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Looks like I'll be around for quite some time still. Chemo held the cancer back and my Oncologist is very pleased. He says I look very well and that the cancers are still very small. So I'll have some time off and then back on chemo. Blood tests every 2 months to check. His guess was that my prognosis is the same as last year, another 18 months is quite possible. Who knows, if things go well, maybe more. In any case I'll see 82, Christmas, and the inauguration of the next American president - two pleasant things at least! Doug Wellertalk16:43, 7 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
My best wishes for continued improvement over the ongoing treatment...but is looking forward to the inauguration of the next president a bit tongue in cheek? Sweetpool50 (talk) 17:35, 7 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, this is great news! I'm so happy to hear it (and let's hope against hope that the election results will be good news too). --Tryptofish (talk) 22:51, 7 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
That's the only news that has brought a glow to my heart today. Forget about setting your sights on catching the outcome of the McDonald vs Bidet rope-the-dope battle on Nov 4, 24, far too shortsighted. Think of the long term, and do us all a favour by hanging in here at least till Nov.4 2028. Best Nishidani (talk) 08:00, 8 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I am thrilled by this news. Know you are continuously on my mind. Here's to the wholeness that I hope takes root and blossoms in you, my friend. --ARoseWolf14:57, 8 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
That's cheered me up enormously. And on International Women's Day, big thanks too, to your wife, who I'm sure is the biggest element in your progress. And don't forget the NHS! (but one thing you can safely ignore, and should, is the US presidential election) --NSH001 (talk) 19:18, 8 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Cancer update - being offered palliative care (chemo), incurable
I'll see an oncologist in a couple of weeks to discuss chemo and to ask about my prognosis. Exercising as much as I can but mainly on my treadmill, 3 times a day for a mile so each time, only about 2mph. Calf muscles are the main problem, doing exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist. But not walking outside as the painful calf and thigh muscles don't go away and as I've twice had to stop and call for a pickup, safer to stay inside, especially with my Parkinson's. I'll soldier on! Doug Wellertalk16:05, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
God bless Doug, hope you know how many people are blessed to at least call you an internet friend, and Im sure many more offline. nableezy - 17:19, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, my best wishes in this journey. I'm not good at dealing with this shit. How I can identify with "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." We older dudes feel the pull of destiny, and it ain't pretty. Just make life comfortable. Don't overdo anything, even the exercise (and I'm a PT). Moderation in all things. You don't have to drink the whole bottle of OZV Zinfandel in one sitting, but do enjoy the finer things in life. Good wine, truffles, chocolate, books, movies, whatever. Now is the time to aim for quality, not quantity/longevity. Hang in there brother. Feel free to email me. When dealing with my own cancer ordeal, I often resorted to gallows humor. The staff in ICU and ER were especially understanding. I'd say: "I'm going to get "CC & DNR" tattooed on my chest." -- Valjean (talk) (PING me) 17:48, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Stay strong and hang in there, man. Sending you all the good vibes I can muster (hey, WP:FRINGE or not, it can't hurt, lol). Heiro17:59, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I think it is most important at some point to just enjoy the moment as much as you can and to enjoy life in general as it goes on, without trying to determine how long it will go on for, since that determination is really out of our hands, no? In other words, the life we live, I believe, has to be good and enjoyable for a long as it goes on. That is the most important, in my view. Hoping this may help a bit somehow, I wish you also much strength and courage in the jouney ahead. warshy(¥¥)18:33, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
What Tryp said. I was down in your ^former neck of the woods just recently for the first time as an adult. Got to see a wild alligator for the first time, along with some other fauna. Miami-Dade is one of the best places in the country for birds - I imagine you can see quite a lot out your window, compared to here in NY? At least here there's a zoo across the street. The only animal it has is a dog, though. It's a pretty shih-tzu. — Rhododendritestalk \\ 19:11, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks. But I live in Derbyshire now, having gone to England in 1970 and not returning (except of course for vacations, family visits, etc. When I was a young boy there was a sub-tropical jungle behind the houses across the road, complete with possums, snakes, banyan trees, and of course alligators down by the Miami river. Played there a lot with a boy named John Christmas (whose mother was named Mary). Doug Wellertalk08:32, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Ah, sorry, I think I knew that but was thrown off by a userbox. Fewer gators in Derbyshire, I reckon. The banyan trees were incredible. The first one I saw was in Palm Beach, where they are ubiquitous and strangler figs make for ripe metaphor. :) As for Christmas, I know it was pretty uncommon then for women to keep their name when getting married, but Mary Christmas?? Hard no. Lots of names you can't have with that surname: Mary, Wyatt, Eve, Nicholas/Claus, Carol... There's a name I hear on Fox News every December, over and over. Must be a seasonal anchor or something: Theresa Warren-Christmas. — Rhododendritestalk \\ 21:14, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I've so appreciated you sharing this part of your life with us. You've been in my thoughts and I'm sad to hear you're talking about palliative care. Whatever decisions you make in the days and weeks ahead, I know they will be ones that have been deeply thought through and which will reflect the way you've lived