FAREWELL my friends! Updated 1/19/17

[Wannabe1]

Well, official results are in, I have Multiple Sclerosis(MS). Doc says the amount of lesions on my brain are abnormal for someone my age and we have settled on a treatment. The lesions on my spinal column, which are what caused my last major attack, are also pretty significant. As those of you who have followed along know, my body did not fully recover from the last attack and I ended up with issues with my arms. I can't even string a bow, nonetheless shoot one, due to the weakness in my left arm and had to sit this season out. Turns out, the issues are permanent and will not go away so, my Trad journey is over. I am now starting a new journey in my life and since the disease affects everyone differently, my wife and I have been learning and reading a lot on it. There are only about 400,000 cases in the US and 80 something percent are women.

So far, I believe the VA is going to cover my treatments so, we settled on the latest called Copaxone. I will have to have injections for the rest of my life to slow the progression of the disease and slow brain shrinkage. My spinal fluid is inflamed and my doctor is concerned of another attack so, trying to get the treatment started asap.

Due to the severity of my last attack, I move slower and live 24/7 with the pain in my arms. I am giving up the hunting life all together. I tried to grouse hunt about a month ago with a buddy of mine and couldn't hold my 20ga. steady to even shoot. Not to mention it was hard to lift.

I really want to thank Terry, Curt, Rob and all the staff at Trad Gang for the decade of fun, learning, sharing and being able to be apart of this great family! I really enjoyed the journey!!        Thank you to all the great friends I made over the years, though I never got to meet most of you, my campfire will always be open. (yes, I will continue to camp if possible)     :D  

So, with all that said, and my last bow hung up to be passed to my son, I bid this great family farewell. May your journey's continue to be bountiful, and your arrows true to the mark.

Your friend and still a Wannabe1, TW

[Chad Orde]

TW,  I hope you can find peace with your desease I have never gone through anything like what you are so I don't understand how you must be feeling. I pray the Lord heals you and you find understanding in your struggles. I would have a hard time with what you are going through we all would and we will all miss you. Anything I can do to try help shoot me a PM.
Chad

[A.S.]

TW, I send prayers and wish you and your family all the best.

Allen

[Tom]

TW, May God wrap you in his arms and give you and your family comfort through this difficult time. You may not be hunting anymore but no reason you can't join us at the fire. Take care and good luck with your next journey.

[Paul Cousineau]

My dad had MS. While, I can't understand your physical pain I feel like i have a good idea how MS affects a person abilities to live an active life. My father was a farmer, it was difficult watch him slowly become unable to do what he loved. I'll be praying for you.

[MR BILL SHORTY]

       

[Green]

God Bless you TW, and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.  Please update us when you can.

[Alexander Traditional]

Sorry things didn't work out T.W. I will keep praying for you.

[soap creek]

Prayers for you.  

[Ray Lyon]

Good luck with your treatment and your new path in life.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

TW, I always enjoyed your posts. Best of luck with the treatment, you will be kept in my thoughts and prayers.

       

[Big Ed]

Best of luck with your treatments. Just because you can't shoot anymore doesn't mean your not a Traditional Archer. Hope you hang out with us and chime in and teach the lessons you have learned.
Prayers to you and your family,
Big Ed

[Blueridge]

TW, God is " Healer" will be praying for that. Always enjoyed reading what you had to say - always positive and upbeat. Thanks and God bless .

[59Alaskan]

TW:
Your trad journey may not be marked with trophies on the wall, but when it comes to bringing others along with your written word, your journey is filled with dozens or hundreds who have benefitted by your posts, poems and stories.  All of us here on TG have been blessed by the time you chose to spend here.

My sister has an aggressive case of MS.  You are right.  It affects everyone differently.   She was on a fairly grim trajectory of progressive attacks.  Copaxone has done wonders for her and DRAMATICALLY slowed the progression for a long time.  She was diagnosed over 20 years ago now.  As you know, Copaxone is no cure, but for many folks it really helps.
All the best TW. Thank you.  You have given us quite a bit here on TG.  You are always welcome here.  We are defined by what's within

[Hermon]

We will keep you in our prayers.

[RAGHORN 3]

Many many prayers sent for you and your wife...      

[Mudd]

Abba Father please wrap your loving and healing arms around this child of yours and give him comfort.

I ask in the name of your son Jesus.

Thank you!

So be it, God bless,Mudd

[KentuckyTJ]

I hate to hear it Brother! My prayers are with you and your family.

[awbowman]

Prayers sent.

[Bud B.]

Well that just plain sucks.

Thank you for taking the time to update us, but please know, as others have said, your trad journey can continue through the sharing of your knowledge. There are many who sit around a campfire that don't shoot or hunt. The fire circle is not complete without them. This fire circle is not complete without you. But above all you must do what's right for you.

God's mercy and healing will to you.