Get well soon, mathowie!

November 12, 2009 5:41 PM

In case there are any Mefites who don't follow mathowie on Twitter, he just sent one out about his health that you should read. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Matt!
posted by cerebus19 to MetaFilter-related at 5:41 PM (957 comments total)

Best wishes, Matt!
posted by Kattullus at 5:42 PM on November 12

Sending good thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery your way ...
posted by Kangaroo at 5:44 PM on November 12

Just saw this retweeted by youngamerican. Best wishes indeed. Oi.
posted by disillusioned at 5:46 PM on November 12

Was gonna keep the first one, but this post's a little clearer so we'll keep it instead.

Feel better soon, boss.
posted by cortex at 5:49 PM on November 12

Adding to the good thoughts and best wishes...
posted by sueinnyc at 5:50 PM on November 12

That's terrible. Best wishes.
posted by dng at 5:50 PM on November 12

Ah, shit! Be well, Matt.

-IRFH
posted by False Dichotomy at 5:51 PM on November 12

What a terrible shock; best of luck to you and yours as you handle it, Matt.
posted by mediareport at 5:51 PM on November 12

Take care, Matt. You're in our thoughts!
posted by heyho at 5:51 PM on November 12

Good luck.
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:51 PM on November 12

Feel better, Matt! I'll be sending positive thoughts your way.
posted by lagreen at 5:52 PM on November 12

Best wishes, mathowie, hope everything turns out okay.
posted by breezeway at 5:53 PM on November 12

Yeah, here's to a speedy recovery, and thanks for the greatest website ever!
posted by Dumsnill at 5:53 PM on November 12

Best of luck, man. We'll be thinking of you.
posted by chinston at 5:53 PM on November 12

Yikes!

Get well soon, #1!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 5:53 PM on November 12

Hugs.
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 5:54 PM on November 12

Sending many best wishes and get well soon vibes.
posted by rtha at 5:54 PM on November 12

I'm not a religious man, but, God bless you.
posted by slogger at 5:55 PM on November 12

Sending good thoughts.
posted by dryad at 5:55 PM on November 12

Speedy recovery; or, failing that, languid, exquisite, relaxing, restful, stress- and pain-free recovery!
posted by Astro Zombie at 5:55 PM on November 12

Thoughts, prayers, vibes, energy, and everything else I have are being sent your way Matt!
posted by The Deej at 5:55 PM on November 12

I was worrying ever since the H1N1-flavored tweet yesterday (I had mentioned elsewhere that it didn't have to be The Trendy Infection to be trouble). Better than Mystery Illness, but wow... Obviously GET TOTALLY WELL TOTALLY SOON, and maybe we can make the removed growth part of the 100K Raffle prize package... (hope it doesn't hurt to laugh; if not, I'll get you this t-shirt)
posted by oneswellfoop at 5:55 PM on November 12

We're all thinking of you, Matt.
posted by gleuschk at 5:55 PM on November 12

All the best to you, Matt. Literally thousands of people have you in their thoughts.
posted by Daddy-O at 5:56 PM on November 12

I about choked when I read that tweet. Get well soon, Matt.
posted by felix betachat at 5:56 PM on November 12

Hang in there Matt! My thoughts are with you.
posted by Brak at 5:57 PM on November 12

Yes, best wishes for a quick recovery!
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 5:59 PM on November 12

Quick, everyone, favorite his health up! We can speed this process up if we all do our part!

I expect frequent status updates in this thread, Matt. Frequent.
posted by Mikey-San at 6:00 PM on November 12

Yes, take care and have a speedy recovery.
posted by yaymukund at 6:00 PM on November 12

Damn. I hope you get well soon, Matt!
posted by Memo at 6:01 PM on November 12

Just remember—this is how many superheroes first acquired their powers.

Get well soon, and hopefully you'll be able to lift cars with your mind.
posted by klangklangston at 6:01 PM on November 12 [28 favorites]

Saw the tweet and came here immediately. Best wishes from our mefi-friendly household.
posted by nev at 6:02 PM on November 12

Best wishes that you'll be well soon Matt.
posted by NoraCharles at 6:02 PM on November 12

Many, many wishes for a speedy recovery.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:02 PM on November 12

All best wishes, #1.
posted by holgate at 6:03 PM on November 12

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Matt.

Warm thoughts to you and yours.
posted by melissa at 6:04 PM on November 12

We'll be praying for you here at the Bunny household...
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:04 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

You definitely need a hug:

{{{{{{Matt}}}}}}
posted by jamaro at 6:04 PM on November 12

<3>

You better not be faking to get out of moderating duty.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 6:05 PM on November 12 [14 favorites]

Myself and my posse are sending good thoughts your way, Matt.
posted by ltracey at 6:06 PM on November 12

Get better fast! All the best for you & yours, Matt.
posted by Westringia F. at 6:08 PM on November 12

Much love to you and your family from the Brad Sucks household.
posted by frenetic at 6:09 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Best wishes, Matt, and good luck. I hope your recovery is fast and pleasant.
posted by Caduceus at 6:09 PM on November 12

Best wishes for a very smooth and speedy recovery, Matt.
posted by lovermont at 6:10 PM on November 12

Warm wishes for a full, quick recovery.
posted by palliser at 6:11 PM on November 12

I'm sure that would be a very frightening experience. Beaming positive vibes your way.
posted by tkchrist at 6:13 PM on November 12

Speedy recovery, Matt!
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:13 PM on November 12

Best wishes, #1!
posted by Quietgal at 6:14 PM on November 12

Damn.
Get well soon, mmkay?
posted by _dario at 6:15 PM on November 12

Our thoughts are with you Matt.
posted by vronsky at 6:16 PM on November 12

Working the Laughter Is the Best Medicine angle...

Can we just say that Matt is in the hospital to have [insert nick of most annoying MeFite] removed...? (why's everybody looking at me?)

Hold your head up, dude; it'll soon be easier to do so with less weight in there...
posted by oneswellfoop at 6:17 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt, you are in my thoughts.
posted by Sailormom at 6:17 PM on November 12

Best of luck Matt, we're all pullin' for you.
posted by signalnine at 6:17 PM on November 12

I promise to behave myself until you get back. Best wishes, dude.
posted by gman at 6:17 PM on November 12

Your brain tumor puts you in good company with fellow marginal celebrities like Jim Goad and Susan Atkins. I suspect they'll now become de rigueur among the E-list just like lip injections have for the B-list and adopted multicultural broods have for the A's.
posted by bunnytricks at 6:19 PM on November 12

Feel well, Matt.
posted by deliquescent at 6:19 PM on November 12

If well wishes really do work this should be a piece of cake.
posted by jvilter at 6:19 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

What the fuck is it with all this fucking cancer lately? Too many people I love have gotten fucked up with it, they don't deserve it, nobody does, and I swear if you don't beat all levels of hell out of some random fucking growth I'm going to call down the Great Biote In The Sky and grab him by the fucking tonsils and make him fucking choke on his own glands until he gargles up a promise that he didn't fucking mean it this time okay?
posted by ardgedee at 6:19 PM on November 12 [5 favorites]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
posted by rocket88 at 6:20 PM on November 12

Be well, #1!
posted by chiababe at 6:20 PM on November 12

I'm so sorry that such a very scary thing is happening to you. I wish you and your family nothing but good news, clear and understandable communication on all medical fronts, and an experience that, this time next year, will be but a tiny bump in life's rearview mirror.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:20 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

We are sending warm and happy thoughts your way, Matt. We love you, man! Please get lots of rest!
posted by onlyconnect at 6:21 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Just saw someone had twittered an "oh shit" to Matt and knew someone would tell me here what was up - damn, hope you're feeling ok. Have someone update us worried folk that you're ok next week? Because I know a lot of us will be waiting to hear that you're fine. I had a scary brain bleed thing happen to me a few years back - so I know how startling something like this up in brainville can be. Take care - lots of us will be sending our thoughts out to you.
posted by batgrlHG at 6:22 PM on November 12

Yes, best wishes from here also. Take care.
posted by chococat at 6:22 PM on November 12

Goodness. I wish you a speedy recovery, #1!
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:24 PM on November 12

Take care Matt; I wish you and your family the best during this difficult time.
posted by cgomez at 6:25 PM on November 12

Be well! If hospital expenses get out of hand, we can all buy sockpuppets.
posted by ormondsacker at 6:25 PM on November 12 [12 favorites]

Stay positive, make sure to go on a bike ride or two before you go in for your procedure, and take heart, because neurosurgeons really, REALLY know their shit. They know their shit so well, it's scary.
posted by killdevil at 6:25 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

The mass in my head turned out to be nothing important, I hope the same is true for you. Best wishes and lots of love from the chilly east coast.
posted by jessamyn at 6:27 PM on November 12 [5 favorites]

Yikes. May all things heal inside your skull. We wish you well!
posted by Greg Nog at 6:27 PM on November 12

Best wishes for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery, Matt.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:28 PM on November 12

A growth isn't necessarily cancer, heck, even a tumor doesn't necessarily mean cancer, and after cjorgensen, Matt should be obligated to liveblog his surgery.

But still, GET WELL, YOU BIG BLOGHEAD!
posted by oneswellfoop at 6:29 PM on November 12

Fear not, fearless leader! We'll keep a light on for you until you're safely out of danger.
posted by ocherdraco at 6:29 PM on November 12

Well, shinola. I'm so sorry to hear about this, Matt. You're in my thoughts.
posted by brundlefly at 6:29 PM on November 12

Oh gosh. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help make this easier for you!
posted by Kimberly at 6:30 PM on November 12

Count me in with everyone else--lots of good wishes coming your way.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 6:32 PM on November 12

I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really hope all is well. Will be thinking of you.
posted by bunnycup at 6:34 PM on November 12

I don't offer discounts for friends. Get well.
posted by ColdChef at 6:34 PM on November 12 [92 favorites]

adding to the list…LONG LONG list of get wells.
posted by ShawnString at 6:35 PM on November 12

Best wishes and get well soon, Matt.
posted by FishBike at 6:36 PM on November 12

It's too early to make a cat scan post joke, so all the best to you.
posted by Burhanistan at 6:36 PM on November 12 [20 favorites]

Yikes - that's some scary stuff.
Get well #1, we're all counting on you.
posted by porn in the woods at 6:38 PM on November 12

Sending good vibes your way, Matt. Take care.
posted by iconomy at 6:38 PM on November 12

Matt, I'll be thinking about you...
my best wishes to you and your family as you deal with this.
posted by HuronBob at 6:38 PM on November 12

Best wishes and speedy recovery to you, sir. I've often cursed your time-sucking creation, but I've always admired you.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 6:38 PM on November 12

I'm also sending good vibes your way. You seem to have a great support network full of people who deeply care about you - I hope that gives some comfort. You deserve it.
posted by anitanita at 6:40 PM on November 12

Yikes! Sending good vibes your way, Number One.
posted by theora55 at 6:40 PM on November 12

Fuck, man.

Someone close to me went through this a few years ago; I really, really, really hope this goes well. Another friend more recently had testicular cancer, and, given the choice, I would definitely give up the ball over the brain chunk. But it all blows, in any case.

Do keep us updated cap'n, and keep your spirits up.

I don't know anything about your particular case, of course, and I don't want to bring you down with my friend's story, but suffice it to say that he ended up a very different person on the other end of the operation. It it seems like the severity of these things depend a lot on placement of the growth and how far along it has progressed. It's probably tough, but I recommend thinking about what you want for yourself in the worst case scenario, and writing it down clearly for your future self to look over. This could involve a living will, or maybe just some written reminders to yourself about who you are, and what you want out of the time that you have. Of course, you're free to ignore what you've written once you know where you are, but it might be helpful to look back on.

Other than that, I hope that you can see this as a great opportunity. Every day could well be the last one, and it is rare that people are afforded the context to live accordingly.
posted by kaibutsu at 6:42 PM on November 12

Jesus christ! That must be really scary. Please take care, I need this place WHOLE!
posted by tristeza at 6:42 PM on November 12

All good thoughts and love heading your way from L.A., Matt. I'll be keeping you and your family in my heart.
posted by scody at 6:43 PM on November 12

Hope it's 1) easy to get to, 2) easy to get out, 3) fast to recover!
posted by chimaera at 6:43 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt, my thoughts are with you.
posted by goshling at 6:46 PM on November 12

Best wishes, my thoughts are with you.
posted by marxchivist at 6:46 PM on November 12

Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
posted by Wolof at 6:49 PM on November 12

Oh dear. Lots of good wishes and hoping it's nothing major.
posted by casarkos at 6:50 PM on November 12

Criminy! Get well soon, dude.
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 6:50 PM on November 12

It's never too early to make a cat-scan comment.

I have no idea how these people got their [blank] stuffed in their [blank] or why, but I want them out!

Best wishes Matt - hope it's nothing serious and that all is quickly resolved.
posted by yhbc at 6:51 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

You can beat this. Anyway, it will probably turn out to be nothing more than a fibrous growth from banging your head on the desk while reading MetaTalk. All the best.
posted by dg at 6:54 PM on November 12 [5 favorites]

Best wishes to you, Matt. Please get well soon. BTW, you've created something really special here.
posted by belvidere at 6:55 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

Take care of yourself, Matt. We'll be okay while you're in the hospital, and we are waiting for you to come back, but get yourself well, first.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:56 PM on November 12

Best wishes, crossing my fingers in hopes that it is harmless.
posted by idiopath at 6:57 PM on November 12

Get well soon dude, we're favoriting you!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:57 PM on November 12 [6 favorites]

Just here to echo the massive outpouring of love and support. We're rooting for you, Mr. Haughey. Please keep us updated, but take care of yourself first. You have to look out for #1

(haha...get it? Because your user number is 1....you know? Right...?)

Okay.
posted by chara at 6:57 PM on November 12

We'll be praying this is nothing serious.

Fuck cancer.
posted by dw at 6:58 PM on November 12 [3 favorites]

Godspeed, sir.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 6:59 PM on November 12

Hang in there Matt-- a family member just went through this, and despite some scary moments she was fine. Here's wishing you a quick recovery and the least possible amount of worry for you and your family.
posted by jokeefe at 7:01 PM on November 12

If you have a Haughey story, share it with #mathowielove if you're of the Twitter persuasion.
posted by cgomez at 7:01 PM on November 12

Get better soon, #1! Good luck!
posted by ooga_booga at 7:01 PM on November 12

#mathowielove on Twitter.
posted by ColdChef at 7:02 PM on November 12

Jesus christ!

The exact words that sprang from my lips when I read the post: Jesus Fucking Christ. I've never actually met you but I think I speak for many--thousands of, really--people when I say, You are important to us. Take care, buddy. And keep us up to date.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 7:02 PM on November 12 [7 favorites]

Oh, shit!

Get well soon, #1.
posted by jason's_planet at 7:03 PM on November 12

Fingers crossed for goodness. Get well soon!
posted by sperose at 7:03 PM on November 12

You're in my thoughts, Matt. Hang tough. Hugs.
posted by Stewriffic at 7:03 PM on November 12

Wishing you all the best.
posted by jaruwaan at 7:03 PM on November 12

Get well soon!!
posted by stray at 7:04 PM on November 12

Good Lord. Thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
posted by evilcolonel at 7:05 PM on November 12

Christ. Hoping this is relatively painless and over soon. Had an office mate with a similar initial diagnosis; he turned out fine. Here's hoping you do as well.
posted by caution live frogs at 7:05 PM on November 12

Sending positive thoughts your way, Matt.
posted by contrariwise at 7:09 PM on November 12

Assuming you are going to OHSU. . .or one of the other great hospitals there. . .
posted by Danf at 7:10 PM on November 12

Hoping you're back on the bike in no time flat. Take care.
posted by hangashore at 7:10 PM on November 12

Damn. Keep well, Matt.
posted by octothorpe at 7:10 PM on November 12

A message for Matt from Wil Wheaton.
posted by Astro Zombie at 7:10 PM on November 12

Get well soon!
posted by ba at 7:10 PM on November 12

Get well.
Best wishes.
posted by bru at 7:11 PM on November 12

Good luck, Matt. I know plenty of folks who have gone through this with flying colors, and I'm sure you will too.
posted by bwanabetty at 7:11 PM on November 12

Crikey. That's no fun at all, Matt. Best to you and yours at this nerve-wracking time!
posted by arachnid at 7:12 PM on November 12

Wishing you well and keeping you in my thoughts.
posted by arse_hat at 7:12 PM on November 12

Lots of #mathowielove. Good show, Anil!
posted by Songdog at 7:14 PM on November 12

Best wishes Matt, hope everything is ok, your in my thoughts and prayers.
posted by lilkeith07 at 7:14 PM on November 12

That's really scary. Good luck with the resection.

Cortex, I assume the CT scan is going up on the infodump ASAP?
posted by demiurge at 7:14 PM on November 12 [4 favorites]

90K+ club wishes you the best. Feel better, #1.
posted by mintcake! at 7:14 PM on November 12

Here's hoping you'll have this beat in no time. Be safe.
posted by GeckoDundee at 7:15 PM on November 12

Anyone who has doubted the value of Twitter previously might want to click on the hash tag. A lot of really nice stuff going on there.
posted by Astro Zombie at 7:16 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Holy shit! Best wishes for a quick recovery, Matt! Is there anything we can do?
posted by Lynsey at 7:17 PM on November 12

Hey, get well.
posted by maxwelton at 7:17 PM on November 12

Be well, we're all pulling for you.
posted by donnagirl at 7:17 PM on November 12

Thinking and praying for you and your family, Matt
posted by jpdoane at 7:18 PM on November 12

!!!

