Hi Lorraine

Slowly but surely finding my way to catch up with 'buddies' threads.  Your latest news would have me punching the wall with anger and frustration so feel free to carry on venting your feelings.  We know it does not make things go away but we are all here to support each other.  Really hope that your next round of scans/appointments can give you some way to  move forward with treatment to make you more comfortable.  By the way did you know that 'beauty is in the eye of the  beholder' so those that are supporting you think you need to hear these things.  Its like Max says (hey Max good to see your name cropping up too - sending hugs) they mean well.  Its a line I do not use on my hubby for fear he would get me 'put in a safe place' but its not easy knowing what to say (he is now over four stone lighter because of his illness) and all I can do is buy new clothes that fit.  It does not make it feel better but means I am doing something.

Anyhow Lorriane hope the weather (well I am British what else should I talk about) where  you are is better than here and am sending virtual hugs and listening ears anytime you need to offload. Regards Jules x 

Thanks Max, Jules, and Dave. You're right Max, if we didn't laugh and make jokes once in awhile,  we'd go absolutely mad! And, Jules, punching the wall might help too, although now that we live in an apt., we'd likely get evicted. LOL  Dave, I know what you mean about doctors; some of them have a "sick" sense of humor when they unwind. Really though, they are only human too and I know for many of them, seeing the ravages of illness of one kind or another on their patients day after day has to be depressing for them too. I'm sure there must be days when they question why they stay in the business, but like many professions that are related to a lot of human suffering in one way or another, its' what they do. Thank goodness they are there.

I'm counting the days until I get through this PET scan and follow-up with the doctor. At least then I'll know what I'm dealing with here. I'll be sure to let you guys know the outcome. I have a feeling it isn't going to be great.

Take care everyone. Hugs everybody.

Lorraine

Dear lorraine - I'm not surprised you are having a pity party - you certainly are going through it!  Although I know that lung surgery is the last thing you want, I guess you are glad to have a date so you can plan things especially at this time of the year. I am so sorry that you have to go through so much in the coming months and wish I could pop and give you a hug!  How long will you be in hospital?

Hubbie' s brother lives in Vancouver but I haven't asked him how the weather is lately. Have you got snow or just cold temperatures?  It is lovely to walk in the snow - as long as you don't slide over of course!  It's still very mild here in the UK but quite wet, as always. Wellies are a must !

I know what you mean about cancer becoming a full-time occupation. Sometimes it definitely feels that way and sadly becomes a way of life that many can't comprehend. Thank God for good friends - yours sounds an angel. Last year I was in hospital  unexpectedly for the week leading up to Christmas and all my ex work colleagues got baking and came round with Gammon, sausage rolls, cheese straws, mince pies, cakes, quiches etc because I hadn't had the opportunity. I shed a lot of tears and was so thankful for their thoughtfulness. My siblings are never in touch but my friends keep me going.

I wish you luck with your card writing and will speak soon. Sending much love x

Hi Lorraine

Will raise a virtual glass to your 'pity party'.  Like Max wish it was possible to gatecrash and give you proper hug but am keeping you in my thoughts.  Make sure you have time for some treats before your 'due date' - my mate last year had her celebrations early (and then again on the day as she continued her journey through cancer - double whammy!).

My hubby has been threatened with hospital for Christmas dinner if he does not eat more and get some weight on and so if  we are lucky  our son and other half are collecting us Christmas Eve for a few days. I am hoping to finish last  bits of shopping this week and then set about writing cards as I want others to  have smiles on their faces when they open them and see they are remembered (but have to admit not finding it easy emotionally).

Your forum buddies are hear to listen as always when you need to offload - its not rambling, its sharing and caring.  Big Hugs  Jules x 

Hi Lorraine

Will raise a virtual glass to your 'pity party'.  Like Max wish it was possible to gatecrash and give you proper hug but am keeping you in my thoughts.  Make sure you have time for some treats before your 'due date' - my mate last year had her celebrations early (and then again on the day as she continued her journey through cancer - double whammy!).

My hubby has been threatened with hospital for Christmas dinner if he does not eat more and get some weight on and so if  we are lucky  our son and other half are collecting us Christmas Eve for a few days. I am hoping to finish last  bits of shopping this week and then set about writing cards as I want others to  have smiles on their faces when they open them and see they are remembered (but have to admit not finding it easy emotionally).

