That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Just wanted to let my friends here, know that I re-visited my doctors a couple weeks ago... My cancer has indeed returned. I am scheduled to have another scan in February and meet with doctors then, I probably will have to have more chemotherapy but other than that I don't know many details... and to be quite honest... I don't really care what they are at this point. I've fought the battle before... you know- the been there... done that... sorta thing. I already know what is ahead of me. Yes, It sucks!

I know some of you are truly interested in my health and I appreciate that greatly. Please rest assured... Cancer will not win without a fight.

Unless things change... "Brain" Hayden and I will have a booth at Mr. Craig Dori's Indy Circle Track Expo January 31st. So, I hope to see many of you then... Please stop by and talk your BS. :D:O:

Take care.

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Bill,hate to hear that,but I know if anyone can beat it you will.Have my own "C" problem so know what your going through.Will be praying for a complete recovery.

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Really sorry to hear your news Bill, life is sure not fair sometimes. Will keep you in my prayers. Keep up the strong fight!

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Not again! Bill I've prayed for you occatonallly even when you were diagnosed clear. These will not stop.

Get well.
Chuck

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

The amazing thing about you, Bill, is that each time you've been visited by this terrible disease, it seems like you've been more resolute than you were the time before. Your saga has been a profile in courage and I have no doubt that you'll eventually beat this thing, my friend.

Jerry

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Bill,

You're in my thoughts and prayers. I know you are strong and can beat this.

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Originally Posted by Bobv:
Really sorry to hear your news Bill, life is sure not fair sometimes. Will keep you in my prayers. Keep up the strong fight!

Thank you... I completely understand the thought of life not being fair sometimes... but I have to be honest here... Cancer has been the best and the worst thing to happen to me in my life. I know, some of you are saying how in the world could someone say that cancer is best thing to ever happen in a their life. Well, I will share... It wakes you up... It makes you realize that the stupid trivial things we all ***** about each and every day are really not so bad. It makes you appreciate your family and friends more. It makes you cry. It makes you laugh. It makes you try harder. It makes working seem not so bad. It makes holidays mean so much more. It makes you appreciate the smell and burning eyes from the exhaust of sprint car, I can go on and on.

While I admit... It sucks that I have to deal with this but as I've stated above... it has given me a greater appreciation for the simple things others take for granted.

Bring it on.:wink:D

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Originally Posted by Jerry Shaw:
The amazing thing about you, Bill, is that each time you've been visited by this terrible disease, it seems like you've been more resolute than you were the time before. Your saga has been a profile in courage and I have no doubt that you'll eventually beat this thing, my friend.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry... My name and courage together. More like crazy. Or Nuts... well, nut.:rolling:O: :wink:doh:

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Bill, I almost feel sorry for the cancer that has returned, but not quite. You are that strong.

It's tough enough dealing with it in my family, with my mom. But she is almost 77, and has had the chance to live a full life. Since she first was diagnosed in '96 she has outlived 5 siblings, 2 of whom were younger than her. She has seen her grandkids grow up, get married, etc. She has enjoyed the company of the Swordman many times. And she says that she wants to stick around for #2, who is due in April. I'm not betting against her. But the folks at hospice say that we need to be spending time with her as much as we can, because she is getting to the point where she cannot take care of herself very well. So my wife and I have been spending nights at her little apartment 3 minutes from here. (Jerry Shaw, you may have driven right by it, Fairington Apartments.)

Tough enough for one that has lived a long time, but for those like Bill, and espeically the kids like Andrew, we do note that life isn't fair. Maybe it isn't meant to be, but we are human and we do have these expectations at times.

Bill, I do hope you whip this disease and that no matter what, cancer will know that messing with you is no bargain. Have faith that God will not bring onto you any more than you can handle.

And all of us, who all have our own trials on a daily basis, will send up a prayer to The Boss in your behalf. :thumb

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All of us at Denny Johnson Motorsports will be praying for you. Sounds as if you have a great attitude. We hope everything works out.

Nick, Denny, Tonya, Hannah & Sherry Johnson

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The first thing that came to mind was SH$t, we are on your side as always. If we can do anything at all please let us know.

