Soph
Floyd London
27. Sep 2004 at 03:39



Hello everyone,

I am afraid I have some terrible news to announce to you all. It is Floyd's wishes to let you all know the following news.

Floyd London has been diagnosed with having leukemia.

Floyd has been under the weather for a little while now and we just learned of this diagnosis before the weekend. This is an devasting shock of course but one that we will deal with.

We had planned to go to Dublin a while back and decided to go and have a terrific weekend with our friends. We're back home now and Floyd will go in to a Macmillan ward tomorrow for further diagnosis and to begin chemo. I'll be with Floyd every step while he beats this disease so you may see little of me around here! (hey what's new I hear you ask!).

Leukemia is a disease that can be beaten and we will beat it!! Let there be no doubt. Age, general health etc all play an important part and are all on Floyd's side.

Please leave your comments and wishes here in this post and I'll be giving them to Floyd!

Thanks for your understanding. The best thing - and the thing that would help us most would be to just carry on being yourselves! We're all a big happy community here and love reading all the posts! Just the general every day chattering! So please carry on being you and doing what you do!

Sophie and Floyd

spidy

Reply #1 - 27. Sep 2004 at 05:42

As terrible as this is...it's definitely better to know sooner than later. And you are right Floyd has lot's on his side and it is beatable!!! I wish you both the best and if you need anything let me know. And keep in mind I am a nurse and sometimes the terms the Doctor's use are confusing...if you need help just ask.

Best to both of you,
Jen

Dark_Dave

Reply #2 - 27. Sep 2004 at 06:05

Man, I'm never any good in these kinda circumstances.
But you know me Soph, And you'll know I am sincere when I say may I wish you both well.

Floyd - Mr. Rockstar, get well soon dude.


Shit message I know, but I did say I'm useless in these situations.

Soph

Reply #3 - 27. Sep 2004 at 11:50

Thank you!

Well you know, there's no text book on what to say or do, as I am finding out. Floyd has incredible strength and is putting me to shame!

We're both full of encouragement and strength this morning and this is just part of process and it will all be fine!!!

Dark_Dave

Reply #4 - 27. Sep 2004 at 16:32

Great Stuff.
We'll be with you every step of the way.

crank

Reply #5 - 27. Sep 2004 at 19:36

I am really, really sorry to hear this and I am sure Floyd doesn't want sympathy.

My thoughts are with you both through these challenging times.

In the words of one of my heroes Lance Armstrong, who beat testicular, lung and brain cancer.

Livestrong.

Have a look at www.lancearmstrong.com and you will understand the meaning.

Zeb

Reply #6 - 27. Sep 2004 at 19:56

All the best mate.
Anything you need, just say.

DirtySanchez

Reply #7 - 27. Sep 2004 at 23:06

I'm very sorry to hear this.

Not really much I can say other than you are both in my thoughts.

If it's of any help, the drummer in my wife's old band had the same thing some years ago now. He now has a clean bill of health.

Best wishes
Matt

Tim

Reply #8 - 27. Sep 2004 at 23:22

Boy, what a shock! Floyd and Soph, my thoughts are with the both of you.

El_Matarife

Reply #9 - 28. Sep 2004 at 03:11

I don't know what to say. Except that I'm totally behind you guys, get well soon Floyd. Wish there was something I could do to help.

Sabotage

Reply #10 - 28. Sep 2004 at 06:16

Oh my God. I don't know what to say. I'm with you all the way Floyd.

You get better now you hear mate. That bike can't ride itself, and what about The Almighty re-union in 2012 that may happen...probably.

Look after him Soph and take it easy mate and I hope that everythinmg works out.

sabs

Drea

Reply #11 - 28. Sep 2004 at 11:26

Floyd & Soph,

Looking at the chain of well wishes here can only strengthen the fight ahead of you. Much love to you both.

No more tequila shooters for a while then?

Oh, but it will happen again!



Vegas awaits you...