Good luck to you Matt.
posted by serazin at 7:18 PM on November 12

BEGIN STAGE TWO OF

OPERATION SICKBAY!

(starts to compile the cute kitty photos)
posted by The Whelk at 7:18 PM on November 12

All good wishes, Matt.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:20 PM on November 12

Best wishes Matt.
posted by smoke at 7:20 PM on November 12

Fingers crossed. See you back here soon.
posted by never used baby shoes at 7:20 PM on November 12

Get well soon and keep spinning, Matt.
posted by fixedgear at 7:20 PM on November 12

Hope everything goes well, Matt.
posted by cmgonzalez at 7:21 PM on November 12

Wow. Get well soon.
posted by thomas j wise at 7:21 PM on November 12

Good luck, mathowie!
posted by leviathan3k at 7:22 PM on November 12

Already wrote my well-wishes on Twitter, but might as well add some here. Get well soon plzkthx.
posted by bedhead at 7:22 PM on November 12

Hoping for the best for ya, number 1.
posted by Richat at 7:22 PM on November 12

My best wishes go out to you, Matt. I hope for a speedy recovery.
posted by kiki_s at 7:23 PM on November 12

I will be thinking great, positive, hope-filled thoughts for you.
posted by julen at 7:23 PM on November 12

We don't know each other, but you're dear to me.
Be well, Matt.
posted by alight at 7:23 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

I had something ugly in my head once, too. And it was kind of bad. And I'm really ok now. I hope your thing isn't bad or kind of bad, and I hope you're ok soon.
posted by ersatzkat at 7:24 PM on November 12

Oh man, Matt. What a difficult and scary time for you and your family. Be well. And know that you have a hell of a lot of people with you.

(Yeah, different Matt, but it just seems to fit.)
posted by maudlin at 7:27 PM on November 12

Wow, Matt. That sucks. Hopefully it's just a mass of overthought beans and it'll clear right up. My prayers are with you and your family.
posted by Biblio at 7:27 PM on November 12

My hopes for the best are with you.
posted by 517 at 7:27 PM on November 12

Sending brightest and best thoughts out to your immune system to kick some ass and get you back to full health and cycling strength soon, Matt.
posted by misha at 7:27 PM on November 12

Hope it's nothing Matt. You'll be in our thoughts.
posted by Big_B at 7:28 PM on November 12

Get well soon. Hopefully it'll turn out to be nothing.
posted by litleozy at 7:29 PM on November 12

Metafilter: The mass in my head turned out to be nothing important

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~vibes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 7:30 PM on November 12 [3 favorites]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
posted by various at 7:30 PM on November 12

That's right, Matt, you show that growth who's boss!

Best wishes and get well soon!
posted by socratic at 7:30 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt!
posted by ChrisR at 7:30 PM on November 12

Anyone who has doubted the value of Twitter previously might want to click on the hash tag. A lot of really nice stuff going on there.

QFT, I think I actually have something in my eye.

Best wishes, Matt. you are loved.
posted by lalex at 7:30 PM on November 12

nthing the "Jesus fucking Christ".

The whole Haughey will be in my thoughts tonight.
posted by muddgirl at 7:31 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Shit. I meant " Haughey family". But yes, the whole Haughey will be there as well.
posted by muddgirl at 7:31 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Hang in there #1.
posted by eyeballkid at 7:31 PM on November 12

Deep breaths. Doctors are pretty good at this stuff. Don't be brave.
posted by Hildegarde at 7:31 PM on November 12

Oh no! Best wishes, Matt.
posted by Kwine at 7:32 PM on November 12

You are very dear to very many people. Lots of prayers, lots of good will, all heading your way. You hang in there man. You have thousands of folks pulling for you. You are our hero and we love you. Best of luck with the surgery.
posted by caddis at 7:32 PM on November 12 [4 favorites]

best wishes, Matt.
posted by keltanen at 7:32 PM on November 12

Sending good thoughts your way Matt.
posted by -t at 7:33 PM on November 12

It must help that you have thousands and thousands of well-wishers, wishing you well around the clock and around the world - all of our fingers are crossed!
posted by moxiedoll at 7:33 PM on November 12

Get well soon, Matt.

And I'm not sure I ever said it, and now's as good a time as any: thank you.
posted by box at 7:34 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by philfromhavelock at 7:34 PM on November 12

Best wishes and feel better soon, Matt.
posted by threetoed at 7:35 PM on November 12

Get better! Or no pancakes for you.
posted by biscotti at 7:39 PM on November 12

Fingers and good wishes cross for you!
posted by eatdonuts at 7:40 PM on November 12

Sending along positive energy.
posted by netbros at 7:40 PM on November 12

Best of luck, Matt. I hope all they find is a vestigial twin.
posted by jonmc at 7:40 PM on November 12 [9 favorites]

Get well!
posted by citywolf at 7:41 PM on November 12

Get well #1.
posted by rainbaby at 7:43 PM on November 12

Best wishes.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 7:44 PM on November 12

#1 needs a hug. Get well Matt!
posted by ddaavviidd at 7:45 PM on November 12

you're in my thoughts, Matt.
posted by gaspode at 7:46 PM on November 12

Keep your chin up, Matt.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 7:46 PM on November 12

Looking forward to when all of this is just an anecdote in an AskMe. Best to you, Matt.
posted by kimdog at 7:46 PM on November 12

You're in my prayers, dude. Get better soon!
posted by katillathehun at 7:47 PM on November 12

Best wishes, get well soon!
posted by gemshwil at 7:47 PM on November 12

One more wish for a speedy recovery coming your way.
posted by Windigo at 7:48 PM on November 12

Good luck, Matt. You have the whole internet behind you (or at least the best of the internet!).
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:49 PM on November 12

This should be the longest thread in MeFi history before he goes in for surgery. Keep the well-wishing coming! #mathowielove
posted by oneswellfoop at 7:49 PM on November 12

Matt, you're one of the most-loved people I know. I hope you know how much I respect and admire you. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days, and I'm quite sure you're going to come out of this stronger and better than ever.
posted by emptyage at 7:51 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Oh no, Matt! Feel better!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:51 PM on November 12

my favorite [+] #mathowielove tweet so far...

RT @wilw A-fucking-men. RT @anildash Because MetaFilter is not, and never will be, owned by News Corp or AOL.
posted by oneswellfoop at 7:53 PM on November 12

WHAT THE FUCK, MATT?

Get better soon, mathowie. All 100,000 99,850 of us need you!
posted by crossoverman at 7:54 PM on November 12

Lots of positive energy and lots of get well soon, Matt - from a new member who has lurked for many a year, and appreciates this amazing place you built more than you could guess.
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 7:54 PM on November 12

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
posted by feste at 7:55 PM on November 12

You've been the conduit for a lot of good to enter this world, via this website you crafted and built. The universe better pay attention and pay some of that back to you. Add me to the list of people sending good vibes in your direction, Matt.
posted by WCityMike at 7:55 PM on November 12 [6 favorites]

Even bester wishes.
posted by ~ at 7:57 PM on November 12

#mathowielove on Twitter.

Yes! More of this. Get well soon, Matt.
posted by tarheelcoxn at 7:57 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt. We'll all be thinking of you.
posted by Dasein at 7:57 PM on November 12

My thoughts are with you.
posted by Zosia Blue at 7:57 PM on November 12

Get well soon, mathowie. Odaijini.
posted by misozaki at 7:58 PM on November 12

My favourite tweet so far is this one from jasmineeoc:

I know far more about #mathowielove than I think you can imagine.
posted by Hildegarde at 7:58 PM on November 12 [4 favorites]

Matt, you and your family are in my thoughts. Best wishes for an uneventful operation and a rapid recovery.
posted by mogget at 7:58 PM on November 12

You're someone I look up to that I've never met, and I really hope you have a speedy recovery. You and the whole MetaFamily will be in my prayer tonight.
posted by elmer benson at 7:58 PM on November 12

You've created such a beautiful place here and we want you back soon. Here's to a smooth and speedy recovery!
posted by Majorita at 8:00 PM on November 12

Seconding the thanks above. This place is wonderful, and it's a lot thanks to you. I hope everything works out as well for you as you deserve!
posted by MadamM at 8:00 PM on November 12

Best wishes Matt, get well soon.
posted by pascal at 8:01 PM on November 12

Take care, get better. We all need you.
posted by vibrotronica at 8:02 PM on November 12

Oh, Hodgman! Maybe I will become a PC.
posted by lalex at 8:02 PM on November 12 [9 favorites]

You've touched a lot of lives. What you have created has provided information and insight. Laughter and reflection. There are people who have come here seeking answers and received anonymous wisdom and love. Now...kick this thing in the ass, recharge, take some time to reflect...and get back to work. We need you. Peace.
posted by nickjadlowe at 8:02 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, dear leader.
posted by chrispederick at 8:03 PM on November 12

There is more love for mathowie on the internet than it is possible to read. That's how much damn love there is. I even uttered my first two tweets (the second was a limerick... you have no idea how sorry I am) to join in the lovage.
posted by Kattullus at 8:03 PM on November 12 [3 favorites]

I'm diverting some of the unused mojo I asked for this morning from the universe towards you and yours, Matt! And when you get better, can I please get some change?
posted by TrishaLynn at 8:04 PM on November 12

Fucking hell.

Another get well soon here, Matt.
posted by Nice Guy Mike at 8:04 PM on November 12

Get well soon!
posted by Coaticass at 8:06 PM on November 12

Wishing you and your family the very best news, as quickly as possible.
posted by lassie at 8:07 PM on November 12

Best wishes!
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 8:08 PM on November 12

loved your limerick, Kattulus, I had to condense it to retweet it, but here's the long version...

There is a man @mathowie
Whose websites are totally wowie
But then he got sick
So I wrote a limerick
'Cause #mathowielove makes my heart warm like Maui
posted by oneswellfoop at 8:08 PM on November 12 [8 favorites]

Best wishes your way.
posted by Savannah at 8:09 PM on November 12

Sending speedy recovery wishes and much goodwill.
posted by mynameisluka at 8:09 PM on November 12

From anildash!

anildash: Because he promised me that if we get #mathowielove to be a trending topic, he'll switch Ask MetaFilter to a white background.

I think we know what to do.
posted by jokeefe at 8:09 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

Really sorry to hear this news. Here's hoping that the surgery goes well and that the news is good, sir.
posted by sixo33 at 8:10 PM on November 12

Every best wish - hope patience, grace, strength and peace are always with you and that you won't need them as much very soon.
posted by calico at 8:10 PM on November 12

Jeeze, good luck, Matt.

Everyone else: next time, maybe let us know what happened in the post itself, please?
posted by paisley henosis at 8:11 PM on November 12

Prayers and good thoughts for you and your family from me and mine.

INTERNET, PLEASE HOPE MATT
posted by sleeping bear at 8:12 PM on November 12 [5 favorites]

Holy crap! Get better soon.
posted by white_devil at 8:13 PM on November 12

Well shit. Hope everything works out ok, dude. Feel better!
posted by elizardbits at 8:14 PM on November 12

You and your family will be in my thoughts. Get well soon.
posted by Thin Lizzy at 8:15 PM on November 12

What a shock. Add me to the army sending best wishes, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family.
posted by mostlymartha at 8:15 PM on November 12

oh no! Best wishes for your health, Mathowie.
posted by min at 8:17 PM on November 12

Matt! I'm so sorry. Godspeed and best of luck with everything.
posted by xmutex at 8:17 PM on November 12

i hope it's nothing too serious -- best of luck..
posted by empath at 8:18 PM on November 12

Metafilter has inspired and enriched me in ways I never could have imagined when I first began to lurk.

I hope all goes well. Warm thoughts going out your way, Matt.
posted by malocchio at 8:19 PM on November 12

Hang in there.
posted by nola at 8:19 PM on November 12

Be well brother.
posted by Divine_Wino at 8:20 PM on November 12

I think of MetaFilter as the soul of the web. Thank you, and get well ASAP!
posted by Jonathan Harford at 8:20 PM on November 12

Mostly a lurker, but always a lover. Sending positive vibes out into the world. Without metafilter, I may have lost my faith in humanity.

Good Luck Matt!
posted by MsLgean at 8:21 PM on November 12

Please know that I am genuinely sorry for all the grief I have caused you over the years. Please do get better soon.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:22 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

You are in my thoughts...now stop trying to sprout a second brain.

Take care and I'll be waiting to hear good news about your recovery.
posted by 26.2 at 8:23 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

After it's removed, if you leave the growth under your pillow, the growth fairy will come while you're sleeping, and give you a shiny object that carries much power.

Use that power ONLY FOR GOOD, Matt. REMEMBER.
posted by not_on_display at 8:25 PM on November 12 [9 favorites]

Just saw this via @hotdogsladies. You'll be in my thoughts Matt, best of luck, and a speedy recovery!
posted by gofargogo at 8:27 PM on November 12

Holy fuckity fuck. What a shit thing to log on and read.

Matt, please get better- my life wouldn't be the same without you. I'll be in the cheering you on section.
posted by pjern at 8:29 PM on November 12

May you have a speedy recovery, and quick escape from the horrors of hospital food.
posted by amelioration at 8:31 PM on November 12

Tense moments. We are all watching and waiting. So much #matthowielove swirling in the universe tonight. You are a special being, Matt. Fingers crossed for you.
posted by Surfurrus at 8:31 PM on November 12

Get better Matt! Feel the power of literally thousands of people pulling for you to be well!

Damn it sucks getting old, doesn't it?
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 8:31 PM on November 12

I was hoping someone hacked Matt's twitter account. Hard to believe it's real. Best wishes and good vibes!
posted by peep at 8:32 PM on November 12

Best of luck, and a speedy recovery!
posted by tickingclock at 8:32 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt. I hope you get better and feel better soon. You still have more great things to do!
posted by Pastabagel at 8:34 PM on November 12

Damn. Wishing you the best, Matt.
posted by Slithy_Tove at 8:34 PM on November 12

ALSO GET BETTER GOOD LUCK NO SRSLY
posted by The Whelk at 8:34 PM on November 12

Good luck!
posted by spec80 at 8:35 PM on November 12

Best wishes.
posted by Bookhouse at 8:36 PM on November 12

Hope things turn out ok. Get well soon Matt.
posted by ramix at 8:36 PM on November 12

Salutary imperative!

Best wishes.
posted by Sova at 8:36 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by amro at 8:38 PM on November 12

get well.*
posted by localhuman at 8:39 PM on November 12

Get better soon Matt. Hang in there.
posted by IndigoRain at 8:39 PM on November 12

Best wishes Matt, I hope it turns out to be a nugget of gold that you can then sell for mad dollah.
posted by saturnine at 8:42 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by headspace at 8:42 PM on November 12

Get well soon, Matt. We're thinking of you and your family.
posted by ghostbee at 8:43 PM on November 12

good luck with it
posted by pyramid termite at 8:44 PM on November 12

ALSOI TOTALLY MADE THAT FIRST JOKE THINKING THIS WAS ABOUT HIS PREVIOUS TWEET ABOUT GETTING THE FLU AND I DIDN'T ACTUALLY CHECK THE FUCKING POST UNTIL NOW AND I FEEL BAD ABOUT IT SO PLEASE GET BETTER OR I WILL FEEL WORSE CAUSE OBVIOUSLY.
posted by The Whelk at 8:44 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by arcticwoman at 8:45 PM on November 12

Dear God...

Keep up the good fight man. Get well!!!
posted by JoeXIII007 at 8:45 PM on November 12

P.S BETTER! GET! HOPE! NNNNHHHHH!
posted by The Whelk at 8:45 PM on November 12

Hi Matt! We love you, Matt! You'll be fine. Be brave for the doctor!
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 8:45 PM on November 12

Best wishes. Speedy recovery Matt.
posted by rglasmann at 8:46 PM on November 12

Thoughts, wishes, and everything positive but the kitchen sink being sent your way Matt. Take care and get well soon.
posted by vanderwal at 8:46 PM on November 12

Bless you and your surgeon, mathowie.
posted by Cranberry at 8:48 PM on November 12

Best wishes to you and yours.
posted by firstdrop at 8:49 PM on November 12

Be well, Matt, and know that we will support you in whatever way you need.
posted by sarahnade at 8:49 PM on November 12

Per my previous suggestion to a sick person, don't walk into the light.
posted by GuyZero at 8:50 PM on November 12

Adding my best wishes. Get better, Matt.
posted by Nick Verstayne at 8:51 PM on November 12

Clearly this should be sidebarred.
posted by desjardins at 8:51 PM on November 12 [8 favorites]

The fact that he tweeted the passing out, seizure and diagnosis is just so hard core nerd. Swift recovery, Number One.
posted by nanojath at 8:54 PM on November 12 [6 favorites]

The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.

- Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields

Get well and be well, Matt.
posted by Effigy2000 at 8:54 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

Matt, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm sending positive energy and prayers your way, and really hope that you'll feel and be better soon. All the best to you and your family.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 8:54 PM on November 12

... did a cat scan

So did you finally see how and why people wedged their cats on their scanners? I seem to remember you were asking about that a while back.

Hope you feel better soon!
posted by quin at 8:55 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

For those that don't have The Twitter, new tweet:

Thanks for the well wishes, all. Looks like surgery is tomorrow afternoon.
posted by floam at 8:56 PM on November 12

Lighting a candle for you. Take care and best wishes!
posted by readery at 8:56 PM on November 12

*big hugs*
posted by brina at 8:57 PM on November 12

I twittered back when I assumed it was just the H1N1 issue, then read back through my timeline to find out it was much more serious.

