Jan "Pete" R Altman

[Jeff]

 a few forum friends had helped me with this earlier in the year, but I'm hoping that they, and many more can help me once again.  Its a simple thing. Just sending out a card or a note to someone that really means the world to me. He is a friend of the forum. Many of you have met him at Pig roasts, or on our infamous ATV trip in 2007.


Since I was 15 years old, my brother in law Pete (real first name is Jan) has also my brother and my best friend. This summer he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He has went through two months of chemo and radiation leading up to surgery yesterday at the University of Michigan Cancer center where they removed the tumor and his entire esophagus. They were able to use the parts of his stomach that they deemed to be cancer free to recreate his esophagus.  As of today, he is stable but in tough shape after a 7 hour surgery yesterday. He has a long road ahead of him to get well. Probably two weeks before he can even leave the hospital.  While he was going through chemo and radiation he stayed in Westland near Detroit with my Sister's daughter to be closer to the cancer center as radiation was everyday for 6 weeks and Ann arbor is 3 hours from Pete's home.  I drove down to ann arbor yesterday morning and was able to see Pete before he went in. My Sister mentioned to me after he went in, how Pete was so thrilled, every time he got a card from a forum member. To see what they had to say, and where the card came from. It was one of his bright spots during that time.

If Pete ever needed some bright spots, it is going to be in the days ahead, and I am hoping that the Forestry Forum will help flood his days with things to take his mind off of what he is going through. I really would be most appreciative if you could send him a note or a card to let him know we are thinking about him. I've created a page that you can only see if you are a member to get the address so it is not out there on the internet, as it is not his address, but that of my nieces. We can send his mail there again while he is in the hospital, and he and my Sister will be living there after for a period until the Doctors deem him well enough to go on home.

Thank you. I appreciate the help.
Jeff
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=address

[beenthere]

Will happily do that for Pete.
Wishing him the best in these real tough times, and prayers for him and his helping family as well.

I remember seeing Pete in a tough spot before, and here's to ya getting out of another one.



 

[MrPete]

Sure, anything for a fellow forum member.  Thoughts and prayers here for a great recovery but also to all of your family Jeff.  Things like this taking place in the family affects the whole family and friend network.  Godspeed to Pete!

[WmFritz]

Great picture BT. Is that a dry suit Pete's wearing under that flannel?  ;D

Pete gave me a sample of a secret receipe mineral mix for deer he makes at the '13 PR. They ate it up like candy and I need some more.

[beenthere]

Is that a dry suit Pete's wearing under that flannel?

For sure it is a wet suit... to the skin.  And he wasn't the only one with a wet suit. 

[goose63]

A card will be on the way Friday hope he gets better soon

[47sawdust]

Jeff,
I'll send a card in Friday's mail.Best wishes for a full recovery.
Your a good man,best regards.
47sawdust

[Chuck White]

Just as quick as I can get to town again Jeff!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Pete and the rest of the family too.

[sandhills]

Thanks Jeff, I've never had the pleasure to meet Pete but a card will be on the way.

[timberlinetree]

We will send a card this weekend. Does he need anything else like books,magazine,etc? Our thought   & prays are with Pete and his family.

[Reddog]

Gave the Mrs's a note to please pick me up a some cards.

Give Pete and Linda our best in the mean time.
And thoughts to Jeff and your family as these things emotionally affect everyone around the person.

[thecfarm]

Simple thing is right. Glad to help. We all will have something wrong with us someday too.

[SawyerBrown]

Good idea Jeff!  Will get something out today if I can find a card, tomorrow at the latest

[luvmexfood]

Never met him but will get one next trip to town. Jeff how many forum members? I think a good goal would be for a thousand cards. Imagine that many taped on a hospital wall.

[SawyerBrown]

luvmexfood has thrown out the challenge of 1000 cards from the FF for Jeff's BIL Pete, who is recovering from esophagus cancer, to blanket his hospital wall(s) and keep his mind occupied.  (See "A Small Request ..." at the top of the page).  What do you think, ladies and gentlemen, can we do it?

[sandhills]

Yep 

[Lazy logger]

I'm In.

[SawyerBrown]

Well, were 0.3% of the way there already!  That's better than the interest I'm earning on may savings account!   :

[Andries]

I'll be mailing a card this PM, it's a small gesture of support for the FF Family!

[Roxie]

I'm in

[Corley5]

Got a card for Pete last night.  It'll go out Monday

[Caloren]

Card, and prayers, sent.

[Jeff]

This weekend they were able to remove some of the tubes from Pete. He has had a feeding tube since September when the tumor had closed everything off that has fed and hydrated him. He still has the feeding tube, but for the first time in almost 4 months, he was able to actually drink a small amount of apple juice and some water. Tomorrow they will do a Barium swallow test and a scan to examine the work they did, basically check for leaks, and if all checks out, they may begin to introduce soft foods (jello like).  8)

[sandhills]

Great news, "since September" is an awful long time for anything!

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

The medical field is really amazing to be able to do procedures like Pete's.
I'd say a miracle.