Posted on May 6, 2008 - by Morgan Howard
Article explains how Captain Phil nearly died this season
“In a scene to be shown later this season, a monster wave pummeled his boat in January, causing him to fall out of his bunk. He punctured a lung and broke his ribs. But his condition worsened after a blood clot dislodged from his leg and traveled to his heart.”
Read the full article here. I think the premiere episode debuts in the United Kingdom and Canada today. Do you folks already know what is going to happen (from the internet) or do you wait to watch the episodes as they come out?
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 3:57 am and is filed under Capt. Phil, Dangerous Job, Fishing, Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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May 27, 2008
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Meela said:
Dang dude! Take it easy, take care of yourself.
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May 27, 2008
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Sharon K said:
Damn, i hate to hear about the blood clots and broken ribs man, hang tough, man
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May 27, 2008
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dantufariello said:
hey phil, i didn’t see the show where you got hurt yet but i watch every episode every time it’s on take care of yourself and your familyand everybody on the boat, the first time i watched the show i fell in love with it, i feel like im there im 44 and have a bad back and my hip bones are dying and i need to quit smoking,hope you do it’ll help me to if i didn’t have the problems i do i would love to try and fish with you. i hope i can come there and buy all of you guys a drink before i get stuck in a wheelchair maybe 2008 season if all goes well take care lots of love dan from NJ.
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May 27, 2008
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Utility Lineman said:
Good to hear you survived Phil. I know what its like to work very long hours and weeks, but not with a bouncing and rolling ship. We are also in the top ten of most dangerous jobs and I have already destroyed an ankle and have been mere inches from being burned to death. Have fallen off 50 foot poles and miracuously (sp?) fell on my feet and went unhurt. But no matter what happens I’m addicted to being back out there and being on a pole or in the bucket gloving 19,900+ volts. I enjoy the show as well and watch every week. I’m now permantely disabled due to a very bad spinal disorder but enjoy Tuesday nights and never mind watching reruns either. Get well and catch some more King Crab, my folks love it!
Got a question for you Phil if you ever reply to the people here. What has been the most amount of time you have stayed up and at the wheel? How about your longest work week? I’ve worked 40 hours straight on tornado restoration before and have worked 142 hours in ONE WEEK during an ice storm in Arkansas. Was just wondering how much yall truly work in a day or week ;-)
Josh from the great state of Alabama
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May 27, 2008
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catchfan3 said:
Get well soon, Phil. We miss you and your sons on the show. Better bungee yourself in next time!
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May 28, 2008
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Traci said:
We watch every episode as they come out. I read about your illness on the web, but normally I just try to stay clueless. Last night, when the pre-teaser for the Opie season came on, they showed you saying you couldn’t breathe. You could have heard a pin drop in our livingroom- ipods came out of ears at lightening speed, Texting ceased on cell phones and gaming was paused on the computer- as they watched. I am glad that in this one instance I had warning about your illness so I could prepare my children. Even at 16 & 14 they are very attached to two captains- Capt. Phil and Capt. Sig. I wanted them to know ahead of time you were okay. We all know it will be a hard episode to watch. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
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May 28, 2008
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Beth said:
Capt. Harris I’m so glad you are OK. I had to find out what happened to you. When you sat up and said you couldn’t breath, the nurse in me jumped off the couch and it hit me, I can’t help him. I know how your sons felt. My daddy died when I was 22. He had a massive heart attack. He was 58. He stopped breathing but did start back when I repositioned his head to start CPR. He died 2 hour later. He died happy doing things his way. He was very well liked and respected man just like you. You are the Captain and your sons are members of your crew. But most of all you are their daddy and can’t be replaced. So when you get tired of resting and taking pills and check ups, do it for them. Remember the hair cut? That’s got to be worth something. I’m 47 now. I lost momma when I was 39. There has been so much that has happened in my life that I wish they could have been a part of. Don’t rob yourself and your family of those times. Take care of yourself and give yourself time to heal. Your fans will miss you till you get back but nothing like your sons will. God Bless.