DefDazz

Reply #12 - 28. Sep 2004 at 19:23

Dear Soph and Floyd

Very sorry to hear about this (it was posted on Blabbermouth.com).

I wish you all the best and i'm sure you'll both be able to work together to help each other through this and beat it!

take care

Darren.

coz

Reply #13 - 28. Sep 2004 at 19:40

soph, real sorry to hear about this.
look after each other won't ya.
love
coz
xxx

Soprano

Reply #14 - 29. Sep 2004 at 00:58

I can't believe it, this is such a shock! These things are like that though, they just come up and smack you in the face when least expecting it. Soph it sounds like you are putting on a brave face and being strong which is brilliant. I wish you all the best for the future. Together you are stronger which is what is gonna get you both through this. When Floyd steps back onto the stage with the Almighty again, its gonna be the best news ever.
Maybe we could organise a gig to raise money for you and Floyd and for research into Leukemia?

Look after yourselves.

Soph

Reply #15 - 29. Sep 2004 at 02:25

Hi all,

Thanks for all the messages and good wishes. I've printed them off and we read them together this evening. He was chuffed to bits!

Floyd and I would like to thank you for the unwavering support you are providing. Your thoughts and words have been a huge source of encouragment and have given us both hope and confidence.

Floyd was today diagnosed as having acute myeloid leukaemia, subcategory type M5. He has a 50/50 chance of beating this. We are pleased with this diagnosis!

They are starting chemotherapy soon.

Floyd is putting me to shame with his cheeriness and demeanour! We don't have any doubt that he can beat it! We are absolutely positive about all of this and are looking fwd to a long and blissful future!

He will be hospitalized for at least the next 4 weeks. At that time we will know whether the chemo is working and from there, there'll be 6 mths more chemo.

Whoever repeats this on Blabbermouth - please have a little courtesy and don't go in to all the above detail on there please. It's good that the basic stuff was posted on there and I'm sure that's plenty for those readers!

Thanks again everybody!!

Soph

davepants

Reply #16 - 29. Sep 2004 at 11:31

hey Sophie and Floyd,
i hope everything works out, i hope that the floyd is on the mend as soon as possible.
i never knew when i was talking to u guy at the weekend,
lots of love from
dave lawless
ireland
p.s. GET WELL SOON

Ann-Marie

Reply #17 - 29. Sep 2004 at 15:51

Get well soon Floyd.

Lots of love to you and Sophie
Ann-Marie, Darrel, Niamh and Karen B.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

TonyG

Reply #18 - 30. Sep 2004 at 01:09

Hi Soph, You may not remember me but I was Dan's best man at his wedding last year. Dan called me an hour or so ago and told me the news. Even though I have only met Floyd a few times (the last being Dan's wedding) it is still a big shock. Say Hi to him from me and tell him we know he'll beat this!

When you get better Floyd we'll meet up for another round of Golf with Dan

Take care and God Bless

Tony

matt

Reply #19 - 30. Sep 2004 at 13:43

my prayers and good vibes are with you and soph.
get well soon mate.

matt.
sorry, but i get lost for words at things like this.

get well mate, i'll be thinking of you.

Crucify

Reply #20 - 30. Sep 2004 at 15:26

Stay strong matey... you can do anything you put your heart n mind too.

Love and strength to you both.

Beers to you!!

GavRuadh

Reply #21 - 01. Oct 2004 at 23:34

I really wish Floyd all the best for his treatment! You're gonna be fine! Aye!!

Best wishes!!

Ellyforgotpassword

Reply #22 - 03. Oct 2004 at 07:12

This is Elly_Wildcat, I forgot my password but it's me.
I'm really shocked to hear the news, but I know you'll make it through this-no problem. Take it easy and ask me if you need anything, I'm right behind you all the way.

In case you need a little cheering up: www.jokes.com

Good luck!

Bee

Reply #23 - 04. Oct 2004 at 15:57

It's not easy to find the right words now. I am speechless.

Dear Floyd, dear Soph,

I know this is a long hard way to go for you both, but I think Floyd has the strength to win this battle. I am with you - with my head and with my heart.