Best of luck in surgery tomorrow. I hope whatever it is that's hanging around where it shouldn't is very quickly gone for good.
posted by Brainy at 8:58 PM on November 12

Get well, man.
posted by scalefree at 8:59 PM on November 12

Keep your spirits up, Matt... I do know of two people who had masses removed from their brains and both recovered... one six years ago, one twelve. So stay positive, you'll be in my thoughts!
posted by VikingSword at 8:59 PM on November 12

https://twitter.com/mathowie/status/5671467401
posted by gen at 9:01 PM on November 12

*sends massive healing vibes to #1 and massive stay strong vibes to all the Haugheys*

Here's to a growth-free tomorrow!!!
posted by Space Kitty at 9:02 PM on November 12

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by water bear at 9:03 PM on November 12

WTF MATT??

Don't you feel better now? Thoughts and good vibes coming to you and your family.
posted by pearlybob at 9:04 PM on November 12

Prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
posted by Jahaza at 9:05 PM on November 12

best wishes big guy!
posted by jacobsee at 9:06 PM on November 12

I generally save this sort of thing for special occasions, like CAPS LOCK DAY, but without mathowie and mefi, I would never know the joy that is a crockety bloat. So, I guess what I'm trying to say, Matt, is:

            _                  _ _                         
           | |                | | |                        
  __ _  ___| |_  __      _____| | |
 / _` |/ _ \ __| \ \ /\ / / _ \ | |
| (_| |  __/ |_   \ V  V /  __/ | |
 \__, |\___|\__|   \_/\_/ \___|_|_|
  __/ |                                                    
 |___/       

        ___  ___   ___  _ __  
       / __|/ _ \ / _ \| '_ \ 
       \__ \ (_) | (_) | | | |
       |___/\___/ \___/|_| |_|

posted by chrisamiller at 9:06 PM on November 12 [4 favorites]

Oh, wow. That is scary stuff, no doubt about it. Please get well quickly.
posted by longsleeves at 9:08 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt. We're all thinking of you and hoping for a quick recovery.
posted by moira at 9:12 PM on November 12

Best of luck with a speedy recovery!

Odaiji ni!
posted by gomichild at 9:13 PM on November 12

Best of luck, Matt. A lot of people are concerned for you.
posted by tyllwin at 9:15 PM on November 12

Since I joined metafilter almost a year ago, my interaction with Matt has been precisely nil. However, the mere existence of this site and the community has become quite important to me, and I owe Matt for it's existence. Take care of yourself, Matt. Thousands of mefites are pullin for ya
posted by orville sash at 9:15 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

He's really good people. I liked him a lot when we met. Next time, we drink to you, Matt!
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 9:16 PM on November 12

You're in my thoughts, Matt. I hope you feel better soon.
posted by harrumph at 9:17 PM on November 12

Sending good thoughts, vibes, wishes, prayers and hopes your way.
posted by typewriter at 9:19 PM on November 12

Fuck, dude. Get well soon. There's a lot of us out here who'd like to buy you a beer as soon as you do.
posted by dersins at 9:19 PM on November 12

Light and the web will curve from the amount of good wishes to come. Get well, Matt.
posted by Yogurt at 9:19 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Fingers crossed for you and your family, man.
posted by mds35 at 9:21 PM on November 12

Keeping you in my thoughts, mathowie. Hang in there for the poking and prodding - you'll do well. Best wishes.
posted by Miko at 9:22 PM on November 12

xo, Mathowie. You are Good People.
posted by kristin at 9:24 PM on November 12

I just wanted to say, good luck; we're all counting on you.
posted by middleclasstool at 9:27 PM on November 12 [9 favorites]

Scary! Get well soon!
posted by benign at 9:29 PM on November 12 [2 favorites]

Just a newbie but so distressed to see this news. . . I am already a complete MeFi fan. Wishing you a great doctor, a smooth operation tomorrow, and a perfect, practically instantaneous recovery. Very, very best wishes to you and your family.
posted by bearwife at 9:30 PM on November 12

Best wishes Matt!
posted by ericb at 9:31 PM on November 12

Damn. Good luck, hang tough. I'm sure you know this, but Twitter's on fire with support for you right now.
posted by COBRA! at 9:32 PM on November 12

Sending good thoughts.
posted by amyms at 9:36 PM on November 12

geez, Matt, I am so terribly sorry you are going through this crappy turn of events. How scary and awful for you, I wish you didn't have to deal with this. But I think it's good that the docs are acting quickly so you can find out what's what and get on with things.

All the best for you tomorrow, you'll so much be in my thoughts. And if you hear a giant sucking sound , don't be worried ... it is just 99,000+ people waiting with bated breath.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:37 PM on November 12

Vibes from Chicago, man. Let us know if there's anything we can do for you.
posted by eamondaly at 9:39 PM on November 12

x100!
posted by ottereroticist at 9:40 PM on November 12

There are no words. Just lots of #mathowielove. Scary, but you have a huge chunk of the net cheering you on. Hang in there, Matt!
posted by gemmy at 9:40 PM on November 12

Yikes — how scary. Very best wishes for a speedy and totally uncomplicated recovery.
posted by Lexica at 9:42 PM on November 12

This is me throwing my positive energy on top of the pile. The Grey is greyer without you!
posted by Tesseractive at 9:43 PM on November 12

Matt, holy crap, man! You and in my thoughts and prayers. Well, I never pray but I will for you. Which God should I forward my requests to?

Good luck, my friend. You're going to be just fine. Give my love and big, BIG hugs to Kay and Fiona.
posted by fooljay at 9:45 PM on November 12

Hope you get well soon!
posted by Kevin Street at 9:46 PM on November 12

When I heard the news, it really harshed my mellow.

Get well soon.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:54 PM on November 12

Best wishes, Matt .. get well soon!
posted by nonspecialist at 10:03 PM on November 12

I just wanted to say, good luck; we're all counting on you.
posted by DreamerFi at 10:11 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Get well soon hombre!
posted by Edwahd at 10:11 PM on November 12

Best Wishes for an uncomplicated and pain-free procedure and recovery!
posted by exlotuseater at 10:11 PM on November 12

Feel better!
posted by brujita at 10:14 PM on November 12

Best wishes. Hope all goes well tomorrow.
posted by sciatica at 10:19 PM on November 12

Let's see...um...is this the givewell soon thread? Um. Does the growth look like this? Er, ah, hm. Meep? Fuck it.

Fingers crossed, wishes welled. If life's a bingo game, I'm holding out for B9.
posted by davejay at 10:19 PM on November 12

Here's to hearing news of you being on your way out the other side of this thing 24 hours from now. HIP HIP HAUGHEY!
posted by lunaazul at 10:20 PM on November 12

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours, Matt, for a speedy and completely complete recovery.
posted by angiep at 10:21 PM on November 12

The hive will be here, holding down the fort, sending hugs, and hitting refresh obsessively. Take it easy, don't worry, and be well.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:26 PM on November 12

Good thoughts.
posted by jragon at 10:26 PM on November 12

Best wishes on a quick and complete recovery, Matt. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
posted by deborah at 10:29 PM on November 12

You'd better not just be saying this because running MetaFilter is getting too stressful!

I keed, I keed. My thoughts are with you and yours. Hoping for a speedy recovery. Get well soonio.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:38 PM on November 12

Wishes wishes wishes wishes. Good thoughts to you and yours.
posted by unknowncommand at 10:39 PM on November 12

Good luck tomorrow, Matt -- I hope you and your family are doing okay.
posted by russilwvong at 10:39 PM on November 12

Good luck, Matt!
posted by harriet vane at 10:43 PM on November 12

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by Secretariat at 10:47 PM on November 12

WHAT. THE. FUCK. MATT?

Just kidding!
posted by ooga_booga at 10:47 PM on November 12

Good luck. We'll keep a good thought for you.
posted by planetkyoto at 10:48 PM on November 12

Best wishes, mathowie.
posted by YoBananaBoy at 10:50 PM on November 12

awe man... get well soon. lots of good energy coming your way from Minnesota for all you've done to make the world a better a place.
posted by specialk420 at 10:51 PM on November 12

Be well! Best thoughts, white lights, and everything else I can send your way.
posted by OolooKitty at 10:56 PM on November 12

this is shocking -- all best wishes that it will wendell
posted by Rumple at 10:58 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Lots of energy coming from Auckland, New Zealand.
posted by chairish at 10:59 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Good luck, wishing a speedy recovery.

You're definately one of the good guys.
posted by Artw at 11:01 PM on November 12

Jesus. Thinking of you and your family. Get better!
posted by mwhybark at 11:01 PM on November 12

Crap. I'm scared, I can't imagine how and yours are feeling. Get well soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knOKowQCFTY
posted by rschroed at 11:05 PM on November 12 [1 favorite]

Get well!
posted by ageispolis at 11:09 PM on November 12

Best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:11 PM on November 12

Fight hard.
posted by ambient2 at 11:14 PM on November 12

Adding to the thinking-of-you pileon. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.
posted by athenasbanquet at 11:17 PM on November 12

Get well soon, Matt!

(And I hate to be a jinx by talking about a not-best-case scenario, but in case that happens, do know that you will have thousands of us who will gladly and diligently research [whatever the problem might be] and glean useful treatment and otherwise pertinent information. In other words, we'll get all fuckin' Lorenzo's Oil on that sickness and kick its ass back to last Wednesday. We got yer back, in the nerdy ways that we can.)
posted by zardoz at 11:20 PM on November 12

Please recover quickly and completely. Please be well, Matt.
posted by EatTheWeak at 11:23 PM on November 12

Good luck, Matt. We care about you.

Hey, free one pound weight loss!
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 11:23 PM on November 12

(Get well soon)ⁿ Matt!
posted by Kronos_to_Earth at 11:27 PM on November 12

Keeping my fingers crossed for an unexciting surgery and speedy recovery.
posted by hattifattener at 11:36 PM on November 12

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts as well and hoping for a speedy recovery.
posted by turbodog at 11:37 PM on November 12

Dangit Matt, now you've gotten me to join Twitter and I'll have nothing to taunt y6 with and be smug over being a non-joiner. (Which was totally fair due to the flack I got over going on Facebook first.)

I kid. It's worth it.
posted by batgrlHG at 11:38 PM on November 12

Sorry to comment twice, but it just occurred to me that you must get well quickly in order not to miss the solemn observance of the fifth anniversary of the $5.00 noobs on the 18th. We changed your site and your life. Of course, MetaFilter changed our lives, too.
posted by Cranberry at 11:50 PM on November 12

*hug*
posted by greekphilosophy at 11:53 PM on November 12

Warm thoughts, much love and hugs to all the Haugheys tonight.

And know that much more of that is on its way from thousands of people all across this big blue marble.
posted by marsha56 at 12:10 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Metafilter has been a community that means something to me in even my lowest moments. I hope it sustains you as well.
posted by BrotherCaine at 12:22 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt. Thinking of you and your family, and wishing you an easy recovery.
posted by carbide at 12:25 AM on November 13

Sending positive thoughts your way. And they'd better work, dammit.
posted by litlnemo at 12:25 AM on November 13

Is it wrong that this popped into my head?
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:26 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Chin up and get good painpills for after the surgery!
posted by vrakatar at 12:28 AM on November 13

A vampire baby. A little bell pepper. A mathowie action figurine. The goddess Athena. There are so many things it could be. Please report back as soon as you know!
posted by granted at 12:32 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

A few hundred years back you might've been burned as a witch at this point for the seizure, so you've got that going for you at least.

I've never had quite the kind of scare that you're experiencing, but whenever something bad happens to me, I'm enormously thankful that I'm alive in this era of lasers and CAT scans and post-operative popsicles and ice cream. Scarily efficient doctors have sent me on my way after a shockingly brief surgery that left me cured, but baffled over why I wasn't laid up in a bed for 2 weeks instead of strolling out the door an hour after the surgery. I hope your experience will be the same.

Matt, I'm sending you all the positive vibes I can from my corner of the country, with the hope that you're feeling better very soon.
posted by empyrean at 12:34 AM on November 13

More good thoughts to you.
posted by faineant at 12:38 AM on November 13

Oh dear. Best wishes, Matt!
posted by trip and a half at 12:38 AM on November 13

Yaknow, at the risk of DrunkenPostRegret(tm)...

Being a (small) part of this community is a big part of who I have become.

I am proud to call myself a MeFite.

Being a part of PDX10.0 (and all the subsequent 10.x meetups) was certainly something I will never forget.

However.

It wasn't until I started reading all the #mathowielove tweets that I actually truly felt like a family member.

It was also only the second time in 8 years that this site, and its members, made me tear up.

Fuckers.

Please get better, Matt. Next round at EastBurn is on me.
posted by geckoinpdx at 12:44 AM on November 13

I'll bet it's his twin brother whom he ate while in the womb. He will spring forth from Matt's forehead and try to take over MetaFilter Industries. Next thing we know MetaFilter's going to be run from Spider Skull Island and AskMe will be modded by the OSI.
posted by ooga_booga at 12:59 AM on November 13 [4 favorites]

Just woke up to this news a while ago. Not the best way to wake up over on this side of the pond.

I'm hoping, as so many others are, that this is no big deal. Take care of yourself.
posted by vacapinta at 1:01 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt!
posted by Your Time Machine Sucks at 1:03 AM on November 13

Best wishes to you and your family, Matt. Take care of one another.
posted by alltomorrowsparties at 1:13 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by juv3nal at 1:15 AM on November 13

Ack! Here's hoping it's all not a very big deal.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:35 AM on November 13

Wishing you well, Matt.
posted by ursus_comiter at 1:47 AM on November 13

My household sends happy, get-well thoughts to Matt.
Dude, I can't even imagine, and you're so healthy with the biking and all. Extra hugs to your wife and offspring, too

I hope there's nothing too scary there, #1.

I don't know what I would do without this place.

You and your family are loved.
posted by lilywing13 at 1:47 AM on November 13

get better.
be well.
love from all over the world. The world is a better place because of you.
posted by jonathanstrange at 1:50 AM on November 13

Prayers for you man. Be well.
posted by allkindsoftime at 2:04 AM on November 13

Thinking of you, Matt. Wishing you a full and fast recovery. And a few hugs for your family... they must be beside themselves with worry.
posted by taff at 2:05 AM on November 13

Best wishes Matt, here's to a speedy recovery!
posted by fire&wings at 2:16 AM on November 13

Thinking of you, mathowie. All the best.
posted by tavegyl at 2:30 AM on November 13

You have the best website on the planet. Stay strong, we need you.
posted by Doublewhiskeycokenoice at 2:31 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

You're in our thoughts Matt. Get well soon.
posted by timeistight at 2:36 AM on November 13

Hang in there, man! Hope you'll have a speedy recovery!
posted by Harald74 at 2:38 AM on November 13

I hope that they treat you well and that you'll feel better soon. We'll be thinking of you and your family. I also hope that they gave you something for the flu and that that helped, because it must be especially horrible to deal with all this when you are also suffering from a nasty flu.
posted by davar at 2:41 AM on November 13

Sorry to hear you're not well Matt, get better soon!
posted by creeky at 3:06 AM on November 13

Hope you make a full and swift recovery, Matt.
posted by armage at 3:08 AM on November 13

Get well soon
posted by so_ at 3:13 AM on November 13

Best, best wishes.
posted by soundofsuburbia at 3:14 AM on November 13

Best wishes.
posted by jonathanbell at 3:25 AM on November 13

Hoping for good results today, Matt. Be healthy.
posted by tizzie at 3:30 AM on November 13

Matt, my thoughts are with you and your family. Best wishes from the Middle East!
posted by onalark at 3:31 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by miss tea at 3:33 AM on November 13

Take care of you and get well very soon.
posted by Rudy Gerner at 3:41 AM on November 13

Wow....get well soon, Math Owie.
posted by mippy at 3:54 AM on November 13

All the best to you, man. Thank you for creating the most wonderful place on the internet.
posted by shiu mai baby at 3:54 AM on November 13

I'm just another person on the internet whose life is better because of what you've done here saying I wish you well.
posted by hydropsyche at 4:03 AM on November 13

speedy recovery care package sent your way, sprinkled with good vibes positive energy and best wishes.
posted by dabitch at 4:04 AM on November 13

Sending you and your family good thoughts, best wishes for a successful surgery, and, and live long and prosper! \\-//d
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 4:06 AM on November 13

Every good thought for you as you go through this.
posted by xingcat at 4:16 AM on November 13

Hang in there, mathowie! (I mean, like a very smart, capable person, not like a fuzzy kitten.) Hope you're on the mend soon.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:18 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

I just sent out some #mathowlelove but just wanted to comment in here to also say I hope you get better very soon!
posted by like_neon at 4:19 AM on November 13

Wow. I'm crossing my fingers that this bad scare quickly turns out fine. We'll be thinking of you.
posted by daisyace at 4:21 AM on November 13

Holy shit. I hope everything turns out okay. Good luck, Matt.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 4:21 AM on November 13

To repeat what I said on twitter (and this time spell things correctly):

Without metafilter I might not have met my wife (and he has the patience of Job). #mathowielove
posted by Mick at 4:26 AM on November 13

Not a Tweeter, so I'll add my good wishes here. Hope it all goes well, mathowie.
posted by essexjan at 4:44 AM on November 13

Best wishes Matt; get well soon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. "Un abrazo muy fuerte" to you and your family at this worrying time.
posted by adamvasco at 4:49 AM on November 13

Take care, Sir.
posted by Optamystic at 4:53 AM on November 13

Let us know if we can help. Get well soon!
posted by prefpara at 5:10 AM on November 13

DON'T LET THEM TAKE YOUR BRAINS WATCH OUT FOR ZOMBIE DOCTORS!!!

