Hello to all

[slick]

Yes it's me, Slick. This is a rather hard post to write but I feel it is necessary. I have been pretty healthy for the past 3 years or so and enjoying retirement. Still, being around animals brings me the most joy in my life. Since the passing of Yodee I have stuck to the decision not to get a another pet, at least for this year. Need to concentrate on getting my financial status stable enough to handle vet bills as well as target my own health.

Three months ago I started not to feel very well. My blood pressure started to climb and I developed cough and shortness of breath. My doc sent me for tests and in the meantime I went on an 8 day road trip to visit friends and family in Alberta. While there I got really ill and ER doc (a cutie pie too :love:) said I had bacterial pneumonia. When I got back to B.C. I went for a CT scan which revealed a new spot on my right lung and it is highly likely that the cancer is back again, however we are not 100% certain because the spot is in the exact location where the pneumonia was. I have another scan scheduled for August 19th and doctor's appointments after that to determine the next step. For those who don't know, I had a bout of cancer in 2006 with the same symptoms prior to being diagnosed. On my 5th year followup I was told I didn't need any more scans unless I developed a cough or shortness of breath. Let me just say though that I'm not going down without a fight.

In addition, a week ago I spent all night in my ER because all day I had such a racing heart I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. This ER doc said I have AFIB (arterial fibrillation) so now I have a whole slew of cardiac tests and appointments to keep regarding that. If my heart starts racing again, I have to stop everything and get myself to an ER to receive IV med to slow my heart down. My Mom has the same affliction and my brother had a heart attack a couple of years ago.

I've also recently learned that my neighbour down the hall who took care of me in 2006 has been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. She is 81 years old and one of my very best friends up here. I'm gutted about this.

I guess what I really want to say is "don't waste time". What I mean is, stop putting off all the things on your bucket list. Stop putting off expressing your love for someone. Hug someone everyday. Hug your pet everyday. Don't be afraid to communicate. Talk things out and find a solution. Life is precious.

There are only a few of you on Pet Talk whom I feel close to and you know who you are. My apologies for not keeping in touch more often via email. I've just been feeling so down. All this happening to me who is active, the correct weight and eats right. Ha!

On a brighter note though, I get to look after two sweet and adorable cats for a week this month. I'm stoked.

Take care all of you and remember the words to that old song
"If you can't be with the one you love, honey"
"Love the one you're with"

[Karen]

Awww, Slick, good to hear from you, sorry you have been dealing with such difficult news! Sending you prayers for you and your dear neighbor. Enjoy the kitty visitors! Hugs being sent as well.

[chocolatepuppy]

Sorry to hear such bad news. I'll keep you in my prayers Slick.

[phesina]

Dear Slick, it's so good to hear from you. We have you, and your beloved neighbor too, in our prayers as you go through these tough times. Your kitty-in-law Sparkler sends all her love. Enjoy your kitty charges!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: from your friends in Ann Arbor
Sparkler, Poppy, Elmer, Bob, and Pat

[Freedom]

Dear Slick,

I am glad you posted and shared this info with us. I firmly believe in the adage: Trouble shared is trouble halved; Joy shared is joy doubled.

You have many friends on here. We haven't met, but online friendships are powerful. I am adding my prayers from RI, for your continued fight back to good health. Your neighbor will also be in my prayers.

:love:

[Randi]

Slick, it's good to see you post here, although I had hoped for better news. I've been thinking of you a lot lately and will send you an e-mail tomorrow.

I have some computer issues to deal with and I'm also looking after a cat until August 15th.

Take care! :love:

Love and big ((((hugs)))) from me.

[Taz_Zoee]

Slick, please know you are in my thoughts. I've had the pleasure of speaking with you over the phone several years ago and we had a lovely conversation. :)
I will send positive thoughts to you and your dear neighbor.

Enjoy your "therapy" with the kitties this month.

Lots of hugs!
Cindy

[Catty1]

Hi slick. You beat this before, so I pray you beat it again - and that the spot is from the pneumonia and not cancer.

I have two friends with aterial fibrillation - they have a pacemaker type of thing that slows the heart down if it races.

And your dear neighbour...I am so sorry you are dealing with so much pain in your life right now.

You have worked so hard to attain great health and I hope this stands you in good stead as you move forward.

HUGS AND PRAYERS! :love::love::love:

Glad you look after two kitty nurses this month - it will be great for you both.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Hi, my friend!!! So good to hear from you, just wish you were feeling better!!! Prayers are ramped up for you for sure from me!!! I am in a bit of a pickle myself right now but don't want to bore you with the details. I'll email you soon. Meantime, enjoy your kitty visitors and take care of yourself the best you can. I'm hoping the spot on your lung is caused by your pneumonia not cancer and can be treated easier. I'll be sure asking all our PT angels in heaven to pray for you too. I'm sure they already are but it won't hurt to remind them. :love:

[Queen of Poop]

Aw damn, I was hoping you'd be posting about a new kitty. Well, we'll just have to ramp up the prayers again, for both you and your neighbour. Enjoy your kitty visitors, they'll be good medicine for you. Cali and Diego send purrrrs and love, they're not really into cuddles. I send you good, healing energies and will keep you in my nightly prayers.

[pomtzu]

Slick - I admit that I know next to nothing about you, even tho I guess I can be considered somewhat of an oldie here, based on the years I have been a member. It seems we just traveled in different circles with different folks - me with mostly dog people - and you with cat people. But we are all part of this one, big, pet-loving community, and it matters not which road we walk on since they all merge together at the end.

So you have my most sincere wishes that this new bump in the road, will prove to be nothing more than a nuisance and annoyance, and that you will go on and thrive, and take on the roll of kitty mom again soon.

Best wishes to your friend, too.

