Arthur Hatfield - Posted - 12/22/2024:  19:20:54

I will no longer be taking any deposits on banjos I will take names and phone numbers of people who want a banjo and the model they want and when I get one completed I will call them I already have one name and I have 4 or 5 deposits. I will still be building for as long as I can.I have some health issues I am dealing with and dont know just how long I will be able to work. About a year and a half ago I had colon cancer surgery and had a pet scan just after that and they said it showed non sign oc cancer after the surgery so I didnt have to take any treatments for but I had a tiny spot on both lungs but they couldnt say for sure if they were cancerious without a biopsy so I told the Dr. I was not taking any chemo so why have one and he agreed. So last Thursday I had a Dr. appointment and asked her to do a chest Xray and she did and told me 1n 16 months they grew from 6 mm to 6 cm which is 10 times in size. I still feel fine and breathe ok but I never know how long that will last. I dont want any deposit money to have anyone else to worry with having to return if I get in bad shape with this. I am not taking any treatments Ive seen too many people really sick what time they have left and still not live I just want to feel good as long as i can and then I will have to deal with what Gods will is.

TimFoster - Posted - 12/22/2024:  20:32:56

Hard to hear this, let alone what it must be like to deal with.

Wishing you the best, Arthur. And i reckon there’s a TON of folks who will be putting that sentiment into thoughts and prayer, right on out to you.

orchard city - Posted - 12/22/2024:  20:39:35

Praying for you, Love your beautiful banjos.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 12/22/2024:  20:57:58

Best wishes, Arthur.

BNJOMAKR - Posted - 12/23/2024:  03:18:50

Even though we never have, I have friends that have met you. They all spoke highly of you, and I've always admired your work. Prayers for you, Arthur.

Edited by - BNJOMAKR on 12/23/2024 03:20:03

dish - Posted - 12/23/2024:  04:12:27

Best wishes Arthur, I'm so proud of the banjo you built for me.

Poppie Marcelle - Posted - 12/23/2024:  04:22:35

So sorry to hear this,
I will keep you in my prayers. Though I’m not dealing with cancer, my wife died 5 years ago of brain cancer that she fought for 8 years. She never had chemotherapy as it won’t go to your brain. I’m glad now of that so she never suffered the chemotherapy treatment's. I pray that God heals you and gives you and yours peace.

lightgauge - Posted - 12/23/2024:  04:50:41

Prayers and best wishes for you, Arthur. You continue to be a blessing to the banjo community.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 12/23/2024:  05:05:55

Arthur,
I will be praying for you every day. You have done so much for so many.
Ken

Prewar Possum - Posted - 12/23/2024:  06:01:03

Arthur
I am sorry to hear the news regarding your health update -

I am praying for you and I hope that God lets you live comfortable and symptom free for as long as possible.

No better builder or friend and I am proud to say Arthur has always went above and beyond for me and my family.


I recommend his work and banjos and tone rings to anyone


God bless you Arthur


- Zack Nibert -

lazyarcher - Posted - 12/23/2024:  07:05:54

Im sorry to hear about your health condition. I have several friends that had lung cancer and with surgery, they have done very well and are cancer free. I know that deciding on treatment options, especially in the USA can be very difficult. I hope the best for you and hope you continue to build the best banjos out there.

eagleisland - Posted - 12/23/2024:  07:41:55

Wishing you the very best, Arthur, and I'll keep you in my prayers.

dpgetman - Posted - 12/23/2024:  08:11:30

I've always admired your work and generosity of spirit and knowledge. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Emiel - Posted - 12/23/2024:  08:44:41

Best wishes… I have never read anything but praise about your work…

lyndabee - Posted - 12/23/2024:  08:47:44

Thinking of you, Arthur, and wishing you comfort and the support of loved ones.

raybob - Posted - 12/23/2024:  08:53:01

Best wishes, Arthur.

TnFrosty - Posted - 12/23/2024:  09:54:11

Will be praying for you Arthur. As always, let me know if you need anything!

