BCS Update - and it isn’t especially good news
Posted on June 6th, 2008 by nebulousWell, it has taken almost three weeks, but I finally have some definitive news to post about Jeff, aka the Blue Collar Scientist. When we last checked in on things, it was thought that Jeff had caught some kind of nasty, persistent infection. This hypothesis has since been disproven, and now we know for sure what is going on.
The bad news is that Jeff has liver cancer. He’s got two tumors in the liver; one is small, one is quite large, almost 10cm in size.
The good news is that Jeff has no risk factors for cancer or liver disease; he’s never been a drinker, he’s hepatitis-free, doesn’t have HIV, etc. (In fact, the etiology of his condition remains unknown.) He’s healthy in every other way, with no cardiac, metabolic, or other diseases to complicate treatment. He’s very physically fit, although he’s gradually lost much of his stamina over the last several weeks. He’s had a full-body MRI and thoracic and abdominal CTs that establish he has no tumors outside the liver. All of this is good news for someone who has a disease that normally kills 90% of the people who are diagnosed with it within six months.
Another piece of good news - he’s being seen mid next week by the University of Washington Liver Center, one of the best liver clinics in the world, to receive treatment recommendations and come up with a plan.
Jeff’s still working on several projects - he’s got some political activism going on in Alaska, he’s still working on some curriculum materials for astronomy and physics education for some of his area school districts, and he’s still working on adapting a couple of his lectures into study guides. He’s been polishing his talk about how anyone can help make the science education crisis better.
What isn’t clear is whether he’s going to have the energy to blog very often - he certainly hasn’t during the last couple weeks of daily tests and doctors appointments. What are your thoughts on this - should we try to keep the blog going? Should we bring on a staff of regular contributors to keep fresh content between his occasional posts? Should this turn into an all-hepatic-cancer, all-the-time blog? Should it just be retired? Your feedback is needed.
BTW, you can feel free to e-mail or Skype Jeff (see the “BCS Esewhere” sidebar on the home page), and he’ll see your comments to the blog as well.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I vote for keeping the blog going, as much as possible (or if at all possible).
Cancer updates would be welcome here as well, it just keeps me from bugging Jeff about the details.
In lieu of doing something useful, I wish all the luck in the world in the treatment of this disease. You have all the personal support I can offer.
-Scott
June 6th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Like Scott, I vote for keeping the blog going in any way at all. Updates on Jeff would be great.
Thanks for posting, nebulous.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Despite his cancer, it’s definitely good to hear that Jeff will be getting the best medical attention possible, and that his health record is in his favor. Best of luck to Jeff in dealing with his illness.
I vote to keep it running. Just my sentiments.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Jeff, we’re all thinking about you. Do what you need to do, and know that centuries years of real science are standing behind you.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Get well soon, Jeff! You are awesome!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:17 am
aw man Jeff, that’s some harsh news. I don’t really even know what to say, except we hope you get the treatment you need, and that you get well. If there’s anything we as readers can do to help then we will.
On that- I feel like this excellent blog has just started, and should march on in your (temporary) absence. Perhaps we can swing a few more guest bloggers from the regular readers? I’m sure not everything would pass the muster, but perhaps it will keep the geist and readership going while you’re off getting well. And take that stress out of your thoughts in the meantime.
I’m really speechless for the moment, but perhaps over the weekend I’ll type up something skeptical, humorous, and science minded from my own line of work and see if I can give something worth publication.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Our thoughts are with you, Jeff. Do what you need to do. Hopefully we’ll be hearing good news after you visit to the U of W Liver Center.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Saw it in Bad Astronomy Blog. I’m not a regular reader of Blue Collar, but I do have several blue-collar shirts in my wardrobe. I did truly enjoy here some of the articles I had seen recommended elsewhere, and I’m always glad to visit upon another recommendation. So, I guess I’m a semi-fan who’s here to tell you at least one of that category, no doubt many more, is pulling for you. I hope I’ll find the time, and events will unfold, so that I can become a regular reader and a big fan. Looking forward to it.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Be strong, Jeff.
