I have cancer....the road to recovery

My dearest Slick...

Make sure you shave those legs and pits and get a nice mani/pedi (manicue/pedicure) because you haven't even touched the surface of ALL the hotties the hospital has, honey!! Be on the lookout for:

Hunky Male Nurses!! (they're not only cute, but sooooo sweet and such good caretakers! I've never had a more sensitive nurse, ever!)

Super Cute Radiology Techs....mmmm, mmmm (must be the radiation, they all seem to be hot!)

Dr. Mc Dreamies (you'll have your surgeon, your anesthesiologist, hot interns helping, more male surgical nurses) they're going to be everywhere!!

Volunteer Male Nurse's Aides....the cute, younger ones. They'll check your blood pressure, bring you flowers and check to make sure you're OK. So cute!!

And even if he's not hunky or dreamy, he's your best friend in surgery: YOUR ANESTHESIOLOGIST!!! (ie: the man with the drugs!! ;) ) This man watches every move you make...literally. He stares at you and your vitals throughout your procedure and makes sure you're comfortable. When you awake, he'll give you some meds to calm you and help the pain go far, far, far AWAY. Every Anesthesiologist I've ever had has been wonderful, very kind, informative and gentle.

Transport Dudes...are usually EMTs and will transport patients in the hospital to another part of the hospital or another location for tests, etc. These guys MUST have a requirement for hiring that they HAVE to be HOT...or no job!!

So, yea, I'd say some shaving is in order. ;)

All joking aside, you're attitude is wonderful. I'm sure you'll find through speaking with survivors that attitude is an overlooked medicine and works very well. Please allow your PT family to keep you up in our prayers.

You are wonderful, Slick, we're blessed with your love and friendship, sweetie pie. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all this, but am sooo glad you caught it so soon and are on the way to getting "that thing" outta our Slick!!! (GET OUT!!)

Please, please, please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for you, OK?? I know you're usually the one that "takes care of" and doesn't "get taken care of", but at times like these, roles need to reverse. OK?? Please let your PT Family know what we can do for you.

You'll remain in my prayers, always. I just know that this "thing" is going to get the heck outta here, and leave you better then ever.

Love you LOTS,
Kelly, Noah, Basie, Micah, Phoebe & Jonah

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((SLICK)))))))))) )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Hi Slick,I kinda know how you feel, but your attitude is wonderfull!I have had breast cancer. And I am a surviver!!!!!It was 11 years ago. I had the tumor removed and it didn't spread.I had to go through chemo therapy and radiation. I think of those treatments as an insurance policy that the cancer would be completely killed in my body. :) ;) I have been doing fine ever since.I also had a positive attitude, just like you!!!You are in my prayers!!!!!

Slick,
I usually lurk and don't post, but I need to respond to this thread. I have gotten to "know" you as a strong, intelligent woman with a great sense of humor, and regret you must go through this. I, too am an 11-year survivor of breast cancer, and I know that attitude can make a crucial difference. Your positive attitude tells me you will be a survivor, too. If you get a chance, read Bernie Siegal's books - he writes a lot about attitude and survivorship. Know also that your PT family is here for you when you need us - don't think you have to tackle this all alone. Take care...you will be in my thoughts.

Okay, Slick - now that you have a suggested list of where to find all the hotties at the hospital, you have a lot of OUR names to put on the visitor's list! :D

Of course - the fellows have to be cat-crazy. Or just crazy and easily persuaded! :p

HUGS!

I wish I had time to respond to each and every one of you. I truly am overwhelmed by the response I've gotten as I've always felt that I'm not one of the popular ones here.

I've just spent some time reading this thread and taking in all of your love and concern. Thank you for the links, the book suggestion and most of all, for sharing some of your survival stories. Truly they have inspired me and even though I always felt that I will be a survivor, your thoughts have given me a new strength I didn't even know I had.

It's funny, but facing something like this does force you to look at your own mortality and it really does change your outlook. I was visiting someone last night and she was complaining that the mail slot in her new screen door was put in crooked. The first thing I said to her was "don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff". I've always tried to live by that but even more so now.