Jerry, Sarah, Paul and Josh Spencer #66j
www.joshspencer.com

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Originally Posted by Bill Gardner:
It wakes you up... It makes you realize that the stupid trivial things we all ***** about each and every day are really not so bad. It makes you appreciate your family and friends more. It makes you cry. It makes you laugh. It makes you try harder. It makes working seem not so bad. It makes holidays mean so much more. It makes you appreciate the smell and burning eyes from the exhaust of sprint car, I can go on and on.

While I admit... It sucks that I have to deal with this but as I've stated above... it has given me a greater appreciation for the simple things others take for granted.

Bring it on.:wink:D

That is quotable right there Bill!! If there is anything i can do to help you get through this please let me know, you will be in my thoughts.

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Keep up the battle Bill. My brother has been battling for 3 years now and he's going back to work next week. Everyday they find breakthroughs in cancer, it's amazing. My brother wasn't supposed to make it and he looks better than ever. (he's still ugly though, lol). Never give up! I have a good feeling you'll be around for a ton of years to come! :respect:
David.

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Originally Posted by Bill Gardner:
Thank you... I completely understand the thought of life not being fair sometimes... but I have to be honest here... Cancer has been the best and the worst thing to happen to me in my life. I know, some of you are saying how in the world could someone say that cancer is best thing to ever happen in a their life. Well, I will share... It wakes you up... It makes you realize that the stupid trivial things we all ***** about each and every day are really not so bad. It makes you appreciate your family and friends more. It makes you cry. It makes you laugh. It makes you try harder. It makes working seem not so bad. It makes holidays mean so much more. It makes you appreciate the smell and burning eyes from the exhaust of sprint car, I can go on and on.

While I admit... It sucks that I have to deal with this but as I've stated above... it has given me a greater appreciation for the simple things others take for granted.

Bring it on.:wink:D

Bill, I am sorry to hear that your cancer has returned, you remain in my thoughts and prayers for a full recovery. Positive attitude is one of the keys to beating this disease, an you sure have that kind of an attitude.

Cancer in my family has also taught me a greater appreciation for life and to cherish your family and the friendships you have.

Hope you have a great holiday season!

Patti

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Bill,

Your attitude and perserverance against this is amazing. Keep it up and you will win!

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Bill, I normally do not lack for words, but at this time I'm at a loss for the words to properly convey my thoughts. Thanks to your IOW and its predecessor, I've met you and several others I like to think of as friends. Take care of yourself, and continue to fight the good fight. See you at Dori's deal.

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Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you...as a fellow multi-time 'c' fighter (although my was only thyroid cancer...about the most treatable form), I feel for you, and am very encouraged in your positive attitude. Keep it up and you'll kick the crap out of it again. ;)

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Bill.I dont know you but Ive seen it with my grandmother.She had breast cancer and got thru it and not 2 months later was told she had lung cancer.That has been about 4 years ago now and she is still here.I will keep you in my thoughts and never give up.

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Bill,

I am so sorry to hear of the cancer returning. As others have mentioned, a positive attitude is essential in battling this dreaded disease. I don't need to tell you that as you have been through this before. It seems it touches everyone in some degree or another. I hope and pray that your battle will be short and that better days are ahead.

You are so right that you appreciate times with family and friends more. Holidays are special but when someone is battling cancer each and everyday is special. Keep the faith and I hope to meet you someday at the races.

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bill as some one playing the cancer game now myself i know just what your words mean (as long as i get up each day its gonna be a great day) no matter what the weather,work ,rumors ect it does have a way of putting everything else in life in its place god bless stay strong bp:respect:

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Hey Bill, thanks for the up front info on your condition. I love your "get in it's face and tell it to F.O." attitude. I've been dead a couple of times, and I think I get it. Stay stong.

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Bill

Fight the good fight. A positive attitude is the #1 thing to have

I really enjoy your message board, there are a lot of interesting things being discussed here.

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I pray for those that are ill everyday and your name has been on that list quite a while. I guess I just need to pray harder. God be with you, Bill.
Tom

Re: That nasty word called CANCER.
 

Originally Posted by Bill Gardner:
Thank you... I completely understand the thought of life not being fair sometimes... but I have to be honest here... Cancer has been the best and the worst thing to happen to me in my life. I know, some of you are saying how in the world could someone say that cancer is best thing to ever happen in a their life. Well, I will share... It wakes you up... It makes you realize that the stupid trivial things we all ***** about each and every day are really not so bad. It makes you appreciate your family and friends more. It makes you cry. It makes you laugh. It makes you try harder. It makes working seem not so bad. It makes holidays mean so much more. It makes you appreciate the smell and burning eyes from the exhaust of sprint car, I can go on and on.