your life. I'm just glad that we continue to have your presence here onwiki. Best, Barkeep49 (talk) 19:22, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Doug Weller! Not much one can say in these situations that hasn't already been said and that hasn't already occurred to you (several Big Bad Words spring readily to mind...). Hopefully it'll be kinda nice to reflect on how many people are thinking of you and that in some way you've made a difference to all the people who know you personally, as well as to the Wikipedia project and to the rest of us who are used to seeing your edits while we're sorta amiably faffing around this neck of the woods. Big Virtual Hug, --Technopat (talk) 19:45, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I cannot think of any better way to express my support than to second what Barkeep49 said. Whether your philosophy on cancer is to fight it, treat it like a chronic degenerative condition, or just embrace not-give-a-fuckism, please know that I and all the others commenting here support you and wish for the best possible outcomes. EvergreenFir(talk)20:15, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, thank you for all the work that you have done for Wikipedia. Thank you for being willing to make tough decisions. Thank you for keeping us informed about your illness. Thanks for being you. Cullen328 (talk) 20:23, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I can't find the words to express how the wonderful support from you all and others now and in the past has meant to me. It will help me sleep well tonight. Ironically the thought of cancer itself rarely affects my sleep, it's only the effect on others and right now wondering how I will be able to die with dignity - at a time I choose and where I choose that costs me sleep at times. In the UK you aren't allowed to die with dignity. So if I can't die at home with my wife I'm thinking that when the time comes - and I am going to try to make that a few years from now - I may be able to take one last holiday with my wife somewhere that I can die with dignity. Doug Wellertalk21:25, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I'm always glad to see your signature on a talk page or to find your name in a contribution history, however old, and that will carry on as long as I'm editing. Now you're giving us even more reasons to be grateful. I hope you take every holiday you want! Thank you. NebY (talk) 22:50, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I'm sorry to read this news. I hope you are able to have your wishes. I was always taught to get it in writing and to get a second opinion. I've also heard a lot of interesting things about the new treatments nowadays like CAR-T cells and immunotherapy, IANAD, but it's a shame and saddening to read this even without a lot of details. Anyway, we don't know each other well but I just wanted to say it's always been a pleasure to interact with you on here and I wish you the best, and will fondly remember your work on Wikipedia. Andre🚐23:29, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
So sorry to hear of this Doug. You were one of the first admins to help me out and guide me when I started taking an interest in contributing. In fact you might have been the first admin that I would refer others to if we disagreed or I was unsure what to do. I wish you all the best and keep fighting! GiggsIsLegend (talk) 16:40, 24 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, please research and pick up a copy of the Book, titled "The China Study" I'm sure it'll help you learn more and get a better understanding about our relationship to food and diseases we suffer from. 174.81.53.148 (talk) 15:41, 11 January 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Best to you Doug, hang on in their man and hope you remember the very high regard you are held to within our community; you have lead by example and have always been encouraging. Ceoil (talk) 00:32, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
An icon and an inspiration. Thanks for sharing this with us - it makes me feel that WP is not only a source of information, but also a community. You are surely in my thoughts and prayers. Rsk6400 (talk) 16:53, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
The day you get an entry added to the "List of deceased Wikipedians" will be one of the saddest days this website will have seen in a long time. I hope whatever time you have left is free of pain, and that you are able to die with the dignity that you deserve. Thanks for everything you've contributed to Wikipedia over the years. Hemiauchenia (talk) 19:40, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, you're one of the editors I most respect, and seeing how your handling this makes my respect even greater. As has been said above, I hope you enjoy your life without pain and go on your own terms with dignity. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 01:01, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, devastating to read this, and I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said so well by other above. I've always found you to be a rock here on Wikipedia, and your tireless and immensely helpful efforts are very much appreciated. Jeppiz (talk) 01:35, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I will never forget all the times you gave me support and advices in my previous iteration. Thank you for this and for making WP a better place. I can only wish you all the best. K. Lone-078 (talk) 09:41, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Run through a comprehensive list of expletives, dear Doug, and that will sum up my feelings on seeing this bitter news. I am deeply moved by your references to your wife. As many of us will know from experience, it is what we manage to say to each other, brightly under strain, in reviewing a shared past, that tasks our minds in such terrible situations. I am assured that in planning for what future remains (the months and years will be, ineludibly, seamed with an elegiac tone of finality), you will work to ensure that your spouse will have many more memories to add to those of your rich life together as you also find time, with your characteristic donative generosity, to patch with further quilts of tender recall the hard ledges of survival for the other victim here who will, prospectively, grasp for them if or when they find themselves forced to endure the icy rockface of widowhood.