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May 28, 2008
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Sicoli13 said:
Hey Capt. Get well you make that show maybe if you sorround your bunk with a few of those sandwiches your son made you they would have broken the fall a little. Love the show safe seas!
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May 28, 2008
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Brandii said:
My daughter and i watch you guys constantly.. like every time the shows on.. even reruns.. she about cried when she saw you say that you couldn’t breathe.. had to get on the net to assure her that you would be ok.. take care out there.. but lifes too short not to do what you want.. you will be in our prayers.. love to you and your boys.
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May 28, 2008
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Kim in Texas said:
I love the show. My DVR records every single episode! You guys have given me such respect for what you do and being from Texas I never even thought about what y’all have to go through so we can enjoy the nice things in life. Thanks for the show, I’m going to watch the newest episode right now!
Kim
Be safe and you are in our prayers. :)
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May 29, 2008
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Tracey Baker said:
Get well Capain Phil! My prayers are with you and your family . . . Keep your chin up!
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May 31, 2008
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Scott said:
Get well Capt. You guys are constant inspiration to for me to keep trying and never give up.
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June 1, 2008
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Audrey said:
I hope you are doing well, I heard about the blood clot and ribs, that is painful. I wish I could have taken care of you. If you were here in New York, I would have. Get well and take care of yourself, you are much too precious to waste.
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June 1, 2008
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Julie said:
Dear Capt Phil,
What are we going to do with you? You’re the best captain out there! You’re the one I’d be willing to trust my life to but you just can’t take easy on yourself can you? PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
thoughts and prayers with you,
Julie H.
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June 2, 2008
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MikeM said:
Hi Phil, Your are the best. My thoughts and prayers are with your speedy recovery.
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June 3, 2008
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kymmi Moxley said:
That boat is gorgous! and the CApt…well he is down right sexy…Hope you a fast and full recovery…looking forward to many more shows with YOU in it Capt Phil! By the way…..Why the name Cornelia Marie? Got a story?
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June 3, 2008
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Joan said:
Kymmi,
Capt. Phil’s co-owner is Cornelia Marie.
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June 4, 2008
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pasojack said:
this is the best show on tv. keep up the good work and i hope you’re better real soon.
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June 5, 2008
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highwayharley said:
Who is Corneliamarie? Your mother or perhaps an ex-wife? Glad to hear you are alright. Take care/
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June 8, 2008
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Hannah said:
Phil,
This really is the best show on t.v. i only look forward 2 watching Deadilest Catch i have no other favorite show. i really hope u get well, i would like to meet YOU someday ( and ur crew ) well i hope for the best!!!!!! ( for u and ur crew )!
-hannah-
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June 10, 2008
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richard said:
phil
hi i hope you get well really soon and feel better to get that great boat on the go and keep the good work up for you and the crew would love to meet you and the crew but do us all a favour dnt drink to much redbulls and eat healthy .hope to see you soon and all be well
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June 15, 2008
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Lyn Dyer said:
My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Phil for the 2nd time at a boat show in San Diego a few weeks ago. It was then he told us about the blood clot he survived, he didnt mention getting a punctured lung, WOW. He is truley a stud. He seems to have recovered nicely and is really a down to earth guy, very entertaining too. We have a picutre of my wife with Capt Phil & Capt Larry(FVSea Star) hanging on our wall and everyone that comes to our house is soo jealous..lol.. We love you “Crabbers”, and Phil, please take care of yourself, God bless, Lyn & Kat Dyer
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June 17, 2008
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Mary Anne said:
It has been a rough year for you! Hang tough, and take care.
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June 17, 2008
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Jim said:
Hey Capt Phil; I enjoy the show (it reminds me of my years in "Uncle Sams Canoe Club") and I appreciate the words of wisdom you try to pass on to your sons and the rest of the crew. Youve heard it before and Ill chime in, quit smoking man! I did and after a few weeks youll be amazed how much better you feel. Honest. (We worry about you out here in TV-land) Anyway, get better and I wish you and your crew fair winds and following seas!