You know what scares me the most???
1. Hospital food. I've told my coworkers that if they want to visit me, bring some good stuff, like dim sum or sushi or something else mouth-watering.
2. Those hospital gowns. I know I'll have to wear it for the first couple of days but I'm going to ask if my Mom can bring me my own nightshirt. At least it will cover up my "XXL backside". :D
3. Being put in a room with other patients. Hey, I've been sleeping alone for 10+ Years and I don't look forward to hearing someone else's snoring in the same room or someone else hearing me fart in my sleep...then again, maybe I snore???? :D :D

I'm going to take a page out of Andy's book and have my slippers brought up to me. They are white cat slippers with a long tail. :D

Kelly, Sis: your post had me rolling in the aisles. I know that your experience is in the States....I just hope that Canada has the same caliber of health care workers. Thank you so much for the belly laughs.

Phred: many thanks to the Prayer Pups. I'll see you at Findlay next year. ;)

I think my op will be in the Vancouver General Hospital and unfortunately it doesn't have any email. I'll have to teach my Mom how to dial long distance :rolleyes: and she will call Gini right after the sir jury is over and Gini can post an update.

That's it for now. I love you all and Max sends each of you some headbumpies and purrs.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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Originally Posted by NoahsMommy

My dearest Slick...



Super Cute Radiology Techs....mmmm, mmmm (must be the radiation, they all seem to be hot!)

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Thanks I like to think we are too! :D;)

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All joking aside, you're attitude is wonderful.

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Agreed.
God and PetTalk will be with you every step of the way Slick.

What shocking news to hear! Slick, I am praying for you, please God help Slick get well, and feel better really soon. I don't want to see you have to go through this at all, but if you do, may it be easy on you, and you go through no pain when you have your surgery.

Slick, you know you are a very loved person here at Pet Talk, if you need anything at all, just let me know. You can pm me and I will give you my phone number and we can talk.

Willie :)

Slick, I'm just now seeing this thread and I'm also in total shock.:( You have a wonderful attitude and are a very strong woman so I know that you can beat this. You have my full support, prayers, positive thoughts, all the cyber hugs you want. I'm so glad that you decided to share this with us because no one should have to go through this alone. I'm also glad to hear that you have a wonderful support system at home and you also have one here at PT too. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Please take care.((((HUGS))))

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Originally Posted by slick

.

You know what scares me the most???
1. Hospital food. I've told my coworkers that if they want to visit me, bring some good stuff, like dim sum or sushi or something else mouth-watering.
2. Those hospital gowns. I know I'll have to wear it for the first couple of days but I'm going to ask if my Mom can bring me my own nightshirt. At least it will cover up my "XXL backside". :D
3. Being put in a room with other patients. Hey, I've been sleeping alone for 10+ Years and I don't look forward to hearing someone else's snoring in the same room or someone else hearing me fart in my sleep...then again, maybe I snore???? :D :D

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1) Horse Sh-T

30 years of cafeteria food and look at me..

On second thought keep your eyes closed.


2) Slick,

The reason they split up the back is to let you know you have to pull it closed.
But when I was in the hospital, the sound of the wind blowing up the canyon was kinda eerie.


3) A good "poofer" is a great ice breaker.....Hey, whatcha here for?

Remember, a good poof, snore and a nice bowl o'hospital jello ROCK!


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You'll kick this thing in the batonga wongas and we'll put your arse on a plane and a bicycle next summer.



Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France Six times with no testicles.


You should win it at least 9.


Love you!


And remember to look for the Head Nurse....... :confused: ;) :eek:

Slick, I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Squeekers sends head bumpies. :)

I'll be in Vancouver next week, maybe I can pop over and visit.

Slick, What horrible news. I admire your attitude! You will get through this.
Beenie and Frankie send lots of kisses and I will be praying for you.

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Originally Posted by manda_moo87

I'll be in Vancouver next week, maybe I can pop over and visit.

