After 4 days of discussions with Fed-X, all the moderators and a dear few friends on this site, Ken and I have written this together, not without shedding a few tears together...

One too short hour after we met for the first time on Tuesday, Ken and I got some dreadful news. We are VERY concerned with telling you this truth, but at the same time, worried about all of your reactions, because we KNOW how well-respected, and perhaps even LOVED, Ken is to many of you. First, a little "history" before the news...

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I am in Anaheim, at Ken's home, for the next few weeks. I flew down from Canada, very quietly, on Tuesday, Feb. 11. TEB saw me off in Toronto, and Soul Sliver picked up Ken at his house, and then proceeded with him, to pick me up at L.A. airport. We did it this way, intentionally, and you'll see why in a moment.

Since it was Valentine's Day yesterday, we didn't want to ruin it for everyone. BUT, for the romantics amongst you, we'll let Soul tell you what our first meeting was like. She tells us that she was so moved by us meeting, that she cried. But, to tell you the truth, we never even noticed, for we were too enraptured in our own private world.

But as I said, Ken and I had one hour of breathless bliss, in Soul's car as she drove. Rest assured people, that the GOOD news is that this IS a lifelong relationship; no ifs, ands or buts!

But, that euphoric bliss was very short-lived, because Soul, Ken and I then proceeded directly from the airport to a doctor's clinic, to get some medical results from tests Ken had done, two weeks earlier.

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I do want to take a moment to bow with deepest respect and gratitude to Soul. Three weeks ago, Ken called me mid-afternoon, not in the best of shape, feeble voiced, and in deep pain. And he passed out cold, mid-conversatiion. Since I was in Canada, I could not get an ambulance for him, and could not find his sister either! So, I called Soul. She flew, from 2 hours away, to Ken's house, without any thought to what she was going to find there.

The next few days, TEB, and a few other members sat vigil by long-distance telephone with me, until we were sure Ken was o.k!

We got him into a doctor's office a few days later, for a "checkup" of various things. Blood work was done, and a few days later they called him to "Get back into the office!" Again I was on the phone to Teb, Soul and, Bella, We convinced Ken to WAIT until I got to California, for the test results. I WAS FRANTIC, getting tickets, passports, time off work etc. Again these people listened to all my fears and neuroses!!! And of course, it was going to be the first time Ken and I met face to face!

As someone who works in the medical field, I'd KNOWN the test results since last August, for I recognized all his early symptoms, most clearly. Ken, though, believed with all his heart, that he was perfectly healthy. Thus, I ALSO KNEW he would go into shock if he heard the news alone. So, I told him "Ken, if everything goes well, we'll be able to celebrate wildly together. And if it goes badly, you'll have your very best friend beside you, when you hear the devastating results." So, he agreed, fully expecting a wild jubilation for Valentine's Day!

So, Soul, agreed once again to help, by chauffeuring Ken and I home from the airport, and the doctor's afterwards. She also knew what I believed the results would be, and she too worried it might not be good news. So, together we bullied Ken into letting her do this, because we didn't think he'd be in any shape to do so himself.

People, TEB and Soul can tell you. I PRAYED SO HARD that I would be able to shout in the streets of Anaheim that "YES!!! I WAS ABSOLUTELY WRONG!!!"

Unfortunately, I was right.

Ken has just been diagnosed with Hepatitis C.

We have been hunkered down together, these last few days, crying and talking, and assessing what this meant for our relationship, and really, we just needed some time to catch our breath. Fed-X, here's where we get to say "Bless your heart forever, also, David". And Monica and Bella, also, for allowing us this confidential, private time.

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We have talked at length, and we both strongly feel that as co-moderators of the Hep C forum, constantly asking people to come forward and TRUST US to tell us if they are Hep C positive, it would be hypocritical of us to keep Ken's diagnosis hidden.

On the other hand, we both know that, this truly might be devastating news for some of PTO's members.

So this is what WE NEED, NOT JUST as moderators, but as a husband and wife who've just received a terrible medical diagnosis. And we will need you people to give this to us, if you so choose.

1) We need NO PANIC! For we need to remain calm, and methodical ourselves.

2) We need messages of STRENGTH, NOT PITY, for that will weaken us.

3) We need NO WEEPING! The last thing we have the energy for right now, is to find ourselves in the role of consoling others with "Don't worry. We'll be fine".

4) We need people to understand that since both our spouses died of Hep C, we KNOW this disease, and are not as in shock as most newly-diagnosed folks. We know exactly what we are in for, here! Yes, it seem insurmountable, but we PLAN TO FIGHT this beast, with all of our UNITED might.

