr Smith

check with his DR. before he takes any over the counter herbs or vitamins. Some of these can interact with whatever he may need to take if he gets hauled into surgery on short notice. Just saying he should check first. Thanks for all your doing.

[EFerrari]

74. He should check first, of course!

:)

[merh]

32. Thank you MissWaverly for opening the gates to the Dust Bunny Palace

and for making Andy as comfortable as any king. :hug:

Thank you for loving him and termite for us. :pals:

:loveya:

[MissWaverly]

36. Thank you

so far things are going better, much better than last week.

[Pool Hall Ace]

43. Bless you for letting Andy stay with you.

Hugs and vibes to all involved with Andy's care.

[MissWaverly]

47. I loved your smilies

please keep up the positive vibes Andy needs them.

[Maat]

46. Thanks for helping Andy!

And Andy, take care, and don't worry!

Build your physical and mental strength. That's what I'm praying for.

And I believe that I will be able to make another donation soon.

[MissWaverly]

48. big applause for you

thanks for continuing support both as a friend and financially,
he needs both right now.

[Maat]

52. Take care!

[MissWaverly]

91. Thanks

appreciate it!

[nedbal]

77. What's the time frame on this $8600 ?

my guess is this sounds like charges to be billed? so to me that means due in about 60 days? there will be lots more charges like this..

I've been billed 2mil in the last decade, thankfully I have ok-good insurance and follow the rules

I try to follow international health care, the Australians seem to have the best system, NHS in the UK has gone down from where it should be, Canada is tolerable, here in the US is panic and unbearable paperwork even with good private insurance

[greatauntoftriplets]

56. I talked to him this afternoon....

and he sounded exhausted.

Thanks for asking, ic, I know you have your own worries.

[iconoclastic cat]

61. I'll land on my feet, GAofT.

I've been thrown out of better places than that school.

And you know what: I wanted out. That place was a hellhole. The violence was an everyday occurence, and the administration was corrupt and inept. I needed to get out, or I'd eventually leave the teaching profession permanently. I would grow to hate teaching at that school.

Besides, finding jobs and getting hired has never been a problem for me--my weakness is that I don't know how to play politics, which makes it harder to keep the job once I get it.

[n2mark]

4. I am outraged this surgery is being delayed

it should be done now! Why are they waiting so long? This is really sad.

I am livid with the medical field.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. I'm really disappointed to hear he's still waiting for a surgery date --

I can imagine that, and the past week, are taking a toll on his health, both mental and physical. I hope he feels our support, and appreciation for his important work, although it's from a distance. Thanks for your report.

[annabanana]

6. Oh yes, Andy!!

(and do NOT feel obligated to reply to any nasty nasties that worm their way out of the woodwork)

Do whatever you can to keep as comfortable as possible. Rent an uplifting movie, watch some TV Land, veg out.

We're with you

[havocmom]

7. First thing every morning, last thing every night

and many times during the day, prayer and energy sent for Andy. No questions asked. If I had the dollars, I'd give him what he needed, again, no questions asked.

And if he would say something really nice to Stephanie about Montana to make her eyes glaze over, I'd send some home made pear butter! ;)

Andy, in your corner always.

hm

[housewolf]

8. Thanks for your concern and for your personal report

Most DU'ers are very upset and sorry for all the upheaval and uncertainity that happened here early this past week. We do have Andy's best interests at heart and wish him only the best. There is a tremendous amount of love and suupport for him here.

I wish that we could take back what one unfortunate distupter caused here...

Much love, good wishes and blessings to Andy. Thank you for the update, I've been wondering what was going on with his surgery scheduling.

[In_The_Wind]

12. This post was delayed by my own visit to a therapist today.

Now I understand why. My visit was to a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist who does Craniosacral Therapy and her father's friend had the Whipple surgery done a few years ago. The surgery was a success! He is living a normal healthy life.

[question everything]

29. Thank you for that much needed ray of hope

but it is urgent to get moving. How I wish that the physician who first deemed to move his surgery from June to May could push. May 26 is way too far.

[MissWaverly]

49. pray it moves up, he's on stand-by after Weds.

& they'll move him up if they can. (The latest it will be is May 26th)

[im10ashus]

101. Sending him GOOD VIBES!

Tell him Brett and Mark say hello and that we are so sorry it didn't work out to see him this weekend. It wasn't for lack of trying. Love and peace.

:loveya:

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Thanks, Joan.

He isn't well, and should have had that damn surgery on Tuesday.

[globalvillage]

11. Good Luck to you, Andy.

Feel better. We're all pulling for you!
:hug:

[MissHoneychurch]

13. Best wishes for Andy

that he has his surgery as soon as possible and that everything goes well!!!!!!

