Just as I predicted, Dave is now at the City of Hope in Duarte. His room is private, has its own bathroom, TV/VCR/DVD, plenty of chairs. His food is served by a staff member in black pants, white shirt and tie – “what is this, room service?” I asked. Hopefully soon they will ok visitors. By the way, he’s in
City of Hope
1500 Duarte Rd
Duarte, CA
Room 8507A
His spirits are still great; sometimes a little annoying (he wants treatment to start right away even though the doctors want to continue some tests to make sure the treatment is appropriate). This sounds silly, but they still do not know for sure where the cancer is originating, or exactly what type of cancer it is. I guess it’s been less than a week since they knew it was cancer, so I’ll admit to being a bit impatient myself.
The City of Hope has a great method of treating patients. They do a team approach so all of the experts are on hand at once to determine the best way to approach the problem without being shackled by a lack of information from one discipline or another. And I have a feeling they don’t like to fail so he is in great hands.
Some have asked if there’s anything they can send. Other than your thoughts via this website (he now is getting a little demanding of me to print them out and bring them over to read), DVD’s or VHS’s of funny movies would be a good idea. It will occupy his “down time” and make him laugh. I think there’s a lot of truth to the “laughter is the best medicine” adage. It’s certainly helping us family members through this.
Last night he asked Judy to make some notes for me to include in this blog. I guess that I forgot to tell him that I work alone, and, what does he think this is, Open Microphone Night at the local honky tonk? Is there no respect for creative talent? The writer’s strike going on, and all.
Yesterday afternoon, while at Verizon Wireless securing a modem so my laptop (and God-forbid, eventually his) will connect to the internet without having to find a wi-fi hot spot, I get a call from Judy that he wants to know if I have a tape recorder so he can record his thoughts?
A tape recorder? Record your thoughts? Who are you, Elizabeth Taylor? Well, I got him one so world, prepare yourself. And don’t say I didn’t warn you. Was I supposed to put batteries in it? Darn.
Thank you again for reading this. If you’re new to it, it reads the most recent posting first and it goes back to day one in the very back. And please feel free to make a comment. Or two. Or three! Dave lives for it. In fact, I got a call at 6:30 this morning from him (he convinced the nurse to call my cell phone) to make sure I would print out any new messages and bring them in.
Here Dave, here’s an M&M. It’s yummy! I know it might look like an Ambien CR but that’s probably just the poor lighting. Eat up!
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39 comments:
Hi Dave!
Honestly, if the situation was not so serious I would think I was watching the launch for a new sitcom!!
It is no wonder that you have beaten the odds before- your writing partner is nuts (Sorry, Joe. It's merely a technical terminology) and your friends and family are amazing. Even God has to be chuckling right now.
In fact, this may be pathetic but I can't wait for the updates each day- just to see what rebellion has taken place in the 24 hours since.
Yes, I will get a life.
Which, by the way, is my point. You have a wonderful life- oooohhh what a great thought for a movie- and the world is so much better with you in it.
We have never met but by gosh, I feel as though I have known you for years.
If the comments and people around you are any indication, I have truly missed something.
I do look forward to meeting you on my next trip to CA and unless you want me to see you in those glorious hospital pj's- do they still have the open back????- I would suggest "getting going" on getting well.
Seriously, meeting for the first time in pajamas in edgy- and it sends a Hugh Hefner message. Now if I was a Playboy Bunny it might not be all bad however your heart might have issues, starting a whole slew of other problems. You see how ugly it could be.......
You are in my prayers- and I know a Bishop or two myself!
Hugs and love to you and all of your family-
Christine Dern
P.S. Don't eat the M&M's- trust me.
Dave,
Just a note to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. That goes for your family ... the local support group as well.
We missed you in Louisville, but know that with your take charge positive attitude we will see you back in your familiar role next year.
Your friend,
Mike McKay
Dave,
Just a note to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. That goes for your family ... the local support group as well.
We missed you in Louisville, but know that with your take charge positive attitude we will see you back in your familiar role next year.
Your friend,
Mike McKay
Dear Dave:
Our family is praying for you. We explained to our children that you are one of our favorite people! Don and I are looking forward to seeing your smiling face again at Legatus, and hope you get back in the saddle at the Alisal next Mother's Day. You are a wealthy man, with so many friends and family praying for you, storming heaven to give you strength.
