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LovesLife

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Posts posted by LovesLife

    calm,cool and collected

    in INTRODUCE YOURSELF!

    Posted

    Hi Debbie - sorry you had need to join, but sure glad you found us.

    I can tell you from my experience that at the beginning and up until shortly after surgery I was afraid, but very in control of my emotions because I didn't want to upset my family. It was after my surgery that I started acting obsessive - I made up an entire binder (complete with index) on my type of cancer. I was doing this secretly (my husband and kids had no idea) and when I pulled out this monstrosity of a binder at my 3 month appointment and started asking dozens of questions I can still see the shock on both my husband and the surgeon's face. So, while I was quite capable as going through each day with people thinking I was "amazingly strong" or had "such a great attitude" I was falling apart inside.

    Perhaps right now you are still in shock from the diagnosis or perhaps this is just how you deal with stress. Either way no one is right or wrong, or normal or abnormal - it just is "us" and our own individual journey.

    You have found a safe place to discuss what you are feeling (or not, whatever the case may be) and we will listen, or prop you up, or send you cyber hugs when needed.

    Looking forward to hearing from you more.

    Linda

    A Hall Pass for a Time

    in MEMBER UPDATES

    Posted

    Barb - know I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. As the others have said it is time to take care of yourself with the same love and attention you gave to Bill over the years.

    You will be missed dearly around here as you are a treasure to us -please let us know how things are going when you can.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Not Great

    in MEMBER UPDATES

    Posted

    Awww #$#@ Judy. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks. Hopefully it will be like last time and turn out to be nothing significant. I am so sorry that you are back in worry mode.

    Good advice about staying off the internet to research - it does nothing but scare the pants off us. Sending you oodles of hugs from Alberta ((((Judy)))).

    Linda

    Results

    in MEMBER UPDATES

    Posted

    Whoo hoo Bruce - love those results!!! Congratulations on just about 3 years - keep the good news coming my friend.

    I go at the end of the month for my yearly CT scan so I'll let you know how that turns out.

    Take care,

    Linda

    brokenarrow (Will) Update

    in MEMBER UPDATES

    Posted

    Will - it is great to hear from you! It sounds as though you have found the way to deal with this that works for you - kudos! Wherever and however you find comfort and enjoyment in your life has to be the goal and it seems to me that you have found that. Phase or no phase, you are rolling with the punches and dealing with life and all the drama that comes with it - life - you are living it! Glad you checked in and have found peace in your life Will!

    God Bless,

    Hugs,

    Linda

    New Here and a survivor

    in INTRODUCE YOURSELF!

    Posted

    Welcome to this wonderful group of people. What an encouraging story you have and it will help so many - thank you. Congratulations on 3 years - wishing you many, many more!!!

    Judy - I think Gilda had ovarian cancer, but I could be wrong. I think Gilda's Club is for all cancer survivors - I could be mistaken though - I don't believe they have that here in Canada. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the organization though (Dr. West also speaks very highly of it).

    Linda

    Bill Has Died

    in GRIEF

    Posted

    (((Barbara))) - I am so terribly sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I had been thinking about you both over the past few days. I am so thankful he had a peaceful passing and had no pain during hospice-that is a blessing. Keeping you in my heart and in my prayers.

    Many hugs,

    Linda

    My letter to Canadian Cancer Society

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    Following is an e-mail I just sent to the Canadian Cancer Society - we'll see what happens...

    Dear Debora:

    I am a survivor who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer (coming up to 4 years on June 20th) and had a lobe of my lung removed. I belong to several lung cancer boards helping others who are faced with the same frightening diagnosis. I have heard many disparaging comments about the American/Canadian Cancer Society's with regard to the way they treat lung cancer. It seems the only propaganda is to "quit smoking"; however, it is well known that former and non-smokers make up the majority of current lung cancer statistics. It is the cancer that kills the most and blames the victim the most.

    I have been entertaining the idea of putting together a work team to participate in the Relay; however, I am having conflicting emotions. Last year, while attending the Survivor's dinner the most talked about cancer was breast cancer and the least talked about was lung cancer. Then, only a fifteen second comment on smoking and how it causes lung cancer. If this was true would not EVERY smoker have lung cancer and NO non-smokers ever be afflicted. It is such a burden to carry guilt and shame when diagnosed with a life threatening disease.

    Is there any possibility that the Canadian Cancer Society can move up with the times and educate in a manner such as "Desperate Housewives" Kathryn Joosten did last week (awesome episode for those with lung cancer and don't blame the victim comment!) No one knows who will be diagnosed with this disease - it could be genetics, the food supply, or the environmental toxins we are all exposed to.

    I HATE that the first question out of someone's mouth upon learning of my diagnosis is "Did you smoke?" No-one ever asks a colon cancer/breast cancer patient - did you eat too much fat and not enough fruits and vegetables. A cancer patient should NEVER have to explain "why" cancer exists in their body.

    I want to be part of a movement that educates and informs - not belittles and criticizes. I know I am a little voice, but perhaps others will join and I can create a louder voice. Is there any way you can help make my voice be heard?

    Debora's response was wonderful - "I would be thrilled to pass on your letter to those that have input into our policy making! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

    I have dealt with her in the past and I know she cares - perhaps this will be the start of some changes. I will keep you updated.

    Hugs to everyone,

    Linda (Sorry it was so lengthy!)

    My dad has passed

    in GRIEF

    Posted

    Lynnie - I am so horribly sorry for the loss of your dad. What a wonderful tribute to him - your words of deep love and respect...he sounds like such a special man.

    I will say a special prayer for your dad Timothy at Mass on Saturday. Peace be with you and yours.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Hello

    in INTRODUCE YOURSELF!

    Posted

    Hi Van55 - I am sorry that you have need to be here, but I welcome you to this family.

    I remember all too well the beginning when the testing was just starting - it is gut wrenching and difficult to be patient waiting for results. It sounds, though, that things are moving fairly quickly for you and soon you will have a plan in place.

    There is hope - lung cancer can be beaten! There are many who have done just that on these boards ... yes, your story can be one of hope to someone else who is new someday. Most importantly ... don't listen to statistics - you are not a statistic - you are a human being and there is no expiration date on your foot.

    It is good you have your kids to help you through the process - take all the help you can get - both emotionally and physically.

    Keep us posted - we care.

    Linda

    His pain is over

    in GRIEF

    Posted

    Bonnie - I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I am wishing you peace and strength in the difficult days, weeks and years ahead and my heart is heavy for you. Take care of yourself as best you can and don't forget to ask for help when and however you need it.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    5 years ago today...

    in HOPE

    Posted

    Carol - a very late congratulations on 5 years (I am ALWAYS late to the party it seems!) I am with you 100% on a cure for this horrid disease. God Bless you too.

    Hugs,

    Linda

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