And Soph, you once offered me a shoulder to cry on, so if you need a shoulder to cry on: you can count on me!

Ah and yes: I have seen a lot of Almighty interviews, but I have never seen one with Mr. London (it was always Ricky and Stumpy or Ricky and Pete or Ricky alone). As you can see Floyd you have things to do, so send this f***ing cancer to hell!

All the best for you both.

Sabine

daftanth

Reply #24 - 06. Oct 2004 at 02:26

Fucking ell.

Just back off me holidays and i read this.i cant believe it.

Mr London is one of the nicest blokes i`ve ever had the pleasure of meeting,and i just cant believe this.

so listen mate you better get youre fucking self sorted out coz dont think for one minute youve seen the last of me.
i expect to be eating another one of your sunday roasts soon so be warned.
and not that im gay or anything but heres a get well kiss for u matey
take care the both of you.

Soph

Reply #25 - 09. Oct 2004 at 15:32

Quote from TonyG on 30. Sep 2004 at 01:09:

Hi Soph, You may not remember me but I was Dan's best man at his wedding last year. Dan called me an hour or so ago and told me the news. Even though I have only met Floyd a few times (the last being Dan's wedding) it is still a big shock. Say Hi to him from me and tell him we know he'll beat this!

When you get better Floyd we'll meet up for another round of Golf with Dan

Take care and God Bless

Tony

Hi Tony,

Thanks so much for the message! Every message on here has been read by Floyd and I know he really appreciates it.

Of course I remember you! I still think it was the hottest day of the year! gawd that was a scorcher!

Floyd's surrounded by pictures of little Niamh too! so sweet!

To everyone else - thanks so much for the messages of support from you all. I've printed them off and shown them to Floyd!

He's ok. Chemo is pretty tough and it's the last day this current round of chemo today. Poor lad. But lets hope it's doing what it's meant to!

terrie

Reply #26 - 13. Oct 2004 at 01:07

Hi Floyd and Soph,

Terrie's mum here, I phoned Terrie to tell her your news and as you can imagine she is both shocked and upset and has asked me to pass on the following message.....
Floyd, you don't get out of buying me a beer that easy - hurry up and get better so you can get me one - that can you gave me all those years ago is out of date.
Love to you both

xxxx

Nomad

Reply #27 - 13. Oct 2004 at 17:46

Sorry I've not been around to find out about this any sooner, my heart goes out to you both and I'm sure if anyone can kick this thing into touch then Floyd can.

Take care both, you can be assured we'll be thinking about you and looking forward to seeing Floyd back in full swing.

Get well soon Floyd

Steve.

dave

Reply #28 - 17. Oct 2004 at 16:28

First time I've been on here or Rickys site for a while & this is the first thing I read.

Gutted, my thoughts are with you both.

Love
Dave
(I aint gay either)

UMTS2001

Reply #29 - 18. Oct 2004 at 21:12

It's the first time I writte on this forum since I'm not te best with writting in english. I just would like to take care of U Floyd like U did many years ago when we met many times in France first, and then in Hamburg, Berlin... but I don't know how to do...
I just want to tell you that I support U in this part of your life. I have no doubt you'll be all right very very soon!

From Carine, an old french fan

miss_ann_thrope

Reply #30 - 19. Oct 2004 at 18:35

I am totally new to this forum but was totally chuffed to find a forum dedicated to the guy's, but completly shocked to find out about Floyd!! I just wanted to send you all my best wishes and let you all know you are in my thoughts xxx

fallenangel

Reply #31 - 22. Oct 2004 at 13:38

Hi Floyd,
I am totally shocked by the news. I hope that you get well soon.

All the best
Keep Rocking
loadsa love
Lianne
xxxx

Chris_Valdez

Reply #32 - 23. Oct 2004 at 18:19

I only just came on this forum after a long time away from it and was shocked to read the news. Floyd, the Valdez boys send their love-get well soon....we know you will.

