sharon

[Guest guest]

> Thank you for this note & accepting it really wasn't

> anything you posted that started me on my tangent.

I hope you don't mind if I post in response to your questions, because I can

tell you're really heading down a road of introspection and I think it's

awesome.

> 1) Would you be classified as " your own worst enemy? " I've

> been thinking about " self-sabotage " the last couple days. I

> think that MANY chronically overweight people (including me!)

> would be classified as

> " self-saboteurs. " Wow, did you ever hit the nail on the

> head !!!

> I am my own worst enemy. I had a psychological evaluation a

> few years ago

> and more or less said I am too hard on myself, too truthful,

> & that I sabotage myself all the time.

Oh my gosh, I was so much my own worst enemy that I had " wanted dead or

alive " posters with my picture on them around my house! I had such a

defeatest attitude. I don't know if you read my posts, or delete them, or

think " Wow that Tory is sure a freaking crackpot. I hope she's getting

treatment for her psychosis. " but as you can see I've really turned in my

Defeatest Club Card. I know I can be a little " rah rah " for some people, but

it's because...well, have you ever been absolutely freezing and come in from

the cold and drawn a hot bath, teeth chattering, and then sunk into the

warmth, comfort, and enveloping " goodness " of that hot bath? IT's like that.

It's like I remember what it was like to be cold, and I don't ever want to

go back to that self loathing person I was. I want to continually surround

myself with positive things...with that warmth. I don't know if that makes

ANY sense.

> 2) Do you personally celebrate your VICTORIES (and let me

> tell you, if you've lost that much weight, that many times,

> you have a LOT of victories!)....do you celebrate those *as

> much* as you beat yourself up over your failures? To be

> honest, I don't think I have EVER done anything to celebrate

> my victories.

I do. I honestly celebrate my victories all the time. When I was a card

carrying defeatest I never did because I felt like " What is the point? "

First of all, I sort of felt like if I could do it...it must not be very

spectacular. After all, look at what she is doing, and he is doing, and that

person over there.

It wasn't until I started competing only with me, setting goals that only I

understood the meaning of, and then INTENTIONALLY celebrating (even if, at

first, it felt a little foolish) that I started realizing just how much I

*could* do that I never dreamed I could do. That's what a lot of my posts

are about. You know what I did on Saturday, Sharon? I ran seven miles. I ran

SEVEN FREAKING MILES! I didn't have a ticker tape parade when I was done,

but I sure did a little victory dance in my head and my husband and I talked

about how amazed we are at our own physical accomplishments. If you had said

to me three years ago, " You are going to be a runner some day and you're

going to be thin and healthier than you've ever been. " I would have thought

you were completely nuts. So yeah, I celebrate because this lifestyle isn't

always easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it.

> 3) Would it be too hard to accept that if you aren't doing

> what you want to do...then you might not WANT it as much as

> you say you do? This is a very hard question and makes a

> person think. My daughter has also asked me this. All I

> know is my weight makes a huge difference

> in me. This time I told myself I WOULD not let it change my

> outlook, my personality, etc. Last night

> after I wrote my 'novel', I went to bed, talked to my husband

> for a few minutes about how angry I have been at myself,

> yada, yada, how when I had all the weight off, I was more at

> peace with myself & didn't feel like I was carrying a heavy

> burden around. The last time I lost weight I got down to

> 138, which is skinny for me. My husband & daughter have both

> told me I didn't look good then, that I always looked tired &

> I will admit, looking at pictures, the peace I felt inside

> doesn't show on my face.

I think for me I wanted it more than I'd ever admit. I felt for a long time

that to say I wanted to lose weight was to admit I had a problem, and if I

didn't admit it then I didn't. But at the same time hated how I felt and how

I looked and that I was " aging " right before my eyes. I hated that.

But do you what I had to do before losing a single ounce? I had to look long

and hard and boldly into the mirror and say " I love you. I love your fat. I

love those rumples. I love that hair and those eyes. I love that you are

funny and your weight has nothing to do with that. I love the way your mind

works, and your weight has nothing to do with that. I love everything about

you. "

Oh man that sounds SO cornball and it is, but it's amazing. Sharon, if your

daughter came to you tomorrow and said " Mom, I am suffering and I need your

help " you would drop everything and help her because you love her. She is of

your flesh. She is a part of who you are. You would scale mountains, swim

oceans, do anything for her. You'd even do things for her when you know it's

best for her, but she doesn't want it. If she ballooned up, you'd still love

her. If she made wrong choices, you might not love the choices, but you'd

still love her.