With love from
The Campolo Family
Mr. Altman,
My name is Jennifer Dugan. I am Judy and Rick Hiser's daughter. I am sitting here reading your blog and finding it hard to believe that I have never actually met you, even though my parents have worked for you for the last 10-15 years. I hear about you all the time (yes, my mother LOVES to talk), but she always has NOTHING but praise for you!!!! You are a strong man with an incredible support system and I have no doubts that you will beat this cancer with a vengence. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers!!! As I'm sure you know, Rick and the crew will be holding down the fort in Colton and giving you something to smile about :)
Josh send his prayers your way as well!!
Take care,
Jenn and Josh Dugan
Dave,
You must be pretty special to Joe for him to give up one of his Ambien ( I mean M&M..... ). Since I'm your favorite, especially over Joe, I'll read you the comments. Joe may be editing them anyway and not letting you see all the good stuff. He thinks this will all go to your head. Keep at it, and reach over and whop Joe upside the head just because. You know he's done something to deserve it, even if you don't know what it is at the moment. See you soon.
Hugs and Kisses,
D.
Dave,
My father and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We all missed seeing you at Louisville this year. We don't get to see you much these days so we missed not being able to chat for a few minutes this week. Joe certainly appears up for the blog task. We thought he was good at reporting on the RV world but it appears he can crossover to the medical world just as easy. Like others have said people everywhere were asking about you. Get well soon from your friends at Alpin Haus.
Andy Heck
Hello Dave,
This is another voice from the past. Way back to the Orizaba St. apartment days in Long Beach.
This is Arthur, Lupe's son.
Mom and I are sitting here enjoying a cup of coffee, and taking in the entertaining way that your support team is helping you through this challenging time. We just recently found out about your ensuing battle with cancer and hope and pray for your speedy recovery. You can thank Sharon Busch for that. If my memory serves me, you will find a way to get through this, and you'll do it with style.
I'll keep my mom posted as she is marginally computer illiterate. Mostly because she doesn't have one yet, and she says to say hello to Marla
Take care,
Art
P.S. I don't know if this is something that has already been considered, but there is some new research being done in Canada on a chemical compound called DCA (dichloroacetic acid). Supposedly very effective on certain cancers including brain and lung. Please google (dca cancer treatment) for more info.
God Bless!
http://chemistry.suite101.com/blog.cfm/dca_new_cheap_cancer_treatment
Hi Dave, I just wanted to take a moment to say hello and to let you know that myself, my family and my church will be keeping you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
We serve a mighty God and nothing is impossible in his name! He loves you! Keep up the good spirits and humor... laughter is a healer of the heart! May the joy of the Lord be your strength!
The people writing on this board are some funny characters and that should help some with the laughter!
God Bless you Dave!
Ron Rasmussen
Good Morning Dave, Joe is having way too much fun with this blog stuff, and with the writer strike he's just liable to get an offer. This network is expanding daily and you never know how far it could go.(Joe a celebrity??? How could we live with him.)
You're Prayed for. Love $hugs JOJO
dearest Dave & Marla,It sounds like you are getting restless? You know you still have that journal from the trip to write and also the pictures !! Oh my goodness Dave, the PICTURES ! I want to come out there and plug my chip in to your laptop and show you mine too...I got a really cute one of you on the top of the hill in Athens amidst all the ruins, and there you are with the cutest grin on your face :-) That little 10 yr. old boy shining through ! I sent it out on email to my church family so they can all see who they are praying for ! Jody and Yves just emailed me and said they and the girls are praying for you several times a day and reading the blog for updates too. I have to tell you, when I called Phil and told him I read on the blog about the cardinal coming to visit you he said..."oh my goodness !! Dave really IS someone isn't he?" 'more than we realized, ' said I.....Well, I am hugging you right now, can you feel it??? Hoping to be able to visit you soon, and bringing you the movie WHAT ABOUT BOB ? because it will for sure make you laugh! But ! Have you seen it, because you once told me you only watch a movie once...perhaps you will view this one a second time because truly it is funny! xoxo Lorikins aka LK xoxo
Dave...Now that I finally figured out how to post a comment....this is Dick and Linda Graven (Judy's FIL and MIL). Want you to know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. You are truly blessed with such a loving and crazy family. Hopefully the hospital staff will be as patient as the rest of you are impatient.
Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Hi Dave!
Just want you to know my prayers are with you, and if there is anything I can do for you, I would count it a great honor.
You've been a freind to me, and I don't ever want to forget that.
Joe is cracking people up with his comments, and I think that is great. Your attitudes are contagious.
Don't ever give up, and God's blessing, and his will for your life be upon you.
Watch some funny movies, and laugh a lot!
In his love...
Steve and Sandy Plemmons
Dave,
I just want you to know that all my prayers are now focused on you and you getting better. You will beat this Dave - you have such a positive outlook on life and that attitude will keep you strong. I look forward to seeing you next summer as we still have a golf date!
