Saturday, April 4, 2009

First Blog

Dear Friends and Family,

My first Blog and entry into this website. As my dear friend Mike (Mikey) Deneffe has stated I have been diagnosed with cancer. I have a fairly rare form of cancer called Sarcoma. I  had a tumor removed in my leg a few weeks ago and my next step in combating the cancer will be chemotherapy - and a lot of it. 

Sometime around April 13th I will check into the hospital for a five day stay. I will be tethered to an IV machine for 5 days and then I will be let out of the hospital to recover for 2 weeks. This cycle will happen 5 times in total. God willing I will be done by mid-August. 

Mikey and I have been through a lot of "firsts" together as BB King once said "we go way back and we will go way forward" that is the type of positive attitude I hope to maintain through this difficult period. Thanks again Mikey for ushering me through this first blog and Mikey has assured me that nothing is ever posted to a blog that my grandmother couldn't read.

It is difficult for me to ask for help but I do need and want your support and prayers not only for myself but my wife and children. Thank you in advance. At times I have been referred to as; stubborn, aggressive, opinionated, single minded and judgemental - and those may be some of my better character traits. Hopefully those character traits will assist me in this upcoming battle. 

Thank you all in advance for your support. 

Love. Hank.


21 comments:

  1. Hank,
    Great first blog! You are a natural

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  2. Hank in there Hank. This is serious but you can beat it. We are all pulling for you. At the very least you need to make it up to my 55th birthday so we can all rock out to the Dave Clark Five together.

    Seriously, you have the kind of attitude and energy to get through this, and you are fortunate to have lots of people pulling for you, a lovely wife and family.

    Oh and did I mention my young son is named Harry Slade? I don't want to seem indelicate, but although he is only 1 he is pulling for you and naturally expects quid pro quo. I am reasonably certain I am alone among your many friends with a son named Harry, am I not?

    Mikey loves you and is pulling for you. Anything I can do, just say the word.

    Love
    Mike

    PS last time I saw Murph was at the concession stand at Autzen in fall 07 when the Ducks were *spanking* USC!!

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  3. Great job, Hank and Mike. I almost feel sorry for the cancer that foolishly picked you for its host. Kick its butt. Matt Anderton

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  4. I will be putting out the positive thought for you.

    Keep your head up and your smile broad; you'll smack this thing with your charm and perseverance!

    I'm here in the backfield for you if you need me to run some plays for you.

    JK

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  5. Henry, this cancer doesn't have a chance in your body. Between your stubborness and the love and support of all your friends and family, it doesn't have a chance. Although the battle ahead is difficult, the war will be won. We are all in the foxhole with you and
    the love is strong. You have fought some great battles, Council Crest,Sisters Rodeo, Santa Clara and always somehow came out on top. This will be your greatest battle and we know you will victorious as always. God love ya,
    Fuzzalini

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  6. Murph,
    You triumphed over the wrath of Harvey, so cancer should be a cinch. And as soon as your done with the chemo, I look forward to your helping me with some creative landscaping around the house.
    I count myself as a foot soldier in the army of those who hold you, Suzanne and your family in their thoughts and prayers. I'm at your and your family's service.
    Harte

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  7. Anything you, Suzanne and family need, let me know. I've got some spare battle gear. By the way, I'm still in search of your helmet size and may need to contact Suzanne to get it. See you in a few days.
    Rhett

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  8. Hank,
    Freshman year I remember you facing down some huge guy saying "you may be bigger than me but I'm crazier!" Just like then, I know you'll find a way to face this thing down. Cancer doesn't have a chance against you!

    Denise and I are behind you - 150%!

    bob

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  9. Hank: Sounds like you are taking the sane and prudent course which is reassuringly out of character. Take care of the groin, your friends have your back. John

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  10. Hank,

    We will be pulling for you from across the street. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you or Suzanne need anything. The boys and I will be happy to take on the lawn (and the Snapper) during your short recovery.

    The Fowlers

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  11. Hank,
    Just wanted to let you know that you can "count me in" as one of the many who will be keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. I believe you can beat this cancer and in doing so you will be an inspiration to us all.
    Hopefully they will be able to find enough nurses who will appreciate your Irish humor while you're- tethered up for five days at at a time. Remember not to use up all your charm on the first couple of visits, always leave them wanting more! Dan Kelleher

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  12. Hey Hank,

    If you fight this like Wyatt I'm sure you'll win. My thoughts and love are with you and Suzanne and your children. This is one of those times I wish was GOD. I love you.

    PS Let it be known that you are my first (blogging)!!!!!

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  13. Hank,



    Just a brief note to let you know that I’m thinking of you and was first advised of what was going on by a couple of our long time role models- Kevin Doherty and Buz. Needless to say all of us expect you to attend the Sisters Rodeo in June given that you were the instigator of this “special” event in the first place. Susie and Shelley want you back at the HUT ordering coffee soon.



    Dan Lacey

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  14. Hank, our best wishes and prayers from all your fans in San Francisco. Since there is no more "Fran Mullins Fan Club" I propose we start a "Hank Murphy Fan Club" and meet monthly at Ireland's 32 in SF. Once you've beaten this, we'll have you down and celebrate with a Corn Beef and Cabbage dinner with a few libations. Get well soon - Ed McGovern

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  15. Hank,

    Best wishes from your buddies on the Wrong Coast. Get well quick, and look forward to seeing you at the MAC later this year. Clay Kingsley

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  16. The Conrad Family is pulling for you. We love you, Uncle Hank!!

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  17. Hank we haven't talked or seen each other in years. Your Colorado connection Rich Director, who I see and talk with often forwarded the Blog. Having a great will and attitude along with the support of family and friends will give you the strength to help you through this tough battle. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I will pass this on to my Colorado and SCU friends that know you. Hang in there you will win and be stronger for it!! Mark Valente

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  18. Hey Hank,

    As a charter member of the newly constitued Hank Murphy Fan Club you should know that you will be in our heart and prayers. I am buying the first round at the Hut when you come down here for your victory lap once you have beaten this cancer. Best wishes John Bruno

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  19. Hank, sorry we have to reconnect over this development, but after reading your post and some of the great comments, I am reminded that things happen for a reason. Your challenge will be defeated, and what will remain will be the outpouring and acknowledgment of how many friends you have, and the feelings they have towards who you are. May God give you strength during your five day stay and after. Our prayers are with you and your family. Glenn and Cory Alfaro

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  20. Hello my beloved Hankster:

    We are ALL in this together, since none of us knows what tomorrow brings. I happen to know that you are one tough dude when confronted with something that needs a swift kick. So just know we are here for you day and night.
    Hugs, kisses, and prayers,
    Kathy Dodds

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  21. Dear Hank,
    Have faith that all of this positive energy HAS to be making a difference! We're sensing that there are many other "Go Hank" pep rallies going on everywhere. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily and we are always here to help.
    Much love, Jennifer & Brent Vondross

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