teresag

FDA alerted healthcare professionals of reports of patient deaths associated with the use of radio frequency (RF) ablation devices during lung tumor ablation. Patient selection, subsequent treatment, and technical use of the RF device, including placement and operation, may have contributed to the fatalities. While RF ablation devices have been cleared for general indications- ablation of soft tissue by thermal coagulation necrosis- the devices have not been cleared specifically for lung tumor ablation. Healthcare professionals should use caution when operating RF ablation devices, adhering strictly to information contained in the labeled operating instructions, Operators Manual, the Manufacturer's Instructions for Use and any training provided. Additionally, if healthcare professionals plan to use RF ablation devices to treat patients with lung tumors, they should consider enrolling patients in an approved clinical study, where training is available. Read the complete MedWatch 2007 Safety Summary including a link to the FDA Public Health Notification regarding this issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007 ... .htm#Radio

Amen, Rich! Looking forward to reading your ten-year message right here. You are one remarkable person - you know that, right? With best regards, Teresa

I am so sorry, Randy. Having just lost my Crystal cat, I have some idea how sad you must feel. Daisy with your wife in heaven is a lovely picture to contemplate; I hope it gives you some solace. - teresa

"the uni-boob issue", Snowflake!

Flowergirlie, I am so sorry that your beloved husband is gone. Peace to you and your family, Teresa

Oh Barb, I am glad you are somewhat better now. Please do not let it get this bad again before calling your doc. With prayers (always) for improvement, Teresa

Admitting that things are not right, and seeking help for yourself are acts of courage! Everyone here knows that; do not let anyone say otherwise. I bet your Mom would be proud of you now. With wishes for better days soon, Teresa

I've seen these before (except of course Welthy's orginal contribution!), but every time they crack me up. Thanks for a laugh, Ann. Your're so good at finding these funnies! - Teresa

Just saw this one today: I am deeply sorry for the pain you must be experiencing. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you now, I can only tell you that I'm wishing you peace, Teresa

The Columbia River Gorge national scenic area. Driving the scenic highway you pass countless waterfalls, tiny to huge. The highest is Multnomah Falls, 500 feet high. You can see the dramatic change in topography and climate as you pass over the Cascade range into central Oregon high desert. Spectacular!

Missy, I love dachsunds! Two of my sisters have had them. How beautiful that your Mom's is there to share the journey. Thank you, Don. I know this pales in comparison to the troubles usually voiced on this board, but our pets are indeed family. She was much loved. Flowergirlie, thank you. This morning is the first one in 10 years that I have awakened to a world without Crystal. And, yes, the world's the same - but a little bit diminished. Beth, I think pets show us what our relationships can be if we remove all guile, all pride. You are so right - it has much broader meaning than our love for an animal. Teri, I have no doubt that your cat waited for you. How wonderful that she was able to sit on your lap, the most comfortable place in the world for her, when she died. Kasey, how wonderful that your pet "showed you the way" through chemo. He sounds like a wonderful dog. Katie, LOL about your falling in love with the kittens! Did you know that usually people are allergic to their saliva, not dander? Bathing helps; but you have to start now while they are young or they will not let you do it as they grow up. Susan, such a wise sentiment: she did teach us. And your perspective on the days that remain with your Mom is beautiful. Nick, thak you. Eclipse is a great name for a skunk! (Black and white.) Wiesia, I can't say if she was really depressed. Only on her last day did her tail stop gently wagging when I spoke her name. I think she just had no energy left. In fact, they had trouble at the vet getting an IV because her BP was so low; she was badly dehydrated. I am remembering, and telling my husband, all the things I know about end-of-life, e.g., buildup of carbon dioxide, endorphin release, and so on - and I think she was very, very weak but relatively comfortable. I hope this knowledge gave my husband a bit of comfort; he was hurt more deeply than I, I think. Thank you again, everybody, for your kind and wise responses to my sadness. I have learned something else from Crystal: how warm and comforting it is to be on the "receving" side on this board. Fondly, Teresa

Just thought you all might wish to know: today our little Crystal girl was gently put to sleep, while my husband and I held her and whispered to her that we love her. She took a turn for the worse Saturday. Last night, I took out the sleeping bag & slept beside her on the floor, so we had one last night close together. My husband returned from his business trip this afternoon & immediately we headed to the vet. She did not deserve a second day in that condition. We will miss her terribly, but we know that our grief comes directly from the love she brought us. Just a few random personal remarks - (I want to reply to every one of you individually but I don't have time right now): 1. Randy, I hope your dog continues 2 B B9! 2. Snowflake, what a terrible year; I hope you & your family never endure anything like it again. 3. Jackie, Crystal has left her (paw)prints on our lives, and we will cherish them forever! Her soft little paw pads were a mottled grey and pink. Thank you for that lovely message. 4. Tammy, so well said! Crystal did show us what we could be, if only we were more patient, more humble, and more giving. I asked my Dad to show Crystal around heaven, so she will have a guide - I imagine he has already shown her to the canned kitty food aisle. Thanks, Dad! (Miss you both.) Many thanks for your kindness, everyone. - Teresa

44% (Yankee). Barely into the Yankee category. A lot of my responses were "Great Lakes" region. Which is right, since I grew up in Ohio.

I'm sorry that you are going through such pain, Loretta. You deserve your time to grieve. So cry for a while, curl up & sob if you need to, and then you will have more strength for the work that lies ahead. I do not know how it is, because I've never been in your position, but nonetheless you have my sympathy. With best wishes for you on your difficult journey, Teresa

Good heavens! Your beautiful messages are making me cry right here at work! I believe it's true: they can teach us so very much; they can show us the way through our troubles. So nice to know that others feel so strongly about their precious pets, too. God bless you all for your kindness!