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Amanada, I would love nothing better but don't forget it's a work week for me. I won't be able to meet on the 15th or the 17th but the rest of the week is fine. You still have all my contact info, including work number?

Catty, I see you mentioned coming into the town as well. Did I give you my work contact info?

Cincy's Mom, Seattle or Vancouver? Push for it, OK? Would love to see you again.

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3) A good "poofer" is a great ice breaker.....Hey, whatcha here for?

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:D :D :D Richard, I can always count on you to make me laugh. God I love you for that!! Say, why don't you come up and visit me??? I need someone to hold my gown together. :D :D

I just thought of two other scary things:
- getting a catheter put in (ouch!!!)
- using the toilet that other patients have used (up here there are 3 people to a room)

I know, I know, don't sweat the small stuff but these things scare me more than the surgery. :rolleyes: :p None of this will cost me anything except the hopsital stay and I don't know if I can get a private room or how much that will set me back...but I'm going to inquire about it anyway. Actually, I don't even know if there is such a thing as a private room in VGH.

Happy Friday everyone and thumbs up for a happy and productive day! Meet me over at the bar we'll celebrate. :D

Happy Friday to you! We'll all help you get through this. I hope you have a beautiful day.

Hi Slick,

Don't worry, VGH does have private rooms. You should also check with your insurance because alot of times it will cover at least a portion of the cost of a private room (since they don't have to pay for much else in Canada).

Besides a pair of ear plugs might not be such a bad idea (just in case :D )

Oh NOOOOOOOOO, I just read this (was on vacation again)
Dear Slick, I am so sorry for you! I admire you for being so positive! THAT is the best attitude to cope with it! Be sure to know you have lots and lots of great friends here!! We will pull you through, no worries!!

I just read this. Keep up the positive attitude and you will be in my prayer. ((HUG))

Good morning dear friend.

I see this thread is getting a little crowded with responses! Way to go Pet Talker's!!!!!!

Thinking of you and hope you have a good Friday.

xxoo me

Oh ((((slick)))), I just read the news and I'm totally in shock!! But I can only admire the way how you face this challenge!! Being positive is the best way to fight the Big C. I'm also relieved to read that it's a tumor that doesn't spread, and that you won't need chemo. Also, I think that they scheduled the surgery for September or October is a good sign. Otherwise they would have sent you to the hospital right away!

But of course it's still scary. Some years ago, I was diagnosed with an adenoma in my pituitary gland, and even though I was told I'd probably won't even need surgery, I was scared to death. Tumors are always such a scary thing! And every time I have MRTs I'm scared it has grown.

I'm sending the best wishes to you for a full recovery. And I'm sure you will also be able to fight the horrors of the hospital food! ;)

BTW, I totally sympathize with you regarding your discomfort about sharing your room with other patients. I HATED it when I was in hospital for my back surgery two years ago. Being the loner that I am, it was just horrible for me to have no privacy. That was the most horrible thing of the entire surgery - and being seperated from Luna and Lily, of course! I missed them terribly while I was in hospital.

(((HUGS)))

Kirsten

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Originally Posted by gini

Good morning dear friend.

I see this thread is getting a little crowded with responses! Way to go Pet Talker's!!!!!!

Thinking of you and hope you have a good Friday.

xxoo me

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Heck gini, we're just getting warmed up!!!

We'll keep talking to slick all through her sir-jury never mind she won't be able to see the responses while she's in hospital. !!! She'll have an entire novel to read while she is home recooping!!! ;)

Angels have been requested and are already there. So if you start feeling crowded, that's why!!! ;)

(((HUGS))) from me my friend and
SMOOCHIES from the cat gang

Gosh Slick, you sure have a great attitude! I would be frantic. Will keep you in my prayers, and am going to look forward to that "see you in Findlay " next year! ;) I had surgery last year and while it wasn't on my list of the most fun things I've ever done, I can tell you that I feel better than I have for years. Gotta keep looking at the big picture.

