Greetings My Friends and Opponents, which are often times both!

     I wanted to apologize for my slow game play and last minute moves. I know it is frustrating for you when you are trying to clear games to get on to new ones. Therefore, I felt I should explain why things have been so slow as of late:

     I had been through treatment for head and neck cancer 18-24 months ago which was primarily radiation therapy with a little chemotharapy as well. Since the cancer was primarily in my neck, the radiation was directed into the region of the cervical vertebrae, even though the tumors were of th soft cell types. Unfortunately, the radiation caused very serious long term damage to the vertebran disks

     A typical vertebra consists of two essential parts: an anterior (front) segment, which is the vertebral body; and a posterior part – the vertebral (neural) arch – which encloses the vertebral foramen. The vertebral arch is formed by a pair of pedicles and a pair of laminae, and supports seven processes, four articular, two transverse, and one spinous, the latter also being known as the neural spine. In a nutshell, there has been severe damage to the disk's ability to act as a buffer. The vertebral column of the neck in pinching down on a number of nerves. It leaves me in blinding pain and, at times because of the pain, unable to write a legible sentence.

     I often have to go through periods of up to 72 hours of constant pain that actually makes me cry. On top of this, a close family member is dying and I have had to stand by and watch when normally, I'd be the one getting him better. This is all making me feel like an utter failure. I have MANAGED TO KEEP MY SANITY PLAYING CHESS. However, I am sorry I cannot play faster for those of you who need our games to be over. Therefore, I apologize. Thank god for this game or I would have lost my mind. I feel so helpless at the moment and at times very alone. Again, sorry for the slow games (and poor spelling/grammer)...... Hugh

sorry to hear that hugh :( i hope you find some effective pain managament soon.

Hey hugh ,I'm sorry to hear your unwell and suffering so much pain and your family member i'm sure is being looked after with the best care, you can do no more than seek the care they need and then leave it to the professionals get hope ou get well soon.  

Hugh, not to trivialise your real difficulties, but here's some advice that someone once gave me ...

Don't Worry
There are only two things to worry about: either you are well or you are sick. If you are well then there's nothing to worry about. If you are sick then there are only two things to worry about: Either you will get well or you will die. If you get well then there's nothing to worry about. If you die, then there are only two things to worry about: You will either go to heaven or to hell. If you go to heaven then there's nothing to worry about. If you go to hell, you will be so busy shaking hands with all your friends that there will be nothing to worry about!

Hugh, it sounds like you have nothing to apologize for, but I am sure (at least I hope) that I speak for everyone here when I say that your priority is getting your health back, and appreciating life for all it can offer you, even in your condition.  I will hope for the best for you.

I wish you all the best and get wellsoon

Hello Hugh,

Hang on. I will pray for you. Miracles still happen...

Hugh,

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well.  We hope you get

better soon.  Maybe you should dangle yourself a carrot.  A goal

to help ride out the rough times.  Like a new set of wheels...

the Hughmobile

If playing this game helps you in any way then feel free to challenge me anytime you need a game and play at any pace that works for you.

God bless.

Carrot II...

     Orange J Bomb