I have cancer....the road to recovery

[harpmom]

I am usually a lurker and not a poster, but I felt I had to respond to this thread. My father has had a carcinoid tumor in his abdomen for a long time. It was discovered, like yours, serendipitously, when he had an MRI for kidney stones. That was about ten years ago and they told him then that he had probably had it for ten or twelve years before that.

He did have surgery about 6 years ago, performed by a carcinoid specialist in New Orleans and has done well since. He takes an injection (I'm sorry I can't tell you what) every three months that helps to keep the carcinoid from growing. Other than that, his only symptoms are related to old age (he's 77 now) and to the fact that they took some 12 feet of his small intestine when they did his surgery.

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I pray to God that you do well through it.

[K9soul]

Slick, I am so very sorry to hear you are going through such a tremendously stressful and daunting experience. I want you to know you will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. You have all of us here for support and prayers, to help you pull through this, never doubt how loved you are. Many warm {{hugs}} sent your way.

Jess

[slick]

I'm still doing wonderfully and I just can't believe how happy I feel. I'm not the least bit anxious or worried......except about what I mentioned above. Been on the phone with two PT'ers so far today and it's not even 11am!!!

Gini Surprisingly enough, I have all those in my stash of halloween costumes downstairs. I'm off to get them packed.

Won't have anymore news until the evening of the 17th so I'll post and update then.

Note to self - things to pack
-nightshirts
-lots of undies and socks
-change of clothes to go home in
-Dad's housecoat (RIP Dad, you will be with me)
-Kitty slippers
-pillow
-toothbrush/paste
-lotion/vitamin E cream for my face
-shampoo / good Ivory soap bar ??? (will I get a chance to shower??)
-a good towel and facecloth
-man size kleenex (can't stand what the hospital gives you - 1" x 1" )
-cutlery (for when visitors bring me some of the good stuff)
-a real glass and a mug (can't stand those plastic ones)
-a list of people who might phone on surgery day - to give to the nurses and tell them it's OK to give out information
-a list of phone numbers so I can call from my room (probably won't be until day 2 or 3)

What to take home with me:
-a whole pile of drugs to make the pain to far, far away.....

I was telling my friends today.....and I know it sounds very weird....but....I'm looking forward to being in bed for a week and being waited on hand and foot.

[BOBS DAD]

Don't have advice, but I am totally sure that you are going to get a ton of good stuff from the folks here at PT. Just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you and that you know you will always have the support of we here at PT.

P.S. You seem to have a "great attitude" and from anyone/everyone I know who has gone through this - that is the singlemost important thing you have going for you. Good luck and God Bless.

Dan

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Aw, Sweetie, you aren't alone and we will be with you every step of the way!!!

I know how frightening the word cancer is. My dad had a rare type. He was only the 13th person in the US to have that kind and the only one to survive it. One of my aunts had two different types of cancer and beat them both.

Best advice I can give you is eat as well as possible. Lots of good healthy food, laugh as much as possible, cuddle with Max until his eyes pop, and know that we love you and are here for you.

Oh, and extra guardian angels are being put on call to be with you, especially during your surgery and hospital stay!!!

*by the way, I mailed your bd card this morning before I saw this. I wanted to make sure you got it before your bd this year*

[gini]

Hi you - popping briefly onto this thread to give you my Thursday support.

Yes, Connie, a host of angels - what a beautiful thought.

Lord, Slick, you are already thinking about a "hunk of an intern"..............
wouldn't you know? Shave your legs? Well, thank goodness you won't be doing that at my house!!

You know, I feel as though this thread will be the largest in number of replies in the history of Pet Talk as we keep in daily touch with you and offer you our prayers and love.

xxoo me

[popcornbird]

Oh Slick. I'm at such a loss of words. Know that you will be in my prayers everyday, and I just know God will help you pull through this. May He restore your health completely, and help you keep up with this strong attitude, that will help you pass through every single day. The tiels will be sending extra prayers for their very favorite Canadian auntie too.

{{{hugs}}}

[jenluckenbach]

Slick, could you PM me your email?? I keep losing those things.

[anna_66]

Slick,

Wow, what can I say? I seen the title of the thread and I thought no...it must be something else, but I'm sorry to see it's not.
I never know what to say at times like these, "I'm sorry" just doesn't seem right. Especially for a woman like you. You have such a great attitude and prospective on the future I know that this is only going to be a small bump in the road for you.
So let me say dear friend that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything at all I can do for you...just let me know

Lots of healing prayers coming your way.

(((HUGS)))
Anna

[Zippy]

I am so sorry(((HUGS)))
I will keep you in my prayers.

[moosmom]

OMG Slick, I'm speechless. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

((((((HUGS))))))

Donna

[jackie]

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.

[slick]

The meeting with the surgeon went really, really well. I just love this guy. He's caring and compassionate and explained everything to me. I took a co-worker with me to be a second pair of ears. She is a cancer survivor and helped me with all my questions and even asked some questions I didn't think of.

Anyway, my surgery date is September 14th. That fast. I couldn't believe it. I came away with a whole pile of pamphlets to read so I've got my work cut out for me. I even have to do exercises before and after the surgery.

The next few weeks will be really busy as I have to meet with lots of doctors and people before the operation. There's more to tell but it's all boring stuff. PM me if you to know.

Thanks again for all you well wishes. I have no doubt that I'll be back at work by November 1st. Piece of cake, guys.

[Dorothy39]

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!


You are SLICK!!!!!!

[jenluckenbach]

I even have to do exercises before and after the surgery.

EXERCISE?!?!?!?! No way, it's not worth it. (joking....LOL)

Thanks for the update. You've been constantly in my thoughts.