Soph

Reply #33 - 24. Oct 2004 at 03:25

Thanks everyone.

Carine - I think I have a letter from you to Floyd pinned on our kitchen notice board! the envelope was very decorated and looked very nice so we hung it up! You're the lady who hurt her eye weren't you? floyd remembered when I showed him your message.

He's doing ok everyone by the way

Just had a tough 10 day course of chemo and it was a real learning curve for us but helps us plan for the further courses he has to go. Going absolutely stir crazy in his room! he's been in hospital nearly 4 weeks now! His immune system is zilch so poor fella isn't really allowed to leave his room.

But as ever, his unwavering postive attitude is carrying us through! there's not a shadow of doubt in my mind that my dearest, daftest man will be cured and well soon!!! He has a 50/50 chance of beating this bugger (which is a very good chance!) and believe me, he's on the right side of that 50!!!!! Take my word for it!

Floyd is so grateful for all the messages - I print off every single one of them for him to read - thanks all! We've been inundated with kind messages of support and it genuinely means a lot to both of us.

It's obviously a real eye-opener and changes your life completely - I hope that anyone around the world who is struggling in a difficult situation takes courage and confidence from our situation and realises that the power of positive thinking is stronger than any drug out there!

He should be able to come home before the next chemo course so I'll have him washing up and hoovering while he's here! I've been saving some housework especially!

Thanks again - we're doing great!

Dark_Dave

Reply #34 - 24. Oct 2004 at 04:48

Penny

Reply #35 - 25. Oct 2004 at 00:36

ditto -

crank

Reply #36 - 25. Oct 2004 at 15:01

That great news Soph.

I was hoping you were able to post an update on how Floyd was doing. Glad Floyd is staying positive and beating it.

Rob

Ellyforgotpassword

Reply #37 - 26. Oct 2004 at 05:10

That's good to hear, please keep us updated!

Soph

Reply #38 - 26. Oct 2004 at 12:59

I won't be doing regular updates - I have to call at least 20 people a day at the moment with updates and send as many emails with updates etc etc etc! Too tired!!!

Kelly

Reply #39 - 05. Nov 2004 at 02:20

this is my first time on-line in quite awhile, but I do want to add my good wishes to all the others.

I hope your doing well and best of luck in your fight!!!

Kelly

gavinl

Reply #40 - 08. Nov 2004 at 15:53

Wishing you every ounce of strength to kick this bugger into touch. I have no doubts that you will succeed.

With very best wishes from Sunny Strathaven,
Gavin Lockhart

Soph

Reply #41 - 12. Dec 2004 at 13:22

Wishing my man Floyd all the best of luck in the world for his third round of chemo which begins tomorrow. A tough one it is too ~ on stronger drugs via a picc line. It's only a 5 day course and all being well, should be home in time for Chrimbo!

Floyd's doing really well so far and we've had a fantastic few weeks at home.

Here's to a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2005 for you all!

daftanth

Reply #42 - 12. Dec 2004 at 14:13

good luck sonna,you`re doing really good.the daft will be thinking of you.
and merry xmas to the both of you.

spidy

Reply #43 - 12. Dec 2004 at 19:37

Thanks for the update Soph.
Will be wishing you both the best!!!!

Dark_Dave

Reply #44 - 12. Dec 2004 at 20:07

Best wishes to you all.

Soprano

Reply #45 - 12. Dec 2004 at 23:27

Glad to hear things are on the up, good luck tomorrow.

Cheerz,

DirtySanchez

Reply #46 - 12. Dec 2004 at 23:52

Best wishes to you both.

Oh, and happy Xmas!