I’m not sure what else to say, but given your medical history, I think you can pull through. The power of centuries of science is backing your life, and that’s something you can feel awesome about.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Well, despite the bad diagnosis, it looks like you have quite a few factors in your favor. Hang tough man, you’ll pull through!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hi Jeff, I’m sorry about your diagnosis and it must be so tiring to have the illness; but I know that modern science will serve you well and you’ll be back with us in no time. I can’t wait to see more updates when you’re well again.
You rock! See you soon.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am
My sympathies.
I’d like to see guest posters keep the blog going, mostly because I like to see as many science blogs in the world as possible.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Heard the news on PZ’s blog. Sorry to hear about the liver cancer, and all the best through your treatment and recovery.
If it’s not asking too much, I’d like to hear more about the specifics of the cancer (topography, morphology). I work in cancer surveillance, and liver cancers are of particular interest here in Alberta.
Again, the best of luck and science to you, Jeff.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Definitely recruit some guest bloggers and pop in when you can with status reports. We are pulling for you.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am
All the best to Jeff.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I’m with Phil on this: Do what you need to do, Jeff.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Oh, man. Does that ever suck. I am sorry to hear it, and am thinking of you.
I think BCS as a blog should keep going if it’s beneficial for Jeff. Now more than ever, it’s all about him.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Jeff, you are in my thoughts. Best wishes for uncomplicated and effective treatment.
Efforts to keep the BCS blog going would be greatly appreciated by many, I’m sure.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Wow. That sucks a whole lot. I’m really sorry to hear the news and I hope that you get the treatment you need. Thinking of you…
June 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
That sucks, man. I’ll be hoping you get better, and I certainly hope that keeping up the blog has therapeutic qualities, because it certainly is great to follow.
We’re all fans, Jeff, and we’re all pulling for you.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Got sent this way by Pharyngula on scienceblogs. I have to admit I’ve not been here before, but after reading this I had just stop in and say I wish everyone at BCS, but especially Jeff, all the best during this trying event. I hope you have a full recovery Jeff.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Hey Jeff,
Don’t stop blogging, make your blog whatever it needs to be. We’re listening.
You may find this essay worth a read:
http://www.cancerguide.org/median_not_msg.html
regards,
Ed
June 6th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Take care dude. Get better!
June 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I feel sorry, but Jeff will do fine :)
June 6th, 2008 at 10:40 am
My thoughts are with you, hope your condition improves soon.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Get well soon and blog on. You have plenty of great days ahead.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Damn. I’ve been worried about him and checking every day to look for an update. Jeff, best wishes to you; I’m hoping you’re in the 10% and it sounds good.
As for the blog…I’d like to have semi-regular updates on Jeff, but it would be nice to have some guest bloggers doing science posts as well.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Best of luck…
June 6th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I extend my well-wishes for Jeff, for whatever they are worth. I hope he beats the odds.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Hi Jeff,
So sorry to hear about your tumors. That sucks. I’m sending good thoughts (but no prayers) your way as you go to the specialists, etc. I know the good thoughts won’t heal you but I just want to make sure you know we’re out here rooting for you and hoping for the best.
Donna (writerdd)
June 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I won’t pray for you.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Hi Jeff,
I just wanted to pop in and say good luck and get better soon.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Get well! and here’s to wishing the best for you.
Christie
June 6th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Best of luck, Jeff - I will be keeping you in my thoughts. I’d love to see some guest posts and some updates on your health, but whatever works out best for you is of course the most important thing. :)
June 6th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Just another stranger out here on the internet thinking about you.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Good luck to you, Jeff. All my best wishes go to you, man.
As to the blog, if it doesn’t become an imposition on Jeff’s needs, I’d love to see different writers coming in to pinch hit.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Good luck Jeff, I hope you’ll be okay. I’m glad to hear you’re getting the best care available. I haven’t seen your blog until today, but what I have seen of it, I like, and I hope it will be around for a long time to come. Don’t give up!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Get better! I popped over from Pharyngula and see I need to do some catch-up reading. The world needs good blogs; yours looks to be one of them. Keep it up and….get better!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Wow Jeff, that must have been some difficult news to hear. We humans can be quite mentally and physically resilient though, so I know you’ll keep your spirits up and fight this crap.
nebulous, I’d like to see this blog continue, with guest commentators and updates on Jeff’s progress. Thanks for filling-in and letting us know what’s up.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Holy shit, Jeff! That’s awful! Why you!? It’s almost as if existence were largely random and not directed by a benevolent power behind the scenes.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Stay strong, brother.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Jeff:
Take it easy, Bruh! You can lick this thing!