Take care,
Debbie Oberender
Dave,
It was great seeing you yesterday, holding your hand and talking about future golf and gin games. Lucette & I are still planning on the Altmans joining us on upcoming the Hawaii trip. So buddy you have a little work to get up to speed for that.
It was good news to hear you had been moved to the City of Hope. It is a great hospital and now we know you will get the BEST care to help you along with your recovery. You can be sure your family and friends will let the doctors know they are caring for a VERY VERY SPECIAL PERSON.
We hope that you have advised the staff that peanut butter is one of your major food groups and that you will be much easier to tolerate if they keep several jars around.
What we want to know is how you are going to handle the multitudes of friends wanting to visit you. Will it be like going to Baskin Robbins on a hot summer day where we will have to take a number? Just in case, we want to put our reservation in for one of the first numbers.
We are waiting for a blog from Joe letting us know that you are telling everyone (including the doctors) what to do and how to do it. Take care of yourself Dave, we looking forward to visiting with you soon.
Love ya………… Steve & Lucette
Hey Dave,
Glad to hear that you got your own comfy room. Just wanted you to know that your on all of our minds here in Colton. Keep up the good spirits and know that you will get through this. Joe said that you liked comedies. I'll see what I got in my collection and maybe send something with Justin. Get well soon, we all miss you.
Joe Morales
p.s. Sarah wanted to know if we should send the popcorn machine. In case you feel like a snack.
Hey David - Donald Bain here:
I'm sure by now that you have received best wishes and prayers in all most every conceivable way, so I'll take different approach.
Thinking about how your life is reflected in Psalm 37, I like this
paraphrase:
He shall bring forth your
righteousness as the light and
your justice as the noonday...
It is because you have lived your faith, many around you - and I count myself among them - are able to pray unabashedly.
You have another set of challenges ahead of you and I know that you will take them on with the verve that you have shown us in the past.
Your "team' is ready to help in any way that it can - just call out our names.
Dave,
You should feel honored because this is my very first blog. In fact the very first time I ever played golf was with you. I know you can't forget that! If it wasn't for the Dave Altman rules of golf I would have retired that day.
Dave I want you to know that myself and everyone at Richardson's RV is praying for you and your family. I'm very honored to have you as a friend. Please know if there is anything I could do for you or your family, not to hesitate to let me know. Joe and Denelle that goes for you too.
I pray for your speedy recovery,
Steve Richardson
Dave,
What are you doing? You're supposed to be taking cooking lessons and traveling all over with Marlene. Dr.Hamad unfortunately is in Spain .She's going to be upset that she isn't here for you. They'll be back next week. For now my prayers are with you and your family. Please keep your good spirits up. I know you aren't ready to leave us yet.
alicia
Hi Dave-
This is my second attempt at leaving a message. The first try was as successful as your attempts to sell me an RV. Ouch! Did I say that?
So when are we having that quarterly investment meeting? I can picture you rolling your eyes heavenward (Joan-of-Arc-like) as I whup out my 25-page performance report.
Seriously, dear friend, you are sorely missed. Marty, the girls and I punctuate our dinner grace every evening with a prayer for God's blessing you and getting you back to your family.
See you soon.
-Bob Birgen
Hi Dave, Like one of your other friends this is my first blog ever. Looks like all the love being showered on you by those that you have loved will be more than enough to put you over this hurdle. (won't get you any strokes on the course though) So hang in there old friend, my prayers are with you. Craig Alexander
Hey Tall Man,
I never knew your brother was so goofy. He almost makes you look normal. (by the way Joe, I'm the choir director for the Saturday 5:30 mass, and Marla is in my choir. Dave is an honorary member.)
You are in the best place you can be right now (of course you already know that). Just 2 years ago, Sally Metrie was battling colon cancer that had gone to her liver. She was is stage 4. Today you would never know she even had cancer. She looks better than she ever did.
I wish I could have seen the look on peoples faces when the guy with the red hat came to see you at San Dimas Community Hosital. Do me a favor, and if Johnny Depp decides to pay you a visit, PLEASE call me.
I guess God wanted you to take a little break and spend some quality time with him. One year I had pneumonia three times, and spent a lot of that year in bed. Once I let go of the cabin fever and accepted the lack of mobility, I really did spend a lot of time talking (and complaining) to God. It centers you and makes everything else (like sunsets and birds singing) so much sweeter.
Hope to see you soon (when they allow visitors).
