“It was probably going to sea on the Cornelia Marie for the first time. It was for Phil’s memorial. To be part of such a special occasion, and to be documenting it made me really appreciate the community here and the culture of fishing. It was a unique experience and it would have to be my favorite memory“.
This is a quote from Matt Fahey answering the question, “Name a memorable moment on the job?” As Matt stated in the quote, there is a strong fishing community. However, there is also a very strong community around the Deadliest Catch and its fans. Those folks who support the fishermen of Deadliest Catch also support the guys who bring the show to our living rooms – the hard working camera crew. Matt Fahey is one of the camera guys that make “Deadliest Catch” possible.
Recently, the Cornelia Marie family learned that Matt Fahey was diagnosed with Stage III B colorectal cancer. Today is the first day of Matt’s chemotherapy treatment.
Matt hasn’t asked for help but his friends, family and Deadliest Catch fans have stepped up. As you can read in the letter below, a fund was setup with the goal to help Matt by raising money to cover the cost of his medical treatments. So far he has incurred more than $51,000 in medical bills which is estimated to exceed $100,000.
We’re going to try and help. One Deadliest Catch supporter is auctioning off a prized possession to help raise funds for Matt.
Check out this beautiful cap that was signed by Capt. Phil and the Cornelia Marie crew (Jake, Josh, Ryan and Freddie) and our long time camera man and friend Todd Stanley. It was signed for a radio station in Alaska and given away in a drawing. 
It comes in a beautiful mirrored acrylic case with a dedication plaque on the front. The hat will be sent registered and insured mail. The bids must be emailed to [email protected]. The bidding will begin on Friday, Jan 25th and run for two weeks ending midnight CST on Feb 8th. The winner will be notified by email with payment instructions. As soon as payment has been made and confirmed, the hat will be shipped registered and insured mail. The bidding starts at $300.00 and S&H is included in the winning bid. Good luck!
Cindy is a longtime supporter and trusted friend. She will keep active bidders notified by email as to what the current bid is. She will post the nightly highest bid on Matt’s Facebook page and on a news feed to keep everyone current. This will also be posted on Matt’s donation site as well.
Of course, you don’t need to bid on the cap to help out. Just visit Dumbasscancer.org and give what you can. The idea behind all this is to continue to bring awareness to the high cost of Matt’s medical expenses and help the fundraising effort. Lastly, “Thank you Matt” for bringing us the stories of Capt. Phil and the Cornelia Marie… and of course the rest of the guys on the show. Now, let’s kick this thing ‘Cornelia Marie Style’!
From Matt’s Facebook page:
It’s been difficult to find the words. There’s so much to say, and now, so many to thank.
So here it goes…
Cancer Blessing
On Nov. 16th I found out I had cancer. That evening I had my first surgery ever.
2012 was a huge year for me. Adventures and challenges presented themselves; success and its rewards were reaped. Most people would be happy with a year like that, yet contentment eluded me. Something was still missing. Now I know what it was. What a way to end the year.
People often ask if I’m scared when I’m on a boat in the Bering Sea. I’m miserable out there, but not really scared. I love the job, the challenges, and the people. I fly home proud and better at what I do, but I’m beaten down physically and mentally. You need to have a little disregard for your health/sanity to do that job, or youth, which isn’t an option for me anymore.
I took a job offer in Afghanistan last year, hoping to have a life-changing experience.
I craved it.
Now I can see that I needed one. I was willing to roll dice in a war zone and sought the adrenalin that it promised. The adrenalin came and went, but the life change never did.
Then cancer.
Nothing makes a person take stock in their life like facing one’s own mortality. My life change came in a way I never saw coming. Cancer has been a blessing for me in many ways. In the first week of my recovery, I had a couple of poopy-pants days about my situation, but knew that of all the tools to beat this, attitude is tantamount to going forward.
So anyway, I have a sweet scar now! The tumor and ~6 inches of gut and butt were removed. My plumbing was re-sectioned with “clean margins”, which is surgeon-speak for “no cancer in the parts that were sewn back together”. Ten lymph nodes in the general area were also removed. An inspection of the liver that has served me so well looked good.
After a quick penis reduction, I was stapled shut, and ferried off to my ~$10k/night hotel room.
Job well done.
I waited to tell my parents. I wanted to get the pathology report before I hit the alarm. It was right before Thanksgiving, and I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s holiday.
The Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Stage III B colorectal cancer…ass cancer.
In addition, three of the ten lymph nodes had cancer cells in them, which means the tumor started to travel. Not great news. Telling my parents was the hardest part. It’s gotten easier ever since.
The penis reduction didn’t take either.
Six months of chemo and radiation is the standard treatment. I start on Tuesday, the 22nd of January. The success rates are pretty good with this treatment on this type. Thought I was done saying this, but I also have youth on my side, (I know, crazy). Most people who do chemo are in their 70’s, so I have a huge advantage. I’m in my 40’s, and the 40’s are the new 30’s of cancer survival.
