Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 > Ironically yesterday, day 29, was the day the Success Journal talked about > digging in one's heels during times of adversity. Last night I found out my > mother has been diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer, and the prognosis > is not good. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Your family will be going through a lot of stress during this time. Mental and physical. Hopefully the BFL plan will help you deal better with this than your otherwise would have. I'm sure there are some great support groups out there for family members. A lot of hospitals have them through there community services programs. Good luck, my prayers are with you. Debra in GA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Dear Lorraine, There is nothing that prepares you to hear news like that about your Mom. I know. I still remember the day my Mom told me she was diagnosed with brain & liver cancer. It's going to be an awfully tough time for you. It's hard because you have to be strong for your Mom at the same time the little kid inside is terribly afraid. No matter how old you are it's tough. I gained a tremendous amount of weight during my Mom's illness and for a long time did not take care of myself. Please try to take care of yourself. Tell your friends what a hard time this is for you and ask for their help and support. Come here for help and support. We will be thinking of you. Jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Lorraine- I am SO sorry to hear about your mom. I hope things work out for you. I am glad to hear that you are planning on sticking to the plan. I seriously dont know if I could if something like that happened to me. Good luck to you! You'll be in my prayers! ~kimmah Bad day Ironically yesterday, day 29, was the day the Success Journal talked about digging in one's heels during times of adversity. Last night I found out my mother has been diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer, and the prognosis is not good. As soon as I can get things settled here in Chicago, I'll most likely be leaving DH temporarily and moving back to NJ to assist my mom. I definitely went off the eating plan after I got the news; DH and I sat and ate peanuts and then a bunch of M & Ms. However, it seemed more rote than anything else; bad news = candy. Today I just feel sick to my stomach. If anyone's been through anything like this, I'd appreciate any thoughts you have. I'm planning on keeping on with the challenge; I can't see any reason not to. The hardest part will be the mental challenge to keep up with the workouts as I can't sleep at all (haven't been able to much since she went into the hospital a week ago). Thanks, Lorraine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Lorraine, I'm lucky enough to be able to say I HAVEN'T been through anything like you are going through. I do believe though, that the times when it is the HARDEST to keep up with your fitness are the times that you need it the most. I think sticking with your plan will probably save you mentally. Bill has a good quote about when you are going through bad times, control the one thing you can control- your fitness level. I'll see if I can find it. good thoughts to you and your family. Lynda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 I'm so, so sorry for you. Please, take the time to take care of yourself. You are going to need all the physical/mental strength you can muster up to get through this. Please seek out all of the support you can; friends, family, counseling,... See what the hospital has to offer for support. They are there for the family, too. Not just the patients. You will be in my thoughts, God bless, Becky > Ironically yesterday, day 29, was the day the Success Journal talked about > digging in one's heels during times of adversity. Last night I found out my > mother has been diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer, and the prognosis > is not good. As soon as I can get things settled here in Chicago, I'll most > likely be leaving DH temporarily and moving back to NJ to assist my mom. I > definitely went off the eating plan after I got the news; DH and I sat and > ate peanuts and then a bunch of M & Ms. However, it seemed more rote than > anything else; bad news = candy. Today I just feel sick to my stomach. > > If anyone's been through anything like this, I'd appreciate any thoughts you > have. I'm planning on keeping on with the challenge; I can't see any reason > not to. The hardest part will be the mental challenge to keep up with the > workouts as I can't sleep at all (haven't been able to much since she went > into the hospital a week ago). > > Thanks, > Lorraine > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 > Lorraine, Like everyone else, I too am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I agree that the best thing you can do for your mom and yourself is continue with the program, eat healthy, and exercise. I think it will definitly give you more energy physically and mentally to deal with the situation. My thoughts and prayers are also with you and your family. Take Care, Sheila > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Thank you all so much for your encouragement and kind thoughts and words regarding the situation with my mother. It means the world to me. I will try to keep forging ahead and hope for the best. Thanks again - best wishes to all - Lorraine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2003 Report Share Posted February 4, 2003 Lorraine- My heart goes out to you. My mom had pancreatic cancer and lost her fight in 1998 at the age of 58. I can say it was the most horrific, yet life changing ordeal in a positive way. I remember at the beginning feeling numb and then quite angry. I think if you can stay with BFL thruough this it will benefit you. I was so unfit and can never eat when stressed and wore myself to a frazzel. If you can at least keep up with some exercise it will help with the mental and physical stress. There is a wonderful and supportive message board at the 's Hopkins site-all family members of pancreatic cancer patients. I'll send a link when I find it. I'm an RN so had plenty of " clinical " support. The support of the folks going through the same thing on that board was invaluable. Anytime you need to talk, I'll be here to listen : ). My prayers for strength and healing started today for your mom and your family. Please let me know if I can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 23, 2003 Report Share Posted April 23, 2003 --OMG that is horrible! So sorry!