5) We need our committment and love for each other to be RECOGNIZED, and AFFIRMED, and RESPECTED. This is a battle he and I will be fighting together, for I am NOT going to abandon this man I so deeply love. In fact, Ken's sister and her fiance, HIS two kids, MY son, and he and I are a batallion. He will NOT be doing this alone!

6) And we especially need people to recognize that HE IS JUST AS HEALTHY TODAY as he was last week. The ONLY thing that's changed is that we now have a big, scary, medical word that will whisper itself into our ears, from hereon in. Ken is NOT dying, and so long as I have any input into his life, THIS VIRUS WILL BE BEATEN INTO REMISSION LONG ENOUGH, until scientists find a CURE!! So, we do NOT need people to act as if he is alreay half dead! He may well live another twenty years, then keel over from a heart attack instead!

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You people all know that Ken and I are VERY defiant, stubborn and strong people. We think we can display those attitudes from now on, in the Hep C Forum. So, if PTO ALLOWS KEN to be the strong man that he is, and PTO ALLOWS ME to be the fiercely loving woman that I am, people may learn how to be so themselves, for their own Hep C afflicted loved ones.

So PLEASE, do not weaken us in any way with pity, tears and such. Instead, please celebrate our love, as you all have done all along. And feel free to tell KEN of your love for him! The most surprising thing for me through all of this, is that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU, as you have found out this news, you tell me, "Oh, Ken did this for me once. And Ken did that for me." So, this is a great time to tell him what he means to all of you!

In fact, I made him smile his beautiful Irish smile this morning, by saying "Ken, I hope ONE THOUSAND WOMEN say "I love you" when we tell them this!" PLEASE everyone, help me to fill him up with ALL your love, and all our hope!

For Ken and I believe we can beat this virus! But it will be a mighty battle that will endure for several years!

This is what we need. Not panic. Not weeping. Not morbid speculations about some damned "percent chance" he has of surviving.

KEN IS 100% ALIVE TO ME, and he will remain so, every day of his life!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

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Ken, my dearest, I KNEW that I loved you months before we ever announced anything about us, here at PTO.

Now, in these last few days, after witnessing your tenderness, your solicitude, your love and your gentleness towards ME, that is in all your words, gestures and your very breath, this love is so affirmed in my heart. It is an absolute privelege and honour to be allowed to love you, Mr. Connor! Thank you for all of your trust, Ken.

All My love,
Your wife,
Your Menolly

I don't know where to even started. I know in my heart that together you and Ken will pulled through this with flying colors. The Love the both of you have is amazing!
Ken if you only knew how many times I have talked to you on this screen. By reading one of your post and saying you got it or right on Ken or something like that.
From the first post I saw of yours I thought what a great person, so open so honest. Then when you and Menolly came out of the closet I thought this is a perfect couple to compliment each other.

Ken you are very much Loved and respected, more then I think you even realize.
This will be beat, I'll tell you of any two people in the world if I was fighting something I would want Menolly and Ken on my side......Not that is a fighting and winning team.

I Love you Ken and Menolly.....ok 999 more to go..:)

Hugs, prayers and much Love to you both.
softie

I love ya Ken. You been by my side many times dealing with someone and those problems. You are one in a million and you have one hell of a woman there by your side.
We are here to help you both. We will fight with you till the end.

I love you both

Ken and Menolly,

My strength and support is here for you both, but you already know that. Whatever it takes!

Be positive of mind!

Strength, hope, adoration, love, courage...you both possess all of these wonderful traits. And you have all of mine.

I just keep thinking - the two of you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for allowing me to fight this battle with you - my sister and my brother, WE WILL WIN.

Ken & Menolly,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My husband received the HVC diagnosis just before Christmas, only we knew nothing and believed the nurse when she told him there was no treatment, no cure, no hope, and death was imminent. We know that's not the case at all, but not before a thousand tears and worries came and went.

Do you have enough test results to make a decision about treatment? We are waiting on the results of a viral load test (which the prison has managed to screw up 3 times!) before we decide about treatment.

Please keep us posted. We care!

Adversity is what shapes us. We do not get to who we are with out it. This is not the first fight Ken has fought, nor will it be his last.


"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world." Hellen Keller

Menolly,This is better than saying it behind your back, OK, Ken I do love you, in fact I love you both....Your in charge Marine.You give it hell!!!!

You are right, my dear. He is so open, and so honest. When I came here, I was all prepared to find out how many things he'd exagerated, and such, since this was an "Internet Romance". NOPE! He is EXACTLY what he portrays himself as.

He says he's gonna fight this vehemently. I told him we HAVE TO do it together., and I can't feel like I'm fighting on his behalf, by myself. Interferon therapy is AWFUL! But, he says, "Yup, we'll try it."