Healthy & Carefree
I’ve never been the sharpest pencil in the drawer but I’ve always been a colorful one. If you know me, you know that I have some unique skills and qualities, but occasionally, I can be a dumb ass. My youth was spent being a poor but happy adventurer. I’ve always been pretty healthy and carefree.
So, yes, I was one of “those people” you hear about — the “uninsured.” I’ve sadly been “that guy” too, but am trying to cut down. Whatever time we have here is priceless and it could be worse. But it’s not. Everything is going to be all right.
Dumb Ass Cancer
My family and friends have surrounded me with so much love and support that it’s like a rugby scrum of love and support. A bevy of friends have volunteered to be my little chemo buddies. Family has come through huge in helping me negotiate the treacherous waters of medical bills.
I am the luckiest man alive!
It’s weird to say, but cancer has taught me some valuable lessons. A lot more people want me around than I ever thought, and the other is that I value me, I love me, and I want me to squeeze a few more decades of fun out of me before me takes the dirt nap.
I know. Sounds like the cheesy punch line the coach inspires the team to victory with during halftime, but this cheese is for real.
This all started with some friends offering to help by planning a fundraiser (TBA in Feb.), which led to the idea of a website for donations. My cousin volunteered to spearhead the website, his wife came up with the name DumbAssCancer.org, and they bought the domain for me.
A Dumb Ass with Ass Cancer, and Cancer is dumb. Perfect!
Word spread on FaceBook, and in a matter of hours, an army of people were responding and sharing until it snowballed into a cascade of support and a tsunami of love. A surprising amount of donations rolled in from so many from all over.
I’m floored looking at the names and comments. So many people have called, texted, messaged, emailed, and yes, tweeted offering prayers, advice, well-wishes, and help that I’m overwhelmed responding to everyone.
Honored I am to forever be associated with this name. It is amazing how much cancer touches people. Almost everybody I talk to about it has had a friend or relative with it, and as a storyteller, I feel obligated to document my survival arc, the good and the bad, for better and worse, my journey through Cancerland. Maybe, in some way, I can use my craft to inspire, help, or at the very least entertain.
Gratefully Yours,
Matthew Fahey
Never knew you, feel like I do now! Thank you for your part in bringing us, now landlubbers, video of our dreams and fantasy.
Hang tough. Sounds like you have the right attitude. Beat this bitch!
Thanks for sharing this story! I love the penis reduction part. I know you’re saying that in jest. Speedy recovery, and your work doesn’t go unnoticed! Be safe!! This is truly newsworthy!
Hi Matt
Sending prayers your way for a full recovery!! I have admired your work and the show for many years! I will envision you healed!!
Matt Fahey, youareour my prayer list with my prayer group, praying that Our Lord Jesus to heal youand keep you healthy.
Dear Matt,
After reading your story, I feel the need to offer you my support and friendship. I am a 2x cancer survivor. My husband and I thought I was home free once I hit the 5 year mark. Boy were we wrong………..2 days shy of 5 years and 2 months we found out that it was back. It has now been almost 3 years and am hoping that there won’t be a 3rd time.
Like you seem to have, a sense of humor was the only way for us, personally, to get thru the whole ordeal. Family and friends were our lifeline.
I am sending positive thoughts your way and look forward to hearing that you have beat this. Until then, take care of yourself.
Sincerely,
Cheryl A. McManus
Matt,
Saying many prayers for you and your family. Stay positive and you will overcome everything.
Danielle
Matt, even though we don’t know each other, we share an ending to 2012. I, too, was diagnosed with cancer…breast cancer. Sending you good, positive thoughts as we fight “The Beast” the best we can. Good luck with your fight. At least I can get by with a pill a day for 5 years and some radiation. I’ve seen friends fight “The Beast” with chemo, so I wish you well there! Family and friends (the folks at Deadliest Catch are both!) have been lifesavers! Let them help you all you need! You have to fight “The Beast” by yourself, but let others help with the fight where they can! Good luck!
So many prayers & thoughts go out to you & your family and friends!
Sorry to hear this Matt. Love the camera work from you and the team on Deadliest Catch! I hope you feel our prayers and positive energy. God bless you through this journey.
God Bless you Matt ! ! ! and your family. I will be praying for you ! ! ! I love Deadliest Catch ! ! ! Thank you for all your hard work to bring it to us
Thoughts and Prayers to you Matt.
Continue to get better and I enjoy watching the show “Deadest Catch”.