You have to be willing to love yourself as much as you love your daughter.

You have to be willing to be tough on yourself when you need to be. No, I do

NOT mean " cruel " to yourself. I know we're all tough on ourselves, but you

need to be the " right " kind of tough. You wouldn't judge her, or mock her,

or call her names, but you do that yourself. You need to love yourself

enough to say right now, " Sharon, you are a valuable, wonderful and I love

you. Because I love you I will not ever allow you be abused by anyone,

including me. I will not allow you to be intentionally hurt by anyone,

including me. I will celebrate all of the wonderful things about you. I will

love you like I love my daughter, and like you NEED to be loved. "

Yes, I know...cornball, but true! If you would do this much for your child,

you have to understand that it's imperative that you do as much for

yourself.

It took me over a year to learn to love myself. It was very

intentional...very intentional. I had been visiting my mother looking

through her scrapbooks. She does this horrible digital scrapbooking (not

that DS is horrible, but hers is). In every picture of me, of which there

were very very few, she had either made me thinner or put something in front

of me to hide my " fat " . One time a sister had given me a picture of me with

her son building a gingerbread house and she said " Here, you look so great,

but I drew in a collar on that shirt to hide your double chin. "

I was hurt beyond belief. My mother does not love me the way I am. Ouch. I

was so angry and hurt...I can't even put into words. Anyhow, the more I

dealt with that, the angrier I got. I wasn't " less " than my siblings (who

are all thin and beautiful, wouldn't you just know) because I was fat! How

dare she not love me for who I am! How DARE she!

....and then I realized...

I was asking her to do something I was not willing to do for myself. I was

asking her to love me the way I am. I did not love me the way I was.

That was when I started down this sort of " road of self discovery " . I had to

learn to love me fat, thin, tall, short, whatever. It wasn't until I was

" there " that I was able to find success with weight loss. For me, that was

the road I needed to take. Your road might be different, but I sense so much

self loathing in your posts and it makes me sad. Not because I think you're

pathetic, but because you're just like me a few years back and I know how

much it hurts.

As for your father-in-law, you have given him power for 15 years. People

like that are so small minded and say such hurtful things, that they don't

even begin to keep track of them. He'll never feel the shame HE should feel

over what he said to this child. You need to let the shame and anger go

because it's only eating YOU up inside. It is doing nothing to him, I

guarantee that. Take that power back and when you go to visit be gracious

but look at him with a look that says, " You can never hurt me again, you

sorry sad man. "

Take care of yourself, Sharon...and I don't mean that lightly. I mean you

need to put you first and take care of you...period.

Tory

[Guest guest]

Hey there,

I am in my 3rd week of rads. As for the metal taste well I had it

going in because of chemo. THe taxol caused me to have the metal

taste. It still has not gone away as yet. It is better than it was

but still can't tolerate to many sweets espcially chocolate, It all

taste bitter to me. So does tomato sauces of any kind. I started

getting burn areas the 2nd week of chemo. SO my doc is doing my

boost now to give the burned area a rest, After the 8 boost they

will finish up the rest of the breast area. I usually feel fatigued

on the weekends, I guess because of the rads all week. But not bad

enough to keep me from my walking or lifting weights. Sometimes I

have to force myself to do them...But I make myself because the

chemo brought my body down to almost nothing so having to work hard

to build up muscle tone again. I still need to gain weight back but

food still taste so weird to me. I am sure once my taste buds come

back it will get better. I am all so losing my fingernails from the

chemo. And I am dealing with neuropathy form it. It usually only

bothers me a night though. Hopefully it will go away also in the

next couple of months. My hair seems to be coming back but to slow

for me!!! lol Looks like peach fuzz right now. ANd I think my

hair is coming back white. I am just 55 which granted is old to

some but dang to young to have snow white hair!!! lol.

Sharon just take plenty of naps for your fatigue. Oh are you taking

vitamins? I am and also calcium with D to help with my bones

because I have to start arimidex as soon as my rads are over. Which

will be Dec 4th. Well Good luck and hope things get better for you!!

Steph

[Guest guest]

According to my rad onc. we really should not be taking vitamins during

radiation. I couldnt figure out why, so I did some research to find out.