JayRage

Reply #47 - 13. Dec 2004 at 22:22

Hi Floyd & Sophie
Have just joined this forum since I heard about your news only yesterday and wanted to pass on my heartfelt best wishes to ya - glad to hear you're doing well and getting there! It's such horrible news to read and I'm sure you're fed up with the whole deal! Floyd, I don't know if you'll remember me (how often must you hear that!!!) but you were a major influence on me throughout your days with the Almighty - it's Jonny Parr, Richie Parr's wee brother (friends of Linda). I have many great memories of the parties in your flat in Croftfoot, Glasgow (you taught me how to toke proper!) and I still have the bass strings you gave me & Rob (from Largs) from the Powertrippin album & Italian tour. They're a bit rusty on the old bass now though!! All the backstage passes to your gigs at the Barrowlands were always very much appreciated as was the signed band photo from the Soul Destruction album days you gave me when you dropped in to my house in Kilwinning. You had the whole theatre talking when you kindly came along to one of my earliest gigs in Ayr Civic Theatre in about 1992/93 and back at the after show party - everyone nudging & whispering "look, there's Floyd from the Almighty" - and that's the thing, to most of them you were the rock star bassist but to me you were there as a mate and it was a great privilege to hang out with you. As I said earlier, you were an influence on me as a musician and a person while I was growing up and it is so upsetting to think of you going through this pain. All I know is that you will see it through and beat it out of you - so, keep it up (fnar fnar!) and, in the future, if you're ever back in sunny Glesga' get in touch and I'll buy you a JD & coke or ten! The Solid Rock cafe hasn't changed much and they still have the Almighty's signed picture disc LP displayed on the wall! Anyway, hope you are better for Christmas and here's to a healthy 2005! Take care, cheers, Jonny

daftanth

Reply #48 - 15. Dec 2004 at 02:06

Hello soph,how are you keeping pet
hows the big man doing.

Soph

Reply #49 - 15. Dec 2004 at 04:08

Hia - we're both good ta!

Penny

reply #50 - 18. Dec 2004 at 10:52

Also Wishing you and Floyd a very enjoyable Christmas and definatly a fabulous 2005 together!!!

zippybo

Reply #51 - 21. Dec 2004 at 23:34

Hi there

Hang on in there Floyd, you can do it man!! Our thoughts are with you just as much as your music is with us. All the best with your recovery mate!!

Anthony

BruceBruce

Reply #52 - 23. Dec 2004 at 16:34

Sorry I'm really late posting anything here.

I'm really sorry to hear the news, I hope the treatment is going well and you have a good Christmas and New Year.

blindmind

Reply #53 - 11. Feb 2005 at 22:15

Hi Soph, I dont know if you remember me (greg the greek)
Its been some time since I last visited the site and It was too sad to hear about Floyd.
On the other hand I am happy that he is doing fine with the treatment and I am sure that he will recover very soon.
I hardly know his as I met him only once for a few minutes, but this was enough to realize what a great person he is.
I want you to know that my thought are with you Floyd (I am sure that Soph is taking a good care of you) and I wish you the best at that difficult time.
I can imagine both of you after a few months in a pub drinking and having fun with all your friends without even remembering those difficult times.
If there is anything I can do.....just let me know.
Take care both of you Floyd & Soph.

Gregory

Soph

Reply #54 - 11. Feb 2005 at 22:41

Of course I remember!

I think I took this of you both at Camden Underworld, Psycho Narco tour - and I met you when my friends and I were heading backstage after a gig at the Astoria once!

Lovely to hear from you and thank you so much for your kind thoughts and words!

We're getting by just fine and as you say it won't be long until we're back to full throttle again!

Really good to hear from you again!

joan

Reply #55 - 27. Feb 2005 at 20:51

Hello there Ped!!
We haven't seen you for a long time! We were shocked to hear that you weren't so well and we send all our very best wishes to you. Keep your strength up and your spirit strong!!!
We told Rab Kane about your illness and he said he would be in touch with you very soon, if he hasn't already done so.
Hope to hear that your treatment is helping, please take it easy. We know it's not that simple but everyone who knows you will be thinking of you and wishing you well.....
Take care, love and best wishes, Joan and Pauline x
( Glasgow)

akikomighty

Reply #56 - 03. Mar 2005 at 19:50

Hello Floyd,

I just found "Just add life" double CD(features gig in Osaka, Japan in July 1995) the other day at a shop that reminded me about nice memory of that gig. (Yes, I was there and sang all songs with other audiences and you!)
I bought it at once and tried to get the latest news about The Almighty...Sorry, I didn't know about your recent matters.