To Matt,
Well, I guess the first thing that comes to my mind is ‘Wow!’..Just Wow! As I sat and read your amazing words, I choked up several times, I wish I had a fraction of the strength, courage, and intelligence that you show so clearly in your writing. I have not had the personal misfortune of a 1 to 1 with cancer, but it has shown it’s ‘Dumb Ass’ throughout my family on several occasions, the latest being with my mum, who has been fighting cancer in her bladder. She sadly lost her sister (my aunt) in the not too distant past, to the same ‘Dumb ass’ illness, but, and, thankfully, there has been no news of such severity with mum as yet. This is her second battle so far, within the past 2 years, the first we had thought she won, but within just a few months, it came back, and her fight continues.
One of the things I definitely want to say to you would have to be a HUGE THANK YOU!, for the amazing roll you play in bringing us the production that brought us all here to this page, and to the many other pages and groups throughout Facebook and all over the ‘world wide web’, which of course is ‘The Deadliest Catch’. It has been and remains ‘THE’ best production TV has ever seen, to the point of an overwhelming fan base and following. I hope there is plans for many more seasons to come. One thing that has struck me about the series is the years gone by with hardly a thought about those who venture out into open waters, to put sea food on our tables, and certainly not nearly enough appreciation for their efforts. I think Deadliest Catch has opened the eyes of millions, world wide, and shown us just what it is they face, every time they go out. Worst of it is, I am the son of an ex trawlerman, who came out of that line of work so that he could watch his kids grow, and not miss most of our childhood. Knowing that has always left me with a strong sense of a pull towards the water, and a hunger which sometimes is almost overwhelming, to go out and taste the life. However, that is not the path I followed, and I too now have 3 kids at home who keep me very much grounded and anchored to port, which I am very thankful of, although, and selfish though it may be, I still find myself having that urge now and then. I guess I could say that Deadliest Catch is a ‘Catch’ 22 for me, on one hand I have something I can watch, and be gripped by in seeing the daily struggles of a fisherman, and on the other hand, it only serves to strengthen my hunger for the sea. But, still, I remain a HUGE fan of the show, and it dominates my TV whenever it is on.
Anyway, the last, and most important thing I wanted to say to you is.. No matter what, of all the fights you have ever fought, and all the battles won, fight this one with everything you have, and WIN! As my old martial arts instructor used to say to us, with every blow, and every strike, bring it up from the pit of the stomach, it’s called ‘Chi’ energy, every blow comes from the stomach, and with extreme force. Up from the pit of your stomach, Matt, KICK that cancer’s Dumb ass!!
Many well wishes to you Matt, you have the thoughts and prayers of thousands behind you.
Kind regards and very appreciatively.
Keith. (Anything Deadliest Catch Fans- on Facebook)
P.s.. Please can I ask, for the privacy of my family, that no comments be placed either on my fan page for DC, or my personal page (for those who are on my FB friends list re; my mum’s fight, we have not talked to other members of our family, and for various reasons, a lot of them are still very much in the dark about her fight under her explicit instruction. Thank you.
thanks, Keith. Good luck to you and your family. My prayers and thought.
Matt – Praying many prayers for you as you go through this dumb ass cancer! I truly love your awesome attitude about what we probably all fear the most!
Hey Matt,
Thank you for letting us in on your journey. My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you soooo much for all the wonderful footage on Deadliest Catch. I LOVED that show and the camera work was a huge reason why. I always thought about those who did the filming, just as dangerous as what the crab fishermen were doing. Keep us updated.
Dear Matt.
In 1997 I was diagnosed with 3rd stage colon cancer. I’m here to tell you about it. I know there’s a difference, but it was in my lymph nodes also. 6 mo of chemo after and I’ve had a clean bill of health ever since. I love the show and thanks to your work we get to enjoy each season. Best wishes to you, keep the great attitude, and thanks also to your support group. They are the people who keep you going. Been there, done that, and survived. You will too!
Matt, as a colon cancer survivor, I agree with you that humor is a huge help in dealing with this “sidestep” of life. No matter what aspect of your surgery, chemo, or side effects are going on, you can find something in all of it to laugh about. I wish you the best as you navigate through this journey and know that someday you’ll look back on this and just thank the Lord that it’s in your past! Prayers being sent for you and your medical team!
Matt, I was diagnosed with Stage II-B breast cancer when I was 42. I do believe you are right … ‘our’ age has/had a lot to do with success of treatment and beating the Big-C. Hang in there, stay positive, keep your sense of humor (I went around telling people I was running around with one headlight, and I think it set people at ease as well as simply keeping me “up”), and keep feeling all the stuff you’re feeling. That sounds weird, but I think you (and any other cancer survivor) can understand what I’m saying. Take care of YOU, get rest as you can …
It’ll be a tough road, at times, and you’ll wonder if you can just DO this …….. but I think you will. I’m nearly 58 and still cancer-free. I feel very much alive and very thankful ………. and I plan on being around a good while.
Bless you and your family …….. hang in there, take care ……. and am looking to hear from you, on down the road apiece ……. !
LINDY
love it! one head light!
Get well soon! Will be praying daily for your quick and complete recovery. Stay strongand positive.