Seriously, though, he's donated so much of his own earnings from this site to Mefites and their projects, maybe we should get something together for him. A sort of internet fruit basket, if you will.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:15 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Wish you well, mathowie. Hoping everything turns out well.
posted by strixus at 5:20 AM on November 13

hi matt.

i just hope it's another entry in a.wholelottanothing.

they say charity begins at home.
run that raffle, kick back, and recouperate on us.

best best wishes
posted by de at 5:21 AM on November 13

Do not eat the hospital food, whatever you do.

Speedy recovery, Herr Haughey.
posted by fourcheesemac at 5:21 AM on November 13

You'd have to be a real asshole to point out that this surgery is taking place on Friday the 13th. And I am quite an asshole. Hope the doctor's not wearing a hockey mask.
posted by ColdChef at 5:23 AM on November 13 [4 favorites]

And this is why it's called a community weblog.

Best of luck Matt.
posted by knapah at 5:26 AM on November 13

Hang in there.

Don't worry, we'll still be here when you get back.
posted by donpardo at 5:30 AM on November 13

*hugz*

(no homo)
posted by The Straightener at 5:31 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Good luck, Matt.
posted by b33j at 5:31 AM on November 13

Good luck on the surgery and get well soon, Matt.
posted by burnmp3s at 5:31 AM on November 13

Matt, as someone who just went through surgery I can say it's scary, but not as bad as I expected it to be.

If you ask for copies of your scans most likely they will give you a CD with some images on them and a viewer for the PC. There is a mac app called OsiriX that lets you do all kinds of neat things with these images.

I hope all goes well and that it ends up being no big deal.
posted by cjorgensen at 5:32 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Matt's tweet finally showed me there is a real use for Twitter. The power of the hive mind to heal.

Hope you brought a mic to the hospital, matt. Sound effects for the next podcats!
posted by terrapin at 5:34 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Best of luck today and always, Matt.
posted by rollbiz at 5:38 AM on November 13

This is the worst pony ever.

Hang in there, Matt.
posted by emelenjr at 5:41 AM on November 13 [3 favorites]

We're all behind you 100%. Good vibes, good luck.
posted by adamdschneider at 5:42 AM on November 13

Hang in there, we'll try not to fuck the place up this afternoon.
posted by marxchivist at 5:45 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by sidesh0w at 5:46 AM on November 13

Matt is awesome and deserves to be out of the hospital and runnin about ASAP. The Internet (well, the cool part of it at least) has its collective fingers crossed for you today, and we're making sure there's an odd number so they don't all cancel each other out.
posted by Spatch at 5:47 AM on November 13

Thoughts and prayers today..... get well soon.
posted by dpx.mfx at 5:47 AM on November 13

Every best wish for a speedy recovery. But take all the time you need!
posted by Busy Old Fool at 5:49 AM on November 13

Feel better soon Matt.
posted by futureisunwritten at 5:53 AM on November 13

Thoughts are with you & your family. Speedy recovery!
posted by pointystick at 5:53 AM on November 13

#matthowielove if you do that sort of thing.
posted by fixedgear at 5:54 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt, my fingers are crossed.
posted by Turtles all the way down at 5:56 AM on November 13

Best wishes, sir.
posted by bondcliff at 5:56 AM on November 13

Postive vibes, man.
posted by RakDaddy at 5:57 AM on November 13

I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts, Matt.
posted by jrossi4r at 5:57 AM on November 13

Lots of positive vibes going your way, Matt.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:03 AM on November 13

I hope you have an easy surgery and a quick recovery, Matt.

And cute nurses. Lots and lots of cute nurses.
posted by Cyrano at 6:05 AM on November 13

Growths are BANNED!

Get well soon.
posted by octobersurprise at 6:06 AM on November 13

I'm sending mojo to you.
posted by chillmost at 6:06 AM on November 13

Thanks for all the awesome you've given us, Matt. Here's to a flawless surgery and a speedy recovery.
posted by Liver at 6:07 AM on November 13

May they find this to be nothing significant, you recover fully, and the only further growth you experience be in a family, wealth, carreer, philosophical, or social variety.
posted by Nanukthedog at 6:08 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Get well soon Number 1 from 34018.
posted by josher71 at 6:09 AM on November 13

Hugs

(totally homo)

and best wishes.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 6:14 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Lots of good thoughts for today, and wishing a speedy recovery!
posted by harujion at 6:16 AM on November 13

Good luck today, Matt!
posted by LinnTate at 6:20 AM on November 13

Pony: I request that you survive!
posted by ignignokt at 6:20 AM on November 13 [3 favorites]

ignignokt: "Pony: I request that you survive!"

Seconded!

Feel better soon, oh great cycling one.
posted by dejah420 at 6:21 AM on November 13

You're the best, Matt! See you back in here, soon!
posted by steef at 6:22 AM on November 13

Thinking of you, Matt, and keeping my fingers crossed!
posted by dogmom at 6:22 AM on November 13

I and ceiling cat are watching you surgery and recuperate. Much metalove.
posted by psylosyren at 6:24 AM on November 13

Get well soon.
posted by Prospero at 6:27 AM on November 13

A few people mention get well gifts above, if anyone is interested mathowie's amazon wishlist is here.
posted by biffa at 6:27 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Our thoughts are with you Matt! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
posted by cittehkitteh at 6:30 AM on November 13

sorry to hear this. keeping fingers & toes & eyes crossed ... .

shed the growth & get well soon!
posted by msconduct at 6:31 AM on November 13

We don't pray here at Aperture Science - we're sending SUPER SCIENCE to you.
Thanks for tolerating my sockpuppetry - [<3]
posted by Weighted Companion Cube at 6:32 AM on November 13

Here's hoping for a quick, full recovery. You have the Metasphere behind you, all the way.
posted by notashroom at 6:32 AM on November 13

this is just to say

we all care about you a lot and hope for your health.

also that growth was delicious
posted by Solon and Thanks at 6:33 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by anathema at 6:38 AM on November 13

If good wishes and positive vibes and prayers and love and hugs and hope truly do have healing powers the doctors are going to find that whatever mass was there yesterday has disappeared overnight.

Please add my voice to the choir.
posted by Bango Skank at 6:40 AM on November 13

Best wishes and hey, maybe you'll get a cool haircut from the surgery!
posted by collocation at 6:40 AM on November 13

Let's auction off and eat the growth for charity.

Feel better, #1. I'm just another ant in the nest here, but I sure wish you well.
posted by dirtdirt at 6:41 AM on November 13

All the best thoughts and vibes coming from Chapel Hill, please get better soon, Matt. We need our #1.
posted by msali at 6:42 AM on November 13

Consider yourself hoped and hugged and favorited, Matt. You and your family, and the Meta-family, are in our thoughts.
posted by fiercecupcake at 6:44 AM on November 13

Here's to your health! Hope everything turns out ok.
posted by owtytrof at 6:45 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by StrikeTheViol at 6:47 AM on November 13

Get well soon Matt! Best wishes, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family.
posted by kudzu at 6:48 AM on November 13

I just read this this AM, and I'm sending prayers and good wishes to you and yours. This totally sucks.
posted by lleachie at 6:49 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Mathowie, here's hoping that you sail through this safely. Good luck! and a speedy recovery!
posted by dhruva at 6:52 AM on November 13

Good luck, Matt. I've always appreciated your graciousness and coolness.
posted by Coatlicue at 6:56 AM on November 13

Hope it goes smoothly and uneventfully today, and that all you have to worry about is an awesome scar on your head.
posted by rmless at 6:57 AM on November 13

thinking of you Matt, huge positive thoughts (...and if what they take out has anything to do with the London Toxic Birthday cake, please don't tweet it!)
posted by Wilder at 6:57 AM on November 13

Best wishes from me as well, Matt. Hang in there.
posted by languagehat at 7:03 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by togdon at 7:05 AM on November 13

Good luck, Matt. I'm thinking of you.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:06 AM on November 13

Get well soon!
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 7:07 AM on November 13

mathowie = awesome
neurosurgeons = awesome
growths = not awesome.

That's two awesomes versus one not awesome. My money's on Matt. Get well soon.
posted by minifigs at 7:12 AM on November 13

irCandlelight Vigil!
posted by Eideteker at 7:13 AM on November 13

My thoughts are with you, Matt. Good luck!
posted by cider at 7:13 AM on November 13

Oh - best wishes!
posted by kiwi-epitome at 7:16 AM on November 13

Def wanted to come over here and show some #mathowielove, too. The twitter love was spreading like wildfire last night and it was so touching to see even people who don't know of #1 (how is this possible??) spreading the love, too.

My thoughts go out to you and your family today!
posted by thatothrgirl at 7:18 AM on November 13

MATHOWIE!
posted by chunking express at 7:19 AM on November 13

All the best, Matt. Get well soon!
posted by jmd82 at 7:22 AM on November 13

All love and healing energy from across the seas, Matt; we've pretty much got the known world blanketed with good thoughts for you. (And, considering some of our members, surely a goodly portion of the unknown world.) ♥♥♥MATT♥♥♥
posted by taz at 7:22 AM on November 13

Here's my hopes for Matt's speedy return to health as well -- I hope his worries, his scare, and his complete recovery will make for a good story he tells people at the 20th anniversary mefi meetups.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:25 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Mat! Positive thoughts to you and your family.
posted by lilac girl at 7:25 AM on November 13

The only contact I have had with mathowie is when I get those automatic 'Your post has posted!' messages, but I am still shocked by this news.

I hope everything is well soon and they send you home with the good drugs to watch cartoons.
posted by winna at 7:27 AM on November 13

Speedy recovery, best wishes!
posted by meerkatty at 7:31 AM on November 13

Best wishes, #1. Mailer-daemon keeps bouncing the raw pre-linguistic love-energy I'm trying to send your way, so this is going to have to suffice, I guess.
posted by penduluum at 7:34 AM on November 13

Good luck to you and the family. Get well soon!
posted by inigo2 at 7:36 AM on November 13

Sending good thoughts, hoping it's nothing serious, and wishing you a speedy recovery.
posted by epersonae at 7:45 AM on November 13

Fix it and move on.
All the best.
posted by ChuqD at 7:45 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt; we are obviously all thinking of you.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 7:45 AM on November 13

Hope all goes well. Best wishes and take care!
posted by m0nm0n at 7:53 AM on November 13

Good luck Matt!
posted by infinitefloatingbrains at 7:53 AM on November 13

Sweet Jesus.

Hoping your recovery is smooth and quick.
posted by SLC Mom at 7:54 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by medium format at 7:55 AM on November 13

Damn. Get well soon, we're not done with you yet!
posted by echo target at 7:56 AM on November 13

Seizures. Not fun. Hang in there!
posted by the dief at 7:57 AM on November 13

What a strange feeling - to be so worried about someone one has never met.

Take care, man. We're thinking of you.
posted by lunit at 7:58 AM on November 13 [3 favorites]

Best wishes Matt.
posted by yeti at 7:59 AM on November 13

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Matt!
posted by aine42 at 7:59 AM on November 13

Best wishes, sir.
posted by Jofus at 8:05 AM on November 13

darned internets are doing it again, got me feeling great concern for the welfare of some individual I'll probably never meet.

best wishes, matthowie .... never give up.
posted by philip-random at 8:07 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

The very best wishes, Matt. You make things more awesome. Hope the incredible number of people rooting for you in all corners of the globe help you get through this, because we need more awesome, dammit.
posted by flashboy at 8:08 AM on November 13

Man, that sucks. You and your family will be in my prayers because even if this ends up to be nothing too serious medically speaking it's still a big deal, especially for you guys.

(This is the second random seizure I've found out about via Twitter in the past five days. WHAT IS THE DEAL?!)
posted by wallaby at 8:10 AM on November 13

I would love to see a bunch of Mefites get together and record a We Are the World-style song about wishing Matt well.

Though I would love even more for him to be fully recovered before we started writing it.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:11 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

I said it on twitter and I'll say it here. I wish I had spoken to you more at MFC. Hope you get well soon. My thoughts are with you.
posted by inturnaround at 8:11 AM on November 13

Oh noes! Surgery this afternoon?!

Well, if it's nothing... you got breakfast in bed, right? :( Hopefully.

*sends out good thoughts*
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 8:12 AM on November 13

Good luck!

Seizures and brain surgery are no fun at all.
posted by GenjiandProust at 8:16 AM on November 13

Get better soon. I'll be thinking about you.
posted by rocketman at 8:17 AM on November 13

Good luck and best wishes.
posted by shaun uh at 8:17 AM on November 13

hope it all get much better soon, Matt
posted by milestogo at 8:18 AM on November 13

Wow, take care Matt. Get better soon. And once you're better, I'll forgive you for being the person who finally pushed me over the edge to post my first tweet.
posted by thejanna at 8:21 AM on November 13

Scary stuff, adding my voice to the cacophony of well-wishers - I hope all goes well.
posted by notnamed at 8:25 AM on November 13

You have created a great space here with lots of wonderful people. Thank you. I hope you have a fast and easy recovery.
posted by shmurley at 8:29 AM on November 13

GET WELL NOW MATT!!!!

(you can tell i'm totally serious by my caps)
posted by eatdonuts at 8:29 AM on November 13

Get better soon, mathowie! You've made something amazing on Metafilter and we're all grateful for the love and hard work you've poured in here :)
posted by adrianhon at 8:30 AM on November 13

Best wishes!
posted by rooster416 at 8:30 AM on November 13

Does anyone read the good wishes down here?

All the best to you and yours, Matt. I'm sure you'll be juggling atop your recumbent unicycle in no time.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:30 AM on November 13 [3 favorites]

Get well soon, Exalted Leader.
posted by CKmtl at 8:32 AM on November 13

I am thinking postive thoughts for you, Matt.
posted by tommasz at 8:33 AM on November 13

Best wishes.
posted by mazola at 8:33 AM on November 13

Best of luck and big hugs, Matt.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 8:35 AM on November 13

I'm sure you'll be juggling atop your recumbent unicycle in no time.

Oh man. This one time, I saw a guy riding a unicycle, balancing a paper bag of groceries on one hand and talking on a cell phone with the other hand -- up hill.

I think Matt should learn how to do this as part of his rehabilitation program. Because it was amazing.
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 8:38 AM on November 13

Best wishes and a speedy recovery Matt
posted by ssmith at 8:43 AM on November 13

hey man, get well cuz we need you in top form!
nothing ever except best wishes to you...

and that's the pony i want this year.
posted by artof.mulata at 8:43 AM on November 13

How come this never happens to fucking assholes? :(

I know it must occasionally, but I'm just saying.

Get well soon, Matt. You're a force for good.
posted by Skot at 8:44 AM on November 13

best wishes for a fast and total recovery, matt
posted by DrGirlfriend at 8:45 AM on November 13

I owe you a great deal, sir.

My sincere wishes for a speedy recovery.
posted by Joe Beese at 8:45 AM on November 13

what they said
posted by jewzilla at 8:47 AM on November 13

How come this never happens to fucking assholes? :(

You don't hear about it because nobody gives a shit.
posted by nanojath at 8:49 AM on November 13 [5 favorites]

Good point.
posted by Skot at 8:52 AM on November 13

You're a prince among men. Get well soon.
posted by rider at 8:56 AM on November 13

Best wishes for your surgery this afternoon. I hope your recovery is swift!
posted by otherwordlyglow at 8:57 AM on November 13

Because my attempts to build a shrinking ray in order to enter your circulatory system and beat up your growth personally have met with mixed success: please accept my best wishes for your surgery and recovery.
posted by Halloween Jack at 8:58 AM on November 13

I'll join the pile-on: Recuperate quickly and easily, Matt. You've created a great space here on MeFi, and we want you back, happy and healthy, as soon as possible.
posted by kwaller at 8:59 AM on November 13

I think we should all start flagging this growth, so it will be removed! [!]
posted by orme at 9:01 AM on November 13 [17 favorites]

also, FEEL BETTER!
posted by orme at 9:02 AM on November 13

Here's to an easy procedure and quick recovery. Toast to Matt and family tonight.
posted by greenskpr at 9:02 AM on November 13

Someone had to do it.
posted by kbanas at 9:03 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Get well soon! And best wishes for you and your family.

Several years ago, I had a coworker diagnosed with a brain tumor. They told her she had brain cancer, and operated. Turned out, once they got in there, it wasn't cancerous at all. Keep hope alive!
posted by statolith at 9:06 AM on November 13

Get well soon.
posted by popechunk at 9:09 AM on November 13

All available body parts crossed for luck.
posted by crankylex at 9:15 AM on November 13

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery, sir. For all you've done here, God knows the universe owes you at least one (1) Free Pass.
posted by Rhaomi at 9:16 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt!
posted by Bearman at 9:19 AM on November 13

Best wishes for the speediest of recoveries to you.
posted by Busithoth at 9:20 AM on November 13

Holy crap.

I'll keep you in my thoughts today, Matt.

Here's to a speedy recovery.
posted by ShawnStruck at 9:30 AM on November 13

I knew the favorites experiment was nothing but trouble.