Before posting this, I took a Persian nap (Herodotus), worried it might sound intolerably pompous, intrusive and rhetorical, rather than spontaneous. Two dreams, in one of which you figure as a lone archaeologist probing a dark desert for spoors of a lost past, and the other where you emerge as a Virgilian cicerone as I stumbled along native bushland. On waking, I thought ‘what the fuck’. Hang in there, whatever. As others have noted, remarkable things can crop up in science. There’s always hope.Nishidani (talk) 17:31, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I'm not sure what a Persian nap is, but one thing I really want to give to Wikipedia is a new article (I have written only a handful at most) and have started a draft at User:Doug Weller/Racism in pseudoarchaeology. I'm getting tremendous help from some knowledgeable folks at the Facebook group Fraudulent Archaeology Wall of Shame. I've been putting this off for a long time but all the wonderful people above have made me feel I must get it done. Doug Wellertalk17:48, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Herodotus 1:133. I can't give you a Perseus link because my main computer crashed weeks ago, and accessing anything from this minor one, antiquated but minimally functional, is nigh impossible. I'll bookmark that project and recommend to others here that they also do so and help where possible.Nishidani (talk) 18:01, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Writing new articles is the most fun part of this project (and one that I don't spend enough time doing). This isn't in my area of subject-matter expertise, but let me be the first to volunteer if you want a second pair of eyes for copyediting, formatting and the like - just let me know. GirthSummit (blether)18:27, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, what a terrible thing to hear. I'm so sorry. It's said that a man never truly dies until his name is forgotten; yours will live on here in the memory of everyone on this project. With love, ♠PMC♠ (talk)23:29, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I send you my best wishes, confident that you will find the strength, courage and capacity for clear thinking that you will surely need to deal with this, just as you already have in your invaluable contributions here. Best regards, Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 23:45, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Nothing I could say feels adequate. But you will be greatly missed, and I hope you are able to find some measure of happiness in the time you have left. And if there's anything Wikipedia-related that I can help with, don't hesitate to ask. A. Parrot (talk) 18:45, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I've only just heard this news, Doug, and I am deeply sorry. 'Keep buggering on', as Churchill used to say when things were bad. Cheers - SchroCat (talk) 19:43, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Jeez! All any of us can do is praise the work you've done here and (I suspect) elsewhere; and let you know how much it's been appreciated. --Orange Mike | Talk19:49, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Only just heard of this. A terrible situation but I know you'll face it with strength. Please take some strength from the rest of us. Reach out to the community if you need anything even if it's just moral support. Canterbury Tailtalk12:19, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I felt the need the last few days to jump on here and get an update from you but the weather had not allowed for this. It has not diminished my thoughts towards you and as I was able to get on I came here to see this. My heart is heavy with the fact you are still suffering so much through pain in your body but I am inspired by your journey at the same time. Your courage, your strength, your tenacity are all indescribable. Your Song is such a beautiful melody and I believe there are lyrics yet to be written that will have such a lasting legacy and be inspirational to so many. That may be a Wikipedia article or perhaps your wisdom passed on to listening ears desiring to grasp on to the depth of knowledge you have accumulated throughout your life. One thing is certain. You have made a lasting impact and you continue to do so with every breath taken. My hope, my morning songs are for many more days of impact here with us. You are incredible as an editor and an amazing human being. You are an integral part of my daily thoughts. I am beyond honored to know you in even this limited capacity. I count it such a blessing to have even the smallest interaction with you. May my words be an encouragement to you like so many others mentioned here and may you find strength to continue "soldiering on" as you put it. I call it the Color Green, surviving, yes, but finding a way to thrive despite the circumstances. Take that and let it feed life into your Song. May the Color Green fill and flood you, my friend. --ARoseWolf15:53, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I have some experience of what you are going through. I have no words, except to say you are in my thoughts and I do hope things go better for you. As ever, David, David J Johnson (talk) 20:32, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Sorry to hear this Doug. Best luck anyway, things could be uncurable but still stay for very long. Just do whatever you find comfortable.