Much Love,
Barbara
Hi Dave,
Don't know if you know who I am but this is Kevin Maxwell and I work for Bert at MBA. I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking everyday and praying for you every night. I have only had the pleasure of saying a few words to you over the years at RVDA and RVIA, but your such a respeted figure in the RV Industry and you have been very nice to me on the few times that we have met. I have had the opprutunity to work with Joe a little bit over the years and I thank him for preparing this forum for all of the persons who are so concerned about you.
Mr. Altman I look forward to the next time we met at RVDA and I get to shake your hand and say the words "Welcome Back".
DAVE,
I WANTED TO DROP YOU A QUICK HELLO AND LET ME KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT YOUR RECOVERY AND SEEING YOU ON THE GOLF COURSE AGAIN SOON!!
SINCERELY,
BRIAN WILKINS
WILKINS RV, INC
BATH, NY
Hi Dave and Marla!
We were shocked to hear that Dave is sick! I was just thinking about you and thinking how great Dave looked in Vegas. I was so happy to see him and I wished we could have seen you, too, Marla.
We just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Knowing that you are the king of bounce-back, we have no doubt that you will beat the odds again.
It sounds as if you are in great hands. We would be lucky to have the parish priest visit us. Man! The Cardinal! You have it made in the shade!
Keep on keepin' on!
Lots of love,
Marty and Kathy
I have waited to send you a note of hope and prayers. Not that I have not prayed for you when I heard about your situation. I just could not put my thoughts down to convey how much you have meant to me and many other lives you have touch.
I worked for you in the Carson store for about 5 years and still in the industry. It was always a pleasure when you visited the store and you always said hello and greeted all of your employees with the greatest smile on your face. I thank you for that. Your in God heart, in the hands of the best medical team, and in the prayers of all the lives you have touch.
I am trying to think of something to say about Joe and jab him in the ribs but just not enough room on this blog for that. I do miss your wisdom and all of the Altmans RV family.
Hi Dave ; We are praying for you every day . I know you have a great support group around you (well except for Joe) and most of all you have your faith in God to help you through these struggles in life . You know how to handle adversity, you are after all in the R.V. business and that means you start every day with adversity of all kinds so this will be easy to beat. I would like to suggest that you should make Joe dress like the rest of your hospital staff, you know black pants, white shirt and a tie ( you would have to show him how to tie it!!) I missed you at Louisville . We talked about you at our meeting and I looked over to where you would usually be sitting right in the middle of the room, talking about what you would see coming up for this next year. You and Marla are great friends and Jeanette and I will continue to pray for you both daily. Oh I almost for got. Joe, I think it was Page 30 Line 2 that you are supposed to be focused on !! Joe thanks for the updates. We read them every day.
All the best,
Dale and Jeanette
Hi, Dave,
Harold and I just heard about you being in the hospital from Joel Rose yesterday. We read through some of the messages on your blog and from the sound of it you are in great hands and have lots of friends and family (and others) making sure that everything is running smoothly for you.
When something like this happens we are reminded to be grateful for all the blessings we have in our lives. Harold and I try to focus on what's important in our lives, which means lots of time with family and friends.
It's been awhile since we have seen you and Marla, but it seems like only yesterday. Ever since Harold retired from the dealership we have been traveling around, finding all the great golf resorts to play. We have missed those trips getting together with all our friends in the RV Business, though!
Since we saw you, Harold has become quite the golfer, playing at least 4 times a week. I have been playing more golf this year, too, but I still have a high handicap. I just won my 'flight' a couple of weeks ago. I was feeling so good about my game that I suggested Harold and I play in a 'couples tournament'. What was I thinking? We only lasted 6 holes!
Harold and I sponsored David Rampy this year through my Silk and Satin Record Label. We raised money for the Children's Miracle Network and visited the children in the hospitals during the year. David won 5 races this year for a total of 67!
Last year I recorded an album of standards in Nashville and Las Vegas called THIS TIME AROUND, which I am sending you. I hope you enjoy it.
Obviously, you are not the kind of person they can keep down for very long. You have a challenge ahead of you, but you have a lot of support and love around you, too, so get well soon!.
We will keep up with your progress through the blog. We look forward to seeing you and Marla again. Maybe you 'boys' can play golf, while Marla and I compare musical notes!
Lots of love and prayers coming your way.
Harold and Sandy Stout
Hey Uncle Dave,
I was saddened to hear about this illness a week or so ago. Then it struck me, this is Big Dave we're talking about! You aren't gonna let this get you down. This is what it is: another challenge. You've tackled a few of these and come out on top. Know what? You've shown me we are made and made better in meeting our challenges.
I've told friends about you, your love for life, and this temporary new situation. They are all praying for you. I have to say, it lifts me up to read this blog and know so many are keeping you in their prayers. I know it lifts you up too. Dave, you've always helped me through your words. Thanks for always being a supporter of mine, and encouraging me to persevere down the road that is life, not just coasting from one day to the next, but towards a higher purpose, always moving forward.