[In_The_Wind]

103. Thanks for sending good wishes to Andy ~ MissHoneychurch

[stellanoir]

15. Will happily send him

oodles of good vibes any day of the week.

Wish I could do more.

Glad he has your support.

[bigwillq]

16. All the best to you, Andy!

I hope all goes well!:hug:

[pretzel4gore]

17. Guy James mentioned Andy last eve!

it was such a moving thing.....good luck Andy

[Wapsie B]

19. Good Luck Andy.

Good karma coming your way.

[denese]

20. Wishing all the best to Andy

It was so sad to see what happened last week after the beautiful effort here at DU to help Andy.
Andy, I don't know you but you are never far from my thoughts and prayers.
You are a true patriot and you have my respect and appreciation.
I will continue to hold you in the light until you get through this thing.
Blessings,
Denese

[JimmyJazz]

21. I wish Andy all the best. But know this. Andy is blessed to have

people like you in his life and he will draw strength from that. You are an amazing lady. Thank you for the update. :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

25. Love Ya JimmyJazz

He will draw strength from every one of his supporters :hug:

Thank you, JJ for your complement.

[mogster]

22. Of course I will

What a nice post! :-)

Good health to Andy :hi:

[understandinglife]

23. Thank you. Nominated. (nt)

www.missionnotaccomplished.us

[ralps]

24. Good Luck Andy.

Let me know if you need anything. :hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :woohoo:

[sparky_in_ma]

26. Good Luck Andy!

Thanks for the update Joan.:hug:

[In_The_Wind]

28. Thanks Sparky

:hug:

:hi:

[expatriate]

27. All the best to Andy.

I am so sickened by what has happened here in the last week, and how much damage has been done by one person deliberately disrupting things. I hope that Andy can put that all away from him and concentrate on doing what he must to help himself.

Additional expenses can arise when one is under medical care - extra tests might need to be done, extra procedures might be necessary. There is no set price for medical care, because anything might occur and need to be dealt with. I'm grateful for the information that the testing done the other day has resulted in additional charges - if it wasn't for DU, there would be no way for us to know that there is further need.

I will be sending another contribution at the end of this week, Andy.

[Cleita]

30. You, who are his friends, and who see him in person,

should make him rest until his surgery. It's important that he go into this surgery without what's left of his energy depleted.

Give Andy my good wishes.

[In_The_Wind]

33. Have You ever tried to stop Andy ?

We did ask him to rest but his decision was to go out. He does plan to rest and to build his strength for the next two weeks.

Thanks for the good wishes Cleita.

[merh]

31. Rest and feel the love Andy.

Let the love of so many here help you.

Good luck, god bless & take care of you, not just for you, but for all of us! :hug:

Thank you Joan.

[dandrhesse]

34. Godspeed to you Andy, hang in there, we need you!

[meganmonkey]

37. Thank you Joan, for these words from your heart.

Thank you for doing this for Andy. The most important thing going into his surgery is his attitude and outlook. And the insanity of the last week here was bad for him.

I hope he is focusing on healing and being well. Thank you for the reality check, and thank you for going out of your way to be with Andy. I know you have plenty of time on your hands - you said so in Ohio - but it takes a kind, caring person to be the kind of friend to Andy that you are.

:hug:

[Straight Shooter]

38. I do not like the surgery being delayed. It is of great concern.

It's difficult for a person to maintain a positive outlook when something just within reach is suddenly moved away. I hope that Andy will be able to take the time to take care of himself, please not to worry so much about election reform, leave that to those of us who are not struggling with health issues as he is.

I am wishing the best for Andy and I hope someone is keeping track of who did what to delay his surgery, because I tell you what, if anything goes wrong due to the delay in his critical surgery -- anything at all -- I want that person held accountable in a court of law.

[bettyellen]

41. he is scheduled for the 26th, and his results from his 3-d ultra thingee

were very good. it looks like the little thing has not spread at all. so they are keeping a good eye on him at JH, and if they can squeeze him in, it may happen a few days earlier.

[Straight Shooter]

59. Thanks for the little bit of good news.

3-d ultra thingee? :7

[bettyellen]

64. i know, i'm not so up on the tech terms, but it's encapsulated!!!!

wooo hooooo! who doesn't want to share great news like that!!

[blm]

39. Andy, termite......smooches and hugs....tills ya can't hugs no more.

My 4yo is running around the house singing "Pleeeeease, Mr. Jailer....Won't you let my man go freeeeeeeeee?"

Little girl is addicted to Crybaby......or Johnny Depp.

[bettyellen]

40. Joani, what a smart and thoughtful post...

and i was really suprised he wanted to come out, i think it's so sweet he wanted me and termite to meet, i didn't realize that. i'm really honored. and termite is darned adorable. gosh, i wish i was in the new apartment so we coulda had a pajama party!

