Thank You for Your Patience
Sorry about the lack of posts lately. Things are kind of brutal here right now. A few specifics from yesterday:
- Susan has to start chemo again soon. While Susan’s cancer is under control in a lot of places — the tumors haven’t come back in her lungs, for example — we’re having a very difficult time with the cancer in her bones. So she has to start chemo again soon.
- Susan was supposed to start chemo the day after I leave for Leadville. Luckily, the doctor says it won’t affect things one way or the other to start a few days later. That’s good, because…
- The chemo Susan will be starting will be pretty nasty stuff. It’s a pill she’ll take five of per day, and the side effects sound worse than the symptoms of anything I’ve ever had. So I’m glad she doesn’t have to start right when I’d be going to Leadville; I couldn’t live with myself taking a vacation while she starts a very lousy round of medication.
- The chemo Susan will be starting will now begin on the eve of our 20th Wedding Anniversary. “Happy anniversary, Susan! Here’s something that will make you violently ill!”
- The chemo Susan will be starting will cost us around $500 per month. If there’s ever been someone who’s been grateful he has a blog that actually makes a little bit of money, it’s me. Between my ads and the jerseys, that new expense is covered.
- The radiation doesn’t seem to be helping. Susan isn’t doing any better with her walking. She can’t feel her legs, and they don’t want to do what she tells them to do. She can still get around with a walker, but only just.
I’m pretty sure there’s more, but I’m too exhausted to remember right now.
Can you tell I’m feeling kind of down right now?
Tomorrow
The thing is, I’ve got what seems to me to be a pretty funny post stuck in my head. I’m hoping to write it tomorrow (I was going to write it tonight, but this is about all I’m good for right now).
PS: There is actually one really good thing on the horizon for Susan — nothing to do with health, I’m afraid, but really cool nonetheless. The problem is, until / unless it really happens, I have been forbidden from telling anybody — not friends, not family, not anybody — what this potentially really good thing is. So I’m having to make do with just telling you there’s something good that’s on Susan’s mind, it’s big, and when / if I know more, you can bet I’ll let you know.
PPS: No, I don’t even know how soon I’ll know.
Comment by Hilary | 07.29.2008 | 11:23 pm
I don’t know what to say except my husband and I are thinking about the family Fatty and praying very hard for all of you.
Love from Anaheim, CA
Comment by Dorothy | 07.29.2008 | 11:40 pm
You and your family are in my prayers. Take care of yourself.
WIN Susan!
Comment by Clint | 07.29.2008 | 11:41 pm
Hang in there, guys. You’re gonna beat this.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Kingfisher412 | 07.29.2008 | 11:45 pm
You and Susan seem to be the epitome of grace under pressure. I will continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that you can get some comfort from the fact that so many people out here are sending their healing energy your way. Your blog is awesome, but your main job right now is to be there for Susan and we certainly won’t abandon you because you sometimes don’t have the energy or inclination to post. Take care of yourself too.
Comment by Jeff&Jenn | 07.29.2008 | 11:55 pm
Susan –
Hang in there! We are thinking about you everyday. Let me know when you feel up to firing up the kiln — I can come by any time you feel up to it. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
XOXOXOXOXO
J&J
Comment by Alex from ZA | 07.30.2008 | 12:26 am
I’m crossing fingers that the “good thing” is that Susan’s book is being published.
Good luck with everything.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Saso | 07.30.2008 | 12:53 am
I wish you both a lot of strength.
Comment by Pinkbike | 07.30.2008 | 1:28 am
I’m sorry to hear Susan has to do chemotherapy again. Really sorry. It does its job, though, as nasty as it is. You’re in our prayers, Susan and Fatty. Stay tough and a little cranky. Attitude is everything.
We continue to look cool riding around everywhere in our Win Susan/Fattygear jerseys. We keep you in mind all the while, sending good, healing thoughts and positive vibes from So Cal.
Sue and Tom
Comment by highwaymunky | 07.30.2008 | 1:56 am
WIN SUSAN!
Wearing my Fat Cyclist jersey with pride again today!
Thoughts and prayers for you all.
God Bless you.
Rob
Comment by buckythedonkey | 07.30.2008 | 2:04 am
In pink for you again today, with lots of love from London.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Born4Lycra | 07.30.2008 | 2:31 am
It’s just good to know that you know even if you don’t know when …… you know.
All the best Susan you to FC and team FC.