Vitamins have antioxidants which are used to repair our body. The radiation is

destroying tissue, cells etc. So the Docs are saying to forego the vitamins for

the period of radiation.

Dr said calcium is ok, iron is ok - its those multi vitamins she said not to

take for the time.

I have 4 treatments left and am eager to say I am done (for now).

Shari

sharon

Hey there,

I am in my 3rd week of rads. As for the metal taste well I had it

going in because of chemo. THe taxol caused me to have the metal

taste. It still has not gone away as yet. It is better than it was

but still can't tolerate to many sweets espcially chocolate, It all

taste bitter to me. So does tomato sauces of any kind. I started

getting burn areas the 2nd week of chemo. SO my doc is doing my

boost now to give the burned area a rest, After the 8 boost they

will finish up the rest of the breast area. I usually feel fatigued

on the weekends, I guess because of the rads all week. But not bad

enough to keep me from my walking or lifting weights. Sometimes I

have to force myself to do them...But I make myself because the

chemo brought my body down to almost nothing so having to work hard

to build up muscle tone again. I still need to gain weight back but

food still taste so weird to me. I am sure once my taste buds come

back it will get better. I am all so losing my fingernails from the

chemo. And I am dealing with neuropathy form it. It usually only

bothers me a night though. Hopefully it will go away also in the

next couple of months. My hair seems to be coming back but to slow

for me!!! lol Looks like peach fuzz right now. ANd I think my

hair is coming back white. I am just 55 which granted is old to

some but dang to young to have snow white hair!!! lol.

Sharon just take plenty of naps for your fatigue. Oh are you taking

vitamins? I am and also calcium with D to help with my bones

because I have to start arimidex as soon as my rads are over. Which

will be Dec 4th. Well Good luck and hope things get better for you!!

Steph

[Guest guest]

Steph,

So glad to hear from you through your post. Watch that you're not fatiguing

yourself too much by overdoing it. Rest is an important essential during

radiation, as it " wears " you down. Just reading about your taste buds, etc

made me almost " taste " what you're talking about. It does go away, honey and

so

should the neuropathy. Just takes time. Your nails will come back too,

Steph - this is soooo temporary. Imagine the * & ^-kicking it gave any stray

cells!

Take care of yourself.

Best,

" When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you

with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. "

[Guest guest]

Sorry, , couldn't help but 'butt' in here.... how long does it take for

the neuropathy to go away... or how long did it for you, if you had it? I have

been having problems with that in my hands and feet since my third Taxotere.

Told the onc it was annoying and would wait it out, but, here it is almost 3

months from my last chemo and its still hanging in there. I go see my onc on the

27th and was ready to ask about medication for it. Don't WANT another pill to

take but its getting very annoying. Hot and cold really bothers the hands and

between the neuropathy and the heel spurs, it is getting harder and harder to

walk.

My nails still look pretty bad, but they are growing. They still split and peel,

but that is only cosmetics, no pain involved.

Barb

Michigan

Re: sharon

Steph,

So glad to hear from you through your post. Watch that you're not fatiguing

yourself too much by overdoing it. Rest is an important essential during

radiation, as it " wears " you down. Just reading about your taste buds, etc

made me almost " taste " what you're talking about. It does go away, honey and

so

should the neuropathy. Just takes time. Your nails will come back too,

Steph - this is soooo temporary. Imagine the * & ^-kicking it gave any stray

cells!

Take care of yourself.

Best,

" When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you

with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. "

[Guest guest]

Hi, Barb, I have neuropathy in my fingers and toes, since my Taxol last

summer (2005). My chemo nurse said some people get over it - eventually ...

Not very encouraging. I am learning to live with mine. Nobody's suggested

anything to take to fix it.

The Taxol made deep ridges across my fingernails and toenails, which grew

out gradually and are gone now. That was as bad as it got, with the nails.

ATB,

Margery.

============================================

margery@... in North Herts, UK

============================================

> Re: sharon

>

> Sorry, , couldn't help but 'butt' in here.... how long

> does it take for the neuropathy to go away... or how long did

> it for you, if you had it? I have been having problems with

> that in my hands and feet since my third Taxotere. Told the

> onc it was annoying and would wait it out, but, here it is

> almost 3 months from my last chemo and its still hanging in

> there. I go see my onc on the 27th and was ready to ask about

> medication for it. Don't WANT another pill to take but its

> getting very annoying. Hot and cold really bothers the hands

> and between the neuropathy and the heel spurs, it is getting

> harder and harder to walk.