--Ymblanter (talk) 11:49, 31 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Just saw this, and wanted to add my name to those who will be thinking of you, and hoping for the best. You're most definitely one of the best admins here, and I appreciate your keeping your hand in as much as possible. Beyond My Ken (talk) 14:04, 31 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hi, I realize we've interacted under questionable circumstances, since I don't quite fit in to the culture here. But, you seem alright, and I wish you the best of luck that your circumstance permits (whether that's more years of life, or a painless, dignified end, whatever the fates decree). I should know what it's like to deal with a rare, deadly medical condition -- at least in my case, I've got a cocktail of meds to commute my would-be death sentence. Godspeed! Xcalibur (talk) 04:55, 10 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hang in there, Doug, and more than ever, do what gives you pleasure. I hope some part of that includes your contributions here–pretty sure it is–but take care of number one, regardless. I have benefited enormously from your thoughts and interventions in the past, and selfishly, I hope to do so still, for as long as is feasible. We all have a limited time left, we just don't feel it quite as keenly. Times like this make me think about it, though. You're much in my thoughts. Mathglot (talk) 02:07, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Mathglot, although I feel that agreeing is often a bit boring: I want to agree with you that we all have limited time left (if you can accept that, you are close to wisdom), and that I, too, have benefitted enormously from Doug's thoughts, interventions and example. Doug, in Cuba people often encourage each other saying "Ánimo !", meaning "Courage !". Rsk6400 (talk) 08:51, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Dear Doug: I am saddened, of course, to hear the news that the cancer has proved incurable. I was hoping you would beat it, but illnesses are not privy to the hopes and wishes of humans from either near or afar. To carry on with equanimity and honesty in the face of life's exigencies is all we can hope for. That you seem to be doing not just with those qualities, but also creatively. All too often an off-handed mention of "real life," and usually just "RL," constitutes the sum total of our humanity we allow others to peek into on Wikipedia. All too often editors whose edits have given us a convincing, even inspiring, picture of the living breathing and feeling individuals they are, disappear anonymously from our presence. So, you have already bucked the trend. As an all too mortal human myself, I will look forward to reading whatever aspects of your journey you choose to share with us. As you must know, I have looked forward to your timely interventions on various archaeology or history-related pages on Wikipedia. You may not know that I have silently noted the pithy, no frills, language that has accompanied your interventions. For both, I offer my thanks and my admiration. Fowler&fowler«Talk»15:54, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hello Doug, I am very sorry to hear this news. You have done much for this community and site, for which numerous people have shown how important you are to them. I hope that you and your family are doing well in such trying times. I hope things can change and get better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 3Kingdoms (talk) 05:02, 18 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for sharing this, and really sad to hear about it. Wish you a lot of love to share with your loved ones, and faith and peace of mind. May springtime be nice and wonderfull! Joshua Jonathan -Let's talk!03:11, 19 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Came here to see if there were any updates, so sad when I realised what it was. Hoping for the best in whatever time remains and that whatever you decide to do comes true. My thoughts are with you and your family. Nil Einne (talk) 18:28, 19 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I waited way too long to finish writing this. You were one of the first admins I ever ran into on here, and an absolute paragon of what an admin should be. How much you care about this site and the time you've spent on it, has been an absolute blessing. And nothing can ever take that away from you. I am so honored to have been able to see you do that work, and hope many of us around here are able to take it forward. When I see a page that you were "watching over" (e.g. the only person (or one of few) responding to POV edit requests, keeping the article in good condition, etc.) I've been adding it to my watchlist. I hope others will do the same. I'm also so blown away by the poise and grace you're showing here, and in this announcement. Nothing about this is easy, I cannot even imagine how hard it is to think about or to write. And I just hope I can even approach that level of peace or grace if I get this sort of news. Thank you for everything you do around here, and thank you for continuing to be just an all around good guy. — Shibbolethink(♔♕)15:46, 21 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I am so saddened to read this. I do hope that whatever may come, you have a strong support network of family and friends to guide you. You and yours are in my thoughts. RickinBaltimore (talk) 15:49, 21 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