Comment by Swedoz | 07.30.2008 | 4:33 am
Good luck.
Hope the good thing happens, if anyone deserves something good it’s Susan.
Definetely don’t apologise – bloody hell – you have enough to do!
Comment by VA Biker | 07.30.2008 | 5:20 am
This continues to be one heck of a tough spot for Susan and whole Nelson family. Hang tough. Thinking of you all.
WIN Susan!
Comment by Anonymous | 07.30.2008 | 5:27 am
Positive thoughts headed towards team fatty central. Hope the good news pans out for Susan whatever it may be. I’ll be rocking the pink jersey on tomorrow’s ride.
Win Susan!
Comment by Mike Roadie | 07.30.2008 | 5:29 am
Wishes and blessings and all good karma to you guys, especially the Amazing Susan!
Try to enjoy Leadville, but pleeeease, plan to make your wife’s life as easy as possible for a while when you get back—best of both worlds.
The pictures are all in from LSC San Jose. As soon as I can get back into town and get through all of them, I’ll send them to Fatty……FC.com and Susan were well represented!!
Also, just got the invitation letter to this year’s Ride for the Roses, so thanks to everyone who has helped and participated. There is still time left to help if you want to: http://bayarea08.livestrong.org/mike
WIN
Unite
LiveSTRONG
Comment by Franky & Mer | 07.30.2008 | 5:59 am
Our thoughts are with you guys everyday. Good luck!
Comment by Joe L. | 07.30.2008 | 6:19 am
“Thank you for your patience”?
“Sorry for the lack of posts”?
You don’t owe us anything, dude – no need to apologize. It’s not your job to entertain the drooling masses. You have more important things to worry about than thinking of pithy things to write about on the interwebs every day.
Good luck to you all
Comment by Suze | 07.30.2008 | 6:22 am
My thoughts are, as always, with you and your family.
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by BurkeInTheOzarks | 07.30.2008 | 6:40 am
Don’t feel any pressure from us to post. We’ll still be here when you have time for us. Just hanging out. Drinking a little coffee. Checking e-mail. Chillin’.
Comment by ann | 07.30.2008 | 6:52 am
A generally sucky situation. Your children are learning about grace, about persistence, determination, self-advocacy, and the difficult concept of ‘rising to the occasion.’ You show them ways so many of your needs and wants are being met, and the power of a strong community of faith and friendship. And you are gracious enough to share it with the world. I hold you dear to my heart in prayer, as do thousands.
Comment by Thomas Brock | 07.30.2008 | 6:52 am
My thoughts are with you guys, Fatty.
Take the time you need to be with your family. We will always be here when you’re ready.
WIN Susan.
Thomas Brock
Comment by VTMavryk | 07.30.2008 | 6:55 am
Fatty and Susan,
Keep on hanging in there. I hope that this next round of chemo will be really effective for you, despite it’s horrible side effects. Susan, I hope this really awesome thing really is really awesome, and we get to see what it is soon. You deserve it. I missed the last post, so fatty, ride the superfly, you don’t need any more problems with your shoulder. Plus, it’s a really dope bike, and you should ride it as much as possible. I want one!
Win!
Comment by lady clay | 07.30.2008 | 7:02 am
Best wishes. Susan, you and the kids are much in my thoughts.
Comment by rz | 07.30.2008 | 7:03 am
Fatty and Susan –
No reason to apologize. All who follow your blog understand and are praying for you and your family.
WIN
Stay Strong
Comment by Lori | 07.30.2008 | 7:13 am
Still praying……….
Comment by EuroJoe | 07.30.2008 | 7:13 am
rz couldn’t have said it better….
WIN
Comment by Ka_Jun | 07.30.2008 | 7:42 am
Good thoughts and prayers being sent your way.
Comment by Mark | 07.30.2008 | 7:44 am
Well, it really sucks that Susan has to start chemo again but that cancer does need a kicking and hopefully this will help to show it who’s boss.
No need to apologise about the blog posts, they’re still nice to read whenever you get the chance to write them. More blog posts about how junk food is good for exercise would be very pleasant though :-)
Take care.
Comment by leroy | 07.30.2008 | 7:50 am
I don’t pray much, so I’m hoping that if I say a small prayer for you guys, the novelty of the offer will get some attention.
Win Susan!
Comment by NW | 07.30.2008 | 7:52 am
Still thinking of Susan and your family, Fatty!
WIN SUSAN!!!
