Wade -- Sorry to hear that you'll need surgery. It sounds like several Board members have had experience with that type of surgery and it sounds like the likelihood of successful surgery is good. I'll keep my fingers crossed and you'll be in our prayers. Good luck. 73, Rod p.s Remember just before they start to knock you out to ask them if you be able to play the piano after the surgery!!! ;) rod At 10:15 PM 2/27/2004 -0600, you wrote:

I wanted to let you fine people know that I am scheduled for surgery to have a disk removed from my neck next Friday, 3/5. I had almost the identical surgery done successfully about 17 years ago for a different disk. This current offending disk started giving me trouble a couple of years after that and then let up and has not been problem until just this month. Pain in my right arm and an MRI confirmed the problem and a noticeable loss of strength in that same arm narrowed the possible treatments to just surgery and the sooner the better, according to the neurosurgeon doing the work. The current plan is to remain in the hospital overnight following the surgery and recuperate at home for at least one week before returning to work (pending the "all clear" from the neurosurgeon!).

I have spoken to Bruce about this, but I plan to remain accessible to the Board and the membership during recuperation. Hopefully, I will be able to travel to the upcoming Midwest Division hamfests later this spring, but will ask Bruce for help if travel proves to be a problem, initially. I have not signed an agreement to turn over the directorship of the Midwest Division to Bruce while I am under general anesthetic, however!

Having been through this once before has eased the apprehension, so far.

73,

Wade W0EJ