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Janice, we all will be here waitin and cheering you on.

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/1/2009 7:52 AM (GMT 0)
Kitt,
Just FYI, they usually have a ways of signing up on their preliminary website for a new club. And you might even be able to volunteer now, as much of the early work is fundraising, and sometimes serving on committees helping to plan the center. Every Club has some basics, which are based on Gilda Radner's philosophy, but each also is unique to its community. So you might be able to get on board early.

I take it you're in the twin cities area. That's great!

PaLady
Posted 7/1/2009 11:14 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone, I checked on Gilda's Club; I hadn't heard of it before and there are two  in Michigan but the closest one is about an hour and 1/2 from here.  I love the philosophy, it would be nice to have one nearby.

I'm starting to struggle with two things, one is the concern that I have about this thread running in the GERD forum; I mean is it fair to GERD members?  I posted on the Breast Cancer site, but they're a pretty tight knit group and I don't wan't to take away from the mission of this forum.

The other thing that I'm beginning to grapple with is how this went from a no big deal, ittty bitty thing to a serious, extensive, agressive, occupies your mind thing in such a short period of time?  I'm having difficultiy dealing with this a bit.

Denise, thank you for your note, I called Chrysa and left a message.  Boy, I can't tell you how much I appreciated your kindness in that, I'm sure I'll learn a lot from her!

Kitt, Teala, PALady, Bea, Oakley, Barb, Bill, Denise (boy I hope I'm not forgetting anybody!)  As this is moving forward I can't begin to tell you how much your support and friendship means to me.  This is such a powerful group and you give me a much needed...everything!  You make me smile, laugh, think...you are all so wonderful and I so very thankful!

So, it's another workday morning! (oh hooooray!), and I had better get working...does anyone have any 4th of July plans???

Big hugs!!!

Janice

Posted 7/1/2009 2:05 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Janice,

First of all you are a very important member of this forum to all of us and you have GERD.  You now have another disease that you are fighting and  we are here to treat the whole person not just your GERD. Your thread supporting you through this new battle is very appropriate here. 

This is where you feel comfortable and right now you need our support so do not worry that your thread is  inappropriate to this forum.

When my sister had cancer I posted my fears and thoughts here also because I needed the support of this great family.  Everyone came through for me and it was a great comfort so let us be here for you.

I understand your anxiety re how "this is no big deal to it is a big deal".  I know you were so positive that all was going to be well and when you were first told things were not as easy as it had first seemed you were shell shocked.  I believe you kept holding on to the hope that it was still no big deal but now you have a time frame and know what is coming down the road you have realized this is a tough battle and one your not looking forward to as it takes so much mental and physical strength.

I wish I could offer the road map to the end, as then you will have an idea of the how's and whys, which take the fears out this journey you are on, but I cannot.. I can encourage you  to be yourself, which is a person that is reaching out for assistance and support.

You have all my support and you keep right on talking to us in this thread. 

Gentle Hugs to you,

Kitt

Posted 7/1/2009 2:08 PM (GMT 0)

PAlady,

Thanks for the advice and I will email the Gilda's Club website that is online now and working on building a Gilda's Club right here in the Metro Area..............yes I am a Minnesota Woman.  :-)

Hugs to you,

Kitt

Posted 7/1/2009 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Janice -
I am gone a couple days and so much has happened so quickly. I agree completely with Kitt. There is no way this is inappropriate. You have all of my support also and please don't leave again.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/1/2009 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Janice,
I have kind of felt the same way about posting my recent Barrett's and dysplasia findings on the chronic pain forum, but that's what's been home for me for awhile, and there's no problem over there with us posting whatever is happening in our lives. I'm glad Kitt chimed in as your forum moderator.

You've obviously got a lot of friends here. And you need to be where you feel soothed and most supported.

I can well imagine the layers of shock you're going through, and the seeping in of the real information. I'm not comparing my situation to yours, but I know for me just hearing my doctor tell me over the phone the biopsy results and that it's not cancer but it could beome cancer....well, I still don't think it's completely registered. And you're getting some huge information and needing to make some quick and serious decisions which will be life changing. So I totally understand that the psychological process is complex.

I think I'm rambling but I do want you to know I for one (and I think many of your wonderful friends here would feel the same) don't mind listening as you go through whatever feelings and thoughts you have. The last thing you need is to feel guilty about posting them in the wrong place.

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 7/2/2009 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Janice - I totally admire your strength in facing what your having to face. It has got to be overwhelming to get news like that but if anyone can deal with this and beat it I feel that is you.