Dustyman - Posted - 12/23/2024:  10:59:54

Best wishes
I’m a tradesman as well and have a body of work I am proud of , you certainly have the same so do what you love as long as you choose .

bryantde - Posted - 12/23/2024:  15:05:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arthur Hatfield

I will no longer be taking any deposits on banjos I will take names and phone numbers of people who want a banjo and the model they want and when I get one completed I will call them I already have one name and I have 4 or 5 deposits. I will still be building for as long as I can.I have some health issues I am dealing with and dont know just how long I will be able to work. About a year and a half ago I had colon cancer surgery and had a pet scan just after that and they said it showed non sign oc cancer after the surgery so I didnt have to take any treatments for but I had a tiny spot on both lungs but they couldnt say for sure if they were cancerious without a biopsy so I told the Dr. I was not taking any chemo so why have one and he agreed. So last Thursday I had a Dr. appointment and asked her to do a chest Xray and she did and told me 1n 16 months they grew from 6 mm to 6 cm which is 10 times in size. I still feel fine and breathe ok but I never know how long that will last. I dont want any deposit money to have anyone else to worry with having to return if I get in bad shape with this. I am not taking any treatments Ive seen too many people really sick what time they have left and still not live I just want to feel good as long as i can and then I will have to deal with what Gods will is.

---

Arthur,

I echo all the good sentiments all of the others have said!......I will be praying for you sir and hope you get along well for several years to come!   You have always been a good friend to me with whatever I have asked of you about banjo building!......Never forget what you said to me once when I was bending your ear about something banjer related.....you said "Don, I don't have any secrets" and you always graciously helped me out in any way you could and I will never forget that as I try to pass on the same whenever anyone calls and asks me something that I can share with others!   God is in control and let me know if there is anything I can do for you sir and I will try my best to  acommodate you!       Don Bryant NC banjo luthier

Edited by - bryantde on 12/23/2024 15:06:54

HarleyQ - Posted - 12/23/2024:  20:42:53

Bless you Arthur, you have been a blessing to the banjo world. A good name is better than riches and you definitely have a good name. Our Prayers are with you and your family. Were serving a Big God and He has this under control. Thank You Arthur!!

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 12/25/2024:  04:09:30

Prayers

Kawasaki81 - Posted - 12/26/2024:  19:21:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arthur Hatfield

I will no longer be taking any deposits on banjos I will take names and phone numbers of people who want a banjo and the model they want and when I get one completed I will call them I already have one name and I have 4 or 5 deposits. I will still be building for as long as I can.I have some health issues I am dealing with and dont know just how long I will be able to work. About a year and a half ago I had colon cancer surgery and had a pet scan just after that and they said it showed non sign oc cancer after the surgery so I didnt have to take any treatments for but I had a tiny spot on both lungs but they couldnt say for sure if they were cancerious without a biopsy so I told the Dr. I was not taking any chemo so why have one and he agreed. So last Thursday I had a Dr. appointment and asked her to do a chest Xray and she did and told me 1n 16 months they grew from 6 mm to 6 cm which is 10 times in size. I still feel fine and breathe ok but I never know how long that will last. I dont want any deposit money to have anyone else to worry with having to return if I get in bad shape with this. I am not taking any treatments Ive seen too many people really sick what time they have left and still not live I just want to feel good as long as i can and then I will have to deal with what Gods will is.

---

Kawasaki81 - Posted - 12/26/2024:  19:37:47

Sorry to hear this Arthur, I understand your point of view towards your future.  I lost my older brother 20 years ago to Colon cancer when he was diagnosed with Stage 4.  He had the surgery and refused to follow up when he learned it metastasized.  He wanted to enjoy his life as best he could with the time God allowed him.  He was retired, divorced and an avid astronomy hobbyist.  And so he did until God called him to come home.  He told me it was the most peaceful time in his 61 years.  Miss him everyday.  Good luck and follow your passions while you're able.

8654041144 - Posted - 12/26/2024:  23:59:46

Sir, I’m heartfelt sorry that you are ill.

jonah4832 - Posted - 12/27/2024:  04:13:41

Arthur, I realize what a difficult decision it was for you to make, I am so glad I had the priviledge of meeting and getting to know you. You are a fine man and a great banjo builder. Our prayer's go out to you as you move forward with your decision, May God bless and give you comfort in the days ahead.

Redbone - Posted - 12/27/2024:  05:08:17

I will pray for comfort, physically and mentally as you deal with this, Arthur. You've done a fine job of making people a bit happier as we move through life and obviously, many appreciate that. God's grace.

Gary Griffin - Posted - 12/27/2024:  05:47:30

We will be praying for you Mr. Arthur!

JMalmsteen - Posted - 12/27/2024:  06:42:57

Wishing you the best and that you enjoy your days doing what you love with those you love.

mlmots80 - Posted - 12/27/2024:  06:45:00

All Ways Remember - God never puts us through any situation or circumstance in which HE is Right Beside US all the way!!!! Which means you are in Good Hands my Friend and all ways will BE!!! God is Good!

