I found out this week through the grapevine that my great friend Hank Murphy has been diagnosed with cancer. Wow...wake up call. I talked to Hank on Wednesday night (April 1...fools day it wasn't) The type of cancer he has been diagnosed with his a soft tissue version which affects the muscles. So far he has had two surgeries in his right groin area to remove tumors. The doctors say they got it all, but want to put him on an extensive chemotherapy schedule to mark sure. This will start in the next couple weeks.
Hank was his usual self depreciating self, but I could tell his is scared. He vowed to "fight like hell" and said he is most worried about the extra pressure this is putting on Suzanne and the family as he will be laid up for a while.
I encourage you to post your thoughts and encouragement to this blog. I am working to get Hank used to the process and once he does and this blog is broadly distributed, think it will be a great way to stay in touch, keep informed and offer encouragement and support to Hank and the rest of his network.
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Dear Harry,
ReplyDeleteWhat a crazy turn of events...this journey we call life is never dull! Some of the joys of life are sometimes found in our greatest struggles and challenges. Look for the humor and the learnings, there will be many...
You are such an strong, wonderful person, with an incredible family and amazing friends. This challenge will make you even stronger.
The Doherty clan has you, Suzanne, Teya, Teddy and your entire wonderful family in all of our prayers.
We love you a ton and are sending you much strength and energy to fight this.
All our love, always,
Thalia, Kelly, Kendall, Morgan, Cailin, Conor
P.S.- Jonny Knoxville is moving into our hood, he's got nothing on you!!
My friend Harry, we all have many thoughts running through our heads on what this must be like for you. We are behind you 100% and can only hope and pray you kick the crap out of this. You are not fighting alone, your wonderful family and questionable friends are fighting along side of you. We love you man!
ReplyDeletekelly
Hank-
ReplyDeleteHey, the Maguires are thinking of you and I am sorry that you will miss Jazz Fest here this year. Benets are calling you. So, next year-Definitey.
We all love you Hank and will do whatever we can to support you during this process.
I will see you in June when I go to Caitlin's Graduation from Oregon University.
Love-
Dennis, Ashley, Caitlin, Molly, Wilder and Jack.
Hank,
ReplyDeleteWe are all thinking of you and your family. I know that you are a fighter and will be here for you.
Love Amy,Greg,Michael and Kate Lowes
Hank....aka: Skinny FLAT 20oz Latte Boy~....
ReplyDeleteShelly and I are sending you amped up caffeine hugs and well wishes. Send Suzanne in anytime for your USUAL Drink...it will be filled with great thoughts and positive vibrations! You have everyone in your corner...and you have always had the EYES of a fighter!!
XO
Susie Lewis and Shelly Kennedy...
The coffee chicks @ Cup of Jo
Hello Hank,
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking about you and wishing you the best...Go Hank!!! Let us know if we can be of any assistance...
Chris & Dave Dodge
Hey Hank,
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can beat this you can, you have that fighting Irish spirit, and a heart of gold. Stay positive and think of all your good time with friends and family. We all love you and want you around!! So, fight like hell and laugh a ton and visualize your well being. Let me know if I can do anything or help. Wishing only the best for you and your family!
Sonja
Hank:
ReplyDeleteWhat news! It's a shock, but after the shock wears off, we're left with determination and support to get you through this. You've obviously got plenty of both. Get well soon...we still have a few motorcycle rides we've yet to take.
Oskie
Hank-
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a wake up call for all of us. Know that the SF contingent is keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Irelands 32 in September. You'll be better soon.
Carey
Hank, you have the whole Doherty Clan praying for you and your family. Keep the faith lad and that stubborn, beligerent, positive attitude we know so well.
ReplyDeleteSlainte, Brian and all the Dohertys
Hanky Panky - You've always had a flair for getting our attention, but enough already! You have an army of people that love you and are praying for you. When you get through this mess we will all be much better off and have an awesome appreciation for your friendship and lfe in general. Keep fighting baby and we'll see you on the other side of this challenge. Lots of love - Noodles.
ReplyDeleteHey Hank,
ReplyDeleteHad breakfast this AM with Kevin Doherty and Mouse Davis and he told me about your blog. I had just heard about the cancer yesterday.
I talked to Rorie last night and you are in our prayers, mine won't do much good, but the ole Nun's prayers should be perfect.
Can you drink in the hospital?? Probably not, but it sure would help get through all the stuff!! Tell you what, I will drink, and I hope that it does some good for you.
Hank, you have always been one of the best, and I look forward to seeing you soon. You make me smile just thinking about you and the funny stuff you say.
You keep going, and we will keep praying!! We can do it.
Denny Ferguson, and Rorie too!!!!
Hank-
ReplyDeleteAs you embark upon this recovery trail, rest assured - the Leonard Family is firmly in your corner. You know that my Parents (Delight and Dick) have always held a special place in their heart for their “Loveable Hank”. My Mother refers to you as her “Talbot Rascal” and my Father still tells the infamous Parakeet story, at Portland Heights Parties.
But now, more than ever, you have a special bond with Delight and Dick. Delight, now 77, had advanced breast malignancies at age 45. Dick (now age 79) battled off a case of bad-boy prostrate tumors at an early age. They fought off the big “C” and you will too! The MAC Club in Portland may have a 15-year waiting list, but Dick and Delight assure me that the (PCSC), Portland Cancer-Survivor Club, has a membership ready and waiting for Harry Murphy. At this moment, in reading this, I’m certain Suzanne is trying to envision what you’ll no doubt look like at 79, but we are all quite certain that you’ll still be making us laugh!
On behalf of Dick and Delight, Chris and Kirsten, Peter, Courtnay, Brittany, Whitney, Colby, and Saundra – we hereby write this recommendation for what will be your all-but-certain acceptance to the PCSC! Peter