Anniemac

Andrea, we're all overwhelmed. This is the most stressful thing I've ever been through, and I've lost a lot of people in my life---but this is my husband, the love of my life! I didn't sleep much the first few months; sleep has never been easy for me and this sure didn't help. Nights after test were the hardest; my mind was just going in circles. We were lucky that the docs never made us wait more than a few days for results, and sometimes would call the same day as the test! My doctor gave me tarazadone to help me sleep. It really works!! It's not a sleeping pill and doesn't make you feel drugged in the morning. It helps you stay asleep and get the good deep sleep you need. I can still wake up in the night if Tim needs me, but I can go back to sleep. Before I would wake up and sit at the computer or wander around the house for hours. Tim tells everyone about it because I was such a bad sleeper before. It sure does change your attitude when you have a little sleep under your belt. I wish I had found tarazadone years ago!! It also helps me to be proactive-comming here, researching on the computer, making sure I can go to all the doctor appointments. It makes me feel that I'm doing my little share while Tim fights the good fight. Annie

Dean, welcome and sorry you have to be here too. With luck maybe it will turn out that you don't need to be here at all, but if you do need us, you couldn't have come to a better place. We lived in Ramona for 13 years, just up the road a bit from you. Alpine is a beautiful place, but I like the rain and the Seattle area. I know...people think I crazy, but I like it. Annie

Cindy-loose screws?? Sure it's the ankle?? Be careful about putting too much weight on it--gotta let it heal. Surgeries sure are relative now--they all seem so minor unless they're yanking out a major organ!! Annie

Tiny, this is just great news!! You're an inspiration to us! Have a great time back east!! Annie

Congrats on the job. You'll have to let us know which movie, so we can drop your name when we go to see it. Annie

Ginny & Earl-you go guys!!! It's awesome new when the docs have a plan. Annie

Glad to have you back Estelle and it's good to hear that they are on top of this and are able to take care of it. Sounds pretty good that you are seeing results already. Annie

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Your husband was much too young for this and it just makes me hate this disease even more. Prayers for you and your family. Annie

Becky-praying very hard that the bone scan is negative. Always praying for all of us. Annie

Linda, praying now for your dad, as always. Annie

Prays are going out for Apache right now. We have two dogs and two cats that are a great comfort to us during times of stress. Unconditional love!! Annie

We got Tim's path report back on the fluid taken from his chest. No cancer cells!!! He also saw a pulmonoligst last week because he feels he has shortness of breath (especially before the fluid removal). Again, his oxgyen rate was 98 and the doc asked him if he felt he could climb stairs to see how much his rate would fall under stress. He said sure. He went up and down a couple of flights of stairs without breathing hard, so the doc asked if he was up to doing a few more. He ended up walking 90 stairs and was only slightly winded. The doc was amazed and said he was in remarkable shape for what he has gone though. He was given new inhaler meds and sent on his way. He will have another PFT and see how things are doing. I just love posting in the good news section. I would like to do this alot!! And wish everyone could do it atleast once a week. Annie

YEAH GINA!!! WAY TO GO!!

Candy I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children during this difficult time. Tears are in my eyes. Annie

Denise, prayers on the way. It's hard to keep the spirits up when you just don't feel good and, of course, there's always fear in the background. Tim's onc put him on Paxil about 3 weeks ago and I notice a difference in his attitude. If this continues, look into an antidepressant. Annie

Ginny, prayers being said right now. I'm very impressed that your doctor would come to the house! Annie

Norme, I have been moving this week and have not been on line. I pray for all of us everyday, so Buddy is always in my prayers. What a nightmare you have been going through!! I'm so glad it seems to be turning out so much better than expected. I need to catch up on what's been going on. I'm really out of the loop. Annie

Hee, hee!! Love the hair; I think you should keep it that color when you let it grow again. Wow, $22,000!! That's just remarkable! What an extraordinary thing you all are doing up there. I will check out the race photos, but I sure don't know how to make the newspaper links. Maybe one of our tech wizards can give some tips. Annie

Tim went in today to have fluid removed from his chest. The fluid was in the space where the lung used to be; is that a plurel effusion? I always thought it meant fluid around the remaining lung. Anyway, Tim has not been feeling great. Still having the problems with vomiting (from both ends ) and went in for hydration on Tuesday and he complained about being short of breath. Of course his oxygen level is 99, but he was a bit wheezy. The did an Xray and called us this morning to come in and have it tapped. They let me come in and watch. They did an ultrasound and then tapped his back area but didn't get much out. Of course they are testing it for cancer cells-that's where the prayers are needed!! Fingers crossed and everything else that moves. They said his cavity had honeycombed and the areas are little compartments, so they would have to tap him over and over--so they just took about 1 1/2 cups or so. He said he didn't feel to much change in his breathing, so I don't know how much this will help. Time will tell. They said they will have the results tomorrow, so I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks. Annie

Cheryl, I'm just grinning ear to ear. I'm so glad your home and the surgery reports sound just great. It sure sounds like they got it all. Now just rest up and let Jack wait on you hand and foot for a few weeks. Annie

Ah, Norme. I'm sorry to hear that you got bad news, but I'm glad the doc thinks he can help. I sure know what you mean about getting strength from everyone on this site. I reach out for strength from you all and some of the post I read really make me think. As always, you are both in my prayers tonight. Annie

I also loved Ada's posts and am shocked by her passing. She was always an inspiraton and kind words for everyone. I will keep her family in my prayers. Annie

Jack, that is such wonderful news!! Give my best to Cheryl and I hope she's back home soon...cancer free!!! Annie

That just puts a hugh smile on my face. Annie

Gee, I just went to Google and put in Vocom surgery. They show lots of site and they explain it better that I did! I sure hope it works for your dad Tracy and for your Buddy, Norme. Let me know what you think. Annie