God bless, Doug. Praying for you. Thank you for being one of the bright lights on Wikipedia. If there is anything we or I can do, let us or me know. Love ya. Softlavender (talk) 02:12, 28 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, every single time I've seen your name it has been good. Thank you for your gracious and wise work for Wikipedia. Holding you in the Light, Clayoquot (talk | contribs) 18:07, 1 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I stand in awe at all the work you've done. Above all, know that we all here care deeply for your wellbeing, and couldn't be any more grateful to have shared this space with you. A big hug to you and your wife as you go through this, and I dearly hope that your departure will be on your own terms, with dignity. But in the meantime, as Mathglot said, please put yourself first. You more than deserve it. DFlhb (talk) 20:10, 1 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Know that you are truly one of the great and good editors here; I have immensely appreciated your contributions. Wish the very best to you and your family, Huldra (talk) 23:48, 2 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Oh, Doug. You have given me the gift of knowing that this project really is a worthwhile endeavor, since it is clearly in the hands of some of the most incredible people, that I have never actually met in person (that I would have liked to, if at all possible). If it has to be about goodbye, well, then let it be among the very longest, and most painless, goodbyes that have ever occurred to anyone. Your admiring fan, StonyBrookbabble21:49, 28 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I've only read this a few days ago along with all the excellent comments. Doug, I too noticed your excellent work on WP long before I finally created my account. Traces of your contributions seemed to be everywhere. At a moment when I had more time to dedicate to WP and finally heeded the recommendation of another editor to create an account, I think that you were the first administrator I visited to announce it. I'm less active here these days, but will never forget the joy of participating a bit with you on this project. Several comments above express better whatever more I could say. I'll still emphasise a point several of them make, about the importance of quality living, and the thanks for all that you've done here. I'm also glad that you allowed us the opportunity to share this: unfortunately there are editors I only could thank after they were gone. You're also one of those I sometimes check for recent activity and it's always a "yay" moment to see recent contributions. —PaleoNeonate – 13:03, 24 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I’m lucky, the 30% chance chemo would work includes me!
As straight continuous chemo would impact my quality of life, I’m having a two month break, will be reassessed then. I want to keep up my 5 km a day on the treadmill! And going out occasionally with my wife on dog walks. Doug Wellertalk17:56, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doctors have to play safe and give the worst case scenario. If you really want to see who the next president is, you probably will (though the shock might send you into regression!) My wife has leukaemia and found the chemo was so interfering with her quality of life that she gave it up. That was four years ago and she hasn't regretted it, despite the inevitable restriction of her life-style. Enjoy everything you can with gratitude. Sweetpool50 (talk) 18:58, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I am hoping for continued successes, Doug. You are an amazingly strong person and I appreciate you more every day. You inspire others which is an incredible gift. Keep walking the treadmill and going out with the wife and dog. Keep exploring life and paying attention to all the details around you. That has helped me through many, many difficult days. You are truly a Rainbow of vibrant colors and you leave everyone in awe at the beauty of your LifeSong. Bless you, my friend. --ARoseWolf19:07, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