Wearing my Flag It and Move On shirt & thinking of you and your acolytes, Matt.
posted by lukemeister at 9:32 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Get well, beloved site creator and admin!
posted by cowbellemoo at 9:35 AM on November 13

Best wishes for a steady-handed surgeon, warm and caring hospital staff and super speedy homecoming and recovery.
posted by agatha_magatha at 9:36 AM on November 13

Wanted to add to the pile-on of love. I've only met you once, but you are an incredibly important person in my life. Stay positive and be well.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:38 AM on November 13

Don't fret about that growth, it's just an extra brain. Awesome people have more than one. Speedy recovery, captain!
posted by erisfree at 9:39 AM on November 13

Get well soon!
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 9:40 AM on November 13

WTF? GWS!
posted by lalochezia at 9:41 AM on November 13

More good thoughts coming your way. Get well soon!
posted by zamboni at 9:41 AM on November 13

Sending what positive thoughts I have your way Matt! Here's to a speedy recovery!
posted by Lutoslawski at 9:43 AM on November 13

Dammit. Fingers crossed for you.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:51 AM on November 13

I look forward to hearing about your recovery and clean bill of health.
posted by CancerMan at 9:53 AM on November 13

Best recovery and speedy wishes to you. Get well.
posted by ORthey at 9:54 AM on November 13

Ah shit, this sucks. Here's hoping for it all to be over soon and nothing more than a slightly uncomfortable memory that rapidly fades. Best wishes to you & yours.
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:54 AM on November 13

Wow - good luck #1!! I'll be thinking of you and your family and sending lots of positive energy your way. You're good people.
posted by widdershins at 9:55 AM on November 13

Weird. I had a seizure at home a few weeks ago, passed out & hit my head. The CAT scan found nothing in my case, though the bump on my head resulted in a nasty concussion & a couple of days of missed work.

Moral of the story: don't have seizures. Also, get well soon Matt. You'll be in my prayers to whatever it is that I pray to.
posted by Item at 9:56 AM on November 13

Best wishes Matt! Speedy recovery! You are loved and respected by all of us here!
posted by bitteroldman at 9:57 AM on November 13

Best wishes!
posted by Bangaioh at 10:01 AM on November 13

Sending every good thought your way, Matt. Be well, recover quickly!
posted by ugf at 10:02 AM on November 13

best best best best best best best best best best best best best best best best best
wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes wishes
posted by wittgenstein at 10:03 AM on November 13

Sending love your way Matt. Nothing but the best.
posted by lazaruslong at 10:04 AM on November 13

I wish to sign this petition demanding a speedy recovery.

All the best, Matt.
posted by brain_drain at 10:06 AM on November 13

mathowie ( on twitter)

Emergency brain surgery delayed at the last second. Brain lump may respond to hormone drugs so I'll try that for a bit before surgery
posted by kudzu at 10:07 AM on November 13

Be well, Matt - thinking of you.
posted by penguin pie at 10:07 AM on November 13

All the best. Please let us know if you need anything.
posted by milquetoast at 10:10 AM on November 13

Sending love and good thoughts. Get well, friend.
posted by Kafkaesque at 10:12 AM on November 13

Surgery delayed sounds good, indeed.
posted by heyho at 10:14 AM on November 13

Have there been any updates so far?
posted by cjorgensen at 10:15 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt. My thoughts are with you.
posted by halonine at 10:18 AM on November 13

12 minutes ago on Twitter: "Emergency brain surgery delayed at the last second. Brain lump may respond to hormone drugs so I'll try that for a bit before surgery"

See, that MathowieLove is working!
posted by anastasiav at 10:18 AM on November 13

See, that MathowieLove is working!

That and the voodoo. Keep taking the hormone drugs on your end, Matt, and I'll keep up the goat sacrificing on mine.

Seriously, feel better.
posted by infinitywaltz at 10:21 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Phew! I'm glad that hormonal drugs are an option. I hope that mathowie got to eat all the ice cream he wanted at the hospital anyway.
posted by Kattullus at 10:28 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Feel better, math owie!
posted by andrewraff at 10:28 AM on November 13

From all of us in Randolph, Vermont, we wish you a speedy and full recovery!
posted by kellygreen at 10:29 AM on November 13

Yay for modern medicine! Here's to a speedy and full recovery. Get better soon number one.
posted by skewedoracle at 10:30 AM on November 13

Brain Lump Banhammer!!!
posted by pearlybob at 10:30 AM on November 13

The docs might be putting him on prednisone, a surprisingly effective corticosteroid drug that reduces swelling and inflammation. I went through a successful round of prednisone treatments back in 2001 and can't say enough about how effective this treatment can be.

Let's all wish mathowie a speedy recovery. The Internet would be a much worse-off place without him.
posted by camworld at 10:35 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by Reverend John at 10:36 AM on November 13

Gobble up those hormones and get all better!
posted by jabo at 10:36 AM on November 13

Be well, Matt. You are in my thoughts.
posted by atayah at 10:39 AM on November 13

Part of me just wants that thing out of there (and biopsied), part of me can't imagine the relief at a last minute reprieve for emergency brain surgery
posted by Brainy at 10:40 AM on November 13

You've made my life better, mathowie. Best wishes from the Mefites of Jaipur, India.
posted by bookish at 10:45 AM on November 13

Just found out. Stay healthy, Matt; the Internet needs you!
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:47 AM on November 13

Been catching up on the podcasts lately and honestly, my favorite Haughey moment was when he made Jessamyn laugh super hard in Episode 25 with a cheerful reading of "Knock knock. Who's there? Me. I kill you!" starting at 9:48. It's just wonderful.

Here's to more wonderful modly moments. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Matt!
posted by cobwebberies at 10:48 AM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by nickmark at 10:51 AM on November 13

Good luck - here's to a speedy recovery!
posted by Salvor Hardin at 10:53 AM on November 13

My imagination tells me a bit of what you're going through, Mathowie. Best regards to you and to your loved ones. The worry that we strange and strangers have must be very small compared to theirs.

We do care about you, though; I feel privileged to wish you well.
posted by reflecked at 10:54 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Now I feel bad for giving Matt a hard time about not knowing brains. Best of luck to you, sir.
posted by exogenous at 11:02 AM on November 13

Brain lumps totally break the guidelines! Flagged!

Good thoughts to you and your family.
posted by redfisch at 11:04 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt! Sending calming thoughts your way....
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 11:06 AM on November 13

Get well soon!
posted by The Toad at 11:06 AM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by spherical_perceptions at 11:07 AM on November 13

I just wanted to say, good luck; we're all counting on you.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:07 AM on November 13

Hope you're feeling much better soon!
posted by Iteki at 11:08 AM on November 13

Get well soon, sir.
posted by evisceratordeath at 11:11 AM on November 13

Get well, Matt.
posted by IanMorr at 11:16 AM on November 13

Wishing for a speedy recovery, Matt. Get well soon.
posted by Riki tiki at 11:27 AM on November 13

... and should push come to shove, and surgery does become the best choice, here's hoping this guy and his team are with you in the operating theater.
posted by philip-random at 11:30 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Get better, sir!
posted by Nattie at 11:33 AM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by JenMarie at 11:38 AM on November 13

Ouch. Best wishes for getting through this quickly and completely.
posted by dws at 11:40 AM on November 13

Best wishes from me as well.
posted by y2karl at 11:44 AM on November 13

*Flags brain-lump for deletion.*
posted by speedo at 11:45 AM on November 13 [4 favorites]

mathowie: :(
ENTIRE INTERNET: <3>
<3
posted by The Devil Tesla at 11:48 AM on November 13

Good luck Matt.
posted by lekvar at 12:10 PM on November 13

Glad to hear that surgery has been delayed. Best wishes, Matt.
posted by EvaDestruction at 12:13 PM on November 13

Damn, sorry to hear it man. Best wishes to you. Hang in there. Use the power of Mefi if you need anything, anything at all. Pullin for you.
posted by cashman at 12:16 PM on November 13

Just got back from the doctor's and had my JP drain removed. I now have a pressure bandage back on my head. The pain is under control now, so I am not as acutely aware of the time! I was clock watching for the last hour of each pain pill cycle. Now I can take them or leave them.

I find it nutty that mathowie wished me well on twitter, then the next day has to go in himself!

I know he'll appreciate the support. I did. Having this thread to read and all the updates on twitter gave me a nice distraction. They were kind of like little get well soon cards!
posted by cjorgensen at 12:25 PM on November 13 [6 favorites]

[sigh]

This is almost enough to make me join twitter. Please continue to keep us posted on your condition. I probably wouldn't recognize you if I saw you, but you're incredibly important to me.
posted by workerant at 12:27 PM on November 13

Not "this thread." I meant "the thread." Anyway, it was a bit overwhelming today to see all the #mathowie hashtags today. I was surprised it didn't trend. I am sure he'll get a hoot out of all the tweets.
posted by cjorgensen at 12:29 PM on November 13

Still sending out the #mathowielove. Hope the non-surgical route flags and deletes the thing.
posted by cmyk at 12:30 PM on November 13

just pilin' on here. i just heard about this a few seconds ago. the internet loves you matt and so do i :) two people that i know have had serious brain surgery and they pulled through. we know you will too, surgery or not.
posted by joeblough at 12:30 PM on November 13

Now you get to tell everyone, for the rest of your life, how you had to go the hospital because your brain was growing too fast.

Get well soon.
posted by decagon at 12:43 PM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Thanks for the update, cjorgensen. Glad to hear you're on the mend!
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:45 PM on November 13

Hang in there Matt!
posted by lodev at 12:56 PM on November 13

Whew, glad you got a reprieve -- at least a chance to catch your breath and try to process things a little. Just make sure the hormone therapy doesn't involve Suzanne Sommers, or it'll end up MeTa for sure.
posted by FelliniBlank at 12:56 PM on November 13

*hug*
posted by olya at 12:57 PM on November 13

Take care of yourself, Matt!
posted by mitzyjalapeno at 1:05 PM on November 13

Take care, good sir - hope the drugs prove effective, and that you have a swift and painless recovery whether you undergo surgery or not.
posted by Inner Universe at 1:11 PM on November 13

I was surprised it didn't trend.

I tried to lobby for #mathowielove #glee #jessicasimpsonnaked, but would you guys listen? Noooo.

Anyway, feel better Matt!
posted by drjimmy11 at 1:17 PM on November 13

Good luck with the hormones, Matt!
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:21 PM on November 13

Adding <3 to the thread, hopes all goes well quickly.
posted by keli at 1:27 PM on November 13

Hormones are great. Once my mom started taking them, she stopped being so freaky.

Good luck with 'mones!!
posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:28 PM on November 13

Best wishes for a speedy, Matt!
posted by Shepherd at 1:37 PM on November 13

Get well soon man!
posted by First Post at 1:41 PM on November 13

Hope you feel better soon, Matt!
posted by ALongDecember at 1:42 PM on November 13

Get well soon.

If it ever does come to surgery, avoid Dr. Hfuhruhurr and his so-called "Cranial screw-top method".
posted by gamera at 1:53 PM on November 13 [4 favorites]

All the very best Matt!
posted by ob at 1:57 PM on November 13

I was surprised it didn't trend.

Had to make room for the worst thing ever.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 2:10 PM on November 13

Wishing you a quick recovery.
posted by brevator at 2:13 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by spaltavian at 2:15 PM on November 13

Terrible news. Get well soon Matt.
posted by stagewhisper at 2:17 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by triv at 2:23 PM on November 13

Yes, get better Matt!
posted by spinifex23 at 2:26 PM on November 13

Just sending my best wishes for a quick and speedy recovery to you, Mathowie....thanks for all you have done to create the Meta and Fuelly sites.....love'em!
posted by Maishe at 2:26 PM on November 13

That's no damn good, but hope is strong medicine. Get well soon.
posted by ten pounds of inedita at 2:27 PM on November 13

GET.
WELL.
SOON.
MATT!!!
posted by aheckler at 2:31 PM on November 13

Hoping for an uncomplicated + speedy recovery, Matt.
posted by pointless_incessant_barking at 2:32 PM on November 13

Best wishes Matt!
posted by TwoWordReview at 2:33 PM on November 13

Get well, Matt!
posted by Iridic at 2:35 PM on November 13

Does this mean a Mefi-wide HEAD SHAVE movement?!

Sending you healing thoughts, Matt.
posted by HeyAllie at 2:37 PM on November 13

Sending yet another volley of good wishes. I really hope things go well.
posted by Phire at 2:37 PM on November 13

I reallyreallyreallyreally hope it's nothing major, and you're just fine, and the cat scan was all busted and they were totally wrong and the doctors are all like "oops, we just almost performed emergency brain surgery on what's actually a TOTALLY GREAT BRAIN" and the hormones give you the ability to hulk out at will and you turn all green and muscly at meetups for shits and giggles for decades to come.
posted by MrVisible at 2:38 PM on November 13 [3 favorites]

Get well soon, Matt!
posted by gurple at 2:42 PM on November 13

While I very much hope the hormone drugs work, if they do have to operate, I bet you can raise some dough for charity if you auction off the growth ;-)
posted by zachlipton at 2:43 PM on November 13

Fucking Hell! Sorry to hear about your gravity check.

Thank the bicycle gods for a soft landing and may the cranial disharmony be temporary.

May everything go full tuck smoothly, Matt.

May the upside be fitting into that 34" waist after a few days stay in the hospital recovering... should you have to go under the knife

Much to the chagrin of your tailor who'll be back resizing your Duchess.
[No MeeF's, it isn't Cold Chef measuring Matt up for a suit]

Best wishes and get well!
posted by alicesshoe at 2:50 PM on November 13 [1 favorite]

Get better, and thanks so much for MetaFilter.
posted by ubersturm at 2:52 PM on November 13

Here's to the power of modern medicine, the thousands of good wishes being sent your way, and your own strength. Combined, they're bound to beat this thing. We're all cheering for you.
posted by Cygnet at 3:04 PM on November 13

Sorry to hear this. Just get well soon.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 3:06 PM on November 13

Yes, get well soon!
posted by SpacemanStix at 3:06 PM on November 13

Here's to hoping the hormone drugs work!
posted by jaden at 3:09 PM on November 13

Best of luck, Matt.
posted by bh at 3:09 PM on November 13

Hope they are kick ass hormones! Best of luck big yin!
posted by Gratishades at 3:12 PM on November 13

Good luck.
posted by absalom at 3:12 PM on November 13

best wishes and get well soon
posted by patricio at 3:15 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by lore at 3:18 PM on November 13

All the best, Matt.
posted by OmieWise at 3:20 PM on November 13

Get better, Matt. Get better.
posted by P.o.B. at 3:22 PM on November 13

Get well soon.
posted by Gary at 3:44 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by lysimache at 3:46 PM on November 13

Please, please get well, Matt. Even though I've mostly been just a lurker here, I've been a reader & lover of mefi since month one -- if anyone's made the internet as I know it a better place to live, it's you.

Thank you (maybe long overdue, but no less heartfelt), for every moment of the blue's past ten years. And don't you dare stop now.
posted by Noah at 3:55 PM on November 13 [4 favorites]

Stay well, Matt!

It sure would be nice if this thread ended up with more comments than the infamous Palin one. There are almost 100,000 users and this thread has less than 700 comments? Come on, lurkers! Give it up for Matt!
posted by MegoSteve at 3:58 PM on November 13 [2 favorites]

More best wishes!!!
posted by snofoam at 3:58 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:00 PM on November 13

Take care, man. Be well.
posted by ServSci at 4:01 PM on November 13

Hoping the chems do the trick and we'll see you back in fine form. Best wishes.
posted by honest knave at 4:01 PM on November 13

this site has been a constant companion of mine going on a decade, but I haven't been compelled to properly sign up and comment until now. be well, and thanks so much for MeFi.
posted by kugelmass at 4:06 PM on November 13 [2 favorites]

My best to you, Matt.
I am not a tweeter and I don't jump into MeTa that often...
posted by Drasher at 4:21 PM on November 13

It sure would be nice if this thread ended up with more comments than the infamous Palin one.

Main problem being, not that much controversy here of course. I hope to hell we're all on the same page.

Have a good recovery, Matt!
posted by msalt at 4:22 PM on November 13

Looking forward to hearing of your speedy recovery.
posted by Diginati at 4:24 PM on November 13

7 years ago I was in a bad way, real bad. This website helped me. Yesterday, after hearing the news of your trouble, I drove though downtown Ann Arbor, turned the radio up loud and poured my gratitude and love your way. I wish you well Matt.
posted by JohnR at 4:26 PM on November 13 [3 favorites]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Get well soon.
posted by Maisie at 4:32 PM on November 13

I unlurked from both Twitter AND MeFi to say: get well Matt!
posted by easternblot at 4:33 PM on November 13 [1 favorite]

The question that no one seems to be asking is this one:

What if the brain-drugs turn Matt evil?