[cassiesmom]

Will be saying prayers for you, Slick. I agree with everything that everyone else has already said.

:love: and (((HUGS)))-- elyse

[kaycountrygal]

I do not know you but I am so sorry you are having health problems. You will be in my prayers for better health.... Kay

[Catty1]

:love:

[Pinot's Mom]

Hey, Slick, good to hear from you. Sorry about the circumstances - never thought I'd say this, but prayers for pneumonia??? :love:

[RICHARD]

I'll pray for pneumonia too!:love:

One thing at a time and keep your clothes on when you see that doc!

Much love, R.

[Asiel]

Slick--- I myself don't know you personally but I can relate to what you are going through. Sending you good wishes that everyting will make a turnaround for the best. Sending prayers that everything will go bettter than good and hopefully you will look back on these hard times and know we all care so much----- from one Canadian to another...eh... :love:

[mon]

I'm Canadian too eh? Sorry to hear about your health DARLING. You sound tough and sane. Oh, honey... I think you'll be just fine. Many prayers and lots of strength and love to you. Trust me, my huge family has been through SO much in the past few years, I cannot even believe it myself. Stay positive sweetheart and bless your heart!

[ChrisH]

Saying big prayers and sending much love.

[kuhio98]

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bobcat had the heart thing a few years ago. He had a pacemaker installed and is doing well. While his heart muscle is strong, his electrical system is shot and his heart would race sometimes and "forget" to beat other times. I hope treatments will make you all better soon.

[slick]

Thank you all for your support. My point was not to generate sympathy, but you remind everyone to dance like no one is looking. Sing like no one hears you. Laugh until you pee your pants and your belly hurts. Don't waste a moment worrying over things you have no control over and surround yourself with those who love and support you and get rid of negativity.

That being said, I'm heading to the bar.:love::love::love::love:

[mon]

And, I'm heading to Las Vegs, gonna get all married up, no time like the present!

[mon]

Amen sister!

[emily_the_spoiled]

Slick, I am sorry to read about what has been happening the past little while for you.

But people here are right, the afib is controllable via a pacemaker. So once things are straightened out it will be just fine.

Given the probability of cancer returning after 5 years and in EXACTLY the same spot, it would make more sense that it was the pneumonia. But we will all keep our fingers and paws crossed for you.

You beat this once before you can do it again! (And be thankful that you are in the Canadian healthcare system ;) )

[pomtzu]

Thank you all for your support. My point was not to generate sympathy, but you remind everyone to dance like no one is looking. Sing like no one hears you. Laugh until you pee your pants and your belly hurts. Don't waste a moment worrying over things you have no control over and surround yourself with those who love and support you and get rid of negativity.

That being said, I'm heading to the bar.:love::love::love::love:

Slick - did you ever read "The clock of life" that I have in my siggy? I think this pretty much says exactly what you have said here. I am probably one of the world's biggest procrastinators, and every time I read that, it jolts me back to reality - even if only for a short time..............:rolleyes::eek:

[Cataholic]

Slick- I missed this somehow.

It ain't over til the fat lady sings. Keep us posted.

Love,
Johanna

[Scooter's Mom]

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

[slick]

Well, proof once again that PT prayers never fail! Yesterday I got a clean bill of health from the cardiologist and today I got a clean bill of health from the cancer doctor. No cancer at all. I'm doing the happy dance and warn you that I will be around for a long, long time!;)

[Karen]

Well, proof once again that PT prayers never fail! Yesterday I got a clean bill of health from the cardiologist and today I got a clean bill of health from the cancer doctor. No cancer at all. I'm doing the happy dance and warn you that I will be around for a long, long time!;)

Yay! Good to hear! :)

[RICHARD]

Well, proof once again that PT prayers never fail! Yesterday I got a clean bill of health from the cardiologist and today I got a clean bill of health from the cancer doctor. No cancer at all. I'm doing the happy dance and warn you that I will be around for a long, long time!;)

Slick,

It's like a GD dance hall in here.

Good to hear that, You were thought of today.......



WATCH YOUR TOES!!!!

[Lady's Human]

:cool:

[mon]

That is SO great! Very good to hear, very happy for you!

[phesina]

Oh, Slick, what wonderful news!!! We're so happy for you!!!!!!!

HOORAY!!!!!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[ChrisH]

Yay! Great news!!! :D

[Queen of Poop]

Fabulous!!!

[chocolatepuppy]

That's great news!:D

[pomtzu]

Wonderful!!! :)

[Randi]

Slick, I'm so happy for you! Best news in a long time! Now, go get your dancing shoes on! :D

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Well, proof once again that PT prayers never fail! Yesterday I got a clean bill of health from the cardiologist and today I got a clean bill of health from the cancer doctor. No cancer at all. I'm doing the happy dance and warn you that I will be around for a long, long time!;)

Such great news!!! We all intend to hold you to that promise by the way!!! :D:D:D:love::love::love:

[smokey the elder]

W00t! Good news! Maybe time to celebrate.

[shais_mom]

prayers on the way to you

[Felicia's Mom]

Great News!:D

[mrspunkysmom]

Well, proof once again that PT prayers never fail! Yesterday I got a clean bill of health from the cardiologist and today I got a clean bill of health from the cancer doctor. No cancer at all. I'm doing the happy dance and warn you that I will be around for a long, long time!;)

Oh dear, I really missed this. I've read this thread from start to finish and am so relieved that all is well. :love: Hugs.

I, too, have afib, but mine is treated with medication. I like my cardiologist, and he's a good guy.

I am so glad that you are well.

[Bengalz]

Oh dear ... I am so glad I missed this thread and then read it backwards:rolleyes: Got the good news first :D - absolutely wonderful!!!

[Cookiebaker]

Sooooo happy for you, Slick!!! xoxoxox