Well, I’m back, somewhat the worse for wear and armed with a less that encouraging prognosis for the future from an impressive cast of medical professionals. I hope once again to be able to contribute meaningful ideas, suggestions and insights to both novice and experienced travelers based on my own forty years of European travel. I hope, too, to continue that travel in the foreseeable future. We shall see!<BR><BR>There were over one hundred postings here to Fodors expressing concern for my well being and offering prayers and good wishes for my recovery. In addition, I received a deluge of Emails from correspondents whom I first met here at Fodors expressing their concern and offering their prayers as well. <BR><BR>I can’t find words to adequately convey my appreciation for the thoughtfulness expressed by so many of Fodors correspondents. I regret that I can’t thank each correspondent individually. Either radiation treatment, medication, prescribed steroids or a combination of them have wreaked havoc with my hands. As a result, I’m reduced to typing with two fingers - sometimes only one. Please be tolerant of any typing or grammatical errors. <BR>Now, let’s see if I can find a challenging query to which I can respond meaningfully, usefully and in twenty five words or less! <BR>

Wes: Welcome back. You were missed to be sure. We look forward to your contributions and your insights for many years to come.

Welcome back Wes! It is indeed good to see your post. Many of the "regulars" have disappeared. I am using a name other than mine own now and only post occasionally. Many of the posts have become quite mean spirited and sometimes outright obscene. It's not the place it once was. <BR><BR>Again, it is wonderful to again see a post from you.

Oh, Wes, it is so good to see you back here again, using two or twelve fingers, I don't care!<BR>I hope you can continue on with your European travels, too. You know that we are all pulling for you.<BR>I am so overwhelmed with happiness to being posting a reply to you that right now anyway I cannot think of a question for you, but I hope to come up with one worthy of your many talents soon.<BR>God bless! Kay

Welcome back!<BR>I also am not posting under my regular Handle so as not to get flamed or cursed,<BR>Sorry state,<BR>Glad to see you here. My best thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.<BR>Stay well!

Wes when I saw your post I lit up! So glad you are back after what has been an agonizing experience I'm sure. My mom has a very rare cancer and the amount of energy spent researching, worrying and traveling for appts and treatments is overwhelming. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I will hold on to hope that those prognosis' are wrong! I highly recommend checking out the acor site for a mailing list of others with your same cancer. The list that I am on here has literally given my mom additional months with the information we have learned.<BR><BR>Feel free to contact me privately if you have questions.<BR><BR>Good luck to you Wes!<BR><BR>Wendy

Whoops!<BR><BR>http://www.acor.org/<BR><BR>Wendy

And none too soon !<BR>Welcome back Wes--we all missed your sage counsel. I am sorry to hear that your malady lingers--we will continue to include you in our prayers. <BR>The Forum is still here and very active, but with fewer contributers with your depth of knowledge. The quality has just gone up one notch.

Yes, Fowler did rise from the depths, and scored against Villa in a reserve match.

Also meant to say that your return has pleased me as well. Actually, I'll only be pleased by Robbie Fowler's return if he doesn't play against Liverpool.<BR><BR>Good to have you back.

Welcome back Wes...I hope you continue to progress and feel better than ever.<BR><BR>By the way, you type better with one finger than most people type with ten!

Wes with 1-2 is more than equal most with 10. Welcome back. Takes a brave soul to be so open and come back and rejoin us. God bless.

gosh, mina and I must have been on the same wave length. amazing!

Dear Wes,<BR>Better back 'worse for wear' than not at all! I am so happy to see that even with 2 fingers, you are managing to let us know you are here and Here to Stay!!!<BR>I does cheer me up to see you posting again! and hopefully planning your next trip soon.<BR>All the Best To You~<BR>Scarlett

Welcome back Wes! So good to hear from you -- looking forward to your advice on Europe, mispelled or not, it's the content that counts and yours is one of the best.<BR><BR>Spanky

So glad to have you back. You mention a "less that encouraging prognosis". Have heart - both my parents suffered from rare or unusual cancers and both have survived LONG after the initial prognosis. In fact my Dad is in total remission and has a clean bill of health. The book is still open on Mom but things are really looking up.<BR><BR>Hope you have as good news. keep on posting . . . . .

Dear Wes!!! Welcome back... I am soo happy to hear from you!!! Many happy future travels!!! Hang in there...

Wes-how wonderful to see your post. It is great to have you back~~you were missed. Will continue to keep you in prayers and thoughts as you recover.<BR>Very best wishes!!

Ah, Wes, so VERY good to see you back. As for the typing--we'll take you however we can get you.<BR><BR>Your measured, thoughtful approach to travel advice is much in need now.<BR><BR>Best thoughts and prayers going out to you...

I don't think Lazarus himself could have been more welcome.<BR>Above all else Wes, be well.