Since we both had previous spouses who had this disease, we KNOW how this will progress. And we both know whatever we do to fortify his liver, NOW right at the beginning, will extend the time, that science needs to find that cure or better treatment!

This is not going to be like a 100 yard dash. It will be a long, sustained marathon type of battle. But we are ready!!!

Thank you for your love, Softie!

All our love,
Menolly

You also, thank you for your love YESTERDAY as well as today!

We felt so bad that you guys were getting the idea yesterday that we were getting married in Vegas! We just needed to "play" a little, but then we thought "Goodness. If we get everyone's hopes up for such GOOD NEWS, then deliver THIS news" well, it just seemed cruel.

So we had to tell you, despite having decided to ruin NO ONE's Valentine's Day. We're sorry for that.

See? You are another who says "Ken's helped me so much in the past!" How wonderful it is for me, to find out that this very kind man of mine, is a zillion times kinder than I ever realized! What a GIFT that is to find that out!

Thank You, Lulu (and thank you for crying in private last night, and not revealing this to anyone!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

P.S: That thread we had going yesterday REALLY did make us laugh! You and Kimla were getting SOOOO EXCITED! hehehehe...

Oh Teb!!!

Your absolutely pure LOVE for us both, has sustained us over and over from the beginning!!!

YOU ALSO KNOW what we are facing here. It's not fair, is it? DAMN!!! Oh well, we'll use your research skills, as time goes on.

How's the weather up there in Canuckland?

Oh, Kenny is sitting right here, and wants to tell you, he took me out for Phat Thai, at lunchtime today. It's pretty good, but we only had the mild version. He says, he plans to work me into the spicy version gradually!

All our love,
Ken and Menolly

P.S: TEB, you WON'T beleive what he is doing here at the same time as I am answering these. He's GRADUALLY shaving off his beard, into a goatee, then just mustache etc. We're "exploring" his various "looks", and taking photos of each. You'll have to help me pick his best look, because they ALL look great!. HAHAHAHAHA

Danielle my Warrior Sister!

ADORATION? Oh, YOU BET!!! HE IS GORGEOUS! He'd sent me photos where he weighed more than he does now, so that's what I was expecting. But he's tall and slim...mmmm mmmm mmmm!

But adoration is not the true test of a commitment, is it?

When faced with adversity such as this, It IS as you said, about strength, hope, love and courage.

And YUP! We've got lots of that!

But then, we don't have to tell you about any of THAT! For it is the same that you and Wayne have.

Girl, we're gonna fight for BOTH these amazing men, TOGETHER, you and I!!! We'll have to exchange photos of them. Then we'll exchange recipes, like true sisters do!...hahaha

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Oh Bookgirl.

So! Are YOU ready to join this battallion of Warriors? What is your husband's name? You'd better write to him, and tell us we're amassing a brigade!

Ken's just said, in response to what you guys were told about "no treatment, no cure, no hope and death is imminent" (and this is a quote from Ken, sorry) "What a f***ing a**hole THAT doctor was! Imagine saying something like that to a guy that's locked up!"

That is EXACTLY why I wanted Ken to wait until I arrived here to go with him to the doctor. I KNOW that's what many doctor's and so-called-professionals say too this diagnosis!

Luckily, we both knew going in there, that such horse droppings are NOT TRUE!

All we've got so far, is MULTIPLE EIA (antibody) tests. Our first challenge is to get him MEDICAL INSURANCE. But, a few members here are helping us get the paperwork done for that! Once we do that, we will of course, get his ALT levels done, and a Viral Load done. But, we think we'll forego the genotype testing (What for?) and the liver biopsy, for awhile. It's kind of a risky procedure.

As for treatment, well, we've already started him on a regimen of:

MILK THISTLE,
ASTRALAGUS
DANDELION ROOT
TUMERIC
GREE TEA LEAF EXTRACT
SCHISANDRA

as well as a good multi-vitamin, with LOTS of (EXTRA)

VITAMIN C
VITAMIN E
B2
B6
B12
FOLIC ACID
ZINC
SELENIUM
COPPER
MANGANESE

I'm listing the actual combination for you, so you can try things when your hubby gets out! NONE of this will cure Ken, but it will stimulate new liver cell production, and strengthen the cell walls, snce thisvirus PIERCES the cell walls. (That's how they get a grip on the liver!)

IDEALLY, we are aiming for a PEGYLATED INTERFERON treatment! Right now, that's anyone's best hope!

YOU give me some details of your hubby's (NON?) treatment. We're working on drawing up letters, petitions etc. for inmates who are not getting treatment. We can start with Monica's husband WAYNE, your husband, and Michael Foster!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

FLYGIRL:

Yeah, it's not his first fight, for his health. SO FAR, he's always WON! So that makes him game for it! He's a stubborn Irish Marine!

