gail p-m
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Posts posted by gail p-m
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Still Stable
in HOPE
So glad for your good news!!!
gail p-m
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Thinking about KW Judy and hoping she gets through this 'rough patch' quickly.
gail p-m
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A very interesting post and I have learned this the hard way. When my father was diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2000, it was his surgeon who said that he didn't need any follow-up chemo or radiation. No mention of referring him to an oncologist and I believed. There was not this website then and to be honest, I did not go on the internet. I didn't even know his stage. Also I wasn't nearby and my relative who was totally wanted to believe he was cured and I couldn't question anything of her without her really getting upset with me.
When the cancer reoccured in 03, we were all shocked to say the least. When I spent the summer there, I got his records -- with great difficulty, I might add. Some things were not even completed. I did find out that he was initially Stage 2 and I don't remember if it was 'a' or 'b'. Anyhow, from that I learned to question and research medical professionals and treatment. I might also add that this sometimes has given me the label of a "nervous" patient from a couple of doctors. But I'd rather be labelled nervous and alive rather than compliant and dead.
Thanks for your post.
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Sending out many gentle hugs to you --
Gail
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Best wishes for a successful surgery and an excellent recovery. Will be thinking of you and checking those carepages.
Gentle Hugs --
Gail
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Judy,
Thinking of you and wishing you good test results; also hope you get to go home soon!
Gail
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Yes, I agree it is a good article and read it previously since I receive the Vancouver Sun. I do wish that along with the stigma of lung cancer that the reporter had also written that many overweight people contribute to their mid life diabetes, sometimes to heart attacks... things that have been discussed many times in these forums. Yet, they don't carry the stigma of having contributed to their disease. (The last comment from someone following this article really irked me -- so typical!) It would have been great if the reporter had also mentioned that stats of former smokers who get lung cancer even after quitting for 20 or more years.
That being said, it was a very good article and I so especially admire this reporter especially in light of the fact that his wife had breast cancer. I am 95% positive that a number of years back, I read an article by this reporter about how he and his wife were coping with a breast cancer diagnosis. WOW!
Finally, in keeping with the money that goes to breast cancer, I came "face to face" with it two days in a row very recently. First, sorry for my memory, it was either in Jet Blue or Delta where if you bought some sort of food from them, proceeds or a portion were going to breast cancer. The following day, I was in Zellers, a local dept. store and was asked if I'd donate my points to breast cancer. Of course, I donated them but not before saying that there were other cancers I wish they'd collect points for.
Let's see how many places collect money for lung cancer research this month -- yes, I know I need to do my part to bring this awareness forward!
Gail
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I have had Pap smears of "concern" on and off for as long as I can remember. I live in Canada and very little is quick with out medical system. I had a Pap just before X-mas and was told to call in for the results before the end of January. So it's the last Wed. of Jan. and that's when my gynecologist works at the gyn. clinic at the hospital where I go for my Paps since he always does a colposcopy too. It's on my mind on and off since Christmas (only on and off since I had a "procedure" in August and I really thought all should be good this time at least) but that morning, my heart is beating quickly. I swear I could feel my blood pressure up. I do feel dizzy. I call shortly before my class comes in for the results and get shuffled through 4 hospital nurses till I arrive at the correct one. She tells me that the test came in but Dr. A. has a busy day and will return calls between 3 and 5. I know that's going to be a long anxiety filled day and I'll have to really work at being extra patient with the kids (and teachers around me in some cases, even the ones I like who want me to undertake extra things when I have a one track mind). I give them my cell no. and say I'll have that on at 3:00 and mention I'll be at my home no. by 4. OOPS - I realize later, we're not allowed to answer our cells anymore if we're driving. What if he calls between 3:30 and 4:00. So it goes on. Finally talked to the doctor and all was good -- this time.
I also remember waiting for my Dad's scans and it was pure "hell". Most of the time I waited 3000 miles away so I'd get the info. from my sister. I used to put on videos for the class that day around the time I hoped the email would come in so I could sit at the computer and compulsively check my email.. Oh, it's not easy.
I don't know why most hospitals/doctors don't have a system in place where you can get your results ASAP. Waiting for scans definitely has to have a toll on your health. It's the worst jumping for that phone every time it rings.
I don't post very often but I come to this site each and every day and say my prayers for all of you. I hate this disease.
Gail p-m
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Missing you Dad and still think of you each and every day. Always will.
Love,
Gail
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Cindy,
I truly do understand how you feel and can so relate to everything you said. My Dad also passed 3 1/2 years ago and I, too, think of him each and every day in one loving way or another. How I still miss him! His birthday is next month and the hole in my heart will grow even wider that day.
(((Cindy)))
Gail
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Latkes
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Get someone else to catch it and send it outside
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Please, please, could I just take my photo albums too?
gail p-m
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Rich,
So very happy for you and your family!!! Way to go!!!!!
gail p-m
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What a Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong. My son chose this for "our" wedding dance when he got married ---only problem was that it was too short!
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I will always remember my friend, Marlene, who died of breast cancer. Of course, we'll never know for sure but she (and I) believed she was a "victim" of being patient and fully trusting the docs. When she had a "lump" and this was at 38 when breast cancer is often very agressive, her doctor had her go off coffee, chocolate.. for 3 months (maybe more???) before investigating. I won't go into the rest of things that she was patient about, but she didn't want to make any noise. I miss her so but I also learned from that.
You need to advocate for yourself and check everything. And yes, I believe in doctors and know most are great but they are busy and they are only human.
gail p-m
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Craisins! Have you tried them?
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I like living in proximity of the east coast or west coast. But I'd like to live in a place where it doesn't rain so darn much. I like snow as long as someone is there to drive me around. Like suburban areas and would like to be within an hour of a city and have access to the countryside. Like seeing mountains as we do.
So where is this place?
Gail p-m
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Yep, read the paper each day starting with the main section. Don't read sports and business though.
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Sue
YOU obviously don't live in the Pacific NW. We love sunny days here -- you love rainy days, well pack up and you'll be happy here.
gail p-m
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((((Kate)))) I do understand. You sometimes learn so much about your siblings that you never wanted to know when the stress hits. It does hurt but at least you were there for your Dad. You'll never regret that.
gail p-m
Here's a new one
in GRIEF
Posted
Nick,
I, too, focus on the end days especially the last few hours when we put my father in hospice. He did not want to be in hospice and it turned out to be a terrible experience for him which I know hastened his death. My sister and I thought we couldn't handle him at home anymore but if I knew then... I do totally understand what you are saying.
Gail