What will happen to the website we all love? What if his practices become..."unsound?" Will Jessamyn have the internal fortitude to "relieve the Colonel of his command?" I, for one, will not serve under his diabolical rule. Are there safeguards in place to allow us to rise up against this hormone-addled tyrant? Who's with me?
posted by ColdChef at 4:35 PM on November 13 [9 favorites]

So what's a good measurement of soundness, then? I guess we have to look for coded secret messages in his future comments.
posted by Secretariat at 4:42 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt! Sending all my healthy-brain vibes your way. You've touched the lives of an extraordinary number of people with this website you made, and I hope with all my heart that you are around to be our fearless leader for many years to come.
posted by beandip at 4:44 PM on November 13

Get well soon!
posted by Mhead at 4:45 PM on November 13

"No, no, doc, I found the answer on my website."
posted by klangklangston at 4:47 PM on November 13 [2 favorites]

Get well soon and eschew evil!
posted by everichon at 4:54 PM on November 13

Best wishes to you and your family. Get well soon!
posted by farishta at 4:55 PM on November 13

Best of luck Matt. I'm looking forward to good news!
posted by purephase at 5:01 PM on November 13

In many ways, Mat has reminded me of the reasonably strict dad to all of us kids who sometimes push the limits. I'm sure our step-parents/moderators will keep us in line while Daddy concentrates on getting well. Hooray for all of them! And more best wishes sent to Mat. Is there any algebra associated with your owie?
posted by path at 5:02 PM on November 13

The question that no one seems to be asking is this one:

What if the brain-drugs turn Matt evli give Matt superpowers?
posted by The Whelk at 5:03 PM on November 13 [3 favorites]

Be well!
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 5:12 PM on November 13

Good luck. Take care. I think if you have any questions about your treatment there's this website that is great at answering questions. I visit it everyday. Yahoo Answers
posted by saffry at 5:18 PM on November 13 [7 favorites]

Someone's got to know the world's best neurologist, let's get on this.
posted by geoff. at 5:19 PM on November 13

Best wishes Matt - from a long time lurker.
posted by BananaBelt at 5:25 PM on November 13

Someone's got to know the world's best neurologist, let's get on this.

At least we know what they'll be wearing

posted by The Whelk at 5:26 PM on November 13 [2 favorites]

My thoughts are with you, hoping for a swift recovery!
posted by effigy at 5:32 PM on November 13

OK, trying to post 90k in a MetaTalk comment was a dumb idea. Let me try again: here's 950 #mathowielove tweets.
posted by Nelson at 5:33 PM on November 13 [3 favorites]

"They found a growth in your father's brain" was one of the absolute worst things I've ever had said to me. His growth turned out to be, uh, I believe the medical term is "ungood." But my dad's bad luck aside, there are a hell of a lot of things it could be that aren't nearly as bad. But this is a tough spot regardless, and I wish you the best of health and a speedy recovery.
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 5:35 PM on November 13

good luck Matt!
posted by supermedusa at 5:46 PM on November 13

Yeep. Best of luck, Matt. I hope you're very much better soon.
posted by sculpin at 5:48 PM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by Salieri at 5:50 PM on November 13

Good thoughts bombarding you, #1.
Hope you're up and at 'em soon.
posted by Grlnxtdr at 6:03 PM on November 13

Good luck and Best wishes!
posted by lyam at 6:04 PM on November 13

Best wishes. I hope everything turns out to be OK.
posted by oneirodynia at 6:04 PM on November 13

Best wishes, here's hoping it's a delicious prosciutto.
posted by Kyol at 6:10 PM on November 13

Look I didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if this point has been covered before but Best Wishes and Please Get Well Soon.
posted by Lou Stuells at 6:12 PM on November 13 [8 favorites]

Good luck, Matt and best wishes.
posted by bshort at 6:34 PM on November 13

Do hormones mean that the Unexpected Growy Thing is connected to the pituitary gland? Just wondering what part of Matt's brain to keep in my thoughts/what subsitutes as prayer for me (also a bit curious, in what I hope is a not inappropriate way)
posted by jokeefe at 6:42 PM on November 13

You're in my thoughts, matt.
posted by rikschell at 6:44 PM on November 13

Get well.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 6:48 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by i'm being pummeled very heavily at 6:55 PM on November 13

*hug*
posted by oulipian at 6:56 PM on November 13

Well shit. Best wishes and get better, Glorious Leader!
posted by fleacircus at 7:04 PM on November 13

This is a "ridonculously" long thread already, but I have to chime in. I'm fortunate enough to have met Matt, and he is an awesome, generous dude. Best of luck with the head!
posted by radioamy at 7:06 PM on November 13

Hope you get well soon, Matt. Best wishes to you and your family.
posted by ourobouros at 7:07 PM on November 13

dude - get better
posted by qldaddy at 7:12 PM on November 13

Please get better. You're needed.
posted by Toekneesan at 7:13 PM on November 13

Best wishes on your recovery, Matt.
posted by Galvatron at 7:15 PM on November 13

I hope the procedure goes smoothly and you recover quickly and completely. My thoughts are with you.
posted by plinth at 7:49 PM on November 13

Best of luck, Matt.

I read about homeopathy on this great website, you might want to look into it.
posted by ocha-no-mizu at 7:51 PM on November 13

Matt's latest twitter update...

Just got home from OHSU! Turns out my flu was bad enough to rule surgery out, we'll revisit in one week. Thanks again for the well wishes.
posted by oneswellfoop at 8:02 PM on November 13

YAY!
posted by Effigy2000 at 8:06 PM on November 13

Best Wishes for a speedy recovery, Matt.
posted by kryptos at 8:08 PM on November 13

So, flu was part of problem; bad enough to delay surgery out for now; but illness probably inflamed growth and made it easier to find (my conjecture, IANAD, IANEAGP*). So it's not Emergency Urgent, but it'll take some time to be taken care of - in the meantime, let's all try to refrain from anything that may make him pound his head on anything - and let's work on making this Get Well thread the longest in MetaTalk history... at least longer than that Obscuring Favorites thread. Okay, gang?

* I Am Not Even A Good Patient
posted by oneswellfoop at 8:10 PM on November 13

Matt, you can kick that growth AND the flu's ass.

Best wishes, #1.
posted by 40 Watt at 8:12 PM on November 13

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Best of health and recovery to you!
posted by Zephyrial at 8:39 PM on November 13

Matt.... give your little girl some extra hugs from all of us too. And about a zillion for your wife. You can have the leftovers. Rest well, enjoy some chicken soup or something comforting.. through this flu... then onwards and upwards through the rest of this shitty thing.
posted by taff at 8:39 PM on November 13

All the best to our fearless leader!
posted by potch at 8:39 PM on November 13

Wow, I don't read MeTa very much, what scary news. I hope most intensely that it turns out to be no big deal. Best of luck, #1.
posted by Malor at 8:46 PM on November 13

Oh, he was at OHSU? No worries then.
That's a good place.
Wishing you plenty of hot and spicy soup.
posted by SLC Mom at 9:05 PM on November 13

Okay, gang?

sure thing.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 9:34 PM on November 13

Keep up the good fight, and we'll try not to make too much of a mess of the place while you're out.

(races to fridge to get ice cream)
posted by intermod at 9:44 PM on November 13

The Filter is with you, Matthow-ie.
posted by Decimask at 9:58 PM on November 13

Best wishes.
posted by coppermoss at 9:59 PM on November 13

Get well soon, Matt. We can do this! Let's paint, exercise, and recover quickly!
posted by Tiresias at 10:01 PM on November 13

Just heard the news an hour ago. OMG, what a shock this must be for you and your family dear Matt. My prayers, hopes and heartfelt good wishes for you and your beloved as you go through this ordeal.

You are probably feeling overwhelmed by everything just now. I put together a few links below that might be useful to you or your wife, hope they're helpful.

Am sitting here with tears rolling down my face. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. You have been so kind to me over many years. You and your wonderful bunch of MeFites literally saved my life last year. I want you to be well soon, for this surgery and the recovery process to go excellently for you, for all the surgeons, nurses, doctors, all to collaborate wonderfully in their effort to help you.

From the American Brain Tumor Association:
Brain Tumor Guide For The Newly Diagnosed

Dictionary for brain tumor issues

Common brain tumors

When I was told I had to have brain surgery immediately after 3 aneurysms a couple of years ago, it felt very scary. But I lived through it way better than I expected. And MetaFilter helped in that too. The procedure wasn't so awful, it was a "CAT-ang", where the docs go into the brain via an artery. The patient in the bed next to me had a craniotomy, a piece of the skull cut to access the brain. It looked scary, Frankenstein staples joining the bone, but she was doing okay too.

What comes to mind is to offer you practical support. Can we do research for you? Do you have decent medical insurance? Is there anything practical we can offer you or your wife? Does your wife need help with anything as she helps you? Who will take care of your daughter as your wife stays with you at the hospital? Is there somebody near at hand to help out?

Since you have not had the surgery today, this site may be practically helpful and supportive for you and your wife with answers about the healing process: Planning a brain surgery.

Things I found that helped me after brain surgery were taking calcium/magnesium citrate, for nerve and vein support. Also Mega-Glutamine for the same thing.

If you are having a resection, I was wondering what the medical cause is, epilepsy or a tumor?

Brain tumor resection Google video

Reassuring info: OHSU has a new Advanced Imaging Research Center (AIRC)

Perhaps it might be good for you to take loving care of your body for the next week, while the hormone therapy does its thing? Any chance of your having a good foot or body massage?

Relaxing pre-surgery CD

Vitamin D

Drug Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier and Shrinks Brain Tumors

Brain Tumor Research Institute and Anbol

Center For Medical Consumers

Massive web medical dictionary search

Life Extension Foundation

Music-visualization CDs

Wishing you a peaceful and good recovery from the flu, that the hormone treatment works for the inflammation issues in your brain and everything good.
posted by nickyskye at 10:01 PM on November 13 [49 favorites]

Get well soon!
posted by Grangousier at 10:28 PM on November 13

nickyskye! I was hoping you would come by and I knew that whatever you would have to say would be perfect.
posted by jokeefe at 10:42 PM on November 13

Best wishes, mathowie.
posted by lisa g at 10:48 PM on November 13

Best wishes, Matt. I hope you have a very speedy, easy, recovery.
posted by aclevername at 10:50 PM on November 13

As far as I know we haven't even been on the same continent at the same time but still I feel as if I know you.
This website has had a measurable difference on my quality of life and I owe my thanks to you, Matt. Get better and keep on being awesome!
posted by aldurtregi at 11:00 PM on November 13

Good luck, Matt.
posted by painquale at 11:11 PM on November 13

Good Luck, Mr. H.
posted by islander at 11:13 PM on November 13

Good luck man!
posted by aburd at 11:19 PM on November 13

Yeesh. Godspeed, Mr. Metafilter.
posted by rigby51 at 11:48 PM on November 13

Get better, damn you.
Good luck, Mr. Matt.
posted by Richard Daly at 11:57 PM on November 13

nickyskye, we've never met, but I just wanted to say, you are awesome. I raise my teacup to you.
posted by anitanita at 12:44 AM on November 14 [1 favorite]

Damn. Best wishes.
posted by rjs at 1:30 AM on November 14

Yes to what anitanita said; reading nickyskye's comments never fail to renew my faith in humanity.
posted by lalex at 2:15 AM on November 14 [1 favorite]

We're all pulling for you Matt.
posted by bardic at 2:42 AM on November 14

Get well soon, please.
posted by She Kisses Wyverns at 2:51 AM on November 14

Good wishes to Matt and our hopes for a speedy recovery. This thread says it all really.
posted by communicator at 3:23 AM on November 14

Wow, Scary.
posted by delmoi at 3:46 AM on November 14

Good luck.
posted by delmoi at 3:46 AM on November 14

Good luck.
posted by jaduncan at 3:55 AM on November 14

Best wishes, Matt. You and your family are in my thoughts.
posted by rbellon at 4:13 AM on November 14

Best wishes for a smooth operation followed by a speedy recovery.
posted by molecicco at 5:13 AM on November 14

Hope you have a speedy recovery and feel better soon!
posted by hooray at 5:26 AM on November 14

Just had a mischievous thought. Please let your doctors, pathologists, nurses, hospital know that they all better take the most incredible care of you, the best job they've done, ever. Or else they'll incur the wrath of 100,000 internet savvy MeFites, many of whom are deeply loyal to you.

If, after a year has passed and you are totally doing okay again and they did a great job, we'll sing their praises. It'll be worth it doing the very best for you.
posted by nickyskye at 5:48 AM on November 14

Dude, get better quick. But bonus points if your first words waking up after surgery are "Braaaaaaaaaiiinnnnnssss"
posted by azpenguin at 6:00 AM on November 14 [4 favorites]

Wow, this site IS totally an echo chamber--such lockstep conformity
(get well, Matt).
posted by Mngo at 6:07 AM on November 14

So many well-wishers.

Add me to the list.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:19 AM on November 14

Hang in there, Matt.
posted by tomcosgrave at 6:22 AM on November 14

Good luck, Matt.

(That disturbance in the force is MeFites focusing their collective snark rays on the offending tissue.)
posted by Ella Fynoe at 6:27 AM on November 14 [3 favorites]

All the best, #1.
posted by Brodiggitty at 6:28 AM on November 14

In light of the upcoming surgery, it's a great thing that you're all in such obviously excellent health otherwise. Wishing it's soon you get back on your new MetaFilter hued bike.
posted by nickyskye at 7:18 AM on November 14 [1 favorite]

Another stranger thinking of Mr. Haughey. Best wishes.
posted by yarrow at 7:53 AM on November 14

Best wishes to you, Matt. Here's hoping for a full and speedy recovery!
posted by Zonker at 8:00 AM on November 14

Hormone therapy??!

I mean, I wish you well and all, but was this bait and switch necessary to hide the fact that you wanna grow some boobs? We're a pretty open-minded bunch Matt, you could have told us what's really going on.
posted by peacay at 8:02 AM on November 14

The best of thoughts and prayers to you Matt, and family.
posted by bluesky43 at 8:02 AM on November 14

Get well soon.
posted by sa3z at 8:17 AM on November 14

Sending vibes your way, Matt.
posted by barrett caulk at 8:20 AM on November 14

Thinking of you and sending all my best wishes. Here's hoping you'll be healthy again very soon.

And since I'm not a Twitterer I'll say it here: thanks for MetaFilter. This place adds a lot to my life, and I appreciate everything you've done to make and keep it that way.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 8:32 AM on November 14

Get well Matt.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 9:02 AM on November 14

Goodspeed you Matt Imprimatur!
posted by The Whelk at 9:16 AM on November 14

Matt, like so many, many others, I'm sending good thoughts of recovery and health your way, and sending good wishes to your family.

And I promise to behave here on MeFi! I imagine that a lot of us will be behaving well for some time, in a small attempt to lighten the load on the mods at a difficult time.

Take care. I wish you well.
posted by Elsa at 9:25 AM on November 14

Here's to you and yours and hoping you go into the Holiday Season with good reason to celebrate with Cheer
posted by Cedric at 9:30 AM on November 14

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by johnny novak at 9:37 AM on November 14

Best wishes to Matt from Texas.
posted by bjgeiger at 9:38 AM on November 14

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by johnofjack at 9:46 AM on November 14

More good wishes coming your way, and hopes for a full and speedy recovery.
posted by immlass at 9:52 AM on November 14

Best wishes for a quick recovery, Matt.
posted by stinkycheese at 10:11 AM on November 14

Thanks for the best website and for being an all-round fine human. Speedy recovery.
posted by Hobgoblin at 10:30 AM on November 14

...reading nickyskye's comments never fail to renew my faith in humanity.
lalex at 2:15 AM

Just had a mischievous thought. Please let your doctors, pathologists, nurses, hospital know that they all better take the most incredible care of you, the best job they've done, ever. Or else they'll incur the wrath of 100,000 internet savvy MeFites, many of whom are deeply loyal to you...
nickyskye at 5:48 AM

I guess all winning streaks must end, but just threatening the wrath of a few key MeFites (including nickyskye) may be an evil but effective way to ensure the best possible treatment..
posted by oneswellfoop at 10:31 AM on November 14

Best wishes from Russia too. Also, hella concision skills - that was an info-dense 140 characters.

Take care and get well soon.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 10:37 AM on November 14

Best wishes from yet another internet stranger!
posted by kiripin at 10:53 AM on November 14

+1 doesn't seem adequate to the occasion, but best wishes for a speedy return to good health.
posted by Doktor Zed at 10:55 AM on November 14

Take care, Matt -- we like you.
posted by sarcasticah at 11:10 AM on November 14

Wow, I take 48 hours off from the Internet, and come back to THIS? BOGUS! Please get well soon!

And, um, if they DO find that you are growing a second brain and need to remove it, well....can I have it?
posted by jeanmari at 11:17 AM on November 14

What if the brain-drugs turn Matt evil?
...
Do not eat the hospital food, whatever you do.
...
What if the brain-drugs give Matt superpowers?

Do you A) eat the food, B) eat the brain-drugs and use superpowers to create nonevil-inducing food for mankind to enjoy, or C) go hungry, starve the bastard out of your brain and fling it to a pack of angry strangers from the internet to devour?

Cuz we got your back like a car seat.
posted by JaiMahodara at 11:29 AM on November 14

Matt must be growing an ushnisha, a cranial protrusion.

I guess all winning streaks must end

Told you it was mischievous. heh. Am only ordinary flesh and blood. And besides, I feel fiercely protective of Matt, wanting the best treatment for him. Dammit docs, do the best slicing and dicing you've ever done with our mathowie!

to ensure the best possible treatment

It makes a big difference medically if the physician is highly motivated. One of the factors is "opportunity for professional development". Getting good reviews on the web can be an excellent incentive. Since I'm a small fry in the social scale, what I do when I go to the hospital is to please the staff any way I can, bring gifts for the nurses ahead of time, reward the ones who give good needle, buy the doctor a good bottle of wine (which backfired when the surgeon said he enjoyed the magnum I gave him the night before the op but he still did a brilliant job...8 hours, not the 2 expected, and saved my vocal nerve). My neuro-surgerey crew were almost all Indian. So I spoke Punjabi and Hindi with them, joked about Bollywood. Brought medical journals praising Indian neurosurgeons, Oliver Sacks books, displaying them prominently by my bedside, showing them I valued my brain and would appreciate it if they made as few botches as possible. Did buttering up to the max under the circumstances.