Your so hands on and research every aspect I think that is a huge part of your strength.

I'm sure now that it is all really sinking in you have more concerns about the reality of the whole thing and I will be here when possible along with all the others to lend my shoulder to lean on and support for you.

I'm honored to be able to be here for you Janice.

(((((Janice)))))

Teala

Posted 7/2/2009 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
My dear friends, again, your support is a lifeline that I cannot begin to adequately express, but please know that you all lift me immeasurably!!!

I got information yesterday that really lifted a burden from me. What they would like to do is a double mastectomy (because they're very concerned about the other side...) with reconstruction done on both side...but you know, this takes a lot of time!! I don't have a lot of time!!

I'm 1 1/2 years from retirement and I am trying rebuild my leave balances (after using them all last summer for the Nissen), so right now I have just enough to cover 5 weeks of being off. That has to see me through the surgery coming up and any follow ups...that leaves nothing for reconstruction. Where I work I do have disability, but it affects my retirement date, my pension and other things, and being so close to that date, I have to keep that in mind.

Anyway, long story short, I was put in contact with an exceptional reconstruction specialist, just 1 1/2 hours from home. I called and his nurse talked with me for 40 minutes and told me so much. The best news ( for me) is that I can wait until after I retire to do the reconstruction! The reconstruction takes 8 to 10 weeks to recover (get this) from the FIRST! phase of the surgery..you have to go back for a second go round 6 months later.

My point, I guess, is that being given the freedom to wait until after I'm retired frees me from the worry that I've been carrying about this time issue. I slept last night so soundly, it was wonderful!!!!

Things are defintely looking up!!!!
Janice
Posted 7/2/2009 1:51 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Janice,

I do believe you have a good plan in place and waiting for the reconstruction does feel like the best thing for you considering your circumstances.  I am so glad you had a chance to talk with this wonderful nurse who took the time to inform you of what reconstruction surgery consists of. 

Now that you have all the information I know you will go forward with your usual strong will to beat this cancer and do what needs to be done.  I understand how good it is to get a full nights rest and wake up to the dawning of a new day full of new hopes.

You have so much love and support from all of us right here so just take it one step at a time and accept our help on your journey toward being cancer free.

Love and hugs to you dear Lady,

Kitt

Posted 7/2/2009 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Great news Janice !

You are a very strong person !

I do admire you so much !

Enjoy the 4th and be safe everyone !!!

God Bless America !

 

Posted 7/2/2009 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Janice,
I agree with Oakley,u r very strong woman.my hat is always off to u.sendin loves and kisses. I will always have your back and cheerlead for u.I'm now hittin georgia in about 30miles.yippee.won't be actually in my hotel room 4 another 7hours of drivin.Now u pray 4me.
Good luk
Your friend 4ever
Bea
Posted 7/2/2009 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Janice,
I'm so glad you now are armed with the knowledge and options you need. The fact you could get a good night's sleep means (at least to me) that your gut is at peace with this, along with your head. That's the best place to be, because you know you're doing the right thing for you. And that's all that matters.

I'll be among the many people who are supporting and cheering you on here.

You are an inspiration to me!

(((((((((Janice))))))))))

PaLady
Posted 7/2/2009 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Janice -
I agree with Kitt, that you have a good plan in place. It is good that you got good news on the reconstruction phase. You are definitely an amazing person and I admire you greatly. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/4/2009 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Janice,

 i agree with every 1 here.

B

Happy 4th of july to every1.Although I am on vacation, I get a little homesick for our threads here. I will post every now and then in order to get my high ,rush etc lol

Posted 7/5/2009 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Janice,
I think your plan is exactly right. Whatever eases your mind and allows you to move forward with your recovery and accommodates your job/retirement plans makes sense. Please let me know if Chrysa doesn't respond to your call. She's super busy, but I know she was sincere in wanting to talk to you.

I'm so glad you're continuing to post your experience here. We all want to support you, and this is your home! We'd feel terrible if you weren't sharing with us, so we can offer you our support and love! Kitt said it all!

Take care and keep the faith. You're doing all the right things!
Denise
Posted 7/5/2009 7:00 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Janice,

Hope your weekend has been restful and that you are still doing OK.  We are all right here and you know we are cheering you on.  Post when you feel like it and also take the time to do some good things just for you.

I know you do not want to talk about cancer 24/7 so do take time to have fun and joy in your life.