5k a day on the treadmill! What an inspiration! My wife complains that I spend far too much time on the couch reading, but really snoozing with the cat. This is the kick in the pants I need. Thank you Fowler&fowler«Talk»20:30, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Per Donald Albury. That news has made my day, no, my cold rainy Italian spring suddenly lighten with joy. Hang in there, Doug.Nishidani (talk) 20:41, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Checking my watching after a couple of days and this section makes it all worthwhile; an oasis amidst the muck and bramble. Keep up whatever you are doing, Doug! Abecedare (talk) 21:01, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Great news indeed! Best wishes, Doug Weller. You will definitely see who wins the next US presidential election! You are an inspiration; in fact, 5km a day inspired me as well! Ekdalian (talk) 06:05, 29 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, you are an inspiration, and perhaps you - and your wife - like the music of our 6 May concert, Misatango and Te Deum, that we found inspiring. I received the link to the YouTube video last night - too tired to share then. I put it there and on my talk page.--Gerda Arendt (talk) 06:41, 31 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, assuming that the next US president will be elected in 2028, I really hope that you will see it. Your walking and your editing are an inspiration. Rsk6400 (talk) 10:07, 1 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Another instance of keyboard ruining (see JMF's comment below) ! How did you know that "American Pie" is a favourite of mine ? Rsk6400 (talk) 06:07, 9 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Rsk6400: The odds seem pretty good, but I didn't know it was. I see from the article on it that McLean finally explained the song, debunking some popular ideas. Doug Wellertalk07:41, 9 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I am constantly amazed at what medicine can acheive. But even more amazed by what individuals like you who will fight to bring about the best possible outcomes can do. This is wonderful news, and I wish you the absolute best. - Bilby (talk) 10:24, 1 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks all. Still ok, doing 5k a day on my treadmill. Went out to eat with my daughter to a Vietnamese restaurant in Nottingham, lovely soft shelled crab. I’m guessing I’ll be starting chemo again next month. Doug Wellertalk19:38, 14 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Doug, this is good news. I've always respected your work as an admin and an editor, and your ability to inject good humour to cool down hot discussions. Best wishes. Mr Serjeant Buzfuz (talk) 22:49, 4 August 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Even tho we haven't had many interactions, your contributions, compassion and commitment have truly served as one of the guiding beacons in helping me become a better editor. :) By the looks of the above signatures, I'm seeing this quiet late but I hope things have gotten better since then! Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and yours and thanks for being a wiki-role model! Best, DantheAnimator06:14, 27 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
User:Dantheanimator that’s very kind. I feel stronger than I have for a long time but the cancer of course continues to grow, so three months of chemo soon. My experience wiyh it last time was good, no problems except hair loss. Doug Wellertalk18:54, 27 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Doug Weller I've not been around for a few years and I've come back and am really sad to hear this. You're a good person and I'm devastated that this is what you're dealing with. Wishing you peace and light. Babakathy (talk) 19:54, 25 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Agh,it's been archived. Another round of chemo ended about 6 weeks ago, stopping the growth. Which of course has started again, so more chemo in a few months. I don't know if the side effects will get worse, butmy prognosis a couple of months ago was 18 months. I feel ok, week but then I'm old!5 k a day on treadmill. Doug Wellertalk16:41, 9 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]
You are ever in my thoughts. Keep moving. Keep stepping. Keep walking. You are the miracle here Doug and I am thankful to see you on the project every day. Stay strong. Singing a song over you. --ARoseWolf16:51, 9 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I don't even remember how I got to your talk page, but I just want to say I wish you all the best.
Your ongoing efforts to improve the encyclopedia have not gone unnoticed: You have been selected as Editor of the Week in recognition of your career of great contributions! (courtesy of the Wikipedia Editor Retention Project)
It is with great appreciation that the members of the Editor Retention Project bestow the Editor of the Week award to Doug Weller, a scholar, a gentleman and the sort of Wikipedian we all wish we could one day become. One of the truly bright lights and inspirational editors in the WP community, Doug has faced his recent health diagnosis with his usual thoughtfulness and reason. He has made massive contributions over the years, especially as an administrator, helping to make Wikipedia a more trustworthy source by rooting out misinformation and vandalism. We will never be able to measure the strife he has saved us from, because one never notices the strife which never occurs. A perfect example of his commitment to WP is his welcoming of a new editor just a few days ago. Godspeed to you, good sir. A trusted, productive and helpful editor whose talk page is filled with thanks and well wishes from fellow editors. Thank you for the example, the kindness, and the things that we will miss.