Your forum buddies are hear to listen as always when you need to offload - its not rambling, its sharing and caring.  Big Hugs  Jules x 

Good mprnong Lorraine,

Just been catching up with what is happening with you and sorry to hear you are going through the mill again. There is never a good time to have to have surgery, but some are less inconvenient than others. 

Although all this is going on at the moment , your personality come shining through. I am always a mazed at the people on here who are going through such difficult times themselves have so much time and give for others and you are one of those Lorraine. :)

As for the pity party , we would all love to join you and raise a glass to having these wonderful virtual friends. I think we get to see the best side of humaity on this site. 

Will keep you in my thoughts and will look out for news from you post op. 

Many virtual hugs 

Annabel. xxx

Hi Max, like you, my siblings are no help to me either, and as a matter of fact, they just cause me a lot of stress that I don't need any more of these days. Thank God for friends for sure, and I have lots of them as well. About our weather, well it is wet like yours and fortunately, we are not getting the extreme cold temps as yet, that they are getting in other parts of Canada. Here in Nova Scotia, we tend to get middle of the road weather and very seldom do we get severe either way. Our summers are actually quite nice and we have a beautiful Autumn and that is my favorite time of year. We haven't had any snow as yet here in my end of Nova Scotia, but will likely get some in the next months.

I've done some Christmas cards, but not near finished. I also hope to get the apt. spruced up pretty good before I go in hospital, so that my Bill doesn't have to do too much to it, other than keep it up. I know the dog, Toby, will miss me for sure. He's my pup and will always be my pup. Since we live in an apt., he has to be taken out and walked several times a day and believe it or not, that's quite a time consuming job, but he is worth it. I likely will be in hospital 4 - 5 days or more, depending on how things go. Here, they kick you out as soon as possible, which is fine by me. I hate being in hospital. Actually, the last time I was in for a big surgery on my kidney/bladder, etc., I was there for a week and near went nuts. When I said I wanted to go home, my doc said no, its' too soon. He wanted me to stay in another few days. I said what can they do for me here that I can't do for myself, (with Bill's help) at home. Besides which, I told him I was going to starve to death. The food was lousy and he agreed with me. The bed was uncomfortable, so I wasn't sleeping, etc. etc. I'm a lousy patient. He laughed then and said OK go home. I'm rambling again.

Thanks for your love and support. We will talk soon.

Lorraine  

Hi Annabel, thanks for your kind words. You are right about the people on here. Everyone has some kind of challenge with all of their obstacles, yet everyone has more to give when and where its' needed. It truly is a give and take forum. We all know that sometimes we're up and sometimes we're down, but we just keep changing positions as needed. It really is quite a miracle that there is always someone ready and able to pick up the ball and toss it to the one who needs it most at that particular time. 

Wouldn't it be great if we could all get together in person and have a really great party, and it wouldn't have to be a pity party. I will certainly raise a glass, (just a small one) to toast all my great forum buddies on here at Christmas.

Hugs right back at you Annabel

Lorraine

Hi Jo, be sure to let us know how things go for you when you get your results tomorrow. I will be sure to get in touch with you guys as soon as I'm able after my surgery. It seems as though I gave you the impression that I'm well organized. Well, I must confess, I do need some improvement in that department, but I am working on it though. I think if you knew the whole story, you would likely agree with me on that one. With what's been going on with me these last years, I must say that my priorities have changed somewhat as this cancer diagnosis has been a real wake-up call for me, as I'm sure it is for most people battling cancer. Stay in touch and I will certainly keep posting until S day arrives on the 11th. Of course, you guys know the drill; I had a CT scan today, apt. on Friday to discuss meds, Pre-Op on Mon, etc, etc.Like I said earlier on; this journey is more demanding than a full-time job.

Big Hugs right back at you Jo. Good luck tomorrow and I'll be looking forward to hearing about your report.

Lorraine 

Hi Jo

Glad your results bring some relief for you and you can now hopefully enjoy the coming weeks without treatment and have a bit more recovery period before discussions move forward.  Have a peaceful weekend.Hugs  Jules x

Hi Jo

Glad your results bring some relief for you and you can now hopefully enjoy the coming weeks without treatment and have a bit more recovery period before discussions move forward.  Have a peaceful weekend.Hugs  Jules x