>

> My nails still look pretty bad, but they are growing. They

> still split and peel, but that is only cosmetics, no pain involved.

>

> Barb

> Michigan

>

> Re: sharon

>

>

> Steph,

>

> So glad to hear from you through your post. Watch that

> you're not fatiguing

> yourself too much by overdoing it. Rest is an important

> essential during

> radiation, as it " wears " you down. Just reading about your

> taste buds, etc

> made me almost " taste " what you're talking about. It does

> go away, honey and so

> should the neuropathy. Just takes time. Your nails will

> come back too,

> Steph - this is soooo temporary. Imagine the * & ^-kicking it

> gave any stray

> cells!

>

> Take care of yourself.

>

> Best,

>

>

>

> " When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand.

> It will fill you

> with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. "

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Margery. I know my onc said he could help if it bothered me, so I'm

hoping he will prescribe something.... I know it doesn't help every one and

sometimes we do have to live with the side effects. My husband also has

peripheral neuropathy but its due to nerve damage in his leg. He's tried some

medication but the side effects were too much for him. I have a friend who has

it...no known reason that her doctors can determine...she, too, is on medication

but it doesn't seem to be helping. Guess I was just hoping it would go away once

I was off the chemo.

I almost got into a clinical trial for a drug used just for that. Unfortunately,

even though I had the neuropathy it was due to Taxotere and the clinical trial

was for those who used Taxol. I think I would have enjoyed that.... not only

looking for some relief but helping as well.

My nails got the ridges (usually a tip off that we have been poisoned) but they

also split very easily just as they start to grow out and then peel. Its getting

better. I think I just need to add some clear polish to help them along and

haven't had the time to do it. That doesn't bother me as much.

Barb

Michigan

Re: sharon

>

>

> Steph,

>

> So glad to hear from you through your post. Watch that

> you're not fatiguing

> yourself too much by overdoing it. Rest is an important

> essential during

> radiation, as it " wears " you down. Just reading about your

> taste buds, etc

> made me almost " taste " what you're talking about. It does

> go away, honey and so

> should the neuropathy. Just takes time. Your nails will

> come back too,

> Steph - this is soooo temporary. Imagine the * & ^-kicking it

> gave any stray

> cells!

>

> Take care of yourself.

>

> Best,

>

>

>

> " When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand.

> It will fill you

> with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. "

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

You've come right to one of the big issues involved with these diagnosis, what to tell whom. First, and believe me, I/we know what it's like to wait..........do yourself a big favor.......wait, wait, and wait. Wait until you see your pulmonologist, wait until all the tests results are in, and if necessary, wait until you get a second opinion. Each of us will have a story regarding our experience during the first days, weeks, months of this diagnosis. I was diagnosed in Jan 05. I was obsessed with the idea that I'm going to die soon, tomorrow. For months I made preparations, which at my age (63) is not a bad idea anyway. I wrote letters to my closest family members that live great distances. I thought I may never see them again, so I wrote these "goodbye letters". I laugh now, feeling like such a drama queen. Because months later, after scaring the crap out of them, I had to write letters.......saying "Ummmm, well, in case you

didn't notice I ain't dead yet". I do not mean to make light of your situation, Sharon. I remember...........I've been lucky in so many ways, mainly, that my children are grown. I found that early on if I encountered someone that was genuinely concerned I simply told them to "Google" idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

I wish you good luck as your journey unfolds. Please come back here to unload if you feel the need.

jim

Subject: Re: sharonTo: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, August 15, 2008, 6:19 PM

Hi May,

I'm in Brisbane as well (nthside) but am proudly 1/4 scottish my paternal grandmother lived out here for 60 years but never lost her accent God bless her.

I'm finding the hardest thing is what to say to who. I have breifly told my lecturer in science as I am to present a seminar next week, and am not sure if I can handle the stress. My wonderful partner knows (poor man has only known me for 19mths!!!) my twins don't know anything as they are too young but my teenager knows some things showed up on the scan and we're investigating. We told my dad as he's a smoker and my sister (who's only comment was I hope your will is in order) which while hurting has helped me see where she stands.

I'm focussed on getting through the next week or so till I see the specialist and then dealing with this challenge.