Neurosurgeons are often workaholics, and in my experience, not especially good with the feelgood, empathic bedside manner. I assume many of them are on the low end of the Asperger's spectrum, intense with science details and beautifully so, but not especially good with communication, which is why it helps when one can do research online and find out what's what for oneself.

The medical biz is a biz like any other but with people's lives at stake, their health and well being. It's good, in my experience, to be savvy in a reality-based way, when facing any medical situation, especially with one's brain.
posted by nickyskye at 12:01 PM on November 14 [13 favorites]

We are all on Team mathowie right now (some of us may be on a differently-spelled team as well, but I have never met Our Fearless Leader in real life. Yet.)
posted by Sidhedevil at 12:37 PM on November 14

Take care. Be easy on yourself.
posted by milarepa at 12:44 PM on November 14

Heal fast! And lots of good supportive thoughts to your family.
posted by tidecat at 12:52 PM on November 14

I know it's been said roughly 700 times on this board alone, but get well soon, Matt! We're all cheering for you.
posted by mccarty.tim at 1:25 PM on November 14

Get well soon Matt
posted by iamabot at 1:41 PM on November 14

Healing thoughts to you, Matt! Lots of good thoughts to you, your family, and friends.
posted by wiskunde at 1:54 PM on November 14

:-( hope the surgery goes well and they get all of it
posted by jock@law at 2:00 PM on November 14

Sending you my warmest regards, Matt. Take care!
posted by at the crossroads at 2:25 PM on November 14

Kick that swine flu in the ass, and then kick that brain growth in the ass. I believe in you!
posted by sciurus at 3:04 PM on November 14

I owe mathowie's brain a great debt, as that organ spawned the unstoppable awesomeness that shows me what's what on the web, helps me make new friends, and lets me screw off in an informative way. You're in my thoughts, mathowie, and I wish you all the best.
posted by solipsophistocracy at 3:49 PM on November 14

All atheist prayers with you, #1. Take care of your second favorite organ. [/Woody]
posted by The Bellman at 3:58 PM on November 14

Get well soon with easy recovery from flu and surgery/other treatment. Way more excitement than anyone in your family needed!
posted by leslies at 4:09 PM on November 14

Hey Matt, best of luck from all of us at the ranch!
posted by snsranch at 4:15 PM on November 14

getwellgetwellgetwellgewtwellgetwellgetwellgetwellgewtwellgetwellgetwellgetwell
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 4:32 PM on November 14

Take care and get well soon.
posted by soupy at 4:41 PM on November 14

we're all thinking about you, and hoping for the speediest return to health.
posted by extrabox at 4:50 PM on November 14

Hey, real sorry about that. Good luck!
posted by spasm at 5:05 PM on November 14

get well soon, Matt! best of luck!
posted by gursky at 5:16 PM on November 14

You'll be back on your bike soon enjoying the Fall weather... My secular "prayers" are with you and your family.
posted by ScotsLament at 5:20 PM on November 14

Matt, sending good thoughts and wishes your way. This place, this MetaFilter has been so much to me... and the lives of a lot of us. Let us know if you need anything. We will do what we can.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 6:10 PM on November 14

I think I speak for most members of this website when I suggest you look into homeopathic treatments.

Seriously, best of luck from one person you'll probably never meet but who is thankful for what you've done here.
posted by gordie at 6:23 PM on November 14

At the 815th comment this has to be something beyond superfluous, but my best wishes to you and yours; I hope you're all getting the support you need.

Yrs, with sincere gratitude for making the internet a friendlier and more eccentric place, yet another internet random.

on preview: 817th!
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 6:28 PM on November 14

Good to see him updating Twitter just now. I just want him to be okay. So many thoughts - it's just good to see him updating twitter.
posted by cashman at 6:43 PM on November 14

Feel better, Matt.
posted by joedan at 6:50 PM on November 14

Best wishes / think positive
posted by beagle at 7:55 PM on November 14

nickyskye, you forgot juggling during your admission intake and gold-pens for the Valet parking staff.

No offense, but I suspect Matt's going to get professional and conscientious care without the theatrics and mordidas.

Good luck to you and your family.

Hope is the thing with feathers.
posted by docpops at 8:56 PM on November 14

All the best.
posted by twirlypen at 9:41 PM on November 14

Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul
posted by de at 9:50 PM on November 14

Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all
posted by at the crossroads at 10:02 PM on November 14 [1 favorite]

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by liet at 10:09 PM on November 14

Get well really soon or we're going to keep quoting Emily Dickinson at you. And then we're going to send Horace Rumpole to rummage her desk and see if there were any forgotten bits she left behind that might be applicable.
posted by Miko at 10:12 PM on November 14

Probably fake Emily Dickinson would help even more, right?
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:13 PM on November 14 [3 favorites]

Upon recumbent bicicyles -
Our Leader - trenchant - Rides -
posted by Miko at 10:18 PM on November 14 [9 favorites]

A thousand fav'rites - on the blue -
A Million - by his Side.
posted by scody at 10:24 PM on November 14 [12 favorites]

Get well soon.
posted by mmascolino at 10:57 PM on November 14

Matt's updated his blog with a looooooong post:

http://a.wholelottanothing.org/2009/11/adventures-in-brain-tumors-part-one-of-many.html
posted by Mikey-San at 10:59 PM on November 14 [5 favorites]

Get well soon man!
posted by theCroft at 11:03 PM on November 14

thanks for the blog update, matt. glad you're home!!
posted by annathea at 11:38 PM on November 14

Wow. I, for one, feel better for having read his blog entry. Much better. Hang in there, Matt!
posted by heyho at 11:38 PM on November 14

vivid update, mathowie. Good to know what's going on. I don't think your nose is all that big though.
posted by Rumple at 11:44 PM on November 14

Yes, I also felt better after reading that. I did some Googling about brain tumors after the original tweet, and some of them are extremely scary, but the specific kind of tumor Matt has is very treatable. As he said in the blog, the undiagnosed tumor was causing some issues due to unbalanced hormone levels, so once the tumor is removed or successfully treated with medication everything should be back to normal.
posted by burnmp3s at 11:57 PM on November 14

Here's to a swift recovery, and no need for a Total Recall style extraction.
posted by Tenuki at 12:01 AM on November 15

Hooray for probably-treatable-without-surgery!

but if there IS a Total Recall style extraction you should definitely auction the tumor off for charity
posted by hattifattener at 12:16 AM on November 15

Hooray!
posted by ageispolis at 12:37 AM on November 15

As usual I'm late to the party, but I hope you get well soon Matt. Thanks for the long update on your blog.
posted by starzero at 12:53 AM on November 15

Well good.

Get better.
posted by krinklyfig at 1:48 AM on November 15

Thanks for the update, Matt.

<kidding>
I'm not a religious man, but do you see what happens when you run your little experiments with favorites?
There are things man was not meant to tamper with.
</kidding>
posted by juv3nal at 3:21 AM on November 15

I had one of those prolactinomas once.
Surgery is minimally scarring.
Since the surgery is intercranial, once you wake up you get no good drugs. I got Tylenol 3's. Why? Because you have to be lucid enough to answer "Are you in there, or did my hand slip?" questions from your neurosurgeon.

At-home recovery is gonna be 1-3 months. Expect headaches.
posted by mountain_william at 5:06 AM on November 15 [4 favorites]

ColdChef sent me the link to Matt's excellently written blog entry. Love those human details. The list of street drugs they thought you might be taking was hilarious in a tortured chaos at the brink of death kind of way.

Geez, Matt, it's a miracle you weren't killed conking out in the bathroom. Ouch.

It's very, touching to read your response to the It's a Wonderful Life, pre-funeral love outpouring of care. And really, what people wrote is just the tip of the iceberg of appreciation. You are loved, man, far and wide around the globe.

The treatment your got from the docs at the hospital, the chaos, nobody there to advise you, clarify the situation and make it all a coherent story sounds exactly like what I've been through numerous times. One REALLY needs a medical advocate, a medicine savvy friend, preferably a doc, or web research to make heads or tails of a medical emergency.

YAY your empathic, excellent communicator, compassionate, caring longtime friend Dr. Jason Levine, who clarified the situation for you concisely! What a great guy! How excellent he helped you understand the situation, get an overview, while in the middle of the maelstrom of the crisis. I can only imagine what a relief it must have been for you to receive his thoughts.

It also must be a relief that the hormone situation makes sense of what you've been going through this last year with the fatigue/weight/strength issues. As somebody surviving thyroid cancer, which is connected to the pituitary, which is connected to the knee bone , I can relate to the pituitary slow down thing. Guess you'll need to see a decent endocrinologist now as well as a neurologist?

Pituitary tumor

Prolactinoma (YAYYY non-cancerous!! whoo hoo!)

I'm just profoundly grateful you're ok and there is a good possibility of the hormone therapy doing the job. YAY your more time on the planet and being healthy while alive.
posted by nickyskye at 6:28 AM on November 15 [1 favorite]

GET BETTER, BRAIN! SLYT
posted by 40 Watt at 6:46 AM on November 15

Matt, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

The Metafilter community has been and continues to be one of the brightest lights on the Web. So many have been influenced by it over the years, including myself.

Thank you, and here's to your quick recovery.

- Karl Martino
posted by kmartino at 6:57 AM on November 15

Thanks for the blog update. What a weird experience you've been undergoing - it's great to see your sense of humor intact (the street drug names...LOL), and it's kind of you to write out a clear description of the blow-by-blow and what things were like for you. This news is much improved from what we were fearing. Congratulations on getting through this episode - and here's wishing really effective comfortable treatment. Given that the hormones might help you with your workouts and stuff, maybe it's not so crazy to think you might emerge with superpowers?
posted by Miko at 7:07 AM on November 15

If they happen to give you the kind of hormones that make you grow boobies, you'll have a bright future on the internet.

Seriously, though, it's good to read that the situation is looking more positive. Hang in there!
posted by amyms at 7:18 AM on November 15

So glad to read the update, and if no one's mentioned it yet, I think you've got a future modeling hospital gowns in catalogs if this "website" thing doesn't work out for you!
posted by rtha at 7:39 AM on November 15

I didn't say nythin' till now 'cause I didn't want to ruin anything with best wishes if it turned out horrible, but now, since it hasn't: best wishes! Keep taking the drugs, and fingers crossed you'll be able to shoot lasers out of your eyes soon.
posted by subbes at 7:56 AM on November 15

If they happen to give you the kind of hormones that make you grow boobies, you'll have a bright future on the internet.

With the treatment for the prolactinoma, it'll be going the opposite direction, he'll be throwing out his D cup for a sportsbra any day now. He'll have to stick with MetaFilter for his future internet career, which I think is a good thing. But he may become a bionic superhero and hospital gown model for catlogs as well by the look of his blog pics.
posted by nickyskye at 8:05 AM on November 15

Prolactinomas, diagnosis and treatment

Long-Term Management of Prolactinomas—Use of Long-Acting Dopamine Agonists

Transforming Growth Factor-β Regulation of Estradiol-Induced Prolactinomas

Cause is unknown, but stress is believed to be a factor.

Recommended endocrinologists in Oregon, not just for thyroid issues but anything endocrine system related
posted by nickyskye at 8:31 AM on November 15

Thanks all for the well-wishes. I sort of got twitter and metatalk mixed up in my foggy recollections of events regarding well-wishers.

Thanks especially for all the medical resources to look up. I'll be researching this like I research my next bike part which is to say I will be researching the living shit out of it.
posted by mathowie at 9:08 AM on November 15 [13 favorites]

I'll be researching this like I research my next bike part which is to say I will be researching the living shit out of it.

Which is to say that someone will listen to you talk about it for fifteen seconds and then interrupt you to tell you that you "should probably just like check Craiglist, there's some stupid deals on there" and you'll be like oh man thanks for that insight I hadn't heard of the internet before I bet I can find an awesome used medical team for like fifteen bucks that is exactly what I'm looking for HIGH FIVE DUDE
posted by cortex at 9:13 AM on November 15 [22 favorites]

And to think, this all could have been avoided if only mathowie hadn't spent his evenings getting TORE UP on Night Slammers.
posted by Greg Nog at 9:35 AM on November 15 [10 favorites]

I gotta say, those Robot Jammers sound boss.
posted by shakespeherian at 10:20 AM on November 15 [3 favorites]

Would stuffed animals help?
posted by anniecat at 10:23 AM on November 15

I say that because I have no medical knowledge, but I do appreciate a quality stuffed animal when I see it. I just bought a few that are nice. Let me know if you want me to send you one.
posted by anniecat at 10:25 AM on November 15

Geez, Matt, it's a miracle you weren't killed conking out in the bathroom. Ouch.

My mom's an anesthetist and says the fall causes a lot more trouble than the actual illness much of the time.

I was telling her about almost passing out with the flu, but I was too weak to call for help, and she stressed that next time I should *lie down immediately*. FWIW.
posted by jragon at 10:27 AM on November 15

I'll be researching this like I research my next bike part

Hell, some of the medical treatment might be your next bike part! Just remember to get a Therapeutic Use Exemption for those steroids :)

Good Luck!
posted by Chuckles at 10:29 AM on November 15

Sick too so I missed the last couple of days of news but get well soon.

Good luck with the treatment.
posted by TNLNYC at 10:35 AM on November 15

Holy crap Matt!! Glad to hear that the news on the tumor, while not optimal, is at least easily treatable.
posted by echolalia67 at 10:45 AM on November 15

get better, man.
posted by sswiller at 11:30 AM on November 15

Good luck mathowie! I wasn't going to comment here because I don't know Matt; I've never had any interaction with him (well, do those automated MeMail's about AskMe posts count?), so I didn't think my well wishes would mean anything. But then I read his blog post, and it seems that all that internet love really does matter.

So, Get Well Soon! I'm betting on mathowie 1, tumor 0.
posted by bluefly at 11:41 AM on November 15

Yeah, having engaged in the old bathroom syncope once, I can't recommend it. Not only are you likely to wake up and find yourself inexplicably tangled in a ripped-down shower curtain, but there are way too many very hard surfaces to bounce off of on your way down.
posted by FelliniBlank at 12:06 PM on November 15

Thanks for the full rundown of your rundown, Matt (in case you didn't guess, previous comments in this thread from oneswellfoop was me, trying to break in a different username for my post-wendell identity; I'm retiring from being wendell - long story, but much less important than yours).

Your twitter updates concerned me because (1) they weren't made HERE, (2) they sounded slightly out of character, especially taking brain malfunctioning into effect (glad you were able to be lucid during your brief periods of consciousness, but unconscious is probably the best way to spend most of a hospital stay), and (3) they hinted at worrisome aspects that your long blog post thoroughly put to rest. I haven't been so happy to be wrong in a long time. Considering how scary it all was when it was happening, it must be a massive relief to have a fairly clear view of what's happening and plans on how to fix it (even if there's some uncertainty, there are already back-up plans in place). It sure beats the message many of us (yes, including me) have gotten that we were "quantitatively healthier than we feel".

You and your MetaFilter have been more valuable to me during the last 10 years than almost anything, on-line or off-line. I can't express my gratitude for just (1) being there, (2) being cool and (3) tolerating the wendell part of me. And I'm not the only one; you have just seen so many other people expressing that you ARE the Best of the Web (even if the MeFi content sometimes falls short). If the entire decade of the '00s has been all kinds of bad (in a macro sense as well as micro for many of us), you have been an important source for goodness and will continue to be for decades to come. Make this recovery period into a time for yourself and trust your team - and your community - to take care of business (and with 99% less of me and 100% less of me as wendell, it should be a little easier - I'm just relieved I can do this logging off under better circumstances than a couple days ago).

So get well, because you are already great.
posted by wendell at 12:28 PM on November 15 [6 favorites]

Get well soon, and hope things improve for you from here.
posted by peppito at 12:30 PM on November 15

Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus. Get well soon.
posted by gerryblog at 12:35 PM on November 15

holy crap Matt! I go build bikes and mess around with my real life for a few days and you go and do this shit. WTF a prolactinoma??? Christ, I know most guys have tits on the brain, but seriously, dude...

just kidding, wish you all the best and please get well soon!
posted by lonefrontranger at 12:53 PM on November 15

The flu is bad enough on its own without this other very unwelcome surprise...

I was upset and worried to hear you were so sick, but heartened to read your update. As yet another metafilter member who has benefitted so much from your tremendous on-line hospitality over the years, I extend my heartfelt well-wishes to you and your family: here's to a strong & speedy recovery!
posted by misteraitch at 12:59 PM on November 15

I mean this in all seriousness - if things get overwhelming for you and your family, don't hesitate to ask some Portland Mefites for food or something; I make a mean, extremely unvegan tater tot casserole, and McMinnville is on my commute a couple times a week.
posted by Lutoslawski at 1:26 PM on November 15 [1 favorite]

Get well soon. We're all rooting for you.
posted by MythMaker at 1:31 PM on November 15

Glad to have an update. Continue on the road to wellness, Matt!
posted by tizzie at 2:11 PM on November 15

Absolute best wishes to you Matt, and welcome to the land of losing time. It's not so bad here!
posted by mannequito at 2:25 PM on November 15

So glad to hear all is going well, Matt!
posted by Sidhedevil at 2:29 PM on November 15

Hooray for meds, and hooray for the possible resolution of previously mysterious symptoms!