While I admit... It sucks that I have to deal with this but as I've stated above... it has given me a greater appreciation for the simple things others take for granted.

Bring it on.:wink:D

Quote of the year right there, folks!

Bill, I have had the honor of meeting you and I could tell from that one meeting you are a fighter. You will fight this valiantly..... and the Gilbert family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I, as well as others, have faith that you will once again beat this down.

The one line I will take away from your post and remember is this:

"It makes you realize that the stupid trivial things we all ***** about each and every day are really not so bad."

Take care of yourself. I look forward to seeing you in January!

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Originally Posted by Flatrightrear:
I pray for those that are ill everyday and your name has been on that list quite a while. I guess I just need to pray harder. God be with you, Bill.
Tom

Bill I cant say I ever met you but i can say Ilove your messages about racing and I would like to let you know I will very faithfully be PRAYING for you, my wife went to heavan 5 yrs ago bad sickness but you got to FIGHT GOD BLESS you friend, Butch Wilkerson#1

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Bill, I have never met you, but promise to pray for you. I have lost a lot of my family to that disease. I pray you will stay strong, and I appreciate the hard work you have done on this website to bring race fans together. God Bless.

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Bill, the Stevens family will be thinking of you and praying for you. Thanks for this wonderful site that let's us vent our petty frustrations, bicker, and or praise those and which we deem praiseworthy. It's entertainment for a slow evening and obviously a good release for some of us.

Craig Stevens

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Sorry to hear the news Bill but hearing your positive attitude is something that will stick with me. Your never give up take on this is very admirable. Like you said "bring it on". :respect:

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Bill, We are praying for you. Your strength and attitude are such an inspiration. Thanks for bringing us back to reality.

The Cottle's

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This was surely not what I wanted to see when I logged in here today, but, I am very impressed with how you are dealing with it. Truly as one who has been there, attitude and faith is EVERYTHING!!! You truly look at every single little thing differently. It makes your life so much richer. I know that sounds crazy but it is SO true. Bill, we will be praying for you to continue to stay strong and to have the attitude of a champion. God will help you beat this thing. He is still in the miracle working business and I think he has another miracle in his bag that has Bill Gardner's name on it. Keep us posted. We truly do care.

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Remember , one foot in front of the other and don,t give up. I'll be praying for you.

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Bill,

I am sorry to hear this. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I certainly appreciate all the hard work you do on this website and I hope to meet you someday.

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Bill, you are always in my prayers and I will keep you in them!
PS I'm sure you have heard this (and are probably tired of hearing such things) but take lots and lots of Vitamin D!
Good luck and please keep us posted!
And thanks again for this great website! I would be totally lost without it!

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Bill, don't know what I can say that hasn't been said.Keep fightin Brother we are all behind you and praying for you.

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Best wishes from all of us at Leaders Edge.

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Originally Posted by Jerry Shaw:
The amazing thing about you, Bill, is that each time you've been visited by this terrible disease, it seems like you've been more resolute than you were the time before. Your saga has been a profile in courage and I have no doubt that you'll eventually beat this thing, my friend.

Jerry

I can't say it any better than this. Keep up the good fight my friend. We will be continuing to send prayers your way.

Gregg and Mary.

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I can't add much to the words expressed so well here by so many others. All I know is that you've kicked C's ass before and I have no doubt that you will do so once more. Just know that like all your legion of friends, we'll continue to pray hard for a fast and this time complete win.

Keep diggin' racer.

Marv & Judy

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Bill you are in our thought and prayers. You have such a great outlook. Keep fighting!

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Originally Posted by FishBurger:
Keep diggin' racer.

Marv & Judy

Marv, I'm on the cushion and hard on the throttle. The pucker factor is a little tight at times... We all want to know how many laps we are going to race. I've ran 37 laps so far... so I won't stop until the flagman throws the checkered flag.:wink

Thanks everybody!

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Bill,

I saw in the entry blank that this race had no distance. So I've got the checkered flag hidden away. You are in our prayers.