[In_The_Wind]

53. That would have been so much fun bettyellen !

"a pajama party" at bettyellen's new apartment ~ I think if you ask Andy and Termite back after it's completed ~ they would come and they might even bring their own pillows.

Meeting Termite was wonderful. It's a small world indeed because we both grew up in Georgia while Atlanta was just a sleepy Southern town. Last night reminded me of concerts in Piedmont Park, the wonderful Atlanta Zoo and weekends at Lake Lanier.

I've not been to Hoboken since the late 80's and I'm really impressed at the positive changes in the neighborhoods. You and your neighbor talked about a sad part of the city's recent history about fires and destruction in the older buildings. Hopefully that's all in the past.

It was really good to see you again :hug: Thanks for pointing us to a great restaurant.

[bettyellen]

57. i hope he sticks around long enough......

that we can do just that. i'm crossing my fingers it works out that way.
it was terrific of you to come down and see him. what a great gal you are!

[Stephanie]

80. Thanks for showing us Hoboken, betty

It's so cool. Loved it. Good to see you and fun to meet Joan. :hi: Haven't heard from those boys since they drove off yesterday afternoon. They were both low on sleep. Miss them already!

xx
S

[NC Beach Girl]

42. Thanks for this update

It is heartwarming to see DUers come together to help one of their own and I thank you for taking the time to give us your own personal update on the situation.

Best wishes to Andy for a speedy recovery!

[Ilsa]

44. Hang in there, Andy!

We're all wishing you the best.
:grouphug:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

45. Here's some Minnesota love and a prayer for a

miraculously moved forward schedule!

:loveya: O8)

[VOX]

50. Andy, keep punching!!!!!!

I'm gonna repeat this mantra until you've licked this thing!

Hang in there, guy -- :hug:

[bobthedrummer]

51. Andy, you know you have the love and support of many people here.

Tap into it whenever it's needed, we are with you.

Thanks for the update, Joani.

[livvy]

54. Tons of best wishes and positive thoughts from me to Andy.

Take care, rest, and relax as much as you can. Keeping you in my thoughts, Andy! Thanks for taking such good care of him, and for the update.

We want to see you go from this:

to this:

[spooky3]

55. Go, Andy!!! +++++++++++++++++++++ (positive vibes)

[Tesla]

58. You will do great!!!

They have come a long way!!!

You have a lot to give and God dosen't hand out happy endings easily, believe me, I always take the hardest way there, but if it came easy...it wouldn't be right

[latebloomer]

60. We're all with you, Andy!!

Sending healing light your way!!

:hug:

Hope you enjoyed Hoboken-- my old stomping grounds, I miss it!

[ray of light]

62. Andy, keep a stiff upper lip.

we're sending positive vibes your way.

[eleny]

63. Andy - please get some rest

Your bod needs it so badly. Try your best to find the time to rest up for a few days. :hug:

[StaggerLee]

65. Thank you Joan

Andy,

I hope you get into surgery as soon as possible. I guess we all have to keep in mind that DU is a like a town or small city and sometimes we get some unsavory characters who talk trash and even discourage when people want to do the right thing. I say we memory hole those clowns, DEEP!


Anyway, let's get you all better because we need you. Our country needs you.

Get plenty of rest and try to think good thoughts.

:)

[AmBlue]

66. Andy, hon, hang in there...

We love you and are pulling hard for you (believe it or not). I'm glad to see this post here as I was wondering how you were doing and when the surgery was rescheduled for. Still sending prayers and virtual hugs....

Hey, does anyone know when flyarm gets back?? We need her here.

[Dee625]

67. Been thinking about Andy daily

I too was quite concerned to hear that the surgery was delayed.
But I'm glad to hear of the positive scan results. Very encouraging.

I can certainly understand wanting to do things. Waiting gets to you.
Rest when you can and take care.

We're gonna win this one.

[Melissa G]

68. Hugs and Best wishes from Austin to Andy!!!

Take care and get lots of rest while you can... Be sure to think good thoughts and watch some fun movies to distract yourself.
Love,
Melissa:loveya:

[Lady President]

69. Thank you for sharing

I was at dinner with you in Columbus and I'm sad to hear that Andy is having a tough time. He was in such good spirits just a little while ago.

Personally, I don't doubt him for a second, but not everyone has the privilege of meeting him face to face. He did have some noticeable pain after eating which makes me wish the surgery will happen quickly. I'm pleased you are speaking on his behalf.

Please give him all of our positive energy!

[In_The_Wind]

72. Hello again Lady President

I do remember meeting you in Dublin.