If you get stuck in the “horse pistol” (as my dad used to call it) have someone bring you a pair of binocs so you can stay connected with the night sky through the hospital window.
Rich in Charlottesville (from Bad Astronomy)
June 6th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Best wishes to you and yours. I’m glad for the lack of other risk factors, at the very least. Let’s hope that science can push you into that 10%.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
First time here, hope you get better.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Jeff, I wish I’d contributed to the medical science I hope will save you. Get well soon.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Good luck, Jeff. I’m in early stages of treatment for MS that I found out about a few months ago. I was able to get in to see a well known specialist here in Chicago and I am part of a clinical trial. Great to hear you will be able to see a highly recognized specialist as well. Best wishes!
June 6th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Jeff, I’m also here from PZ’s blog. I am sorry to hear the bad news. But it is good to hear that you have no evident metastases . . . my understanding is that the poor prognosis stats are based on the prevalence of underlying disease and the risk for metastasis. Since you have neither of those risk factors, your chances for remission should be very much better.
So I wouldn’t sweat those stats. Your presentation is so atypical that I’ve no doubt your mileage will vary dramatically and carry you on down the road for a long time.
My uncle is also undergoing treatment for liver cancer. In his case, it’s impossible to say that the liver tumor was primary (though it is causing the majority of his symptoms); he also has tumors in his stomach and elsewhere (I presume abdominal, I don’t know the details). He’s 76 and a smoker and drinker, so he has a lot of strikes against him. He has had just one round of chemotherapy, which caused no side-effects and has been amazingly successful in restoring his energy and quality of life. He felt well enough to play 18 holes of golf within a week! We are now holding out hope that science can extend his life for a while. And that’s in Little East Texas Town, hardly a world-renowed liver cancer center.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Please do keep us posted as you are able; we care — and information about your treatment would be both enlightening, and for me at least, potentially helpful.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hang in there, Jeff… the blogosphere is pulling for you. May you beat the odds and make a complete recovery…
June 6th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I hope you get better, I know you are skeptic, but I gonna make a pray for you =]
June 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Pimpollo: Don’t. As Phil Plait already said over his blog, it would actively campaign against him.
Best of luck, Jeff. Besides of this, you have a perfect health, and it will surely help you beat the odds.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
What a lousy break. Do whatever you need to to get healthy, Jeff. My thoughts are with you.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I recently lost two people that sparked my interest in knowledge.
Both of them understood that their lives were phenomenal. Both conveyed that this universe seems to be providing us with pieces to a puzzle.
Neither could confirm their intuition.
Both died of cancer withing 5 weeks of each other.
When I write stories and have no ending before I sleep, I finalize the effort with the obvious:
“Everyone dies.”
In fact, my children have taken up that mantra as, perhaps, few before their generation have been privileged to realize.
My kids know that life is short. They also know that the fear of death can strip away your love for life in an instant.
Punctuate your life with love for those you hold dearest. Those of us out here sharing our experiences from a distance will understand your decision to embrace your life regardless of some popularity vote.
You’re a Mentor.
What you do with the rest of your time is your own decision.
Kol
June 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Hang in there…not for you, but the people that know and love you. I’d offer you a liver transplant but I’ve been actively warring against my own liver for the last 35 years or so with a constant barrage of alcohol. Best wishes.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Please let me know if I can do anything to help. My wish for you is that you feel as little pain as possible during this process and that you feel warmed by the support of everyone who’s left a comment in this blog. You are loved by many.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Redirect from Pharyngula:
I sympathize with your situation, and hope you have a positive outcome, just as soon as possible.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Fight the good fight, Jeff. You’re a lighter of candles, and we need you.
We all will be not praying for you at TAM.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I’m voting for the continuation of the blog, as well. It’s just, well, I would miss it.