And me? I'm more than merely stubborn. I'm proudly pigheaded as hell!

All My Love,
Ken and Menolly

(Oh My God! Aside here: He is now totally clean-shaven! Ack! How am I supposed to decide which look is best! He looks great always! Hmmm, maybe I'll post the photos on PTO, and we'll have a GROUP VOTE! HAHAHAHAHAHA)

Valerie;

YOU ARE ANOTHER we owe such thanks to, for all your support three weeks ago... Now do you understand a little more about our depression and fears? And why the scurry to get me down here?

Tomorrow BOTH his kids are visiting. We will tell them about this. That will be a delicate task, since they also lost their Mom to this disease! My son's greatest terro since my hubby died, was that something will happen to me, and he willbe left an "orphan" (even though he is almost 19 years old)! So that is the consideration for us tomorrow!

We're going to be starting on those insurance applications, come Tuesday, (since Monday is a holiday)! Maybe we'll need some more advice from you then...

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Menolly, I am a total sucker for beards. ;)

Ken & Menolly, my thoughts & prayers are with you both. And as another medical person I wanna say that a positive attitude is the greatest defense against any illness... and in that case I think y'all have all bases covered! Shoot, Menolly's positive attitude alone ought to cure ALL the ills in the world. :)

Best to you both & many hugs,
Lys

KEN AND MENOLLY.THAT SOUNDS SO WONDERFUL I THINK. TRIED TO PM YOU BACK, SAID YOU HAD TO MUCH IN THE PM AREA.IF THERE WERE TWO WARRIORS THAT CAN AND WILL TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE PUT IN YOUR WAY IT WOULD BE THE TWO OF YOU.I DIDNT KNOW THAT THE TWO OF YOU WERE PHYSICALLY TOGETHER THIS WEEKEND.WISH I COULD HEAR THE MUSIC THE ANGELS ARE PLAYING TONIGHT FOR THE TWO OF YOU,I AM SURE ITS BEAUTIFUL........STEVE

EEK, Flygirl:

Ken's just put the kibosh on the whole Pposting his different looks, and let the girls vote" idea! He says "No way, Baby. Yours is the only vote that counts!"

I have to say that USUALLY I HATE beards, but he's got the kind of face, that it suits him, so I don't mind it at all!

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Lysbeth:

We were SOOO AFRAID of how you would all react! Since Ken is so well liked, I worried that the whole site would plunge into some kind of mass depression. I also worried that people would say I WAS CRAZY to go ahead with the relationship...

To live WITHOUT HIM is what would make me crazy!

You guys are ALL so great! You've NO IDEA how much everyone's support means to us both!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Again I must say I love you both and I Love the fact that you love one another...Valerie

Steve:

Ah, you are such a sweetheart! But then, we've ALWAYS KNOWN THAT about YOU!

VERY FEW people knew we were physically together right now! We thought that if this bad news came, wec ouldn't ALSO deal with questions about "So, guys? How's it going... Is this relationship still a go?..." at the same time.

Oh Steve; ASK SOUL SLIVER if I was dancing down the street singing "In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing!" Ken was laughing his head off at me! He says I FLOAT when I walk. I told him he probably needs bi-focals! (But his sister says we're BOTH floating, and his brother-in-law said "It's amusingly delightful for one man, to watch another man become smitten by love." He probably just means, then HE doesn't feel so foolish, for ALSO falling in love (with Ken's sister).

We do have one problem. All four of us call each other "Honey". So everytime the word is spoken THREE heads turn around and say "What, love?"

Honestly, Steve, we are SOOO COMFORTABLE together, like we've known each other a thousand years! It's very PEACEFUL in each other's arms, Steve! Very peaceful!

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Ah Valerie, THANK YOU!

So??? When are you coming to Kenny's house to meet us? You KNOW you are inivited!

He was teaching me to make Mexican food tonight. Tomorrow morning I'm teaching HIM about French-Canadian pancakes and PURE maple syrup!

Give us a call now, Val. Maybe Soul should come up also, for once WITHOUT a crisis!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Menolly,Lets wait till you get some business taken care of, the time will fly by and you have lots to do.We'll get together, "no pressure" All that food sounds good. Happy cooking. You mean "he cooks too"? OMG he is a keeper!

Oh Val, He opens doors for me, rubs my tired feet, makes me coffee anytime I ask,... He EVEN FOLDS MY CLOTHES UP!

I can't believe this guy was EVER single for a day of his life!!

You girls truly missed out on a GREAT GUY here! But, he's mine now. All mine!!! And I am soooo happy!!!