Matt
Sounds like you have the right attitude to beat this thing. I will be praying for ya! You have such a wonderful sense of humor about this. I am amazed at how well you seem to be coping. This will serve you well at the worst. Please keep us all updated on how you are doing. I am really pulling for you. Kick this cancer’s ass!
Hi Matt,
prayers to you and your family, get well soon! Love Deadliest Catch and thank you for your hard work.
Love your story, I had cancer too, when I was 32,( I am now 57) I was diagnosed with breast cancer, thank GOD it was only on one side, so I still have proof of what their suppose to look like, I was raising two little girls, single mom, and on public aid so there was no talk of reconstruction like the movie stars get, But through life and being very spiritual, I learned to love my self just like you speek of. Our bodies are just the vessel in which we came here in. THeres so much more to us than our bodies, it doesnt matter if penises are shortened or boobs are perking or lackin there of, we are all here on a mission and we are all important. Capt Phil would probably say your a bad ass cancer ass kicker.
Thank you for all you do in bringing us Deadliest Catch. It is one of my very favorite shows, one that I never miss, and I watch all the marathons too! I am in the midst of chemo for stage 3 endometrial cancer, which kind of came out of the blue. I’m a pretty tough cookie, but have had kind of a tough time with this chemo. But I am in my 60′s, and yes I believe youth is on your side! So hang in there, and please keep us posted as to how you are doing. I started keeping a journal, and it is quite cathartic(sp?) I am thinking good thoughts and sending best wishes; and you will kick cancers’ dumb ass!
Matt,
Whether you want to be or not, you are an inspiration. Thank you for your story and testimony. Cancer sucks and so many have been affected, but KNOW, you, your family and friends are in my prayers. Prayers of strength, hope and continuous joys of life! ~candii
Prayers and good thoughts coming your way, but I feel that you have all that you need to beat this cancer already! Stay strong, and stay focused on getting past this and getting back to your amazing life, I know you can do this! Much love and good thoughts, Elizabeth H.
There is a reason that the penis reduction did not take………… Its because you have giant balls!!!
Thanks goodness there are people like you on the planet.
Massive respect for your craft and your dedication and ………your big ole’ balls.
My prayers go out to you.My husband survived Colorectal cancer back in 1988.He went to the Mayo Clinic in Rodchester,Minasota.Three and a half months when he left there he was totally cancer free,had he stayed in his home town the doctors only gave him two weeks to live.He was a fighter and I`m sure you are one also.A quote from my husband.”You have got to go into this horrible journey beleaving you are going to live and have faith in God and you will”. He passed Aug a year ago but not with Cncer.When he passed he had been cancer free for over 20 years.My prayers are with you and hope that you can continue filming one of the most amazing shows on TV.We all love you and pray for you.
Barbara
Matt keep your head down and your spirits up.
Fair winds and following seas
Capt Ezell F/V Easy Lady
Stay strong Matt. We are all praying for you hun. Hugs. and keep us all posted on how you are doing. I think I can speak for most of us out here We love and care about you. God Bless…
Mike – I don’t know you personally, but I love the show and your work on it. 2012 was a huge year for me also, I was diagnosted with cancer in March and went through 4 rounds of chemo and 35 rounds of radiation. I lost 160 pounds, my hair and any muscle tone I had… BUT as of November I am cancer free.. Hang in there brother… always remember and never forget… you might have cancer.. but it sure as hell does’nt have you. You are in charge of this deamon…
prayers for you. Get well!!
Matt,
Praying for you….take care.
I wish doctors would just state thinks like you do. My dad passed away on his birthday last April from dumb ass cancer.
I don’t know you, but I am wishing the best to you, and I admire your attitude about it.
God bless you.
Matt, Thank you for being alarge part of my experiences on the Cornelia Marie ! My wish for you is that you will beat this an go on to do what ever your heart desires.. And to Quote (Spock) MAY YOU LIVE LONG AND PROSPER >>>>>>>>>
Matt,
Sorry for all you are going through. No matter how tough it gets remember to stay strong in spirit and body. Surviving crab fishing on the Bearing Sea is going to help you defeat cancer.
Andy
Sorry you are going through this. The best medicine is a positive attitude. I know I have stage 2b breast cancer and found that feeling sorry for my self was not a option and I am glad to see that you have taken that road. Loved Capt Phill and miss seeing him on the show, but you did a beautiful job of filiming him and the crew. God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers.
Matt,
I admire you and your work! Being a deadlist catch fisherman is rough in itself, however being a cameraman is not an easy task either. Like others have said you brought real life into our homes to see first hand what it is like. I will pray for you! My sister had cervical cancer and over came it. She was a 5 year cancer free patient until this last October when she was battling liver problems (another fight) she got sick and infection overtook her lungs. But I must say hearing your words reminds me so much of her. She kept positive and had a sense of humor a lot. She said she was like a cat with 9 lives. Don’t give up, keep the faith and keep your outstanding sense of humor dude! While reading your letter I could feel the tears well up in my eyes, but was laughing at your words. That letter is priceless!!! We all will be praying for you and wish you a speedy recovery!