You can copy the following text to your user page to display a user box proclaiming your selection as Editor of the Week:
I’m humbled and literally in tears. This means a lot to me. Without all the support I’m getting from the community I would be struggling. Doug Wellertalk21:19, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for your dedicated service and many varied contributions in different roles to Wikipedia. Your work is greatly appreciated. isaacl (talk) 21:29, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Very much deserved DW. I could copy paste every word of praise already written here but I'll just second them instead. Best regards Doug. MarnetteD|Talk22:51, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Let's settle on Editor of the Decade, and a strong early contender for Editor of the Century (although given that that won't be awarded for another 77 years, the chances of any of us being around to hand out the gong are rather slim). GirthSummit (blether)23:38, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Seconded, Doug. You were an early guiding light for me here at WP over a decade ago now, literally at times keeping me on the Golden Path. You are a rare and glorious soul. Heiro00:38, 24 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hello Doug. It has been a long time since we interacted, and I only just read the news you posted above at the start of the year. I wanted to echo what others have said above (both in this thread and the earlier one). Wishing you all the best. Carcharoth (talk) 19:39, 25 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
We haven't interacted much, but I wanted to add my congratulations and sincere thanks for all the work you have done and continue to do here. Editor of the Years without a doubt. Best wishes, Eddie891TalkWork13:24, 26 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Doug, it's been a while since we spoke and I wanted to stop by to congratulate you on your Editor of the Week award. Your work is appreciated! –xenotalk18:20, 27 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Agreeing with Dudley Miles' "Wikipedia is a much better place because of your contribution" - you really make a difference! Rsk6400 (talk) 19:50, 2 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Long overdue for a man who for so many of us has set the gold standard for wikipedia volunteers, and indeed for his fellow admins. And thanks to the editor of the week team for summarizing Doug's presence here so eloquently.Nishidani (talk) 08:55, 3 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I'm sure others were quite deserving of this award at the time they got it but no one is more deserving than you, Doug. Thank you for your continued contributions, your steady presence and your words of wisdom. --ARoseWolf19:34, 14 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Always thinking of you, Doug, at least when my mind's not distracted by blips, such as the defeat of Australia in the Fifth Test. Keep well. We absolutely must be around for next year's Olympics and the November 2024 US elections, at a minimum.Nishidani (talk) 17:04, 1 August 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hello, Doug Weller. Please check your email; you've got mail! It may take a few minutes from the time the email is sent for it to show up in your inbox. You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{You've got mail}}or{{ygm}} template.
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. Translations are available.
Recent changes
The Nuke feature, which enables administrators to mass delete pages, will now correctly delete pages which were moved to another title. [2]
New changes have been made to the UploadWizard in Wikimedia Commons: the overall layout has been improved, by following new styling and spacing for the form and its fields; the headers and helper text for each of the fields was changed; the Caption field is now a required field, and there is an option for users to copy their caption into the media description. [3][4]
Changes later this week
The new version of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from 21 May. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from 22 May. It will be on all wikis from 23 May (calendar). [5][6]
The HTML used to render all headings is being changed to improve accessibility. It will change on 22 May in some skins (Timeless, Modern, CologneBlue, Nostalgia, and Monobook). Please test gadgets on your wiki on these skins and report any related problems so that they can be resolved before this change is made in all other skins. The developers are also considering the introduction of a Gadget API for adding buttons to section titles if that would be helpful to tool creators, and would appreciate any input you have on that.
Doug, I removed my posts here because the last thing I want to do is grieve you during this time. I am not shying away from what I said, but if my comments hurt you, that was the last thing I wanted to do. It was not my intention. If there are others who want to return my posts here for their own reasons, then that is on them and has no bearing on me. As for you, I apologize if I grieved you. I will trouble you no more. God bless you and be with you. MarydaleEd (talk) 23:08, 21 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Mary, I now consider this amicably settled. I do have to add that you suggested I had a posse to make sense of one of the comments below, sorry. Doug Wellertalk08:38, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