All My Love,
Menolly

Ken and Menolly,

I read your post earlier today and felt the calmness you gave us in your words. I have been trying to go to sleep all evening because tomorrow is visiting day (long drive)-- but I couldn't sleep. I wanted to tell both of you how wonderful it is to listen to 2 people so very much in love and "like" with each other.

Last night my curiousity got the best of me and I dug out my old high school year books. OH MY GOSH! He was such a good looking young man - I am certain he has grown into a very handsome man! A man of strength who is good looking too -- that sounds like a keeper to me.

NOBODY knows how long they have on this earth. This is a true wake-up call for everyone to enjoy their every moment with the ones who are important in their lives. Every day of our life should be a celebration. Menolly and Ken, I see the celebration of life in all of your posts. What a wonderful partnership of life you two have made together!

With much love,
Kim

But does he make a GOOD cup of coffee? Your going to be so spoiled by the time you leave Calif.,your son won't be able to stand you.....

Kimla!

I fogot that you went to high school with Ken!!!

Oh girl, I WANT A COPY OF THAT YEARBOOK PHOTO!

As for the value of every minute of life, months ago I told him "I don't want to hear you say I love you forever. At our age, in 20 years we'll be heading into our 70's! We don't have forevers to offer each other. So I want you to tell me you love me TODAY!"

Oh yes, Kimla, we must celebrate EVERY DAY!!!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Val:

The coffee is PERFECT! Oh yes, I am spoiled.

But then again, he always did make me

S
W
O
O
N!!!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Menolly
LOL that is ok, You guys had fun with the marrying stuff and that is part of who you both are. We would not want you two to stop being your self. I actually thought it was cute and fun. :) Because I know that it is who yall are.

I love ya both. :)

more love and strength to you both...i love all of the joy that i see in you. love is a powerful thing; it can do wonders for ALL of us!!

xo,
em

My thoughts and prayers are with you both, although I think both of you will be just fine!!

dear Ken!
I have a list of folks I know......all written in a book,

and every now and then......I go and take a look.

That is when I realize these names......they are a part,

not of the book they're written in......but taken from the heart.

For each name stands for someone......who has crossed my path sometime,

and in that meeting they have become......the reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic......for me to make this claim,

I really am composed......of each remembered name.

Although you're not aware......of any special link,

just knowing you, has shaped my life......more than you could think.

So please don't think my greeting......as just a mere routine,

your name was not......forgotten in between.

For when I send a greeting......that is addressed to you,

it is because you're on the list......of folks I'm indebted to.

So whether I have known you......for many days or few,

in some ways you have a part......in shaping things I do.

I am but a total......of many folks I've met,

you are a friend I would prefer......never to forget.

Thank you for being my friend !!

Ken I LOVE YOU! and your wife to be! I really do!

You two have a love that is strong enough to stand the test time. This
lastest hurtle in your lives will be quickly conquered by your strength.
I will add you both to my prayers.

All the best,

Laura

Mellony, I was just wondering if you dont mind me asking. Will you be mving up there with Ken?

lots of love and strength to you both....If Soul can do all she has done for you Ken....And Teb for you Mell....How could anyone knowing the 2 of them NOT love ya'll!!
I love you both!

Gotta kill dat ole dragon! Hup, 2, 3, 4...

Lulu:

The irony is that if Ken and I to actually GET married, it would A) allow me a greater say in his mediical care than I would have now (which is ZIP!) and B) it would remove a lot of legal impediments to either one of us immigrating to the other's home country. Once we are a LEGALLY RECOGNIZED FAMILY, the government has to start REMOVING impediments, instead of throwing new ones at us.

So, yeah, the topic is very much on the discussion table! But then it has been since early December.

When we were originally planning to both go to the Texas conference, Fed-X was actually asking us if he should book a church for us!

So, we aren't by any means saying never... It may well happen. But then, so much is happening right now, it isn't priority number one!

Besides we BOTH feel "marriage" is something that happens in people's SOULS, not in a church, or on a legal document!

So, TO US, we ARE already married! An actual ceremony would only be a convenient legal formality. I hope that doesn't destroy anyone's illusions.

All My Love,
Menolly and Ken

If there is ANYTHING I'd like to convey to everyone here, it is that

LOVE CAN FORTIFY YOU AND OVERCOME ANYTHING! Even this!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Cepora;

As long as we take the challenges one step at a time, and face it TOGETHER, yeah, your absolutely right. We will be just fine!

As I said (way back there in the post) Ken is just as healthy as he was last week. This will be a MARATHON ofstrength and determination. And we are both stubborn!

We'll be fine, for sure.

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Hilde!

