kt8889
04-12-2008, 12:59 PM
Hello Everyone...well, we have managed to close another thread, so I wanted to make sure we started a new one right away. For new people looking for information, this is a thread that began as, Adenomas Vs. FNH back in 2003...then we continued it to Liver Cell Adenoma and now we are here. Please feel free to read back through as many of us have discussed test, biopsy and surgery of these lovely tumors. We are here for support and will answer any questions you might have.
Ladies, hope you have having a great weekend! Yesterday was a success and I am feeling much better today! :)
Hugs to all,
Katie
Ladies, hope you have having a great weekend! Yesterday was a success and I am feeling much better today! :)
Hugs to all,
Katie
Sponsor
bethegk7
04-12-2008, 01:33 PM
Thank goodness you finally had success! Sad but true that success = a bm!
Take care of yourself Katie!
Hope you are feeling better Stacey and getting ready for the big day!
Enjoy the weekend. It is 60 degrees now but we are supposed to have snow tomorrow!!! My poor daffodils are trying to bloom!
Best,
beth
Take care of yourself Katie!
Hope you are feeling better Stacey and getting ready for the big day!
Enjoy the weekend. It is 60 degrees now but we are supposed to have snow tomorrow!!! My poor daffodils are trying to bloom!
Best,
beth
nessie1
04-12-2008, 02:32 PM
yeah - well done katie - did you beat my 10 days???glad your doing ok.
hope your all ok , sun is shining here and spring is on its way! stacey hope your ok hun, have you packed yet? you are in my prayers and i know you will be fine. :angel:
juliet -how do you feel today? feel any clearer on situation?
im very very tired today and feeling a little frustrated at feeling like a prisoner sometimes.my hubby doesnt drive so its a bit of a nightmare - thank god for internet food shopping! hopefully this week i will get ok from GP to drive again - yeah!even little journeys to the shop etc will be nice.
take care all
nessie x
hope your all ok , sun is shining here and spring is on its way! stacey hope your ok hun, have you packed yet? you are in my prayers and i know you will be fine. :angel:
juliet -how do you feel today? feel any clearer on situation?
im very very tired today and feeling a little frustrated at feeling like a prisoner sometimes.my hubby doesnt drive so its a bit of a nightmare - thank god for internet food shopping! hopefully this week i will get ok from GP to drive again - yeah!even little journeys to the shop etc will be nice.
take care all
nessie x
kt8889
04-12-2008, 11:02 PM
I just got on quickly and yes, Nessie, I beat your 10 days...took me 9. So we have a challenge for Stacey, to have a BM after surgery before 9 days. :D How funny...thank god we have each other for support and laughs! You hang in there Nessie, just think of those days at work that we have 12 things due by 5:00 and you have to get your son to two places after school. I know it is hard, I am still not feeling all that great, so it has not gotten to me yet....but I am feeling so much better, it won't be long.
Beth, so sorry about your flowers, the cold weather got here today too.
Juliet, talk to us love..how you hanging in there? I am sending lots of hugs your way. :angel:
Stacey, have a wonderful Sunday and we will be praying for you lots this week.
Talk to you all soon, enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hugs,
Katie
Beth, so sorry about your flowers, the cold weather got here today too.
Juliet, talk to us love..how you hanging in there? I am sending lots of hugs your way. :angel:
Stacey, have a wonderful Sunday and we will be praying for you lots this week.
Talk to you all soon, enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hugs,
Katie
cailea
04-13-2008, 12:07 AM
Hi All,
Just a message from the "girl from Tassie" that she is okay and will be back soon.
Huggs
cailea
Just a message from the "girl from Tassie" that she is okay and will be back soon.
Huggs
cailea
bethegk7
04-14-2008, 09:42 AM
Stacey, just a quick note to say that I am thinking of you. Are you feeling better? What time is your surgery tomorrow. Heck of a way to spend tax day! You are in good hands and have prayers from around the world.
Best,
Beth
Best,
Beth
LindaG40
04-14-2008, 01:13 PM
Hi Ladies...
I'm back from my sales meeting...thank goodness! I just want to thank you all for your support and kindness. I honestly felt a little bit guilty that I don't need surgery (yet) to remove my adenomas, knowing that everyone else has faced or is facing surgery. I did have my surgery cancelled the day before it had been scheduled, so I do understand the pre-op stress and anxiety. I still feel a little anxious knowing that these things are in my liver and there is still some risk associated with them, but I trust that my doctors know what they are doing by just monitoring them for now.
Stacey, my thoughts and prayers go out to you as you prepare for your surgery. We'll all be waiting to hear how your surgery goes and will be praying for a speedy recovery (and bm!).
I have a few questions for those of you who have had your adenomas monitored for a couple of years (MHarris, I think?):
How did you first know you had them?
Were you symptomatic all along, or did they increase?
What size were they when you first found them?
How big are they now?