As a heads up, you are being characterized off-wiki as a potentially anti-Jewish "malicious editor". I can't even begin to guess what they are talking about, but they seem convinced there is some sort of aggressive campaign to recategorize Jewish biographies. Your guess is as good as mine. The only time recently I can recall getting involved in Jewish identity issues would be reverting someone who said Nancy Fraser couldn't be Jewish because she wasn't according to Orthodox halacha; I reverted because Wiki doesn't endorse particular halakhic standards. Someone in the comments complains that Wikipedia is run by Zionists. So I really am lost here. What are we being accused of? And why? Bohemian Baltimore (talk) 12:25, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Bohemian Baltimore I don't have a clue about the Jewish identity bit. I've taken part in the debate over Native American citizenship but only to give my history of losing and regaining American citizenship. Doug Wellertalk12:36, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I regularly check one of the edit filters that looks for Jew-tagging, and see both ends of the spectrum - the malicious taggers (the majority) and the aggressive promoters of Jewish heritage. Both can be equally pernicious, in the sense of emphasizing a particular ethnicity or religion out of proportion to its significance in the life of the subject, or setting them apart or excluding them from the context of their nationality: a form of "othering." As for categories, I have fewer concerns, it's less prone to malicious manipulation, since it's a bit obscure to casual readers, and because it should already be supported by referenced, appropriately placed article content. But we are seeing a greater number of edits promoting the idea that Jewish heritage must be prominently emphasized because anything else amounts to suppression of Jewish accomplishments or culture. Acroterion(talk)12:39, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Acroterion I'm aware of the Jew-tagging issue. Sometimes it isn't clear if it is promoting their Jewishness or attacking them for being Jewish. But given this is dated 2 days ago, it relates to my activities in the ARBPIA area, mainly adding alerts, a few reverts, etc. Forgot, also Lemba people and related articles, it may have something to do with those. I found a source relying heavily on Robert Gayre used there and in a number of our articles and have been removing it. That might account for the accusation, although it's weird that it would. Doug Wellertalk12:58, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I wasn't familiar with Gayre, and I'm kind of sorry that I am now. I am aware of the Jewish ethnic divisions issue, and can see that kind of discussion spiraling into intra-Jewish ethnicity arguments or "who is really Jewish." But, like most discussions about ethnicity (i.e., castes), the idea that people can be classified into neat boxes based on some kind of arbitrary criteria is nonsense. Acroterion(talk)13:41, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Nothing is weird except me and I don't give my permission to relate me to any other person, situation, or circumstance (tongue-in-cheek). But seriously I am often baffled by the way some characterize other people simply because they have a contrary position to their own. I am resigned to the fact there are somethings that will never make sense to me. As far as I can tell, there is one thing factual in these characterizations of Doug off-wiki. You are, in fact, an editor. An editor that I, for one, am grateful to know. --ARoseWolf15:23, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
As for the tribal identity issue, that's just another facet of the tendency to place people into neatly taped-up boxes, where it is all resolved and clear. That doesn't reflect the real world. Acroterion(talk)15:31, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I find what makes life lived so much better is the lack of tidiness when it comes to what makes us who we are. Our experiences, I call our Song because that's how I see it as it is played before me, along with the voices of our ancestors within us is often messy. There are not neatly organized boxes and very little resolution, even less clarity. I dare say that is what makes us, each one, beautiful and our interactions here colorful. --ARoseWolf17:23, 22 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Update on cancer
Called in for scan earlier than expected. Seems although the growth isn't much it's concerning. Offered choice between nothing for a few months to give me a better quality of life or chemo soon, the type I had first which causes neuropathy so no cold drinks, ice cream, handling all the frozen food that fills our freezers, etc. Also probably make me weary so I should spend less time on treadmill and last time the last treatment (there are 4, 1 every 3 weeks + steroid pills, knocked me out for a while. I've opted for chemo, bad as it is, just hoping it might add a few more months! Luckily I've got my diary from then which might help me. I'm feeling great right now, stronger than for a long time. But I decided doing the chemo is a good way to fight it. Doug Wellertalk12:24, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Stay strong Doug! Thank you for the update. Please keep your hands out of the ice cream, let it melt first before feasting. The very best to you, Netherzone (talk) 00:00, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Wishing you the best as you continue your fight, Doug! If you're feeling strong now, that's good for going into it from a high point. ButlerBlog (talk) 01:09, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Over the Moon for you..―Buster7 ☎ 05:10, 30 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Rsk6400 (talk) 06:07, 9 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
The new version of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from 21 May. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from 22 May. It will be on all wikis from 23 May (calendar). [5][6]
The HTML used to render all headings is being changed to improve accessibility. It will change on 22 May in some skins (Timeless, Modern, CologneBlue, Nostalgia, and Monobook). Please test gadgets on your wiki on these skins and report any related problems so that they can be resolved before this change is made in all other skins. The developers are also considering the introduction of a Gadget API for adding buttons to section titles if that would be helpful to tool creators, and would appreciate any input you have on that.
There is currently a discussion at Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents regarding an issue with which you may have been involved. Thank you. 95.168.124.10 (talk) 22:27, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