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June 17, 2008
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Matt said:
Phil;
Well you sure had your share of rotten luck this season…Hope everything is better. “The hell you go through” Just watching you makes my hair turn white!!! what would a guy do without stress? right? ;o) Stay Safe, yourself and your crew and all the fisherman out there. Thank You for another great season.
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June 19, 2008
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Debbie said:
Hi Captain Phil! I am a huge fan of the show and you are my favorite Captain…please start taking care of yourself!! The show wouldn’t be the same without you! Take care!!!
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June 19, 2008
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Chris Christiansen said:
Dear Phil,
The Cornelia Marie has three main powerplants. Two are below deck…. the other is in the wheelhouse. If an engine’s given much service in its lifetime, odds are that it doesn’t have quite the compression that it had when it was new. So it is with us ( especially if we’re over fifty!). So… just like one of your engines, take good care of yourself and wisely work the throttle.
In doing so, you’ll be around fishing for many more seasons!
P.S. Tell Josh that I think he’s one class act. Kids who care for their dad like that are few and far between! Also, have him write up his recipe for his grilled sausage sandwich and post it on the site.
All the best!
Chris
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June 24, 2008
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Crabby Patty said:
Dear Captain Phil, you are my favorite captain, and I hope and pray that you will take good care of yourself. It was SO funny when you said in the article that the ratings would be good for Discovery if something happened to you…BWAH! You are very naturally funny! However, it would NOT be funny if something bad did happen because everyone loves you the best and watches the show mostly because of you. Also, don’t get mad, but PLEASE quit smoking so much!! Much Love!
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June 24, 2008
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Fan From Massachusetts said:
Ouch! I’m actually watching that episode right now!
That’s got to be tough having to suck it up and deal with it in the wheelhouse. You showed great strength by doing so. That showed us fans just how hard it is to fish in the Bering Sea.
Stay Strong! For the sake of your family, friends, fans and of course, most importantly yourself, take care of yourself! Be Healthy! Cigarettes won’t help! Please Take Care of Yourself! I’m praying for you!
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June 24, 2008
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Robyn said:
Phil! We’re thinking of you and hoping and praying for a full recovery. My husband and I are HUGE fans of the show and never miss it. It would not be the same without you.
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June 25, 2008
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Tom said:
Hey Captain Phil and family. Your show brings back many memories of Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay with my father. Yeah its nowhere near as dangerous as what you all go through, but it reminds me of being on the boat with my father, brother, and grandfather. Unfortunatly none of them are with us anymore. Please take care of yourself so your sons and later in life, your grandsons can have that experience. I would trade anything to have just one more day out on the water with them. You all are in our prayers, and we look forward to seeing you back to 100%! Thanks for making me remember the good, the bad, and at times the ugliness of family fishing.
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June 25, 2008
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Kate said:
Hi Phil. I confess I have quite a crush on you and I am happy that you are doing better. It saddened me that you felt so alone and scared on the boat, you are never alone, God is always with you.
Keep up the good work and stay healthy, I will be praying for you.
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June 25, 2008
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Tedd said:
Wow. You are one lucky SOB Phil. I had a friend that died when a blood clot in her ankle became dislodged and travelled to her heart. One minute alive, the next second dead. On the good side though, a person can consider themselves fortunate if they have ONE person in their lives that loves them. You seem to be really fortunate in that you have a WHOLE CREW that loves and respects you. Kudos to Josh for taking care of you in your time of need. If I remember correctly he wasn’t always the most dependable of people but he seems to have matured and grown since he started crabbing. You should be proud to have a son like him, this season’s trials and tribulations have really made me a fan of his. Take care Phil, you have a lot to live for, don’t take it for granted.
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June 25, 2008
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mike said:
hi phil get well soon
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June 25, 2008
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The Merlo Family said:
Last night’s show had me scouring the net to make sure you were alright! We are so happy and relieved that you are doing okay, and hang in there! Get well soon, and know that you are in our thoughts.