I pulled Ken away from what he is doing to read this poem of yours. It is SO BEAUTIFUL.

He says (quote) "WOW! That is so amazingly cool! Good job on that one, Hilde!"

WE BOTH LOVE YOU, girl! This was very moving!

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Laura;

Can you believe that Ken's first reaction in the doctor's office was to tell me that I didn't have to stick around for this???? He thought it was so unfair to find this out after only ONE HOUR of happiness in a new relationship!

Oh, my heart broke! I thought he was going to decide to push me away! I just told him "Don't you DARE start that kind of talk! I knew this for MONTHS! I entered this WITH YOU, totally aware of what I was getting into." Neither he nor the doctor could believe it!

Thank GOD Ken trusts my word! I didn't lose him! Oh, I am such a lucky woman!

All My Love,
Menolly

Lulu:

This can't be answered yet.

Oddly, Ken's daughter was just here (Both his kids were.) And she thought of the same question! (Oh, I should tell you, the kids LOVE me!)

Canadian immigration rules are VERY complicated! In general, Ken can't be admitted because of his past prison record, but we've found loopholes, thanks to Bella's wonderful research skills!.

But, now we have to confront the additional rules about not admitting people with infectious diseases (AIDS, TB etc.) either!

So I may have to move to the United States! And you guys all know how I just LOOOOVE George Bush! Huh! You think he'll give a medal or something, if I save One American Marine? Probably not.

So, we really don't know what, or how we will do this!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken.

Renee:

You guys have NO IDEA all that Soul and TEB have done for us! These two deserve medals!!!

But so do several other people also...

We can't thank everyone enough! Including all you guys, with your good wishes.

Ken does NOT feel this is something he will battle alone. The "Troops" just seem to be growing...

It is very strengthening, for both of us!

We truly DO thank you all! We won't let you down!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

For those of you who don't know... In Hep C circles this virus is nicknamed "The Dragon".

Yes, Val, I am after that damned dragon again! But I'm more savvy, this time round!!!

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Dear Menolly, please accept myself, Mariano, Javier, Andrés Jr. and the beloved memory of Graciela, in the bataillon that will fight against the disease. As you have said, day by day, every moment will count, every minute will be an opportunity to express your love. Make him laugh as you know. Make him feel that he is not alone, mainly because you are at his side, but also because a lot of friends are with him too. Now I know how loneliness tastes, even when our children do their best. But I am proud of having been a permanent companion for Graciela and having made her laugh and enjoy little moments every day.of our lives, not just during her illness, but from the very moment we decided to dedicate our lives to each other.

Please keep us informed, and share with us some part of the love that your big heart is able to spread out.

Un abrazo,
Andrés

Our Dear Andres:

PLEASE explain to Mariano why I have been quiet lately...

My friend, It looks like the caregiver role you have just had to give up, now falls to me. I know that YOU, of ALL people, understand how JOYFULLY I take on this role!

Oh God, Andrés, YOU know the value of each moment, I know!! And so does Ken. And so do I!

This chance to love Ken is SOOO poignantly valuable to me.

This whole post and everyone's kind words is the VERY PROOF that he is not alone.

I am especially worried that when I return to Canada on Mar. 2, and Ken is once again limited to long-distance calls, it will REALLY hit him! And I WON'T be here to hug him.

But (as you so well know) one step at a time...

Today, I met his kids for the first time, and TOGETHER we had to tell them "Your Dad has the same disease that took your mother last year." What a thing to have to tell to 2 young people! And we still have to tell MY SON, who is still recovering from being a pallbearer for his Dad, 3 years ago!!

Amazingly, it went very well with Ken's kids! They feel we have it under control, and we are hopeful, so that they can be, also. WE ARE A TEAM! His daughter said "The family is expanding, Dad!"

GOD, Andrés, isn't it astounding how the love keeps growing??? Like it will NEVER stop expanding!

Ken and I EMBRACE you once again, Andrés! And Mariano also!

Thank you for your love, My dear friend!