Get well soon, Floyd!
I send my best regards and lots of love to you for your happiness and good health.
I pray for you.

Sincerely yours,

Akiko
(from Kobe, Japan)

blindmind

Reply #57 - 02. Apr 2005 at 03:53

Hello Soph,
Any news from Floyd?
I hope that he is much better now.
Say hello from me and take care.

Greg

T.C

Reply #58 - 29. Apr 2005 at 14:02

Mr Jules, What have you been up to???
Heard when I was back home for a few days, you know how tounges wag in the Weavers?

I can only wish for you a healthy and speedy recovery (all without complications) and hope that some day soon our paths cross, just so we can have a beer.

Best Wishes from Sweden,
Tony Cassidy

Soph

Reply #59 - 09. May 2006 at 15:25

Another usual hospital check up this morning and another clear set of tests!!! Woo hoo!!!! [smiley=yeahbaby]

Well done Floydster!!! Cracking results! [smiley=punk] (Floyd thinks this smiley is him!!).

Dark Dave

Reply #60 - 09. May 2006 at 15:32

Nice one!! [8)]

[smiley=piano]

Knees up mother brown!! Knees up mother brown!

Soph

Reply #61 - 09. May 2006 at 15:37

You like that pianner don't you!

Dark Dave

Reply #62 - 09. May 2006 at 15:42

[smiley=piano]

Rain drops keep fawlin' on me 'ead! 'Ave a banaaaaaaaana! Oi!

SchitzoStu

Reply #63 - 09. May 2006 at 15:42

Top news that is!! [8)]

daftanth

Reply #64 - 09. May 2006 at 17:55

Well done lad.

As for the smiley looking like floyd.Its got too much hair.

Surely this is a better likeness []

JayRage

Reply #65 - 09. May 2006 at 18:19

Great news Floyd! Great news! []

Sabotage

Reply #66 - 09. May 2006 at 22:57

Great stuff.

How long do the tests continue for?
Is there a final "all clear" or can it never be that sure?

Bee

Reply #67 - 09. May 2006 at 23:04

Fantasticccccccccccccccccccccccc news [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

Soph

Reply #68 - 09. May 2006 at 23:05

Horrible risk of relapse stays with us for 5 years and after that landmark, we can assume that it is not going to come back. I asked about this before and was told that they will never be able to use the word 'cured'. But when we get to 5 years, we can still have a bloody good party anyway! [smiley=dancing] [smiley=cheerleader].

Each year that passes that it hasn't come back, Floyd's survival chances get slightly better. So we started at 50/50, we are now "better than that" (according to the consultant a few months ago!).

Tim

Reply #69 - 09. May 2006 at 23:48

Excelent, great news man!

BruceBruce

Reply #70 - 10. May 2006 at 00:07

Great News - definetely deserves a few smiles.

[smiley=piano] [smiley=punk] [smiley=yeahbaby]

Soprano

Reply #71 - 10. May 2006 at 14:06

Fantastic news, great to hear! Here's to a healthy 5 years!

DirtySanchez

Reply #72 - 10. May 2006 at 16:10

Hear! Hear! Fantastic news!

[SAL]

Floyd

Reply #73 - 10. May 2006 at 16:18

Wow, overwhelmed, thanks guy and gals.
Means a lot.

blindmind

Reply #74 - 11. May 2006 at 11:59

Those are truly great news, you are a hell of a hero Floyd.
Hope all the best for you and your future tests.

Wrench

Reply #75 - 11. May 2006 at 17:07

Brillo news, must say the two brief times ive met the legend... he never stopped smiling.. and i dont think it had anything to do with him meeting the guitarist from Flinch [] ...
hes a Top lad and im chuffed for him