Popular Post JohnDi Posted August 18, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 18, 2019 Last week I got to fulfill something on my bucket list. I was able to spend a week taking a class with Chuck Bender working on a Massachusetts serpentine chest. Last August I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and when the shock wore off, the only thing that I could think that I would like to do would be to take a woodworking class with a professional. Thankfully surgery went well, and after 2 check ups since, no more cancer. While I was home recuperating I stumbled upon Chucks blog and saw that he had moved back to Jim Thorpe Pa. and was offering classes. The minute I saw the picture of the chest I knew I wanted to take the class. Had to borrow from my 401k to swing it but having just hearing a doctor tell me I had cancer I figured I can't take it with me. Chuck is one of the nicest people I have met. Very patient teacher, great sense of humor. And oh, an amazingly talented woodworker. We weren't able to finish the chest in the 5 days and Chuck graciously offer for us to come back on a weekend in November so that he could help us finish. Thank goodness because I definitely don't have the skills yet to finish the chest on my own. Just kinda wanted to share as I felt like this was a big step forward in woodworking for me and this was the first forum. I ever participated in. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted August 18, 2019 Report Share Posted August 18, 2019 I hope you get it finished and I hope and pray that your recovery continues in a positive direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 Sounds like you had a great experience. Glad to here the surgery went so well. Lots of woodworking in your future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 5 hours ago, JohnDi said: .Last August I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and when the shock wore off, the only thing that I could think that I would like to do would be to take a woodworking class with a professional. That has to be the sign of a true woodworker! Thankfully surgery went well, and after 2 check ups since, no more cancer. So glad to hear! Thank goodness because I definitely don't have the skills yet to finish the chest on my own. With your ambition and fortitude, you’ll be doing the teaching before long. Good luck to you bud! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 That's good to hear that after 2 checkups everything is well. I can't imagine how scary that must be. As far as the wood working class i feel i must say pic or it didn't happen . I hope you get a chance to go back and finish what you started. I also hope that you can share a picture with us of the end result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnDi Posted August 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 Thanks for all the encouragement. I have to figure out how to add pics from my phone. By the way, not to preach but.... Go get checked! I had ZERO symptoms. Most guys avoid the urologist because of the exam but it probably saved my life. The biopsy showed low grade tumor. The report on the prostate after surgery showed a more aggressive type of tumor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 I'm glad you're recovering. As for getting checked, My doctor is a PITA he wants to know everything about my body, but passes on getting his kidney stones taken care of. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 4 minutes ago, RichardA said: I'm glad you're recovering. As for getting checked, My doctor is a PITA he wants to know everything about my body, but passes on getting his kidney stones taken care of. How can your doc evaluate your health without asking questions and checking your systems? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick S Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 So glad to hear of your recovery. Not many things in life are as scary as hearing, "You have cancer." How great that you were able to take the course with Chuck. I have little doubt that doing so helped your recovery as much as anything else you did. When I heard those words I immediately checked off the first thing on my bucket list - get a dog. She got her own cancer diagnosis last January, but now has the all clear. We celebrated her 12th birthday July 4th! Keep challenging yourself. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Good to hear your recovery is going well. I’ve also always wanted to take a proper class. If I got a similar diagnosis my first moves would also be to take one. I agree that we need pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 1 hour ago, JohnG said: How can your doc evaluate your health without asking questions and checking your systems? My Dr. is also a woodworker and does beautiful work, but even when were just talking about wood, he gets medical on me. I understand it's in his nature to want to help everyone he comes in contact with, and I approve of that. I just wish he'd care for himself as much as he wants to care for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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