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Well with your love and strength and determination I have no doubt that you want beat it Ken. Just to give you and Menolly some hope I had a friend of mine that was diagnosed also with Hep C she didn't have insurance at all but her dr. mentioned to try the alternative method which is taking herbs and things well she was skeptical but, decided to take the chance to see what would transpire. Well for her she started to believe that it was working for her and it really did work for her because today she has been in remission for 6 mo. now. And I know for her she wasn't looking for the pity, she was looking for support, love and the you can win attitude. And Ken and you to Menolly you show each and everyone one of us here we can win at things when we feel lost or think we can't you both always come along and give us the push or a gentle touch of wisdom. So if we can give you just a little of what you are needing right now I know that you will allow us to fight with you and for you!!!!!And I am so glad that Silver and Teb and someothers were there to helped you in the beginning PTO and some of the people on here I truly thank god for your wisdom and love and support. You both mean alot to me and I don't really know you as well as others do on here but I am willing to fight the fight with you and stand strong in prayer and hugs for both of you in your times of need.

cherrie from tx

Ken and Menolly....
You two make my heart sing :) Having to deal with my daughters chronic illness I know that our minds play a huge factor in all of this. And the two of you are going onward at this the way it should be done. I just can't help but smile when I think of the both of you, I have this vision of these little hep c "dudes" cowering in fear as it sees you two coming :) You have my prayers, smiles, strength and positive energy. It is not just the two of you, it is the whole fam damily here at PTO!
Take Care!! Love, CJ

Menolly,
I am not very eloquent with words...about the only time I can get them right is when I write poetry. I just want to say all I have after reading this post is admiration. True love was never more evident to me then when I first started reading the posts concerning you and Ken.
Your strength and love for each other pours through every post and touches all who read them. So, add my prayers and strength to your battle!
*Hugs and Love to the both of you*
Cindy

YES! YES! YES! CHERRIE!!!

I KNOW the herbal routine DOES work! 4 and 1/2 years ago, in the space of 8 months I got my husband's viral load down to almost negligible. And that was WITHOUT interferon/ribavarin! He looked 20 years younger!

I was SO SURE that Ken had this disease, that when I came down here, I brought "before and after" photos of my husband! Ken couldn't believe it!

So when I proposed the herbal regimen for Ken, he didn't hesitate! He's already been on this same regimen for two days now!

In exchange for all this support we are getting from all of you, we are going to show you just how much a committment of love, and an in-depth knowledge of what we are doing can do.

By the way, Cherrie? I have a really good friend in Australia, who emailed Ken and I the very next day after we got this diagnosis. I met Steve 6 years ago. He was the first person who taught me something very valuable. it is this.

"Don't talk to me about REMISSION!! When we get our first cold at the age of two, and it goes away, no one calls it remission,. They call it CURED, or HEALED, even though they know there will be many more episodes of colds in your life. So WHEN I beat this Hep "into remission" I WILL DARE TO CALL IT A CURE, even knowing it may flare up again in the future."

Steve told Ken and I on Wednesday, that he is now Hep C free, for 3 YEARS! He is STILL calling it CURED!

As shall I, WHEN we get Ken's viral load down to "undetectable" levels! You watch, girl!

I AM ONE STUBBORN WOMAN!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken!

DAMN STRAIGHT, CJ!

These little Hep C DUDES better cower in fear!

Because now that the shock is wearing off for us, oh, we are getting MAD! And some of you guys have seen me mad before!

When we saw his two kids this afternoon, we told them, we're keeping him around to play with his grandchildren! And after they left, Ken said to me that he's sticking around, in case I need someone to push MY wheelchair, eventually!

YOU GUYS WATCH US! Especially all those of you who have someone in your family, with this same disease! Why do you think I convinced Fed-X to open this Hep C Forum, weeks ago?

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Lucid, We'll take all the prayers and strength you guys can give.

And we will return it FOR ALL OF YOU, in whatever waywe can!

All Our Love,
Ken and Menolly

Ken and I have just revived the thread where we had our first conversation, on June 7, 2002. THIS WAS ONLY 28 HOURS AFTER WE FIRST 'MET'!!!

It is called "So what does 'put to death by the state' REALLY mean?" It is in the Death Penalty forums, under "In Memorium".

Oh and ladies, HIS PHOTO is in there, with his wife Bobbie, who'd just died a few days earlier, of Hep C. Since I've been here at Ken's house, I've had the privelege of seeing videotapes of her. She was a beautiful lady!

Enjoy the trip down memory lane, because we sure did!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Oh, Well, I hope that it is soon. :) I know how much your enjoying being with him, rather your married or not. :)

Married?
holy crap...you're already halfway there, the poor basterd can't even get on the keyboard to type a message, Menolly just keeps on yammerin. You think she lets him read the screen, or does she just read it to him? Ah well...Ken if you can see this, don't worry about those test results...as my dad used to say, with a little more work you can turn that C into a B+.

all the best

TOE, you're killing us here! Because I DO keep disturbing him to say "Look what this person said, Ken" Or "here, don't get up. I'll read it to you!" Are you PEEKING in the door here, Toe?

Actually, Ken has TWO computers here! We're often both online at the same time. I am just yammerin, while hedoes "important Marine type crap" on the other computer.

Love ya, K.
Menoly

Important Marine Type Crap?

Gotcha.