Recovery is a great time to do things you keep putting off, like reading, painting, contacting old friends. I developed a serious case of PT addiction while I spent 6 weeks at home! :D

I am so glad you are going into this with a positive outlook.

IMO that is a big part of the battle.

Hugs and good vibes coming your way. :D

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Originally Posted by emily_the_spoiled

Hi Slick, Don't worry, VGH does have private rooms. You should also check with your insurance because alot of times it will cover at least a portion of the cost of a private room (since they don't have to pay for much else in Canada).

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Wow ETS, you must have some connections to find that out from way over there. Thanks for the info. Since I'm such a big "planner", I've already done some research. My insurance through work will cover 100% of hospital costs for a semi-private room.....that cost varies depending on where in VGH I am. The new tower is $110/day and the old part is $75/day. If I chose a private room the cost is $150/day in the tower and $115/day in the other parts. The surgeon's office will book the surgery and at the same time request that I want a private room....although I was told there is no guarantee. So there you have it. Will probably not have any other update information until after the 17th.

Thanks again for your love and support everyone. MOFF, expect an email from me today. ;)

Two dates are "cast" in my thoughts,

August 17th,

August 24th,



Slick, You are an AWESOME person!!!!

these two dates symbolize my power of Prayers!!! I promise, I will be thinking of YOU!!!! ;) You have got my WORD on that!!!!

Hi Slickster, I just had lunch with ETS and of course we talked about many things (as usual) but also of course, talked about you. She told me about a shuttle bus that can take me right from the Seattle airport directly to the Vancouver airport. Only takes about an hour. Hell's bell's that's faster than taking a plane, considering the airport security and all. Sooooooo... *puts on thinking cap, gets out paper and pen, checks calendar* ;)

Hey Slick.....when I was in the hospital recently I was given a private room (did not request it nor was I charged for it.) I am not sure why but perhaps being difficult and generally distrustful of medical personnel helps?

I don't know if you could ever be "difficult" but it might be worth a try.....(it comes naturally to me.... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Be glad to give lessons.... ;) )

Remember , Slick is from the "Island of Misfit Toys!!!

She is hard to reach? I think not, in your case.

I'd go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by lbaker

Hi Slickster, I just had lunch with ETS and of course we talked about many things (as usual) but also of course, talked about you. She told me about a shuttle bus that can take me right from the Seattle airport directly to the Vancouver airport. Only takes about an hour. Hell's bell's that's faster than taking a plane, considering the airport security and all. Sooooooo... *puts on thinking cap, gets out paper and pen, checks calendar* ;)

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I meant that last reply for you!!!

Sorry for the delayed response, which is, BTW, *D##N!*

If anyone can beat this, you can. And I know you will. You asked if anyone knew about this kind of "thing" and yes..my elderly uncle just had the same sirjury last summer and is fine. No further treatment. He was in the hospital almost one week, but went about his normal routine when he came home. Except for feeling tired and sore (oops i gave him a bear hug :rolleyes: ))he looks and feels great. You will too!

Be sure to let us know where you want the pizzas delivered.

Wish I could be there for you too. You're awesome and I love you....Karen

My insurance covers a private room but at the hospital I was there were only rooms for 2 persons :(

I had to share a room with a girl (ok like eary 30s) and she had two kids who whenever they came to see her they were not worried about their mom (they were like ten) they only said how difficult it was to get around as she could not do the driving because of her damn brain tumor. Then she cried all the time after they left!!!!!! I hope you get that private room!

Hi Slick,

I am originally from Canada and haven't lost all my connections :D :D

Unfortunately I don't have enough connections at VGH to get you a private room. Usually if you request a private room they will do their best to get you one (especially because you will be in for a week). I know people at other hospitals, just not VGH...

I'm really sorry to hear about this news. Having a positive attitude makes all the difference in the world, and it really seems like you have the right approach. I hope the surgery and everything goes well, and everyone here will be thinking of you.

I think its pretty obvious by now that you are far from being everyone's last choice.