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June 25, 2008
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Irene E [in Maine] said:
Hey, Captain Phil, I have been praying specifically for you this entire season. As I watched last week, I was concerned for you, But last night went beyond concern. I KNEW you were OK , having seen you on “After the Catch” last week. [considering the passage of time] I realize what we see, is long after it happens. I sat here last night with my heart in my throat, crying and praying. I am a PRAYER WARRIOR, so have held you continuously in prayer ALL SEASON. I am a mom of seven, so know what it’s like to put yourself aside, for the sake of others. My heart went out as you requested the camera man not say anything to your boys. [Your wanting to separate yourself from everyone...as your 'brothers' wanted to reach out to you...] So much talk about dying out there…. Honey, we are NOT READY OR WILLING TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOU ANY TIME SOON!! Take care of yourself. [though I know, you are a self-LESS person.]
I’d love to see some of your bird feeders sometime. God Bless you and Keep you!! You are one of the GOOD GUYS Prayerfully, RENIE
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June 25, 2008
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Freeman (Med Student) said:
I have one question regarding your diagnosis (after the comment)
Phil, I just read about your illness (after watching the episode). Several of us students were sitting around watching it, and about the time you coughed up blood we were like “GET OUT OF THERE GET TO THE HOSPITAL!” The differential for coughing up blood is huge, but given you had an injury immediately before then, the probabilities narrow. And given the outcomes for a lot of those probabilities, it is ALWAYS best to go immediately for an exam if you are coughing up blood. You read me sailor?
I am very sorry it happened, but VERY glad to hear you are recovering.
In the article I read about your injury they called it a “pulmonary aneurysm.” Was that correct or was it a “pulmonary embolism?” They were talking about you throwing a clot, so that makes me think “pulmonary embolism” more so than aneurysm.
Could you clarify that point? Because if it was a pulmonary aneurysm I am going to sit down with a pulmonologist and have him explain that one to me.
Thank you Phil!
Take care sir & take care of your sons. You remind me much of my Father who is a Korean war vet & started/ran an engineering company. Tough. But loving.
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June 25, 2008
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Lynn said:
I never miss an episode, and you are in my prayers as well. I had multiple pulmonary embolisms in both lungs several years ago. Couldn’t breath, couldn’t move. It’s terrifying. I’m still around, I take my meds, and keep on going. There is plenty of life afterwards – just take care of yourslf. No one is ready to let you go yet!
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June 25, 2008
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Eric said:
Been there done that and i know just how you feel.
I went in for very common knee surgery and four days later i had a clot in my leg and 4 days after that i got pulmonary embolisms.
Me being stupid ,pig headed and very stubborn i wrote it off as a cold or something and didn’t go to the hospital tel the neck day.
Of course i got blackmailed by my better half and went to my doctor (who wasn’t in and the one who was wrote it off without doing anything)
Fortunately the nurse didn’t agree and suggested i go to the hospital (shockingly i took her advice).
They sent me in for a xray and i have never seen a xray tech run out of a room that fast…lol.
Its a wake up call and a horror but you shall bounce back although it takes loads of time.
Get better and take better care of yourself phil.
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June 26, 2008
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Christina said:
Hey Phil, love the show and sat on the edge of my seat the whole way through. You have two terrific sons and I’m glad you decided to get checked out!
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June 26, 2008
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June said:
I watched last night’s episode when you got sick and thought I was going to cry. I could not wait til next week to find out what the prognosis was and even though it was not good at least it was not lung cancer. I just quick smoking two months ago after 35 years and sure wish you and yours would too!
You guys sure know how to entertain a girl on tuesday nights!!!! God Bless and get well soon!!!!!
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June 27, 2008
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Alicia Pepper said:
That was something Phil. I’d swear at you, but something tells me I shouldn’t…
Still, how could you not go to port? How could you put Jake through all of that? Money’s important, but not that important. You should’ve taken better care of yourself, then Murrey wouldn’t be driving the boat, there wouldn’t be a new deckhand, ugh. That is so messed up.