Hang in there, Jeff. We’re all rooting for you, and betting that you’re gonna kick the cancer’s ass. That’s the hope.
June 6th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I’ve been lurking here awhile (wandered in following a Bad Astronomy link) but this post compels a comment. I was most drawn by the blog’s title: I love “Blue Collar Scientist” as an antidote to the idea that science is something remote, meant to be practiced by an elite cadre.
I wish Jeff all the best benefits of science-based medicine, and especially, I hope he is pleased by the knowledge that he and his efforts are highly regarded for what he’s doing here.
June 6th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Longtime lurker from PZland…
Take care of yourself and know that even strangers are thinking of you! Whatever happens with your blog means nothing in the face of what you’re dealing with. Write when you need to and tell it like it is when you need to! My husband likes to say “Mean what you say and say it mean!” You deserve to be angry and pissed and express it when and if you want to.
With kindred spirits,
Catherine
June 6th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Best wishes, Jeff! I’ll be thinking of you. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Best wishes Jeff. Here from the Bad Astronomy blog, Science and modern medicine will do its best to save the day!
June 6th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Best wishes Jeff! I’m positive that you’ll do fine and will show us what you’re made of. It is a fine oportuinity to set a new example and overcome this problem!
June 6th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Jeff, I am especially asking the FSM to support your medical treatment and strengthen your body’s defenses as need be with the touch of His Noodly Appendages.
He assures me He will indeed….when He finds Himself a sober moment.
May you receive the best medical care.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Whether there are further posts or not, it’s obvious your readership is here to stay.
Stay awesome Jeff! You’ve got tons of friends thinking about you!
Do what you need to do and kick that cancer’s ass.
Best,
Glendon
June 6th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Hi, I heard about your situation over at pharyngula. I just wanted to chime in my support for your battle and wish you the best of luck.
Cancer is a tough fight, but you can win it.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Good luck in the fight Jeff!
June 6th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Another visitor from Pharyngula.
Best wishes, good luck, and may the Hand of Modern Scientific Medicine be upon you!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
You are a man with a lot of friends. Please have someone keep us in the know.
HJ
June 6th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Hi Jeff,
My mother is a cancer survivor, and some of my friends had loved ones live long lives with pretty piss-poor sounding stats, so don’t let the numbers (which we all seem to keep mentioning…damn) get to you.
Fight, and try to be civil to the inevitable hospital chaplain who comes by.
You’re in my thoughts, which are of sciences, and they’ve worked pretty well before.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hey, wandered over from SkepChick and Bad Astronomy, and just wanted to say I wish you the best. You have good people in this world who care about you, and that speaks volumes. The world is a better place with you in it, and we all hope it stays that way for a good, long time.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Wandered over from Pharyngula.
Good luck and best wishes.
June 7th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Brand new reader over from Bad Astronomy. It’s sad that it’s bad news that brings me to you for the first time, but thrilling to learn that you live in my old stomping ground! I lived in Los Anchorage for 18 years and, though I moved away nearly four years ago, I miss the people and the place. We often joked that it’s only two degrees of separation for anyone living there, so I’m sure I know someone who knows you…
From all I read, I expect that you’ll be back to climbing Flattop Mountain (or whatever) in no time. Then, when I make it back someday, I’ll treat you to a Moose’s Tooth pizza, if not their beer.
And now I have to go read the below-mentioned related post of “BCS scoops ADN!” - g^2
P.S. Nice link, chrisD! Glad someone got on that one right quick :-)
June 7th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Medical Science: 1 Cancer: PWND! Stay strong, Jeff, take care of yourself, and know that a lot of people care about you very, very much. I’m in the Seattle area, so if there’s anything I can do IRL, just email me at dhunterauthor at yahoo dot com and say so.
June 7th, 2008 at 3:56 am
Stay strong! You have a whole lot of people cheering you on.
June 7th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Good luck and wish you support in beating it.
June 7th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Best wishes, Jeff.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:57 am
New reader from Bad Astronomy, sending you my very best wishes from Italy.
June 7th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Hope you get better soon. I’m really sorry to hear this.