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 23, 2003 Report Share Posted April 23, 2003 Dear Jen, Oh, you poor thing! The loss of a beloved pet is so hard, and having another one of your pets being responsible for your loss must be 10 times worse! I hope you do not feel guilty if you are a little angry with your dog at the moment, he didn't consciously do it, he was probably proud to be doing his share of work to provide for the pack. Of course, this doesn't invalidate any feelings of anger you might be experiencing. Just after Easter too, oh, how terrible. I hope you have a pic. of your bunny to remember it by, often it helps to preserve the memories. Wish I could be more of a comfort. Sincerely, Cy > Hi ladies, > > do any of you remember back in Jan when my cat died. well this a.m. > my dog killed and ate half my rabbit. I am so upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 23, 2003 Report Share Posted April 23, 2003 Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. ( I am sure that is pretty hard to see. ( Sunshine bad day Hi ladies, do any of you remember back in Jan when my cat died. well this a.m. my dog killed and ate half my rabbit. I am so upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 23, 2003 Report Share Posted April 23, 2003 Jen, I am *so* sorry this happened to you!!! <<Big hugs!>> JennA > Hi ladies, > > do any of you remember back in Jan when my cat died. well this a.m. > my dog killed and ate half my rabbit. I am so upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Dear Gordon, I am so very sorry that your day was so painful both physically and emotionally! I don't think there is anything I can say that would help make that day better or go away. I do agree there are times that this disease really kicks the tar out of you, then you think it is going to get better, and it does it again! Sure doesn't seem fair, does it. Gentle Hugs & Prayers, Carol M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 In a message dated 7/2/03 10:08:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time, geliott@... writes: > Keep praying for me. > > Gordon > > > > You are in my daily prayers and I think of you often. Just reading what you are going through to find care in a residential hostel seems that it is putting you through more stress that is magnifying the flares and pain. I was wondering until you find the permanent hostel could you possibly advertise in a local newspaper for a live-in who has health care experience that would help you until your wait and search is over. Here in the states it is common place to see ads in the classified section of newspapers asking for live-in help for 24/7 care for exchange for room and bord and a stipend pay. I had a friend who was a nurses aid and did this for years. She loved here job and there person that needed her care loved her. When I was in my first year of college I cared for a lady who had Alzheimer's. Her daughter lived with her and needed the help with her mother, so I went three times a day to assist for about 1 hour in the morning 2 hours in the afternoon and 3-4 hours in the evening. It was a great arrangement for us all. Also is there Hospice's in Australia. If so you might look into that as well. I am sure you have gone all routes available, but these were just some ideas that crossed my mind and though may be helpful. Keep your spirits up and know that we all care much about you and are praying for you! If you were in the states you would be bomb barbed with all the help you could possibly need from lots of us on the site! " ) You are an inspiration to us all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Dear Gordon -- Hang in there if you can. You are doing so much that is worthwhile simply by sharing your story with all of us. For one thing it is hard to feel sorry for myself when I realize how much worse I could be. For another thing you give me courage to keep going no matter what the odds may be. Thinking of you often and fondly, Cheri [ ] bad day Yesterday I was flaring badly through the entire spine and chest and breathing was even painful. The carer who came to shower me had much difficulty getting me from my walker to the seat in the shower and afterwards. Ideally, two carers were needed for days like that, as two nurses would sometimes be needed in hospital to shower me. Afterwards, and I had been dressed and the bed made and she left, I could do nothing except lay down, with the pain breaking through the painkillers again. I was alone until Meals on Wheels came and after that I was alone again. It made me realize even more that I need care to be on hand 24 hours a day. Someone to look in on me, heat up heat packs, bring me cups of tea, and my meals in bed, as in hospital. So permanent residential hostel care is the only way to go and I hope I do not have to wait too long. One has too much time to think just laying there alone. I thought of my loss of quality of life, dependent on others. I wondered whether I could endure this severe pain and suffering for another twenty years. I know that PA does not kill you, but sometimes I do wish that it was a terminal disease. I feel a little better today. It does not help that I am depressed and stressed over my future. I just want to move into a hostel and get settled. So, I have opened up my concerns to you my friends who really understand and it helps to lighten my burden. Keep praying for me. Gordon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Gordon, your post made me cry. I am so sorry I can't be there to chat and look in on you! In my own way I am suffering, at home alone too, but I am