What's New- Tuesday

Hey Julia

I am sure there were lots of big words on those reports.  I tried reading one a couple of years ago and found that most were fancy ways to say arthritis which I knew I had just about everywhere.  don't panic just clarify.

I have been in Louisiana for a few days and not posting.  I am already stressed about the up coming holidays.  I think I'll get and bed and pull the covers over my head and stay there from Thanksgiving eve to January 1st.  Just can't be in multiple places at once. 

I am on my way to Methodist Hospital for a checkup so must run.

see ya

Hi Julia and my OFF faily:

I'm with everyone else, Julia, don't fret about things. Relax. Breathe. And this is from someone who is a worrywart. I get those medical reports and have to look up everything, too (it's the reporter in me). At some point you have to let it go.

But the water thing ... well, that's interesting. I haven't been drinking as much as I should lately ... there are days I'm so busy at work I forget to drink my water (and forget to get to the bathroom too). And since I have disc degeneration anyway ... well, it's something to think about. Did you also know that carbonation leaches calcium from your bones? And caffeine does the same, but it's not as bad.

I met with the new counselor. First, I met with someone who did an evaluation and figured who I would fit best with. She suggested this young woman named Silver, who has dealt with emotional eating and eating disorders ... well, this woman is a skinny minnie, so I'm a little skeptical but OK, we'll give her a try. She also suggested I attend an anger management group, and since one of the symptoms of my depression is meltdowns (anger), I'm open to it, although the first picture in my mind was the movie "Anger Management" and Adam Sandler singing "I feel Pretty."

Today, I go to the pain clinic, and after going to bed with a headache and waking up with one, I think I need this visit ... one Imitrex and an ice pack on my neck this morning has gotten rid of the headache, thankfully. I thought I might have to call in sick today, but I'm starting to feel better. I have to look up the address and put it into my GPS, which got me lost yesterday going to the counselor's office ... not the first time it's done that.

I don't even feel like I had a day off ... just one day and back to work isn't much of a rest. I know I'll have Friday off but breaking up the days is a pain. About the only thing I got done yesterday was a little laundry. Since the washer/dryer are outside, I wanted to get it done before it got dark. I was about to do my annual benefits enrollment when someone knocked on the door. He asked if I had a gold Intrigue (don't know what brand of car that is) ... said his truck wa**** in the parking lot last week and wondered if I did it. Well, my car isn't gold, it's silver and it's an Accord, and I know I didn't hit anyone's car. He said it was someone who was parked in the 301 spot (my spot) ... he said he noticed it after he went to work in the morning so he figured someone backed into him early in the morning. I said I don't get up early, so it wasn't me. I think I would know if I hit a truck.

Anyway, that's about all from here. Have a good day.

Gosh, I didn't know that about carbonation or caffeine... I was told not to do those, but I think the "WHY" helps me. The dehydration causing bone loss or problems is called "dessication". I thnk I should have taken all the rules even more seriously than I did. Either that or maybe we all get these bone issues as we age.

Hi Julia and all my OFF friends,
I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support.  Julia, I know how you feel.  I feel I have to be my own advocate.  The oncologist said now I will notice any little thing on my body that seems different and worry.
Had a PET scan today.  I'm back at work and feel fine.   I have to stay away from small children/babies and women who might be pregnant for the next eight hours since I'm radioactive.  They gave me isotopes intravenously and I had to drink that nasty contrast again.  They have the nerve to put "Berry Smoothie" on the label.  I hope they have really good pictures.  I have a piece of paper in my pocketbook to prove I'm not a terrorist if a policeman stops me.  Police check for radioactivity when they stop motorists.
Tomorrow morning is my appt. with the oncologist for the results.  I have a feeling I'll be having chemotherapy before the week is out.  The oncologist said we are going to move fast on this.  I'm having all kinds of emotional ups and downs.  I can't wait til they cut all the cancer out of me.  I want it out dammit.  But I will probably have to wait until the chemo stabilizes it or shrinks it a little before I can have surgery.
Hubby has been very supportive but I don't think he has researched it online to know how bad it is. 
The anti-anxiety drug Lexipro is working very well for me.  I will fight and I will be hopeful.
Other than that, I feel the need to finish a lot of projects and get all my affairs in order.  Couldn't care less about anyone finding the dust bunnies under my fridge though. LOL.
Hugs to you all and prayers to those who need them.
Bev

You have no idea how much I think of you now Bev. I so understand you wanting that crap out of you now... fight your heart out.

Bev and Julia and others with cancer, please read this from a former coworker and friend of mine:

http://www.mlive.com/health/index.ssf/2010/11/sue_schroder_l ets_share_the_jo.html

Sue is a wonderful woman with lots to share. I think her story will help you, especially, Bev, as you start your treatment.

Bev,

Thanks for stopping by and giving your update.  Sending you positive and healing thoughts.

Hugs, Laureen

Bev,
I'm with you all the way!  Thinking of you & sending prayers your way each & every day.   Please continue to come here for support - we're hear for you!
Jan

HI Bev
I'm one of 3 sisters who've had breast cancer and know of the emotional ups and downs that cancer can cause.  I want to wish you well and to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, also, as you are with so many others on this forum.

I don't want to sound like I know what you're feeling because I don't, but I do know what it feels like to be scared.  I love that you can still laugh  -  our thinking can impact our health in so many ways.  Thinking positive thoughts has always helped me get through the roughest times, so I am leaving a link to a site that may help you.
Margaret

Several studies have shown that a positive attitude or emotional state can boost your chances of surviving cancer. In one study, among patients with metastatic (spreading) cancers, those who expressed greater hope at the time of their diagnosis survived longer. In another study, over 400 reports of spontaneous remission of cancer were reviewed and analyzed. The patients themselves attributed their cure to a broad range of causes, but only one factor was common to all the cases--a shift toward greater hope and a positive attitude.

One clinician traced unexpected tumor shrinkage to favorable changes in the psychosocial situation of the patient. Examples of such changes include "a sudden fortunate marriage; the experience of having one's entire order of clergy engage in an intercessory prayer; sudden, lasting reconciliation with a long-hated mother; unexpected and enthusiastic praise and encouragement from an expert in one's field; and the fortunate death of a decompensated alcoholic and addicted husband who stood in the way of a satisfying career."

The late Norman Cousins described a national survey of oncologists (completed during his stay at the UCLA Medical School) in his last book, Head First: The Biology of Hope. Of the 649 who offered their opinions on the importance of various psychological factors in fighting cancer, "More than 90% of the physicians said they attached the highest value to the attitudes of hope and optimism."
http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/laughter-is-medicine.html

http://www.natural-humor-medicine.com/cancer_and_laughter.html

Hey Julia,

I hope you did not read what I wrote as me thinking you did not have cause to be concerned, as what I meant to say was, please don't worry, easy for me to say, when I have not faced the things you have already in your life, but it was truly meant in well meaning and loving thoughts of I hate for you to go there and get all tangled up in fears of what might not be anything to worry about.

Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way. . .

Laureen