And Josh? He looked mad! That was funny, he was right, but it was funny seeing him yell at you for a change. I would’ve liked to see more of Jake in that episode and less of you without a shirt on for sure though.
And one more thing, can you please change your hair style? Please? I don’t like your new look. It’s so, how do I say this? Not you Phil.
Anyway, get better, stop being afraid of the doctor, take care of yourself, NO self destructing, give Jake your credit card…I’m praying for you to get better Phil!
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June 27, 2008
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Kathie said:
Phil, please take care of yourself, it seems pretty unanimous here that we all feel the same and all are praying for you. You are also my fav capt and have been right from the get go. Please take care and get well, we all know that God will be with you and watching over the CM crew out there with out their leader. Josh is one heck of a son and your crew is one in a million, one more reason to get well and stay well. God’s speed in your recovery and we will all continue to pray for a full and swift recovery.
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June 27, 2008
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Katherine said:
Phil would you please take care of yourself? I saw the show last week, you going to the hospital, and i just knew it was lung cancer. Thank god it isn’t. I smoke too and know how hard it is to quit so no lecture from me. We all love you Phil so please lay off the red bull, smokes, take your meds we want you around for a long time to come.
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June 28, 2008
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Jen said:
Phil, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Take care of yourself.
Raising a Red Bull,
Jen in Oklahoma
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July 1, 2008
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Jerramye said:
Talk about “heart-in-my-throat”! Phil, you scare me. :) I’m sure this knowledge will truly make you change your life-style (yeah – right), but I can’t keep myself from saying it anyway.
Hay, we’re talking about someone who now checks the weather forecasts throughout both crab seasons – saying prayers for you all when it looks like the weather is really bad (& I live near the Gulf of Mexico – maybe I just want to think about COLD weather for a change). Hummm . . .now, should I pray harder so you don’t get hurt at all – or was it the many prayers so many pray for your safety what kept you alive in the first place???
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July 1, 2008
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Kate from Nebraska said:
We are so glad you are doing better Phil. We have watched the show from the beginning and we love all of you guys. Please stop smoking! My husband had a heart scare earlier this year and quit smoking that day. He is a year younger than you.
We are praying for your continued good health and success. You are lucky to be alive. Come to Nebraska! We will do some barbeque for you. We can sit around the campfire and tell stories!
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July 2, 2008
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Vickie said:
Phil,
Ever since I began watching the show the Cornelia Marie, you and your crew were my favorites. I never miss a show and was really upset when you became so ill. I knew you had survived, Thank God, because you appeared on the After the Catch programs but tonight’s episode showed me the extent of your injuries. My boyfriend of 20 years had a heart attack caused by a blood clot. He was in the hospital and told to stay put in bed. However, being the tough guy he was he got up to go to the bathroom and that’s where they found him dead of a massive heart attack. That was 10 years ago. It took a long time to get over the grief his passing caused to me and my kids.
Please take care of yourself and stick around, not only for your fans, but most importantly for your sons. They may be grown, but they will always need dear old dad. My kids are also grown and I sometimes wonder what they would do without me.
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July 2, 2008
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Michelle said:
Hello there Captain Phil of the Cornelia Marie take care of yourself and God bless you and your family and crew and i hope to see you next time on the show . your fan always from Springfield,IL land loving;) :)
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July 2, 2008
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Kat and Ben said:
Have to say I (Kat) was very scared for Phil and winced in pain right along with him as I watched the episode. I honestly cried when he said he felt totally alone even as the phone or radio was going off and his friends were calling. We missed last nights episode… Hope to see it Sunday so I can find out what went on. We have alot of respect for each and every guy out there fishing like ya’ll on D.C. do. I’ll keep saying my prayers that Phil comes through this and is able to continue doing something he really seems to love. Phil you really are a tough guy!!!! Thanks for the great show.
Another huge fan in TN.
Kat and Ben