ambulatory. But I am depressed, and you may be too. If this is something you are already managing, great, but if not, talk to your doc about it. I do think that sharing how you are doing with the group is also helpful, and I'm glad you did. claire [ ] bad day Yesterday I was flaring badly through the entire spine and chest and breathing was even painful. The carer who came to shower me had much difficulty getting me from my walker to the seat in the shower and afterwards. Ideally, two carers were needed for days like that, as two nurses would sometimes be needed in hospital to shower me. Afterwards, and I had been dressed and the bed made and she left, I could do nothing except lay down, with the pain breaking through the painkillers again. I was alone until Meals on Wheels came and after that I was alone again. It made me realize even more that I need care to be on hand 24 hours a day. Someone to look in on me, heat up heat packs, bring me cups of tea, and my meals in bed, as in hospital. So permanent residential hostel care is the only way to go and I hope I do not have to wait too long. One has too much time to think just laying there alone. I thought of my loss of quality of life, dependent on others. I wondered whether I could endure this severe pain and suffering for another twenty years. I know that PA does not kill you, but sometimes I do wish that it was a terminal disease. I feel a little better today. It does not help that I am depressed and stressed over my future. I just want to move into a hostel and get settled. So, I have opened up my concerns to you my friends who really understand and it helps to lighten my burden. Keep praying for me. Gordon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 --Gordon, I am so sorry you have to endure so much pain. I live alone also and it is hard not to get depressed when in a flare. Everyone else seems so busy and in a hurry and we are stuck with our own thoughts. Do you have the type of shower chair that you can sit right down from the walker-it extends out over the tub. Then the caregiver would just have to help you move your legs and you sort of scoot over to the part of the chair where the shower is. Glad you are feeling a little better. When you are up to it could you answer a question for me? I have costochondritis but the area that hurts now is the ribs on the side and a little in back. I read on one of the internet sights that it can appear there. My rheumie actually laughed at me when I asked her-she said that was ridiculus because it wasn't the costo region. What do you think? All I know is the ribs really hurt. STILL PRAYING, Marti [Ed. Note: It's amazing how utterly DUMB rheumies can be sometimes. Ron] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 Marti, I also have the rib problems. Mine hurts mostly on the right side front and back. When I'm hurting like I am now I could really care less what name they want to call it I just need some relief! Debbie > --Gordon, > > I am so sorry you have to endure so much pain. I live alone also and > it is hard not to get depressed when in a flare. Everyone else seems > so busy and in a hurry and we are stuck with our own thoughts. Do > you have the type of shower chair that you can sit right down from > the walker-it extends out over the tub. Then the caregiver would > just have to help you move your legs and you sort of scoot over to > the part of the chair where the shower is. > > Glad you are feeling a little better. When you are up to it could > you answer a question for me? I have costochondritis but the area > that hurts now is the ribs on the side and a little in back. I read > on one of the internet sights that it can appear there. My rheumie > actually laughed at me when I asked her-she said that was ridiculus > because it wasn't the costo region. What do you think? All I know is > the ribs really hurt. > > STILL PRAYING, > Marti > > > > [Ed. Note: It's amazing how utterly DUMB rheumies can be sometimes. Ron] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 > Marti, > I also have the rib problems. Mine hurts mostly on the right side > front and back. When I'm hurting like I am now I could really care > less what name they want to call it I just need some relief! > Debbie > Hi Debbie, Have you found anything that gives the rib pain relief? After my remicade treatment the chest area for me was better but ribs still hurt on sides and back. I am trying PT but just started so don't know if it will help yet. Best Wishes, Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2003 Report Share Posted July 4, 2003 > > Marti, > > I also have the rib problems. Mine hurts mostly on the right side > > front and back. When I'm hurting like I am now I could really care > > less what name they want to call it I just need some relief! > > Debbie > > > Hi Debbie, > > Have you found anything that gives the rib pain relief? After my > remicade treatment the chest area for me was better but ribs still > hurt on sides and back. I am trying PT but just started so don't know > if it will help yet. > Best Wishes, > Marti Marti, I had this nice long note written and lost it so if I can remember everything.... I have found that stretching and lifting small weights helps some. I also wear to work those new therma heat pads that are air activated. I'm sorry I can't remember the name right now. It seems like it takes about 3-4 days to get it under control if I do that. I have spurs on my spine in the thoriatic area that the DR. feels is causing the problem. Years ago during my 2nd preg. I had the problem in the chest area that hurt when I breathed(all the time). My internist said he thought it was the prenatal iron that was aggrevating the arthritis. I stopped it and it went away. I don't know how it is for you but it has been very frustrating with my ribs hurting all the time. What are they doing for you in PT? I'd be interested in hearing if it helps. My dr. really wants me to try tai-chi, hope that is spelled right. I'm think I'm ready to try just about anything. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2003 Report Share Posted July 4, 2003 ---Hi Debbie, Yes- it is frustrating for me too. When it is at its worse I can hardly go thru the day. Thankyou so much for sharing what has helped. I have seen the thermal heat pads advertised but haven't tried them..Think I will. PT sounds promising for first time. I was referred for general fibromyalgia and the ribs are just part of my problem. I went yesterday and they applied moist heat to the entire neck,shoulder. back area. Then they did massage, then the PT manipulated my neck to stretch the muscles out. The first thing I noticed driving home was that I could move my neck better to look for traffic. I got home an d fell into a deep sleep I was so relaxed. Our goal will be to get me over the hump of a flare and on some exercise program. We are thinking warm water therapy since I have a lot of foot joint damage. They reccomend massage as a regular part of our routine if nothing else to help destress us. Of course that costs money. As far as the ribs. It seemed like the moist heat relieved some of the achy pain. They are still sensitive to touch but don't hurt quite as much today. Also they used and recommended a product called biofreeze. It is a gel-like herbal pain reliever. It felt cool and tingly. Seemed like it took some of the achiness away for several hours. I was in a fibro class awhile back and some people loved the Tai chi and some weren't quite able to do it. Just like the meds there seems to be variation in the exercise programs for people. If you are able to lift some weights I think you would have a good chance with it. The folks in class who could lift weights were way " ahead " of us and really seemed to benefit from exercise! I found it very interesting that one of your Docs called the rib pain an exacerbation of the PA. Also interesting that stopping the iron helped. Thanks so much for sharing! Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2003 Report Share Posted July 5, 2003 I also have problems with my ribs hurting. Sometimes I have to sleep on my back because if I lay on my side it feels as if my ribs are being compressed... I have the PA in my spine and the connective tissue in my chest wall.. Teri dgcoker2003 <dcoker@...> wrote: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 In a message dated 1/29/04 8:09:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, susang@... writes: In icy weather in New Hampshire, I don't blame you, but you *must* get behind the wheel again. You live I hate winter driving. And I usually plan my time in the cat around the weather. This storm just kind of snuck up on me. When I watched the weather it said slim chance of snow showers. The thing that ticked me was while I was standing there like 5 min later a sander came by. NH Mommy to Abby Liz 10-25-94 Mommy to Anne 7-1-99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 >Got into my first accident. YUGH YUGH YUGH... I'm glad to see you guys are alright. I had my very first car accident only 6 years ago. I was shaking for months afterwards, and that's one of the main reasons Henry refuses to drive - he was in the car when we got hit. > says we are not going to fix it. It would cost more than the car is worth. We were so lucky the insurance covered everything when the same car was involved in that gas station fire last summer, because we couldn't afford to fix it up again. The best part was when our insurance company reassured us that our premiums will *not* go up because of it, like they did when Henry got into *his* first accident while still on his learner's permit the year before (again, same car). > I told scott I dont even want to drive. In icy weather in New Hampshire, I don't blame you, but you *must* get behind the wheel again. You live in the kind of place where you either drive or become a hermit, a recluse, and you can't do that to your kids. The first few times you go out again, be sure to leave the kids home if you can and just go out with your husband for moral support. >So I have to clean> clean today to keep my mind going. Well, pop in that BlastOff you love so much - the 80's one, is it? - and start sweatin' your jitters away, too! Sue in NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 > I hate winter driving. So do I, that's why I plan ahed when I know a storm is coming so I don't *hve* to until everything is all cleared up. > And I usually plan my time in the cat Wow! That must be a big cat if you can fit into it! At least it's warm. LOL >This storm just kind of snuck up on me. When I watched the weather it > said slim chance of snow showers. And you believed them? One thing I hate about winter weather is how quickly things change from bad to worse. The thing that ticked me was while I was > standing there like 5 min later a sander came by. We have a layer of a few inches of ice under all this snow. Not once in the few days that ice is sitting there did the city come by to salt the side streets, and only once on the main roads. Even in the city parking lots the ice is a few inches thick and completely covers the entire areas, thanks to a little bit of melting that just spread it out and smoothed it over when it refroze when the sun went down every night. I read on our city's message board that they didn't even bother to plow those lots this time, because the ice would break the plow blades. No, my cars aren't going anywhere for quite a while. We have enough groceries to last us a few weeks, if necessary; the bank and Blockbuster are a bus ride away; my podiatrist appointment in one hour is only a 2 block walk and I'll take the long way home and hit the library along the way. Winter is one time I'm truly grateful for living in this neighborhood, where everything is within walking distance. Even if we *could* dig the cars out, there's no place to park them when we get back. I watch out my window - as soon as someone does dig out and move, within seconds the space is taken. With the city parking lots un-usable, our emergency fall-back space, the city lot 5 blocks from our house, isn't even an option now. Sue in NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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