Hugs

Kitt

Posted 7/7/2009 1:16 PM (GMT 0)

Good Mornig Janice,

Just dropping in to let you know your cheering squad is here and we are all full of hot air so we can shout from the roof tops our cheers of support for you. devil

Gentle Hugs,
Kitt

"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend."

~Robert Louis Stevenson~

 

Posted 7/7/2009 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Janice. I just wanted to check in on you to see how your doing.

I hope all is well.

Teala

Posted 7/7/2009 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Janice -
I also am wondering how things are going. Hope you made the best of the holiday weekend.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/8/2009 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all; I'm guilty as charged, had a great weekend, spent it up at the cottage..some serious alone time with my best friend...unfortunately, we had a plumbing problem at the cottage and Tom and I had to work on that on Friday, bu tother than that its been.....between work, doctors, migraines and just yuch, I haven't been around.

Well, just because one can't have enough fun in one's life, I'm at it again...my surgeon and I are parting ways..yep, two weeks before the grand opening! I asked her to call me the other day; I had questions about the surgery and the procedure prior to the surgery plus some other things, and she just lit into me. In my mind, completely uncalled for; she was hostile, rude and OMG!

I was very upset and called my family Dr. told him the entire story and he was dumbfounded; he said that in any surgical situation, any situation, you have questions, it doesn't matter if you have a thousand of them, you need to ask them and you deserve answers. It's your body and you shouldn't be treated like that.

Well, needless to say, we talked again this morning and he's referring me to someone local; I also have the name of someone in Grand Rapids, about an hour west of here. So, I'm going to pick my dusty self up and move forward.

Once I have a new Dr., I'm going to send her an e-mail and say that under the circumstances, I think it's best if I'm just removed from her surgical schedule...end of story.

Kitt, thank you for listening to me and for your support and advice; I do so appreciate it!

So, surgery is no longer going to be on the 22nd of July, but it will be coming up soon...we'll just have to wait to find out!!!

Janice
Posted 7/8/2009 10:33 PM (GMT 0)

Janice,

Hugs to you and you know that I understand and support you 100%.  There is nothing like having your Doctor turn on you and get all bent out of joint.  Your in a very vulnerable situation right now and you need someone that is empathetic and caring , patient and understanding, someone who is willing to listen to and respond to all your questions.

This is your surgery and your battle, you need a General to help guide you through the battle field and through the recovery.

I am sorry this has happened but you will soon have a new Grand opening date as the show must go on.

Love

Kitt

Posted 7/9/2009 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Janice,
I'm glad you're switching surgeons...you don't need to be treated that way! I had a similar experience with a GI doc who treated me terribly when I asked him questions, and I fired him. I'm so glad I did. I now have someone who respects me, and listens--really listens--to what I have to say.

I hope you find someone you can really talk to and respects your right to know what is going to happen. Things happen for a reason, Janice, and aren't you glad to find out your surgeon reacts like that before you have the surgery? You'll need someone who is supportive and compassionate, in addition to being skilled as a surgeon. They are all part of the package, and are essential to your recovery.

Good luck with your upcoming appointments.
We're all rooting for you!
Denise
Posted 7/9/2009 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Janice,
Three cheers for you! That's no way to go into such a significant surgery! I'm so glad your PCP understood and is helping redirect you. Here's to your finding a compassionate and competent surgeon!

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 7/9/2009 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Janice-
I have to agree with everyone else. It is time to find a new surgeon, one who can take the time to answer any and all questions you may have. That was way uncalled for and disrespectful on her part.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/9/2009 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone; today was a good start (or restart!) We met with the head Nurse of a reconstruction specialist in Grand Rapids (the one my former surgeon had a fit about). She along with the Fellow spent close to two hours with Tom and I. She was so incredibly thorough it was amazing; once again, just speaking with her made me feel so comfortable and I know I'm in good hands.

The Dr. is on vacation, but does check in; which he did while I was there and she consulted with him and they have referred me to a surgeon in GR that they do work with and are very comfortable and confident in her skills. They feel she would be a good match for me; they we're appalled at my story as well and feel the wisest move is to change surgeons...

We meet with her next week as well as another surgeon closer to home that my Family Dr. suggested; so soon we'll be back on track. Tom told me today, on the way home, he couldn't put his finger on it, but he just didn't feel ready for the surgery with the other surgeon; he didn't feel comfortable. Now he does. I was talking to a friend last night, and as I was talking to him, I told him how I feel so at peace with this decision..you know it must have been that something was telling me it was wrong before, I just didn't know it.

Anyway...onward and upward!
Janice
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