Keep your sense of humor intact and all else should fall into place.

(((hugs))))

Julie

Slick, your story about the mail slot reminded me of a friend who has been battling breast cancer for over 6 years. She lost both her parents and grandparents to breast cance, and alwasy felt for her it was a matter of when, not if.

What really has amazed me through her battle has been attitude. Her motto has been "Find a bigger problem" No matter how bad things seem for you, someone else is dealing with something worse. Sorat of the same idea of it all being small stuff, but a little different twist.

Lots more thoughts and prayers coming your way

Hi. I'm just reading this now. You have a very positive attitude, and that will help LOTS. This is difficult for me to respond to. I'm glad it isn't the kind from smoking or second-hand smoke.

It's good that you have LOTS and LOTS of resources available to you. When this is all done and over with, your experience will be a priceless asset to you in relating to others with cancer.

God is working in your life, even though it probably isn't the manner in which you might have expected! Just keep the faith, and ask God to be with you every step of the way. You will do fine.

I will keep you in my prayers.................

Deb

Oh, yes, Slick - I forgot to mention that, but excellent slippers are key! You will be a celebrity when you walk the floor in your kitty slippers, as I was when I had my tiger-head slippers. They were huge, and had plastic fangs so it looked like they were chomping on my ankles. Whenever I walked, I'd get "Oh, you're the girl with the slippers!" Way better than those whimpy, characterless hospital-issued things.

And about the food gifts - I'd wait until you see how you feel after waking up - I wasn't hungry for a couple days, the anesthesia does that to some people. I'd save up the gifts of food for when you're feeling up to eating!

I couldn't head into the weekend without telling you that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers every day, Vickie. I hope you can enjoy your weekend.

Keep the faith. We will too!

Logan

I did some more phone callin' today. Found out that not only can I bring my kitty slippers and nightshirts, but I can also bring my own pillow and housecoat. Was told I would have to wear the dreaded gown for the first 2-3 days just in case they have to "get at something in a hurry." I really didn't question what that meant. :eek: :D

Also, thanks to pnance I've got some of my questions answered by her thoracic surgeon friend. Thanks Tricia!!!

I also spoke to a coworker who is trained as a nurse and she has been volunteering at VGH for 7 years now. She gave me some very useful information. As well, she told me I could have a phone and TV in my room. Oh goody, now I can still keep up with Coronation Street and The Young & the Restless. ;) :D

Logan: I do have a strong faith and I'm sure that's what's keeping in sane. There really is so much to think about.

Karen: there isn't much that can kill my appetite but I will probably take your advice and hold off on the treats for a couple of days.

Once again, thank you all for your prayers. I know that there are many other people on this board who need our prayers as well.....let's not forget them, OK?

Love ya!

Slick, I just saw this (Ive been kind of out of the loop for a while) and I admire your attiude and spirit, Im a firm believer of living life, not letting life living you. I'll be praying for you, even though I really haven't had a chance to get to know you that well. I concider you a friend, and a great member of this community :)

Keep an eye out for those good lookin medical people ;) and thank the nurse if he or she is really cool...Ive had great nurses and Ive had REEEEEEEEALLY bad ones lol, and the bad ones made me apriciate the good ones!

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Originally Posted by slick

Also, thanks to pnance I've got some of my questions answered by her thoracic surgeon friend. Thanks Tricia!!!

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Not a problem at all, and as I said don't hesitate to email me if you think of any others, she'd be happy to answer any you have.

Kelly's right shaved legs, manicure, pedicure go all out, having worked with a lot of people in the medical field I'd say you've got a good shot at getting at least a few hunky helpers. Maybe you can get one to help hold your gown closed...... ;) :p

I'm so sorry Slick :(

I just saw this now. I really don't know what to say, as everyone has already said what I would've said and I don't want to repeat everything. Just please know that we all care about you, even those of us (like myself) who have never talked to you before. You are a wonderful person and I hope you keep up the great attitiude that you have :)