Thanks for the welcome

Take care

Sharon.

sharon

sharon,welcome to the group.you will be in shock for a few weeks and it will take youabout 18months to come to terms with this monster. the main things you will have to decide about is whetherto take the pred steroid and have a vats biopsy. thesehave been talked about lots on this site so you will findloads of stuff to read.not having any medication at the moment isn't a bad thing.you want to be informed before you make any decisions on meds. to help yourself right now, just slow down. where are you in oz. we have gina in brisbane on the siteand my brother is in adelaide. a lot of pf is found to be caused by autoimmune conditionsso treating that slows down progression. may uip 0606glasgow scotland

Win a MacBook Air or iPod touch with Yahoo!7- Find out more.

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

You've come right to one of the big issues involved with these diagnosis, what to tell whom. First, and believe me, I/we know what it's like to wait..........do yourself a big favor.......wait, wait, and wait. Wait until you see your pulmonologist, wait until all the tests results are in, and if necessary, wait until you get a second opinion. Each of us will have a story regarding our experience during the first days, weeks, months of this diagnosis. I was diagnosed in Jan 05. I was obsessed with the idea that I'm going to die soon, tomorrow. For months I made preparations, which at my age (63) is not a bad idea anyway. I wrote letters to my closest family members that live great distances. I thought I may never see them again, so I wrote these "goodbye letters". I laugh now, feeling like such a drama queen. Because months later, after scaring the crap out of them, I had to write letters.......saying "Ummmm, well, in case you

didn't notice I ain't dead yet". I do not mean to make light of your situation, Sharon. I remember...........I've been lucky in so many ways, mainly, that my children are grown. I found that early on if I encountered someone that was genuinely concerned I simply told them to "Google" idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

I wish you good luck as your journey unfolds. Please come back here to unload if you feel the need.

jim

Subject: Re: sharonTo: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, August 15, 2008, 6:19 PM

Hi May,

I'm in Brisbane as well (nthside) but am proudly 1/4 scottish my paternal grandmother lived out here for 60 years but never lost her accent God bless her.

I'm finding the hardest thing is what to say to who. I have breifly told my lecturer in science as I am to present a seminar next week, and am not sure if I can handle the stress. My wonderful partner knows (poor man has only known me for 19mths!!!) my twins don't know anything as they are too young but my teenager knows some things showed up on the scan and we're investigating. We told my dad as he's a smoker and my sister (who's only comment was I hope your will is in order) which while hurting has helped me see where she stands.

I'm focussed on getting through the next week or so till I see the specialist and then dealing with this challenge.

Thanks for the welcome

Take care

Sharon.

sharon

sharon,welcome to the group.you will be in shock for a few weeks and it will take youabout 18months to come to terms with this monster. the main things you will have to decide about is whetherto take the pred steroid and have a vats biopsy. thesehave been talked about lots on this site so you will findloads of stuff to read.not having any medication at the moment isn't a bad thing.you want to be informed before you make any decisions on meds. to help yourself right now, just slow down. where are you in oz. we have gina in brisbane on the siteand my brother is in adelaide. a lot of pf is found to be caused by autoimmune conditionsso treating that slows down progression. may uip 0606glasgow scotland

Win a MacBook Air or iPod touch with Yahoo!7- Find out more.

[Guest guest]

Well, I did initially what I should have done before and that was

getting all legal matters in order. As to letters, I keep them in my

safe deposit box with the other post-mortem items. I do update

periodically. However, basically death is taken care of so I just deal

with living.

Now, I've chosen to be completely honest and open with all aspects of

the disease with family and friends. It's worked best for me. I think

delaying is unfair to yourself and them. Don't they deserve the time to

adjust as you do? Otherwise when changes occur its new and shock to

them. Also, I didn't want to spend my time avoiding things or dancing

around issues. For me, its sure made it easier.

I can honestly discuss choices I make with others and get support and

advice because they understand the disease and my condition. It's

amazing how it can affect simple decisions. For instance, why did I get

a van with 24,000 miles instead of new? Because i'm not likely to drive

that many miles in my life. Not like I need to go 100,000 miles.

and I are working on Disneyworld as soon as we can although may be next

year. But she recognizes if we're going to go need to not put it off.

Its amazing that by being open it is less of a problem because people

don't have as many questions. I have friends i spend time with about an

hour from here. They know the prognosis and we've discussed it honestly

and bluntly but then we just go on enjoying things together normally. As

I think about what I want to do at future stages with living

arrangements, I can discuss it and get input from those I trust and

value because they do understand what I'm facing. Even the manager of my

apartment complex knows that it may require a change of apartment to a

two bedroom at the point I may consider getting someone to assist me in

exchange for free rent. I even find humor where some can't but try to

use it only with those who can deal with it.

