Littlegirl

Holidays are even worse than weekends. My dad was in the hospital from the end of November through early January and moved to several different floors throughout his stay. I think we nearly lost him during this time due to internal bleeding he developed while in the hospital. (They were not sure what was wrong when we brought him in, thought it might be a blood clot so they gave him shots of a very potent blood thinner when he was already taking coumadin and plavix.) Hope you can spring her real soon! Karen

I don't know about the cancer angle but have done some research on adrenal surgery as my dad had one of his adrenal glands removed MANY years ago due to a microscopic tumor (Pheochromocytoma) and I recently thought I might have this issue as well. From what I understand they can now do this with a keyhole surgery (laproscopically) which makes recovery much easier and quicker. Tumors on adrenal glands can cause hormonal issues/high blood pressure issues as well. Do speak to your doctor about this.

Grace - so sorry you have something else to worry about. I just wanted to let you know I've had thyroid issues lately and I've done LOTS and LOTS of research. It appears that this surgery is pretty easy to recover from and thyroid masses are VERY RARELY cancerous...and if they are it is one of those cancers that are very easily treated. It will probably take awhile to get her hormones regulated after removing her thyroid but hopefully once she gets optimized on her meds she will feel great! Prayers and well wishes for all of you! Karen

Good Luck!!!

I do not have LC but developed neuropathy from my thyroid issues and bought sublingual B12 as I heard it helped. Before taking it I went to the doctor and they tested my B12 which came out in the normal range at 536 (200-1100). Neuropathy subsided so I did not take it. Then after seeing another doctor (Homeopathic) I was told my current B12 level was one for which they recommended B12 injections! I began taking the sublingual B12 immediately and the next morning the vision issues I had been having the previous 4-5 weeks were 100% better. I thought my vision issues were due to my thyroid problem when actually it must have been from a deficiency in B12. I recomend you try it. From what I've read if you take B12 and your body does not need it, it will excrete it. Karen

I think you've got reason to hope for the best. Best wishes for a very successful surgery and speedy recovery! Karen

Grace - I am sooo sorry! I hope you find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering anymore. I hope you and your girls find peace very soon. Your in my prayers! Karen

For me it's Greys Anatomy and ER too!!! I guess I should have gone into the medical field. LOL Karen

This world is filled with people who see the glass as half full and those who see the glass as half empty, and don't like whats in the glass and would rather have a mug, etc. Some people have a better outlook in life and appreciate the time that they did get to spend with their loved one and deal with death differently. I think attitude comes into play whether your dealing with loss of a loved one or a hang nail. Don, I can tell you are a man who's glass is always half full, that you are always thankful you have a drink and that you will always share with anyone else who might be thirsty.

Prayers for you and your family Grace. Hoping you will find some peace in this difficult time. Karen

Warm fuzzy blanket from the dryer for you!!! Hang in there, Karen

Grace - I am so sorry you are going through this. You have been a wonderful caregiver and I'm sure Carlton is thankful to have you in his life. Please remember to take care of yourself at this stressful time. I will keep you and your girls in my prayers. Karen

Thank you Patti for keeping us in the loop of Frank's final journey. My condolances to you, Connie and the rest of your family. He was a great inspiration to all and his passing will leave a huge void here. I'm picturing him finding the perfect golf course in heaven right now! With deepeset sympathy, Karen

Pattie - Thanks for helping Frank with his update, and for keeping us in the loop. Frank - so sorry to hear this has been a rough week, but glad to hear you still have that fighting spirit. Praying for you and your family! Karen

OK, so ya slipped, we are all human. But you CAN do this and think how proud you will be when you say "I haven't had a smoke for a whole year!" Please find the will to quit. Sometimes I think mom had no problem licking the lung cancer but the emphysema will get her one day. Good Luck! Karen

So sorry to read this. Will keep you all in my prayers. Karen

Kim ~ Nick is right. This was an impossible position and no matter what happened you always would have had the chance to second guess yourself. What if you had upped the meds yourself, would you be wondering if the medication dosage is what killed her? What if you took her to the ER and she died in the hospital, would you be mad at yourself for not letting her spend her last moments at home? You did your best. The important thing is that you were there and that she is no longer in pain. Please allow yourself time to heal and don't play the blame game. Your mom would not want you to do that. Prayers that you will find peace soon! Karen

Frank said the "H" word... I will be looking forward to your journaling, and I don't mind the typos! You've always had something genuine to say and with your sense of humor you've always found the best way to say it. Hoping your 'walk' is a good, long pain-free one! You da man! Karen

So glad you got your life back. I understand wanting to die with dignity but your loved ones will be by your side no matter how you die. Do you love your mother any less because of the way she died? Your a very dignified man and people will remember that about you when you are gone. And yes I do believe that is a LONG was off! I'm glad you are in a better place and ready to live life your life again. I think your posts have helped more people than you will ever realize. Karen

My favorite show, but hit a little too close to home this time as my dad has been dancing too close to the pearly gates lately. He is not the one with cancer but many other health issues that indicate his time here on earth is limited. AND I actually watched Grey's right after watching the Oprah special with Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby's families. I think I saturated the couch with tears! Karen

I'm so sorry you are struggling. It's hard enough to go through what you have gon through but to have lack of sleep only compounds how you are feeling. I have had problems with insomnia lately so I know where you are coming from. Have you talked to your doctor about some anti-depressants or sleeping pill to help get you through this rough time? I know some people try to avoid meds. I have also used Melatonin at night to help sleep and TylenolPM on some nights as well. Getting some much needed sleep will help I know. Hang in there, Karen

I'm not a cancer patient but I've had some bouts of vertigo over the years. (NOT FUN!) My most recent bout and most severe came on when I developed Hypothyroidism. I also developed heart palpitaions at this time. Your mom may need a blood test to check her TSH. Karen

I've been wondering about you. So glad you posted and I'm happy to hear you are doing OK (as well as can be expected). I'm also glad to hear that my boyfriend's song made you feel better. Watching any of his videos always makes me feel better. Hang in there kiddo! Karen

Climbing the screen door. Karen

I saw something on TV with a young girl who had that same diagnosis. Only thing was she was sick a very long time before anyone figured out what was wrong. She had the surgery and a renewed sense of well being. I know this surgery sounds so scary but I am happy they found out what was wrong and I am happy it was not something even worse! Karen