My two year old baby boy endured four years of chemo and came out on top! If he can so it, you can! He is sweet and sassy, not unlike you, with a lust for life and adventure! I wish and pray only good things for you! Too bad you aren’t about 30 years younger then you could have had your Make-A-Wish granted line he did and go to DisneyWorld! Can’t win them all!
Dear Matt,
First off, I want to say thank you for all the hard work you do to help provide awesome coverage. Even though Phil is no longer with us, I know that he is with you, in spirit.
Second, I want to say, please, please, please, remain positive. I feel that when you send positive vibes, it helps….Alot!
Third, I want to thank you for sharing your story. Although it is not easy to joke around about the penis reduction, I get what you are saying. I have had too many friends, and acquaintances who have dealt with cancer. I have heard all the horror stories. It is not fair, nor is it fun. I admire all of your friends and family members who are going through this with you.
Please continue to share with us, so we can all be there with you and for you~ You are loved by many! And many more will come to love you!
Stay strong!
Love,
Kristina
Matt, a ton of good and positive thoughts go out to you.We only see some of thecamera & production crew, but we sure all love your work.Infuse your surroundings with positive people& bright colours & all your favourite music—- silly as it sounds,happy begets happy. Laughter has curative powers! with a +tender+ hug, a fan in CT, deb
Hi Matt,
Huge fan of Deadliest Catch and so saddened by Captain Phil’s demise, so I was drawn to this story.
You know, I survived a disected artery in 2003, (had a kink in my artery), actually went into cardiac arrest in exerise class, flat-lned again in the ambulance, and they didn’t expect me to come out of it @ Cedars-Sinai, but 4 stents later, I am here to talk about it.
You are absolutely right about your positivity during this trial. It’s obvious you live life to the fullest, this is one more challenge, but something tells me you’ll beat your biggest challenge yet. You are surrounded by all that love because of the person you are. I bet you’re a real kick to know.
God bless you and I’ll keep my prayers going your way as well.
Big Hugs!! Jan
Hey Matt,
We are praying for you! Stay strong and keep positive!
I have said a few prayers and I will continue to do so. If all I can do is pray, that is what I’ll do.
Thank you everyone for your support of my cousin Matt and sharing your stories. Howard thanks for your support and sharing Matt’s story.
I just talked to Matt a few minutes ago. He was at the cancer center finishing up his first chemo treatment. He is in good spirits and feeling okay.
We are so grateful for this incredible outpouring of support. It means so much to Matt and his family!
Chuck Horton (Matt’s cousin)
Are you a vet? you may get some help with the bills or other areas of your life than you can apply to for financial help. Check with American Cancer Society-they usually have current info. I worked in a military hospital until we could not bribe our low class congresssmen and women and line their pockets-we fly year round they could only fly about half a year but they had money we didn’t-they won we lost our hospital and my tumor board, pathology dept . We had people who had dealt with several different cancers and beat them all and lived over 20 yrs. If you are a vet check with the VA and maybe VFW who may be able to help. You might also get help from your state’s medi-cal or medicare-good luck. You may even have insurances that you forgot about and they and any old accounts you had may have money for you and the states usually have money to give to people who paid old property taxes or others and they usually have to put a notice in the paper so that the person may get money back.
@Chuck Horton Thanks for the update on Matt. I’m glad to hear he is in good spirits. Many thanks go to Cindy Harmer and the thoughtful folks in the extended Cornelia Marie family!
I may have something of value that could raise money. Is there any interest in that avenue to help?
Matt,
I am a 3 yr survivor of stage 3b colorectal cancer. I know the feelings you are having and wish you the best to you and your family. Please feel free to try to contact me with any questions. I went through the chemo and radiation as well. Hope to hear from you.
Mike Williams
Our Prayers Go Out To Matt And His Family, Matt Is A Fighter And He Will Fight Like Never Before, We Want To See You Back Taping Deadliest Catch After You Are Done Over Comming Your Battle With This Desease And We Know You Will Be Back To Do What You Love Doing. Keep Up The Fight And Don’t Let It Get You Down. See You Soon Back On The Show. Keep Up The Fight. The Bryant Family( Jersey Strong) Toms River New Jersey
Dear Matt,
Eleven years ago, at this exact time, I recieved a similar diagnosis. I thought I would rather die than go through all the surgeries, treatments and embarrassment. I was “let go” by my employer as my recovery would take me away from my job for too long. I work in the dental community, where there is no union or law to protect me. Life looked pretty bleak. Fast forward 11 years. I am extremely healthy, working 2 jobs, have seen 2 grandchildren enter this world, and life is GOOD! Your network of support is superb, your attitude is amazing and I wish you all the best during these trying times. The sun will never shine so sweet as the day you are cured.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sure it takes alot to be a cameraman on Deadliest Catch and even greater to take on Cancer. You have a great attitude. Wishing you the best.