Yes, at that time Andy was having discomfort after eating. Now it isn't only after meals. On Saturday afternoon his evaluation of the pain while we were speaking was above a level 6 on a scale of 1 to 10.

I'll be sure to remind him of every one of you who are sending all of this positive energy as I'm sure it'll help him along his pathway of recovery.

Thank you:hug:

[Misskittycat]

70. We're pulling for you, Andy. n/t

[ohtransplant]

73. Andy, You know you're in our thoughts

and prayers and there is real power in numbers.

Thanks again to all who contribute so much in so many ways. It's a testimony to the spirit that exists here. No one can stop that.

God bless.

[Left Is Write]

75. I do not know Andy, but I would like to extend my best wishes

to him for his upcoming surgery, and my hope for recovery for him.

[Pushed To The Left]

76. Good luck Andy!

[Zhade]

78. WE LOVE YOU ANDY!

Get better! :)

[greatauntoftriplets]

79. Kick for Andy.

This is a great thread.

[In_The_Wind]

82. Another *kick* for Andy !

Thanks !

[Brewman_Jax]

81. Kick for Andy

Good thoughts from me and the cats.

[AFSCME girl]

83. Hi Andy,

Lots of love and good karma coming your way from Michigan! :grouphug: Please hang in there and know that many, many people love and care about you!! :loveya:

AFSCME girl :hi:

[progmom]

84. joan - what a lovely post

:hug: to you
and :hug: to andy.

[In_The_Wind]

90. It's easy when you care ~ thank you ~ progmom !

:loveya:because you care too:hug:

[juajen]

85. God Speed, Andy!!

You need lots of faith and courage to get through this. You have the courage in spades, but your faith quotient has been down a little. Spark it back up buddy.

So many of us are sending you good vibes and prayers, you've gotta be feeling it by now. You can't write this chapter in your life. It's out of your hands and in the hands of the doctors and personnel at JH and whatever superior being in whom you believe. I believe that the outcome is not predetermined; but, if I knew all the answers, I'd be God.

Sip some good merlot or your preferred wine (if it's allowed), read some good books, and watch a lot of comedy. Also, don't forget your vitamins. Your attitude is very important going into this surgery. In the meantime, we've got your back brother.

[Pathwalker]

86. All best wishes, all gentle thoughts, all prayer for

a speedy recovery for you, Andy. You are truly a Hero, and a Patriot.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

87. Thank you Joan for posting this!

Andy, you are always in my thoughts and prayers! A quote from Philomon: "When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God." He says it better than I can...
Keep the faith, baby, better days are coming. You will soon be well and returned to the fight!

:hug: to you! :hug: to Joan for posting this!

[In_The_Wind]

95. Welcome to GD CaliforniaPeggy ~ Andy will smile about this.

Thank you from both of us :grouphug:

[sundog]

88. sending good vibes andy

stay strong :grouphug:

[MrScorpio]

89. I remember the time we spent talking in January, Andy

I have to admit, I know more about after we met than before. But I knew that when we sat and talked about all things Bush, you were a cool dude. When I heard about the bad turn in your life, I thought that sometimes life deals some bad cards to good people. It's times like this when the goodness that you put out into the world comes back to in spades.

The love and concern for Andy that we all around here is part of that Karmic Balance.

We're all with you, My man. Get well soon. A hug for ya! :hug:!

[In_The_Wind]

98. His smile was genuine when he heard YOU sent him a hug !

:toast: Thank you MrScorpio :hug:

[meti57b]

92. "later this month" ... hopefully that means in a week or less.

I can imagine how unnerving that must be to know you have a major surgery coming up but not knowing when ... especially after an experience of expecting it the next day and it didn't happen.

I expect the surgery will be soon and will go extremely well. Hang in there Andy! Imagine all the good vibes, positive thoughts and prayers that are coming your way.

[fleabert]

93. You are going to kick cancer's ass Andy! FIGHT!

We believe in you, you have to believe you can get well to get well.

:grouphug:

[In_The_Wind]

99. We ALL want Andy to be well again.

Thanks :thumbsup:

[Piperay]

94. Best Wishes Andy...

I'm sending you positive thoughts! :hug:

[JI7]

96. best wishes to Andy

good luck and fuck the freepers and trolls. tell him not to concern himself with these things right now. just talk to friends and relatives and other loved ones while he is getting going through this.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

97. Healing Hugs to (((((((((Andy)))))))) n/t

[Tinoire]

100. Thank you. What a sweet and kind post!

Sending Andy tons of pink vibes

:hug:

[Melynn]

102. We love you Andy

You have fought so hard for us, now is the time for us to fight for you.

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[NoPasaran]

104. Hang in there Andy!

All your friends want you to beat this thing's scrawny ass!