Quick googling reveals that one of the slang terms for codeine is Schoolboy. Hopefully they have a better way of putting it than "Hey, man, you been doing schoolboys?"
posted by CKmtl at 3:15 PM on November 15

I have a pituitary tumor, too! *high five*

Seriously, though, while the combination of the words brain and tumor are horribly frightening, I was actually relieved to read that it was a pituitary adenoma, because if you absolutely have to have a brain tumor, this would be the best one to get. They're actually pretty common, but often go undiagnosed. You're going to feel so much better once your treatment is underway. Best of luck to you and feel better soon!
posted by Ruki at 3:55 PM on November 15 [3 favorites]

Holy shit, I had no idea it was Matt's third eye opening. That's awesome. Let us know if you develop telekinetic powers or the ability to make goats faint.
posted by GuyZero at 4:10 PM on November 15

Just wanted to add my thanks for the detailed blog entry. Even those of us who don't know you have been very worried. Information helps tremendously! And sincere congrats on being home.
posted by bearwife at 4:29 PM on November 15

That's great news especially in that this seems to resolve so many other issues. Yay!
posted by snsranch at 4:39 PM on November 15

Wow. I have the exact same kind of tumor (although mine was caught much earlier than yours it seems - first indication was high prolactin levels) and can attest to the fact that it can be treated successfully non-surgically. And I totally ditto the MRI = major suckitude. Godspeed, Matt.
posted by SoulOnIce at 4:51 PM on November 15 [1 favorite]

Glad you're home and things look bright! You look different without glasses though, hee hee.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:27 PM on November 15

Feel better soon! We're all sending you our very best wishes for a speedy recovery!
posted by Morrigan at 5:35 PM on November 15

Best wishes, and get well soon - the internet world wouldn't be the same without you!
posted by bashos_frog at 5:51 PM on November 15

Wow, Matt. Just wow. Glad you're home; get well soon.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 5:52 PM on November 15

Glad you're doing better, Matt. It sucks but life is bound to get better from here.
posted by leftcoastbob at 6:20 PM on November 15

Get some rest. We luff you.
posted by Ouisch at 6:45 PM on November 15

How amazing a coincidence is it that jessamyn's been living with this (apparently) same thing for years? Spooky.

Get well soon Matt, and you are indeed crowd surfing on top of all of us.
posted by intermod at 6:54 PM on November 15

you are indeed crowd surfing on top of all of us.

Not a Twitterer, just got here from the sideblog and see that everyone else (especially nickyskye, of course) has already said all that needs to be said. And it sounds like the (worst of the) worst might be over. But in any case, through the coming months of recovery, Matt — as someone most of us have never met, yet who we revere — please remember our great (non-flash) mob sending you waves of support.
posted by LeLiLo at 7:20 PM on November 15

Surprising news, all this, to say the least.

I'm glad to hear that the medics have a handle on this, Matt. I wish you and yours all the best toward your rapid recovery.
posted by LinusMines at 7:46 PM on November 15

So sorry to hear about this! Sounds like you're in good hands. Here's to a complete recovery and full wellness!!
posted by jasper411 at 8:53 PM on November 15

Thanks for the update, Matt, and we're all really glad the news sounds manageable. I imagine it's been scary for your wife, as well. Get well soon; it's kind of scary having a thread this long on the gray with so little snark.
posted by theora55 at 9:32 PM on November 15

Down with the sickness.

Get well soon!
posted by bwg at 10:04 PM on November 15

We should form a prolactinoma posse!

I had a micro one a few years ago which was cleaned up with Dostinex (no surgery). My blood pressure in naturally very low (90/60); therefore, the doctor rejected Parlodel as an Rx for me. It seems like a lot of people have problems with Parlodel (dizziness, brain fog, fainting), but I didn't have any problems at all with Dostinex. Both drugs are expensive with Dostinex being much more so. My doctor had to justify using Dostinex without first trying Parlodel.

Hopefully, you'll have a similarly quick and complete resolution. Don't hesitate to metamail me if I can be of help.
posted by 26.2 at 10:20 PM on November 15 [1 favorite]

Matt, I wish you the best and most complete recovery that a person can have. You have made an enormous impact in my life. This thing that you created means a lot to all of us. In my life I could hope to do something like that.

Be well.
posted by Afroblanco at 10:28 PM on November 15

Mat, I'm so glad this has ramped down from crisis point to "let's wait and see." I only have two sanity-saving words of advice for you:

OPEN MRI.

Obviously this is not an option in an emergency if you're in a hospital that doesn't have one, but I was willing to travel a silly distance and pay out of pocket (thanks mom and dad!) to avoid the Tiny Coffin of Doom and seven years later I am still grateful for the existence of such a wonder.

Either that or get on an episode of House, because they project outdoor scenes on the inside of theirs. That could work, too.
posted by DarlingBri at 10:58 PM on November 15

I hope you recover quickly and completely, Matt. Then you can come to a meetup, and we can cover your tab for once.
posted by maqsarian at 11:54 PM on November 15

Getting to this after a weekend away... All the best Matt! Wishing you a quick and complete recovery...
posted by benzo8 at 12:31 AM on November 16

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by Elmore at 1:05 AM on November 16

I caught up with the developments last night and just want to add my very best wishes to Uncle Matt. Thanks for taking the time to write the blog post for everyone.
posted by nthdegx at 1:15 AM on November 16

just noticed this, and kinda hazy on the latest details, but i sincerely hope that all is well :) *

* emoticon reserved for special purposes
posted by UbuRoivas at 1:24 AM on November 16

Matt, I hope some good comes from this. I certainly know some people whose lives have greatly improved after having a brush with Death. (Or at least spending some uncertain hours at the hospital.) It may well be a blessing in disguise.

I wish you (and your family) a lot of strength in your recovery. Get well soon!
posted by Ljubljana at 1:28 AM on November 16 [1 favorite]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Matt.
posted by goo at 3:54 AM on November 16

Wow. I'm so glad to hear this is turning out better. Echoing what others have eloquently said - you are so important to us. Do take care and best wishes to an uneventful recovery.

While you were in the hospital - you probably had a 'primary' team that was following you. That's how it is at my teaching hospital. They consult the other teams like surgery, endocrine, symptom management. Thanks for reminding me to help make this clearer for my patients that have multiple teams working with them and their decisions are fast and furious like yours were. Must be scary.

Best of luck always to you and your family.
posted by dog food sugar at 5:02 AM on November 16

Oh, to Matt and anyone else in need of an MRI: some centers offer headphones that somehow (I have no idea HOW since ordinary speakers involve magnets) pipe music in - you can choose a station and it's a huge, huge help. In addition, my neurologists have always been glad to prescribe a "pre-flight" Valium to assist in just sleeping through the whole thing. Ask around and see if these options are available - they help A LOT.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:09 AM on November 16

Get well soon ! Like everyone else the words "brain tumor" got my attention, but I was relieved to see that it was a pituitary tumor. As you have learned there are multiple treatment options and complete cure is the ultimate goal. It sounds like you are in good hands and so should do well.

As for some of the comments on MRIs, just for anyone interested, many physicians who read MRI's avoid open MRI scanners because the images aren't as clear, so that is not always an option. On the other hand, different levels of sedation are often an option, up to and including general anesthesia (how else would you do a 2 hour total spine MRI on a 1 month old?).

Anyhow, best wishes!
posted by TedW at 5:46 AM on November 16

Best wishes Matt.
posted by Frasermoo at 5:50 AM on November 16

Get well soon and take care, Matt.
posted by carter at 6:47 AM on November 16

I just read your a.whole post. Here's hoping for shrinkage. And I mean that in the most manly way.
posted by SteveInMaine at 6:52 AM on November 16 [2 favorites]

Best wishes, Matt.
posted by Tube at 6:55 AM on November 16

Best wishes, Matt. And best wishes for your family, too. Stay strong.
posted by Malla at 7:16 AM on November 16

Good luck and best wishes to you and all those close to you. Get well soon.
posted by Monk at 7:35 AM on November 16

Best wishes for a quick and complete recovery, Matt. Your initial tweet was the most unpleasantly shocking use of those 140 characters I've ever seen - thanks for writing the blog post and updating all of us who are so worried for you even if we've never met you in real life. My heart goes out to you and your family.
posted by Devika at 9:10 AM on November 16

Just read the update on your blog, Matt. I am glad things are looking better and hope they continue to treat you properly at the hospital. All the best for a quick and thorough recovery.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:19 AM on November 16

I just read your update, Matt, and honestly, when I got to the picture at the bottom, I burst into tears -- happy ones! Keep on keeping on!
posted by thinkpiece at 9:24 AM on November 16

Cause is unknown, but stress is believed to be a factor.

So I want you all to really think about it before you post your next stupid little gripe on MetaTalk!
posted by nanojath at 9:54 AM on November 16 [4 favorites]

Best wishes for you and your family, Matt. Get well soon!
posted by Jelly at 10:23 AM on November 16

Be well.
posted by stoneweaver at 10:52 AM on November 16

So Jessamyn has this too? That begs the question:

Metafilter: Cause or effect?

I've never met you and likely never will, but I've been back here regularly over the weekend hoping to see good news and I'm so glad there is some. I really can't imagine the internet without this place you made, it really is home. You deserve to be very well, very quickly - wishing you all the best.

And before I logged in there was an advert at the top of this thread for something called "Original Little Sprout". Is that's what's growing in your brain, just in time for Christmas? Well of course it's original, it's a mathowie sprout. It wouldn't just be any old kind of sprout.
posted by penguin pie at 12:31 PM on November 16

Just informed of this situation via Mark Hurst...

Refuah shlema, Matt!
posted by yiftach at 12:58 PM on November 16

So Jessamyn has this too? That begs the question:

Metafilter: Cause or effect?

it's Videodrome.
posted by philip-random at 2:20 PM on November 16 [2 favorites]

Another stranger wishes you all the best, Matt.
(just wrote and deleted half a dozen jokey comments - they seemed funny and uplifting, then suddenly lame.... I'll just be boring and nth what everyone else has been saying). I don't pray, but my positive thoughts for your health are flying over the Atlantic as I write.
posted by MessageInABottle at 2:29 PM on November 16

Glad to hear things look like they'll be OK.
posted by InfidelZombie at 2:50 PM on November 16

After several years of reading Meta, I finally got an account just to wish you well and hope for a speedy recovery. I was glad to read of your good news!
posted by _paegan_ at 4:31 PM on November 16

it's Videodrome.

Better than Chinatown, I suppose.
posted by scody at 4:50 PM on November 16

Long-time lurker here, just abandoning the shroud of darkness to say "Get Well!" Metafilter has got me through so many hilariously bad tech jobs, and I can't really imagine the past few years without the blue. You, sir, are a brilliant man.
posted by ransom_k_fern at 5:35 PM on November 16

There's going to be one hell of a traffic jam during your funeral procession. Traffic jams suck, so get better, OK?
posted by double block and bleed at 8:48 PM on November 16

As much as I hate to say it, MeFi doesn't love Matt as much as it hates Sarah Palin. This will never be the 5-5-5-6 thread. :(
posted by GuyZero at 9:34 PM on November 16

If we find out that Sarah Palin is responsible for this, then we'll have our thread.
posted by desjardins at 9:48 PM on November 16

Well, if Matt managed to like cleverly stoke the fires every couple of days with followup tweets ("turns out I actually have brain candy", "oh no, abducted by aliens", "aliens actually big fans of Palin, who knew") that'd help the comment count.
posted by cortex at 9:48 PM on November 16 [7 favorites]

Sorry for the late reply Matt, but I just heard. I hope you have a quick and speedy recovery.
posted by hadjiboy at 9:56 PM on November 16

Really touching blog update. I hope the upswing from all this is out of sight. Get better soon.
posted by lmm at 11:14 PM on November 16

Hi Matt,
My first post in years. Just wanted to log in to say hi to you (and Stavros who I bet is hiding somewhere here), and to to tell you that I had a pituitary adenoma surgically removed in 2001, and aside from a yearly MRI (which has always been clean if not fun), I haven't had any ill effects since. And it was my introduction to Mena Trott in 2002, because she had a friend with the same condition as yours. So it even had an upside.

Hope yours does too!
posted by geodog at 12:47 AM on November 17 [2 favorites]

Matt -
i totally get the comment you make on your blog, about time becoming a smear; i'm just getting over a scary battle with the flu, and i experienced a similar time-smear effect during the past couple weeks. so, i hadn't really been paying much attention to meta and am only learning of this now, via the sidebar. it was pretty distressing to read about! but i am so glad that your outcome looks good. i hope the meds work and you don't have to have surgery! it may be corny, but november is a month i like to think on things that make me thankful. metafilter is one of 'em. i wish you a full and speedy recovery!
posted by lapolla at 3:01 AM on November 17

Oh my goodness... I just noticed this via the sidebar. I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well, Matt. I really hope you get well soon! Oi!
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 5:31 AM on November 17

Just saw this too....Matt, best wishes and get well soon!
posted by pretzel at 6:55 AM on November 17

Godspeed, Matt. Best wishes from tha Cleve.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:36 AM on November 17

Good grief. Hang in there, we all send our best wishes, most positive thoughts and speedy recovery.
posted by alteredcarbon at 3:35 PM on November 17

Get well soon, Matt.
posted by klausness at 4:38 PM on November 17

Spke with my endo today, he says cabergoline is the drug of choice for prolactinomas.

This site's info agrees with that info:
Medical therapy: In general, the first line of treatment for patients with a prolactinoma is medication rather than transsphenoidal surgery. Approximately 80% of patients will have prolactin levels restored to normal with dopamine agonist therapy and many will have marked tumor shrinkage. The most commonly used agent is cabergoline (Dostinex) which has replaced bromocriptine (Parlodel) as the drug of choice given cabergoline’s higher success rate and lower side-effect rate. Most women have return of menses and many become fertile again. Tumor shrinkage will often results in rapidly improved vision and headache resolution. Dostinex is taken only twice per week and generally has few side effects. It is also effective in patients whose prolactinomas are resistant to bromocriptine therapy. The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg twice per week and may be increased up to 1.0 mg twice per week. Bromocriptine, if used, should be started at a low dose to minimize nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects, usually 2.5 mg tablet per day at mealtime. The dose is then increased over several days or weeks to a daily maximum usually no exceeding 10 mgs.

NB: "It also has been suggested online that it has a possible recreational use in reducing or eliminating the male refractory period."

Could be a fun recovery. ;-)
posted by nickyskye at 5:39 PM on November 17 [1 favorite]

Matt, I just read your blog post. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of that for us. I wish you the best and more (if there is such a thing!).
posted by liquorice at 4:34 AM on November 18

Love and support to you and your family, Matt. Say, speaking of which, does MetaFilter Network LLC give you health insurance?
posted by felix at 7:13 AM on November 18

thanks for sharing your story! get well!
posted by Chris4d at 11:13 AM on November 18

Better late than never: Matt, I am hoping so much that you'll make a speedy & thorough recovery. Besides wishing you health, I am also wishing Kay & Fiona strength--I'll be thinking of all of you. Take good care of yourself, and do as your doctor tells you... the internet needs for your brain to be okay.
posted by Sapphireblue at 4:18 PM on November 18

Eek, sounds scary. Hope the drugs do their thing.
posted by kjs4 at 6:55 PM on November 18

Are the meds working dear Matt? A teeny update pls?
posted by nickyskye at 6:42 AM on November 19

nickyskye: "Are the meds working dear Matt? A teeny update pls"

Yes, if an update is possible, and not to taxing, it would be wonderful to know that you're doing ok and feeling better! (Which I hope and pray is true. And you know me, praying isn't one of those tools in the toolbox I reach for very often...what with having to find a virgin and clearing the all the books and stuff off the altar and all that...)
posted by dejah420 at 7:04 AM on November 19

adding to the hive mind positive-ness. Keep your chin up Number One
posted by doogyrev at 1:45 PM on November 20

twitter update
blog update

Matt, learning you have a medical problem that affects your health profoundly is shocking. It's unfair. In your case, you learned it suddenly and overwhelmingly. But you have an amazing support system, a great attitude, and the good wishes, prayers, affirmations, and whatever other good things thousands of people with different belief systems can send to you. Be well, Number One.
posted by theora55 at 11:47 AM on November 21

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, sir!
posted by ratbastard at 4:18 PM on November 21 [1 favorite]

Heading back to the living room to grab Ralph and pray for you again (As an aside, this November has to be the suckiest month in a long time as far as bad stuff happening all around me. Now would be a great time for that to stop!!!)

Now, go get better!
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:08 PM on November 21

If it's any solace and judging by your updates, your brain seems to be, as usual, percolating nicely.
posted by vapidave at 10:38 AM on November 22

Keep your powder dry, Matt.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 12:41 PM on November 22

Wow. Catching that flu actually was a blessing in disguise.

I'm so glad to hear you're on the road to recovery and back home with your family. All the best to you and thank you for everything you've given us here.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 6:19 AM on November 24

May the uninvited meatball in your skull soon buckle under.
posted by Anything at 12:15 PM on November 26 [1 favorite]

Take care, Matt.
posted by Nabubrush at 3:04 PM on November 29

Metafilter: the uninvited meatball in your skull.
posted by Rumple at 4:50 PM on November 29