Matt,
May God bless and keep you always, wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
karen
Hello Matt, Truly enjoy the show, and after reading about what your going thur in your life, I hope and pray all will be well for you and your family. Thinking of you! Jane
Wow! Matt! My husband, bill and I have enjoyed every episode of Deadliest Catch and always wondered about the filming crew. we thought “they must be crazy” to do that stuff. Now I see we were right! Keep up the positive . It does more toward remission than anything. I will put you in my prayers and look forward to the next season. Let us know how you are doing.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. You have the right spirit to kick it. Grab onto the support and allow those who love you to get you through. God Bless!
Having had Stage III colon cancer, after having had rectal cancer, I know exactly the surgeries, radiation and chemo that you have either underwent or will be undergoing. Positive people and positive thoughts will help you go through this, although, it will not always be easy. I was 30 when I first had rectal cancer, and 36 with the Stage III colon. God speed on your journey.
thinking of you in this time…. be strong, always remember we are here for you
So sorry to hear this terrilble news. You have been through hell and back on the boat, we all know you can do it again. Hang tough, stay positive.
wow, thank you for your words of strengh…they could not have touched me at a better time. I too had the Dumbass Cancer but I was lucky enough that they caught it early enough to that I did not need the chemo. But while a doctor was inside me looking at my liver and pancrese he made a huge mistake and cut into parts that has turned my world upside down. I had just come home today from another doc appointment and he wants me to go back to UCLA for my 12th surgery to remove yet another infection. I have spent 10 months in 3 different hospitals. You have given me words of strength and encouragment that I so needed today. Thank you… prayers and hugs to you and your family!
Matt,
I am a cancer survivor too….you are right, attitude is everything. Like you, not the sharpest pencil, but colorful. I worked through my chemo…not smart, but I was incredibly stubborn about it. I think I felt like if I didn’t work, I was giving up and giving in. I know you can do it, it’s all about attitude. Good luck and god bless.
God Bless you! Your attitude and frankness is inspiring. I will keep you in my prayers until you post you are cancer free.
Matt,
My mother was also diagnosed with colorectal cancer, stage 3C. She handled the chemo and radiation well. I had just learned I was pregnant with my son right before she was diagnosed. My son is now 8 and my mom is a 9 year survivor. Attitude is everything! My mom just put it in her mind and heart that she needed to be around to watch her grandson grow up. We just celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday and she is still going strong. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Dear Matt,
I’m sorry to hear about ur situation, but with prayers and chemo let’s hope u kick this in the butt ( so to speak ). Blessing from myself and my son to u and ur family
So sorry you are in my prayers and Phill is with you take care
Dear Matt,
I wish you the best and hope you kick Cancers ass. My dad battled and beat rectal colon cancer and was healthy for 7 years. He was a tough bird just like you must be to have a job like that. I have lost my dad(second time with the dumbass Cancer) and so many to this dumbass disease. I hope you have a healthy and long life ahead of you. We need you to keep us up to date on our favorite fishermen. Prayers and Blessings to you and your family.
Matt, thank yo for sharing your journey; To some people it might seem strange for you to say Cancer has been a blessing, however, I understand. I have not had any challenges like yours, but I do know that the Lord does put bumps in the road for us to learn from them, and you are doing just that. I pray that the Lord will be with you and your family, to help you all and your doctors/nurses have the knowledge and desire to beat this with you. Remember, there is power in prayer!
Matt, Thank you for your work on Deadliest Catch and for sharing your story. Cancer is hard on everyone. I Lost my Mom, Dad and Husband to Cancer. So my thought and prayers are with your family as well.
Never give up…fight a good fight, and pray the hardest that you have ever prayed…
Dear Matt,
You are NOT a dumbass. You are a statistic who happened to fall into the group of individuals that contracted cancer. I should know; my husband was one of those in July 2004. 2 weeks later, after major surgery and a transverse resection of his colon, and after pathology confirmed it, he took was diagnosed with Stage 3 B colon cancer. 5 months of radical chemotherapy put him into remission. FINALLY!!! OUr lives would be back to normal!!! Things were great. Cancer never ever really is cured, it is simply pushed into a “sleep” mode. This we have learned after this past May 29, 2012 my husband was againstruck by the ugly “C” word. He is now battling Stage 4 Metastized Cancer to his lungs. The outlook for him is pretty grim, MAYBE up to 2 yrs of time. He’s been in the hospital more times than I care to remember since April 2012, and he’s gone through 2 different types of chemo. He is supposed to have 2 more treatments left, then a new CT to see what the tumors (all 14 of them) look like in his lungs and to see if anything has traveled and created new cancer. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE fight the fight that you have shown us on the boat that you so proudly work on. You can do this. Cancer is defintely dumb, but you sir, are NOT a dumbass.