I'm looking forward to seeing you again! It's been too long, and right now a trip to California, away from the frozen midwest, is mighty tempting. Expect me to show up sometime. I'll let you know when.
Michael
Hello Bossman. I have sent a few
short notes on AOL. Hope you are getting them. I sure you know how we ended up November by now.
Had a good day today and sold 3. 32
Voyage, 07 Vista and used Mini. Jans mothers brother worked there for years and always said how great
it is.
Bob & Jan Lacy
Dave, We are thinking about you and you and Marla are in our prayers as well. Since Sue and I are right by the Hall of Fame if you need anything let us know. We had a good Louisville show and missed you all there. Usually the buzz is about new floor plans, ect. but the buzz this year was about you. Since I am part of the Altman dealerships so many people have asked me about you and Marla.By the way Joe has ordered all of our new floor plans and after I told him about our show success he wants 5 of each at each dealership and is looking to buy some property to house our overstock because he is afraid he will be selling so many it will take a while to get them in from Indiana so he needs a place to store them. I understand he has told Winnebago the same. No wonder we both had great shows. Joe is the man. I will be sending you a Christmas CD so you can remain in the Spirit.You are a man of faith and God is with you. Take care of yourself and let Bob Lacy know he has to sell the Damon's on Saturdays as well. Bill
Dave & Family,
We're thinking good thoughts and praying for you. Get well soon, we miss you at the Club.
Bob & Cathy Bray
Dear Dave, My Former Favorite Client and my Dear Friend,
Shhhh, please don't tell Steve R. about the "favorite" part. I received the news about a week ago and was sad and concerned to hear that you're in the hospital. I spoke to you 2 days prior to Thu. and was looking forward to hear about your annual big trip with Marla and to see you in Louisville. Well, you should know that Louisville was not the same without you!
Dave, I'd like to publicly confess that when I had an appointment to meet you the first time about 7 years ago, I was intimidated because I was new in the business and meeting the Owner of Altmans Winnebago. Being the person that you are, your commments/greetings eased my fear and it has been a fun experience since then. I am very honored to have you as a friend and am sure many people feel the same way. You are an amazing individual!
Please know that I think about you, Marla, and the rest of your family and pray for you often. I ask God to put extra dosages of healing power upon you and give provisions to the medical team to bring you back to good health.
I look forward to a visit with you, but understand that many others would like the same when visitation is available. So, I'll check with Joe first. By the way, Joe is doing a fantastic job in keeping all of us updated on your condition and I appreciate his sense of humor.
I'll continue to keep you in my prayers as I know they work. May your spirit stay uplilfted and know that God loves you and has control of your situation.
BTW, this was my first blog ever, and know that you used blog before on your prior trips, so you're much more technologically advanced than me!
Mylene
Dave:
Glad to see you have moved to City of Hope. Best place in the world for you right now.
Your really need to give your brother a break tho. He is a saint for putting up with you. Thanks for keeping us updated Joe it means alot to all of Dave's friends here at VVCC and elswhere.
Jim and I will keep you in our prayers and will continue to keep an eye on your progress./
Diane and Jim Curtis
Hi Dave,
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am certain that you will beat this and come out even stronger and better than before.
To say the least, you are BLESSED with a loving, supportive family and countless friends. I am grateful for knowing you and am proud to be one of the soldiers in your army helping you fight this battle.
With Admiration, Respect, and Sincere Gratitude for all that you've done.
Doug Oneilin
Hi Dave,
It's Mama Mia & "The Rock" sending you some Christmas cheer and molte amore....."When the moon hits yhour eye, like a big pizza pie, that's amore...............that's amore!!!
When you get out of the "Ritz" you've got a homemade pasta dinner on me buddy, deal?
Take care and know our thoughts, prayers and love go with you.
Ciao-Rocky & Berni Rodriguez
Hi Dave,
I work with Steve Graven in North Carolina and he gave me the link to your blog. We here in NC are also praying for you and believe that through your strength, faith, and with God’s help, you will overcome this. I read a quote recently that comes to mind as I write this:
“When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” – Helen Keller
Through the touching thoughts I have read here, clearly you have impacted so many lives and only God will know how many have been touched through your life. We pray that God will honor your faith with healing so that you can continue to share His love with others.
Tell Judy we send our love and prayers.
God Bless You.
Jay Gammon
Hi Dave!
Just been inform and I want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keep up the positive attitude that we all know you have.
See you soon.
Pierre and Micheline Briglio
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