I spent most of my life as a very private person never opening up or

discussing what I was feeling. I know now thats a lousy way to live. I'm

going to be open and honest with my condition and feelings. It's freedom

to me. I don't suggest that whats right for me is right for anyone else.

I just share my thoughts and approach. I know that being completely open

and honest is working for me. I don't discuss my condition regularly but

my family and friends do understand it. They are mentally and

emotionally prepared to support me when I need it rather than being

shocked by the severity at some point and fighting the reality. I think

back to when I had a tumor on my colon and a resection in 2005. I never

once fully discussed it all with any family or friend. Whatever they

knew they had to research on their own. With my current mindset I would

have informed them. Also, if you hide some of the facts early, then even

when you're completely open and honest will they always be left thinking

there is something you're not telling them? Doesn't it feel awful to

have family or friend and think there's something wrong or something

additional they won't share?

>

> From: Sharon P. impy775@...

> Subject: Re: sharon

> To: Breathe-Support

> Date: Friday, August 15, 2008, 6:19 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi May,

>

> I'm in Brisbane as well (nthside) but am proudly 1/4 scottish my

paternal grandmother lived out here for 60 years but never lost her

accent God bless her.

>

> I'm finding the hardest thing is what to say to who. I have breifly

told my lecturer in science as I am to present a seminar next week, and

am not sure if I can handle the stress. My wonderful partner knows

(poor man has only known me for 19mths!!!) my twins don't know anything

as they are too young but my teenager knows some things showed up on the

scan and we're investigating. We told my dad as he's a smoker and my

sister (who's only comment was I hope your will is in order) which while

hurting has helped me see where she stands.

>

> I'm focussed on getting through the next week or so till I see the

specialist and then dealing with this challenge.

>

> Thanks for the welcome

>

> Take care

>

> Sharon.

>

>

>

>

> sharon

>

>

>

>

> sharon,

> welcome to the group.

> you will be in shock for a few weeks and it will take you

> about 18months to come to terms with this monster.

>

> the main things you will have to decide about is whether

> to take the pred steroid and have a vats biopsy. these

> have been talked about lots on this site so you will find

> loads of stuff to read.

>

> not having any medication at the moment isn't a bad thing.

> you want to be informed before you make any decisions on

> meds. to help yourself right now, just slow down.

>

> where are you in oz. we have gina in brisbane on the site

> and my brother is in adelaide.

>

> a lot of pf is found to be caused by autoimmune conditions

> so treating that slows down progression.

>

> may uip 0606

> glasgow scotland

>

>

>

>

> Win a MacBook Air or iPod touch with Yahoo!7- Find out more.

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Bruce, for your valuable input. The one element I don't have to worry about is employment, since I own the comany and all it's real estate. I am still able to manage the company even though it takes about 50 hours a week. Taking time for doctor appointments and related activities is not an issue because I can either rechedule the appointment or the work. And my very loyal staff takes over when necessary. I have made arrangmens for continuation of the company should that become necessary.

The best part is that I am due to receive a settlement from the Government sometime between September and December for reasons far too complicated to discuss here. When that happens, I will donate my business to a non-profit company in the same business and take my butt to North Carolina.

In one sense I will be retired, but to me that just means I can devote more time to my writing.

Next late Spring I plan to be in the Dallas area and hope that at that time I can meet you for that walk to the mall and the donuts.

Jack79/IPF - UIP/dx06/05 Maine

sharon>>>> sharon,> welcome to the group.> you will be in shock for a few weeks and it will take you> about 18months to come to terms with this

monster.>> the main things you will have to decide about is whether> to take the pred steroid and have a vats biopsy. these> have been talked about lots on this site so you will find> loads of stuff to read.>> not having any medication at the moment isn't a bad thing.> you want to be informed before you make any decisions on> meds. to help yourself right now, just slow down.>> where are you in oz. we have gina in brisbane on the site> and my brother is in adelaide.>> a lot of pf is found to be caused by autoimmune conditions> so treating that slows down progression.>> may uip 0606> glasgow scotland>>> ____________ _________ _________ __> Win a MacBook Air or iPod touch with Yahoo!7- Find out

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