I am so sorry about your cancer.I lost my stepdad to cancer 2 months after it was found,so we never had time to even prepare or nothing.I hope god will heal you.
Damn ass cancer, correct! I watched my mom battle it all my life. However, it’s encouraging to read that you are optimistic and realize the true and real things in life that are more important. God, family and good friends praying for you!
Dear Matt,i got so sad when i heard about your cancer. Then i read your words.. How you let others to get optimists about this,and your humour in all this.. Thanks from me for get insight in the life at crabfishing. I am an Norwegian,and used to big ships,but i always look at the show. Or the reality you kindly let us in to. I wish you well,and will pray for you. You are a Hero!!:))
Dear Matt,
My thoughts and prayers will be forever with you.
My dad fished the Bering Sea for the last 20 years. In August of 2011 his Captain and Owner of the Company sent him home to Maine because he hadn’t been feeling right. I am so thankful to them because if he had stayed over there chances were we would never see him again. The day after coming home he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with pretty much no white blood cells. He fought a hard battle, but not one he hadn’t fought before. When I was 1 (33 yrs ago) he beat the battle of Hodgkins Disease and in turn this leukemia had formed and laid dorment for years. We traveled to Boston where he received the best of care, but in late April he lost the battle. The support of the guys on the boat and the company was wonderful and truely was his “other” family! With his birthday coming up next month (he would have been 60) and his one yr anniversary coming up in April, it’s hard. I am his only child and he has 3 beautiful grandchildren and we all miss him so dearly.
Reading your story brought up a lot of emotions for me, but also made me smile. You have a great outlook on life and you have to be and stay optimistic. My dad was the same way
Thinking of you,
Christina
Dear Matt, So sorry to hear about your cancer. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1963 (or 64, too long ago). They removed her colon at the old Providence Hospital in Anchorage and replaced everything with a colostomy. Back then they did not do chemotherapy. My mom finally passed away in 2007 at the age of 95 with no reoccurance of cancer. She lived life to the fullest and never slowed down. I believe attitude is everything when it comes to beating cancer. Keep up your good spirits and attitude and face the dumb ass enemy with your friends and the friends you have not met yet at your side. Your in my prayers and thoughts. Signed, one of those friends you have yet to meet.
Matt, I too wanted to express words of gratitude for sharing your story. My husband was diagnosed at the age of 32 with stage 3 Oligoastrocytoma, Brain Cancer. I tell everyone that cancer saved our marriage. We were on the verge of a divorce (over STUPID things) and cancer made ME wake up and realize what was most important and the things that I thought were important – that I thought were grounds for a divorce, were simply not anymore.
We too didn’t have life insurance or even medical insurance at that time. He was self employed and affording that wasn’t in the budget as sad is that is to say. It’s been nearly 4 years since his brain surgery and no cancer has returned. His type and stage suggested to the doctors that he’d have only two years, possibly 5 with aggressive treatments, to live. We decided together as a family, that we weren’t going to give him an “expiration date” that we were going to live the life we had together as best as we could and love each other earnestly everyday. We’ve definitely not regretted any of it.
He’s been back to work for about 5 months now and when we see stories of how cancer has touched people’s lives in a positive way, it reminds me even more, just how “lucky” we were to have our experience. Our lives are getting back to “normal” and the appreciation for our friends and family is ALWAYS at the forefront of our minds. We couldn’t have gone through it without them.
Sending all the love and prayers your way Matt! Keep up the good fight – humor will definitely help! It sure did for us!!
Matt,
I am going into my third battle with (Dumb Cancer) I feel the need for the first time to tell you my journey. I was 21 years old and thank god I started young having kids or I may have missed the boat. I have been a Medic for most of my life as well as a quilter. I have been all over when there has been a nation disaster to help. I was diagnosed like I said at 21 with cervical and Ovarian Cancer. So the baby making stuff was all taken out leaving an empty hole.I then went threw the next steps of Chemo and Radiation. I did not let people know and shut family out. I then was cancer free finally got my hair back and was ready to move forward. Ten years had passed and was diagnosed with Breast Cancer I was very lucky not to loose one of my girls.But I did loose my Husband in a tragic accident. I am a Medic so working on an ambulance and trying not to puke on the patient after chemo presented a little problem. lol But again I kicked its ass out. Now 14 years later I was just diagnosed on Feb1st to have stage 2 Breast Cancer. I will again go threw this but I did ask the doctor this question as long as he is taking my breast. make sure that when they are done I am at least down to a C cup. I am a DD. I am thankful to read your story. I have not told my children who are all grown and have children of there own not to mention I Have remarried 7 years ago and have adopted a little girl who is now 2. Yes a new life begins at 45 with a baby. But reading your words made me smile and I guess it is time to tell my children and friends. I loved your humor in your letter and I am a fighter been up and down so much it is hard to explain. You sir are a true survivor and an inspiration to me. Thank you so much and I am also Bidding on that hat! That show is my all time favorite show. So in closing thank you and bless you. Keep that great attitude. It is positive thinking and words that will help you get threw this. I will be thinking about your letter and checking for updates as well and will keep you posted as well.