Comment by montanapat | 07.30.2008 | 8:18 am
Thinking of you guy’s and wishing you the best.
Win Susan!
Comment by Hamish A | 07.30.2008 | 8:22 am
No more apologies, got it? Seriously, we’re not here to nag or make you feel obligated to post. You can post whatever you like as frequently or as infrequently as you want / need / can.
Prayers, love & positive thoughts coming your way as always.
Breathe deeply. Exhale fully.
WIN Susan!!!
Comment by regina | 07.30.2008 | 8:33 am
no apologies, thanks for the update, always love to read the funny stuff, always happy to wait for it. thinking of you guys,
WIN SUSAN!!!
Comment by KanyonKris | 07.30.2008 | 8:35 am
Did you select a scooter?
Comment by Daddystyle | 07.30.2008 | 8:58 am
Still thinking of you, Susan and the kids.
Hope the big news is her book or some other great news
Love from the Stanhope’s in Halfmoon Bay BC Canada.
Comment by Lowrydr | 07.30.2008 | 9:07 am
We know you know when to let us know what you know… you know. Now take care of that great wife of yours and all of our hopes and prayers are with you… you know.
Comment by KeepYerBag | 07.30.2008 | 9:11 am
Sounds exciting.
We’re still praying for Susan and your whole family, Elden. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the big deal goes through.
Comment by Caloi Rider | 07.30.2008 | 9:13 am
Hang in there, Fatty.
Comment by Tom | 07.30.2008 | 9:15 am
My heart goes out for Susan and your family. The ordeal is beyond my comprehension. May faith, hope and love keep you and shine on you in the midst of the storm. May you find calm and peace in the center of it.
Comment by Canadian Roadie | 07.30.2008 | 9:23 am
As always, my thoughts and best wishes are with you. I’m rockin the pink jersey every chance I get!
Comment by Lisa B | 07.30.2008 | 9:47 am
As said a dozen times already, no need to apologize, we all come here for your goofiness as well news about Susan and her continued grace under pressure. She’s amazing, she deserves whatever “really cool” thing you won’t tell us about (wah! :)) and a million times more. You’re all in our hearts and our thoughts.
Comment by SurlyCommuter | 07.30.2008 | 10:04 am
WIN Susan!
2:01!
Wore the Pink on my commute home Monday.
Comment by Philly Jen | 07.30.2008 | 10:04 am
I hope the scooter comes outfitted with some scooter pies for Fatty. If not, he should definitely pick up some in a show of solidarity (solidity, whatever).
I’m looking forward to reading (about) Susan’s big surprise very soon, and thinkin’ pink in the meantime…
WIN Susan
Comment by chtrich | 07.30.2008 | 10:06 am
Lack of posts?? You haven’t missed a week day since the 11th of July. That’s 12 days of posts. I see no lacking there.
Keep up the good work when you can. Take care of the family all the time!
Comment by Shiny Flu | 07.30.2008 | 10:22 am
My partner and I send our thoughts to you, Susan and your family all the way from Germany.
I’m looking forward to the day you title a post: “Susan Won,” till then…
WIN Susan.
Comment by Anne | 07.30.2008 | 10:29 am
You’ve got the whole world lifting prayers, sending postive energy and rooting for your family. Include mine as well.
Anne
WIN SUSAN
Comment by swtkaroline | 07.30.2008 | 10:36 am
/hugs
Comment by Beth | 07.30.2008 | 10:38 am
I keep hoping for REALLY good news for Susan.
WIN Susan.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Comment by Leslie | 07.30.2008 | 10:55 am
One of many sending good thoughts your way.
Comment by Maria | 07.30.2008 | 11:29 am
I really have no words except that you, Susan, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there you guys, and I’m glad something great is in the works…even if you won’t tell us what is.
Comment by pat | 07.30.2008 | 11:33 am
Fatty,
As just about everyone here has said, there is absolutely no reason for you to be apologizing. One of my favorite things about your blog is that it is real. I’m a no b.s. kind of guy and I say if you feel down you ought to be able to write about it without feeling sorry. Of all people, you are justified. I cannot imagine how awful it is to essentially have to stand by and watch the one you love most suffer in ways which you can’t fix. To me that would be pure torture. I’ll be praying for you.
Best,
P
Comment by bikemike | 07.30.2008 | 11:53 am
going to the mountains of North Carolina this next week. planning on taking some of Susan’s pain with me to the top of Mt. Mitchell and throwing it over the side. going to do some screaming and shouting for her too, just in case.