June 7th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
When you’re feeling really down, just think about something stunning like the dualistic properties of light, or that there are a couple of lemons in the Piazza Navone in Rome that are having a gravitational effect on you, or better yet, all those billions of neutrinos whipping through your thumbnail. Stay positive and I hope the treatment goes well. Best wishes from Ottawa.
June 7th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Jeff.I really hope you will get well again.
Best wishes from Denmark
June 7th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I look forward to your speedy recovery. Hang in there!
June 7th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Just hoping for the best here. Do whatever you think you need to with the blog.
June 7th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff’s problem. I hope it works out for the best, and that the blog can keep going, without Jeff, we will all have to post so much more to make up his great work.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I am familiar with the UW Liver Center and the incredible advances in liver surgical techniques and treating liver cancer in the last decade.
There is room for great optimism.
June 8th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Hey, just wanted to say that i am sorry to hear about the sickness. i hope that the news is good when to see the specialist.
-=tbn=-
June 8th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Jeff, very best wishes to you and yours during this difficult time. I’m very sorry that it took this for me to de-lurk and say how much I have appreciated and enjoyed your (very educational) posts.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Jeff:
Ouch. Cancer s*cks. Chemo s*cks. Being bald in a hot climate? Not so bad, really.
You’re going to an excellent facility with great outcomes and you’ll get great care - especially if you’re proactive and work with your care team.
Blog where it pleases you, though there are plenty of free sites such as http://www.caringbridge.org where you can concentrate on being ill.
Tree, has chemo brain and forgets from where she was directed
June 8th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I am an “only sometimes” reader here, but I decided to de-lurk and say:
I wish you the best with your treatment, Jeff. You and your family are in my thoughts and I look forward to the day that you blog about beating “The Big C”.
June 8th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Jeff, We are all thinking of you. Dianne ran a 5K today and wore her cancer bracelet in your honor. As I have been thinking about this, another friend crossed my mind. He had kidney cancer. He beat it and kept on gettin the bad guys. Never give up. Never give in. Never say quit. Alex and Ellie say Hi.
June 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Jeff, I hope you get better soon. I enjoy your blog, and I hope it stays up and running with you. Best wishes!
June 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Get well soon, Jeff. I’d like to see guest bloggers on this blog too, as well as updates on Jeff’s condition. I’m also trying to figure out something for the Anchorage Skeptics to do…maybe a museum tour is in order…
June 9th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Jeff,
Best wishes. No prayers, but as my wife likes to add, “I’ll be thinking a lot of positive thoughts.”
John
June 10th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Best wishes from a fellow sceptic. The world needs people like you.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Ditto, Darkwinter.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I came here from a mention at Bad Astronomy some time back, but I’m not a long-time reader. Still, I appreciated Jeff’s efforts here, and agreed with much of what was said here.
I don’t get a vote, of course, but if I did, it would be to keep it going however possible. Blogs such as these perform a small but very valuable service to our society. We’re awash in a sea of crap, and there needs to be the occaisional island of rationality. And this is such an island. If nothing else, these islands provide the few remaining rationalists with a place to recoup their strength for a bit.
I’m not much of a writer myself, and being a geologist/geophysicist in industry, consider myself more of an applied technologist than a true scientist per se. But if my poor talents might be of use, I’d be glad to help out if I can.
Jeff - best of luck, man.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I’ve read an occasional posting here, but when I saw PZ had posted regarding Jeff’s illness, I wanted to express I truly hope modern medicine does him well (along with his own body, of course).
June 12th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Jeff,
Just lurking around and got caught up in your blog. I am sorry to hear of your health, and will be praying for you. Best wishes.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
OK - this is freaking me out a bit. I’ve been following flickr then you disappeared. A friend told me about your diagnosis. I am really sorry to hear that but glad you’re seeking treatment. I’d like to be able to keep up with you, so I think the blog should continue. All the best wishes - flickr friend jamie lang
June 17th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Jeff,
I’m a long time reader. I’m rooting for you!
Looks like you’ve got a lot of fans, me included. Keep your spirits up and we’ll all be hoping for the best as well!
As said before, the world needs more people like you.