Speedy Recovery Matt !! <3 Carlajo
Thoughts and Prayers to you Matt.
Reply
Hi Matt,first off I send you my support in beating this dumbass cancer and secondly in a speedy recovery,our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time but your upbeat attitude will concquer anything this cancer throws your way..I love the show Deadliest Catch and you will continue to be part of that for years to come! You are doing a great job one that no `dumbass“ could really do….Keep it up stay strong and you will most definitely come out on top! God Bless you and never lose hope..You can do it Matt!!!
Matt,
Hang in there and stay strong. I know several Stage IV survivors of the same cancer that not only beat it, they kicked its ass. You will do the same. You must be one tough guy to do what you do and you will do well. Lots of thoughts and prayers with you!
Matt,
I am a 2X survivor myself. I was diagnosed right after I turned 36 with breast cancer, and it came back 18 months later…dropping me from Stage II B to Stage IV. My chemo will never end, but I happened to be at the right place at the right time. I was at Mass General and they had just released a drug out of trials, and every 3rd friday I get that drug. It’s almost 8 years on this chemo and its been a 10 year battle. Humor has also helped me through. I did find out, however, who your real friends are and who arent. I always make sure I tell people, its OK I know you dont know what to say, and you dont have to say anything…just be here and give me a hug. My treatments run about 18k every 3 weeks, and even with insurance, its still expensive. I recently reached the point where I can no longer work and have nothing coming in financially. I’m frustrated that I can no longer work, but no matter how much I push myself, its a no go, and the doc says absolutely not. I’m glad you have a great support system, and are getting financial help. I’m trying to figure out how to keep my home and my life as normal as possible…but I dont know how that is going to happen….good luck with your recovery and God bless….
Hi Matt
Please read the book OUTSMART YOUR CANCER by Tanya Harter Pierce
There are plenty of alternate cancer cures. You do have choices Chemo Radium and surgery is all the doctors are allowed by law to offer you. Keep your options open trust yourself and your body to get you through this.
You will see the alternatives in this book are not just put forward by novices, they have been developed by doctors, chemists etc very educated people who have dedicated their lives to these cures and have had huge success, but almost all of these things are supressed by our govts and the cancer society themselves.
If this is too much google “Protecel” developed by Jim Sheridan a brilliant chemist.
Hope this helps
Kind Regards
Deborah
Matt
You have the right attitude. There has been a lot of progress in treatment in the last ten years. I have a cousin that I go down to the Seattle Area to visit. that went through this over ten years ago. We didn’t think she was going to survive the surgery and chemo but she did with a long strungle to get her health back. There is a lot to be said for strong will and determination and the belief in the power from up above.
Thank you for the filming you have done on deadliest catch. Phil was right to chose you. You caught the emotion and the reality without taking away the dignity. Phil reminded me so much of my dad he had his beliefs and opinions and didn’t pansey around it. It was what it was. He had his own code of honor and no one could make him walk away from that for any reason. That honesty was refreshing. My dad started crab fishing on the lower cook inlet in the early 60′s until the fishing and the warming of the water which he knew from checking the temp of the live tanks that they used back then the crab became extent. As a kid growing up even though I was a girl I became his deckhand. I can remember him telling me if I wasn’t scared I wouldn’t get sea sick. I’m no sure that is true but I never admitted that I didn’t feel well. When I graduated from high school and left home he was the first skipper on the inlet to hire a girl for a deckhand. One girl went on to get her own fishing boat and the next one worked her way through collage to become a RN by working for dad in the summer. Until then it was considered unlucky to have a woman on a boat. Dad had such good luck the girl deck hands that other skippers started hiring girls. Dad use to talk about all the old timers in Homer that were holding the town back with their out dated ideas. Come to find out those guys were his age in there seventies. He just didn’t have anything in common with them. The guys he ran around with and worked the boats with were all in their 30′s and 40′s. It is now my turn to be 70 but like him I’m inclined to think more like the younger generation. I’m not ready for a rest home yet.
God bless you and watch over you. Keep your zest for life and a big dose of humor. Humor and laughter have a way of helping you get through anything. Maybe the saying that laughter is the best medicine does have some truth in it.
Nancy
Matt, do you have a Facebook page? It would help spread the word about you and your fundraising. *hugs*
Hang in there Matt. You inspire us all and make us realize how short and fragile life is.
Luke