Fatty, take your shoulder pain and some more of Susan’s on Leadville with you and kick its bee-hind.
as always, God bless you both.
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 07.30.2008 | 12:05 pm
Is Susan getting a ride on that new space-tourism spaceship? That’s cool.
Comment by Heatherann | 07.30.2008 | 12:20 pm
OH the fun never ends does it? Violently ill! Lovely. Hang in their guys. My prayers are with you!
WIN SUSAN!!!!!!!!
Comment by kawika | 07.30.2008 | 12:33 pm
don’t worry about your blog or anything else. concentrate on the important things, although you seem to be very good at that. hopefully the chemo, despite the side effects, will be more efficacious than the radiation.
win susan.
Comment by Tammy | 07.30.2008 | 12:36 pm
I check back often to see how Susan is. Found your site awhile back via Pioneer Woman. Not a cyclist, but a horse rider. Different mode of transportation but same passion.
Sorry to hear of this new turn of events. Looking forward to hearing about the “good thing on the horizon…”! Blessings to all of you.
Comment by Uphill Battle | 07.30.2008 | 12:40 pm
Continued prayers for better days ahead. You guys could sure use a little tail wind. Keep turning the cranks.
Comment by Tim E | 07.30.2008 | 12:46 pm
Fatty -
I always assume that if there is a (usually small) gap in the posts that something is keeping you busy, and so far I’m always right. I mean heck, if it were my blog there’d be about one post a month…or less…because, unlike you, I don’t have that much interesting to say. Keep on posting when you can, I/we are always happy to hear from you, however often it may be. That said…
Chemo sucks.
Hope the really good thing really happens for Susan.
WIN Susan!
Comment by Clydesteve | 07.30.2008 | 12:54 pm
Still praying every day at 2:01 PDT.
Just got my invite to Ride For the Roses in Austin , TX. I am aiming for the Polka Dot jersey level ($20,000) by October 1. Currently at Green Jersey level ($15,000 of donations to LAF raised). IF you want to donate to LAF in honor of Susan, here is my donation site url: http://portlans08.livestrong.org/stevpete
See you there, Mike Roadie!
Comment by Lifesgreat | 07.30.2008 | 12:57 pm
No need to apologize. You have your priorities straight. You know we are all out here, rooting, thinking and praying for you and your family!
WIN Susan!
Comment by Sprite's Keeper | 07.30.2008 | 12:58 pm
Sending out positive thoughts and prayers that the “good” thing is better than you hoped and that Susan’s reaction to the medication is less than you feared.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Derek | 07.30.2008 | 2:06 pm
Fatty,
I rode your Tibble route for the first time this morning in my FC jersey. I thought it was an appropriate way to show support for you and Susan.
Keep up the fight! I have your family in my prayers.
BTW, you should receive a lot of good karma for taking care of that guy on Hog Hollow.
Comment by Roadent | 07.30.2008 | 2:12 pm
BTW, Lance doing Leadville:
http://beta.velonews.com/article/81072/paper-lance-armstrong-registered-for-leadville-100
Comment by tim | 07.30.2008 | 2:15 pm
just to echo joe l and lifesgreat.
Absolutely no need for apologies Elden. We love it when you post stuff but thanks to your unashamed honesty with your life situation we more than understand when you don’t.
keep the troops smiling and WIN SUSAN
Comment by judi | 07.30.2008 | 2:20 pm
Keep hangin’ in there. Thinking about you…..judi
Comment by Bill | 07.30.2008 | 2:38 pm
Hang in there fatty!
Comment by HP | 07.30.2008 | 2:46 pm
Oooooh, your sweet Susan is tenacious, fabulous and unstoppable. Win Susan!!
Cannot wait to hear her good news. Waiting with baited breath….
Comment by ian | 07.30.2008 | 2:56 pm
Fatty, you saw who you’ll be competing against in Leadville right?
http://beta.velonews.com/article/81072/paper-lance-armstrong-registered-for-leadville-100
Comment by bubbaseadog | 07.30.2008 | 3:00 pm
win susan, thats more important than anything else on earth for your family, i beleive in miracles and i hope yall do too. riding tour de pink this year just a one day 100 k road ride. prarie view texas,will ride for susan, ……bubba
Comment by Catri | 07.30.2008 | 3:58 pm
Each day, each moment is a victory for you all- and there is no such thing as a little victory.
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers-
Win, Susan!