...I like looking at the GI-Joe collections on E-Bay myself, know exactly what you mean.

you guys crack my buns up,,,lol

Toe:

Ken says "Actually I'm more interested in the GI Jane collections!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

(See? He really is here. I don't have him tied up in the closet or anything!)

OH DAMN, TOE! Lulu, too! I haven't been THIS HAPPY is sooo long! Can you tell?

All My Love,
Menolly

Nah Mellony, We cant tell, we are just pretty darn good guessers. :) I am teasing, I am truly happy for you both,

I am just catching up on PTO after going to see my JD again this weekend.... one of the things we talked about seems to fit... we talked about how~~ when you find a true and real love~~ even the struggles and pains of life are joys as you are at least in them together... I celebrate the fact that your connection and love for one another was affirmed by your first meeting.... May your struggles be joys as you face them ALL together and goofy in love!!!
I love you both!!
(((hugs)))

Menolly,

We are still waiting on my husband's viral load test results. We're going to give them a little more time to get the test results back before we start kicking up dust. If it takes a lawsuit to get the tests done right and to get treatments going, so be it.

Am I ready for the battle? I'm a redhead; I'm ALWAYS up for a good fight! Bring it on!

Kconner56/Menolly, the names are no longer seperate.

We have been at odds, agreed and agreed to disagree. I don't think that will change much, BUT I can't think of two, here at PTO, that has given so much and expecting nothing in return as you two have. I do not see, where that will change any!

I do not hope, but expect, from the knowledge between you, that is ordeal will be placed in remission! I just can not foresee any other outcome.

Ken & Menolly---I will keep you both in my positive energy thoughts. Ken--you were so kind to me when I first joined PTO; after dropping my husband off--your honest words and the time you took was much appreciated. I often read your posts--you are certainly an asset to PTO. I wish you and Menolly much joy.

Regards,
Molly

All I can say is I love you both! I'll be back to post a prayer later, but for now I will rejoice in your love for one another!

Shawna:

"Yes, even the struggle and pains ARE" joyful opportunities.

Let me share part of a poem that Jerry/Tek4 real sent to Ken and i. It makes such DEEP sense to me.

~~~~~~~~~~

What is love?

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

~~~~~~~~~

I have ALWAYS said that too many people measure love by what it BRINGS to their life. I measure it by how much I want to GIVE...

The more need I have to GIVE, the more I know I love. And Ken, is the same way! So this is symbiotic!

Thank you, for all your concerns for us!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

Bookgirl,

Thee and Me! Let us unite, along with others here, all trying to obtain the SAME fundamnetal human right, for those that we love!

I will see you OFTEN down in that Hep C forum, I hope!

You do know what a viral load test comes back as, right? It will have a phenomenal number in the mega-millions! Do not be too alarmed by the actual figure. They all come back like that. But when people don't know that, it shocks them. I will find and post the ranges of the numbers and what they signify, o.k?

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

P.S: I cannot believe the NUMBER of people on this site, whose lives are being touched and desecrated by this damned disease. I am SOOO GLAD we opened that forum. The pain here amongst us all, was all being suffered in silence!

NO MORE SILENCE!!!

Ah Molly,

Yet another person whom I don't even know, who tells me that Ken has done amazing things for them, and all very quietly and behind the scenes.

SOOO MANY of you!!!

You have nailed two of Ken's qualities square on! HONESTY and THE TIME HE TAKES TO HELP! And all without fuss or fanfare.

Ken my dearest, I HOPE you are LISTENING to all these people, as they tell you how much they ALL LOVE YOU! Are you starting to see your own worth, my love? Are you starting to see why you have so much worth to me, my love?

Thank you, Molly, for this heartfelt affirmation!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken

DO PRAY, Bonnie. But do remember to rejoice also!

We certainly do!

Thank you for the private chats, lending us your strength!

All Our love,
Menolly and Ken

Wow...I'm sick and MIA for a minute and I miss a WHOLE lot! Never a dull minute around here or w/the two...(unfortunately....but no pity or tears I swear). I just want to offer all my love to you two. I'm so glad that you are together and so glad to have met you both here at PTO....I have to agree w/BRay in saying that I cannot think of two who are as giving without expectation of some return as the two of you. Thank you for your strength, humor, and wisdom...both of you.
I also can't think to two people who are better armed to battle this. Ken you seem to me to be such a strong man on your own, but the love of an excellent woman never hurt did it? I'm glad that you have each other and that we have you both:)

Ah Gina, thank you for your love for us.

There are moments here when we sure need to hear it. But most of the time we are feeling INVINCIBLE!

We're glad to see YOU feeling better also, dear girl!

All Our Love,
Menolly and Ken