Lefty5string - Posted - 12/27/2024:  07:13:03

Take care Arthur, got my first Hatfeld 20 years ago. Hoping for the best for you.

starrett - Posted - 12/27/2024:  08:36:35

Hang in there.

As an fyi....I have a friend going thru something similar. His oncologist told him to cut way back on sugar consumption and no alcohol (including wine). He told him that both help the cancer to grow especially alcohol. Following his advice the growth rate of his tumors slowed down.

Paul Foytack - Posted - 12/27/2024:  16:37:31

I'm very sorry to hear of your health issue Arthur.
I understand and agree with your attitude about treatment and quality of life.
My prayers and fervent hope for your health and well-being.
Paul Foytack

Mickypearl - Posted - 12/28/2024:  08:00:44

Wishing you the very best, Arthur. I'm grateful for the beautiful music and instruments you've made. Hope you're feeling well for a long time to come.

dfstd - Posted - 12/29/2024:  07:31:22

Best wishes, Arthur. I hope everything goes well for you.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 12/29/2024:  08:04:53

Best wishes Arthur and do enjoy the time you have left, you've more than earned it.

Arthur Hatfield - Posted - 12/29/2024:  20:53:33

I want to thank each and everyone for the kind words,thoughts and prayers and some have told me of natural remedies they have heard of that has worked for some. I do believe in some natural remedies.I do have a bottle of Ivermec coming from the Vet tomorrow thanks for the advice. I didnt make this post to get people to feel sorry for me but do appreciate all thoughts and advice. I made it because I felt it was my obligation to let people know I didnt want anymore deposits to maybe have anybody to be worried about returning when I am no longer able to work or return them myself. I do have one home remedy I want to share with everyone and I have seen it work probably 10 times times never failed any time I have seen it tried The guy who told me was on here several years may still be but cant remember what he went by on here he came by my shop I guess it was about 15 years ago and Beverly had got bit by a brown recluse and had been to the Dr. and got a 100.00 shot didnt help a bit and he said take cabbage leaf rub it in your hands and get it soft where it will lay flat to the bite tape or bandage it to the bite not just for a few hours but a good part of the time for a couple of weeks or so till you know its gone I have told about 5 or 6 people and it cured Bev and has for me 3 times and worked for all the people I know of.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 12/31/2024:  06:24:32

Arthur,

Man, good luck with that Ivermec. I had not heard of it before, but when I looked it up, it was exciting to see what it can do. It is amazing the things you learn at the end of Burton Ridge Lane!
Ken

okbluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 01/01/2025:  17:18:33

Prayers going up for you, Arthur! 

Nobody should have to go through what you're experiencing right now.

 It's hard to trust the Maker at times for sure! 

udsgwc - Posted - 01/03/2025:  04:58:28

God be with you Arthur in your path forward. As a cancer survivor for 20 years I understand your thoughts on not taking the treatments, but I would rather hear of you down for a while, than not around building beautiful banjos. I play one of your Celebrity models each day, and cherish it as a family heirloom. Prayers

ccf60 - Posted - 01/03/2025:  13:14:19

Author,
I just saw this as I haven't been on the Hangout in a while. So sorry to hear about your health. I know you'll do the best you can for as long as you can. I've always considered you a stand up guy, and talented musician and luthier / builder. I still play and treasure the banjo that you converted for me a long time ago (bought from Kent Bounds, with your ring and new neck. I'll never forget the hospitality that you and Bev showed when I came to KY and stayed a few nights in your home when picking up one of your banjos.

Best to you and your family.

nechville - Posted - 01/04/2025:  13:54:25

I wish you the best Arthur and I respect your candid disclosure and integrity in doing business.
The Nechville shop is also careful to book only new jobs that can be fulfilled within a reasonable time frame. Having a good stock of inventory and interchangeable components is my recipe.

NDJohn - Posted - 01/04/2025:  14:19:55

Jo Ann and I are so sorry to hear of your condition, Arthur. We were both down in my shop yesterday, and she pointed to a picture I had taken of her and you in front of your shop fifteen or so years ago. She asked to be remembered to you and Beverly. Jo Ann so enjoyed chatting with her as they both played with grandkids while you and I were jawing in the shop.

I hope things turn around and that we might see each other again soon. Take care.

NotABanjoYoda - Posted - 01/04/2025:  14:47:05

Ivermectin will definitely make the parasites run away. Cures our horses every time. Powerful.

eastkypicker - Posted - 01/12/2025:  16:55:00

Arthur, I have you in my prayers ....been a while since we've visited I sure hope things will go in the right direction for you