Comment by Nancy | 07.30.2008 | 4:36 pm
Here’s a smile for you- someone asked my husband the other day if he was THE Fat Cyclist as he proudly filled out his jersey riding in the Seattle Century last Sunday. Hubby told the guy the real Fat Cyclist is a better climber. Win Susan, every day.
Comment by Tangerine9 | 07.30.2008 | 4:47 pm
You have your priorities, guy, and they are all in the right place. Hugs from Minnesota.
Comment by Susan | 07.30.2008 | 5:38 pm
Every day is a gift, and you’re not really required to share with us. We just all enjoy when you do. Keep the faith. Win Susan
Comment by Jaime O. | 07.30.2008 | 7:01 pm
Sending you all hugs and good thought for health, wholeness, restoration and peace. And awards to Susan for never caring if you ride.
Comment by Joi Gem | 07.30.2008 | 7:51 pm
Thoughts and Prayers are with you!
WIN SUSAN!!
Love from Seattle.
Comment by Joey | 07.30.2008 | 8:05 pm
It was through cycling that my wife (of 2 months) and I really grew together. We trained for our first century together and have continued to push ourselves everyday. My wife and I have become huge fans of your blog and hearing about your insights on cycling and life. I may have only been married 2 months but I hope and pray that I can be half the husband and father you have been through this very challenging time. Susan sounds like a very brave and courageous woman and her fight will always be in our minds as we push ourselves up those hills… Lets all push ourselves for the Fatty Family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers and Keep Fighting!!!
Comment by Undomestic | 07.30.2008 | 8:21 pm
I think about and pray for Susan and your family all the time. Her fight reminds me to never give up and to appreciate each day.
Comment by karen | 07.30.2008 | 8:43 pm
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Win Susan
Comment by Medstudentitis | 07.30.2008 | 9:20 pm
Susan,
I try to think about you every day. You, of course, especially come to mind when I’m reading my daily blogs. Each day I hope I will see some good news here. I’m still keeping the faith. Win!
Medstudentitis
Comment by Eloise | 07.30.2008 | 10:43 pm
I am really sorry to hear all of this, Fatty. My prayers are with your family.
Win, Susan!
Comment by Co | 07.31.2008 | 12:59 am
Maybe Susan’s going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Maybe Susan has an inside line on the lottery.
Maybe Susan’s going to be added to a veep list (no wait – that would be *NOT* cool)
Maybe Susan’s going to get to brag about her fabulous family on national TV, or be declared a saint for putting up with FC and his gazillion bikes for 20 years.
I can hardly wait!
Comment by Fatgirlskinny | 07.31.2008 | 7:44 am
I just wanted to let you know that my sister tuned me into your site and I’ve been following it ever since. We are walking in honor of Susan at the Susan G. Komen Race next month. We are team sista’s for the tata’s and our shirts say WIN SUSAN!
Comment by TomE | 07.31.2008 | 8:03 am
Lance is racing in Leadville http://www.velonews.com/article/81072/paper-lance-armstrong-registered-for-leadville-100.
Fatty – you should bring him an extra pink jersey to wear.
Comment by Gillian | 07.31.2008 | 9:03 am
There is nothing good about what’s happening for your lovely lady right now, and I can’t say anything that can help you except – WIN SUSAN.
However, if she’s feeling well enough, and if (as a Whedon fan) it is at all possible that she doesn’t know about this already, I wanted to make sure you knew about Joss Whedon’s latest doohickey – Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. It sounds hiLARious. I can’t wait to check it out myself. Something, perhaps, to distract??
Comment by Sara | 07.31.2008 | 2:32 pm
I’m very sorry to hear this Fatty. I’m thinking and praying for you every day.
WIN Susan!
Comment by White Hot Magik | 08.1.2008 | 9:32 pm
Just felt the need to comment, although I usually lurk. Don’t know what to say except, I am clicking on the page, and the ads and I am praying for your family. God Bless!
Comment by bobbieh | 08.4.2008 | 8:37 am
Sending some extra hugs for the both of you ~
Comment by abi | 08.7.2008 | 1:07 pm
I’m glad good things are potentially happening.
And I’m sorry to hear about Susan’s chemo that she has to start. I know it will be hard to take a pill 5 times a day that makes you feel horrifyingly awful. Susan is about 100 times stronger than most of us can ever hope to be.
Also, I love how Susan always has a genuine smile in pictures… I’m going to think about this whenever I whine from now on.
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