Best Wishes,
Jeremy White
June 19th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
[...] up the tag meme: Podblack Blog The Masala Skeptic and I would say The Blue Collar Scientist, but Jeff found out recently that he has liver cancer, so just go over there and read what he’s written in the past, and send him your love (but [...]
July 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Jeff this is Mike, occasional ERNC visitor and telescope bringer. UW is the best. My daughter had a liver transplant there in 05 and I was prepped at UW to be a live donor for her. In our experience the entire UW medical experience was.. perfect. You are in the best of care.
July 12th, 2008 at 11:51 am
My posting on a scentific site is funnier than you know since I struggled in school with all things scientific. Maybe that’s why Jeff has never tried to explain the universe to me. I’m sure if he had, he’d have been my best teacher.
I am one of Jeff’s aunts. Until I browsed the internet, I had no idea this site existed. I’ve come here often, and I’m so impressed by the excellent discussions you people have here and the obvious fun you have doing it.
I didn’t know that Jeff had so many friends. Speaking as a family member, your good wishes to Jeff are heartening. I know they mean a lot to him. Please keep Jeff in your thoughts — dare I say prayers? ;)
I love you, Jeff.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:56 am
Any update on how Jeff’s doing?
I started reading the blog about two months before this came up, and enjoyed his insights. I hope his treatments are going well!
July 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I’ve been a long time reader and was really saddened to hear this when it initially came up. It has been quite a while since we found out and I was wondering if it would be possible to get some kind of update. Hope it is good news.
Thanks and best wishes,
Taylor
July 25th, 2008 at 6:37 am
All the best to you.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Just wanted to say best wishes Jeff. I feel for you. All the best in your fight.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I have confidence in your doctors and the science of modern medicine. I am positive that we will hang out again soon!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Best wishes Jeff.
Try to stay positive. It sounds like you have a great chance to fully recover from this, and so many people who care about you.
July 26th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Take care, Jeff. We’re all pulling for you!
You have a lot of online friends you’ve never met, but have somehow touched over the internet.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Jeff, I live here in Anchorage. I just watched this incredible video about
Randy Pausch and it reminded me a bit about you and your battle. Don’t know really where you’re at with this right now… but please know, though, that there are many people you don’t know thinking and rooting for you. I’ve read many of your posts and found them excellent and inspiring.
Bob
July 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Hi Jeff,
I have enjoyed your blog a great deal. If it works out that it continues, I will certainly keep tuning in!! :) Whatever happens, just know that we are pulling for you here in Fairbanks! Keep fighting the good fight!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Hi Jeff,
My thoughts are with you and I hope that you are fighting the good fight. That is what we appreciate about your blog…and I hope that it is translating well to your fight with cancer. We are thinking about you here in Fairbanks!
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
We have lost Jeff. He passed away from complications of his liver cancer on August 3, 2008.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Rest well, Jeff. You are immortal in your words here.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:07 am
You were genuine, nice and a bright spark and I wish terribly that we’d met up when we had the chance. You’ll be missed terribly. Goodbye from an admirer and, I hope you’d have said, friend.
Ella
August 4th, 2008 at 10:21 am
I’m very sorry to hear the news of the Blue Collar Scientist’s death. My condolences to his friends and family.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:23 am
[...] genuinely great guy Jeff Medkeff, aka The Blue Collar Scientist, has died. He’d recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. He’ll be so very sorely [...]
August 4th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I miss you terribly. But I’m glad I said I loved you before you left. I’ll miss your awesome logic, but the world was a better place because you were here. Enjoy being one with the earth, one with the stars my friend. You are energy now.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:25 am
How I hate to be wrong. I saw the bad news on PZ’s blog. I just hope he received our kind words in the meantime. :(
August 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
On behalf of myself — and, I’m sure, a very large contingent at Panda’s “After the Bar Closes,” Internet Infidels, Talk Rational, Richard Dawkins Forums and Pharyngula — deepest sympathy.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:15 am
I’m sad to read the bad news. We will remember.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I blame God for this.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I’m very sorry to hear about Jeff’s death. His family has my condolences and should be proud of him. He left this damned rock a little better than he found it.
HJ