How often did you go in for MRI/CT/US? Did you do just one test each time?
Did you have pregnancy with them? Did you know you had them before getting pregnant?
Just a few things I want to know as I monitor mine.;)
Linda
I'm back from my sales meeting...thank goodness! I just want to thank you all for your support and kindness. I honestly felt a little bit guilty that I don't need surgery (yet) to remove my adenomas, knowing that everyone else has faced or is facing surgery. I did have my surgery cancelled the day before it had been scheduled, so I do understand the pre-op stress and anxiety. I still feel a little anxious knowing that these things are in my liver and there is still some risk associated with them, but I trust that my doctors know what they are doing by just monitoring them for now.
Stacey, my thoughts and prayers go out to you as you prepare for your surgery. We'll all be waiting to hear how your surgery goes and will be praying for a speedy recovery (and bm!).
I have a few questions for those of you who have had your adenomas monitored for a couple of years (MHarris, I think?):
How did you first know you had them?
Were you symptomatic all along, or did they increase?
What size were they when you first found them?
How big are they now?
How often did you go in for MRI/CT/US? Did you do just one test each time?
Did you have pregnancy with them? Did you know you had them before getting pregnant?
Just a few things I want to know as I monitor mine.;)
Linda
nessie1
04-14-2008, 04:46 PM
a real quickie
sorry sooo busy !
stacey - good luck my love - prayers are being sent you will be fine, stay calm and remember that "calm" that will come over you - trust me.
:angel:
nessie
sorry sooo busy !
stacey - good luck my love - prayers are being sent you will be fine, stay calm and remember that "calm" that will come over you - trust me.
:angel:
nessie
granolawife
04-14-2008, 05:35 PM
Hi ...
Stacey, just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts as you go into your surgery! I hope you have a very speedy and healthy recovery!!! Please keep us posted when you are able...
Katie and Nessie... I hope you continue to feel better and better with each day...
I am still waiting to hear back from the drs. in pittsburgh...frustrating... I know that a couple of them have looked at everything and still have not rendered an opinion.
waiting waiting waiting...
i think i really could use a good dose of patience!
:)
Stacey, just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts as you go into your surgery! I hope you have a very speedy and healthy recovery!!! Please keep us posted when you are able...
Katie and Nessie... I hope you continue to feel better and better with each day...
I am still waiting to hear back from the drs. in pittsburgh...frustrating... I know that a couple of them have looked at everything and still have not rendered an opinion.
waiting waiting waiting...
i think i really could use a good dose of patience!
:)
cailea
04-15-2008, 04:01 AM
Hey all,
Juliet - Sounds like you had a very eventful day! At least now there is a plan in place that you can focus on. You sound much more focused and confident about what is going on. Go Juliet!!!!
Stacey - Good luck, thoughts and best wishes heading your way.
cailea
x
Juliet - Sounds like you had a very eventful day! At least now there is a plan in place that you can focus on. You sound much more focused and confident about what is going on. Go Juliet!!!!
Stacey - Good luck, thoughts and best wishes heading your way.
cailea
x
nessie1
04-15-2008, 07:50 AM
hey ladies
juliet- im so pleased for you mate . sounds like you are being very positive and im so glad you have made the decision. im my hunble opinion it is the right one. i have missed chatting to you. what kind of telling off did you get??!! nice that you will be close to home and even if the wait is a bit longer if your gut feeling is to go with this surgeon and you need to. no epidural - yippee for you! you will be fine and this nightmare will end. take care
im doing ok , im driving now, not much rest at mo as son home on school holidays. feeling very tired. went to docs yesterday have to have full bloodwork done on thursday to check liver function is getting back to normal but doc thinks im anaemic at mo as very pale and eyes and toungue very pale. also sugar levels are not quite stable. seeing surgeon next week to discuss results and action plan for remaining little buggers - hopefully just MRI's.
stacey - prayers are with you hun , let us know as soon as you can :angel:
katie - you ok hun? as each week passes its amazing how you feel so much better. the odd bad day but thats about it.
granolawife - a dose of patience coming your way! thanks for you get well thoughts. i so hope you get your answers soon but this is a waiting game im afraid.
linda - glad your doing ok hun. i will have more info on monitoring these next week when i see my surgeon, as you know i have 4 more that need monitoring, once i know what they are i will be a little clearer. take care x
cailea - hey there - how are you? whats the next step for you again? sorry mate i didnt get chance to read back very far!!! take care x
anyway going out to lunch with my boys and off out later with sister for some retail therepy. im off to germany in may with work so need some new outfits!
by the way - got weighed and another 3lb gone on yeah!!
:)nessie x
juliet- im so pleased for you mate . sounds like you are being very positive and im so glad you have made the decision. im my hunble opinion it is the right one. i have missed chatting to you. what kind of telling off did you get??!! nice that you will be close to home and even if the wait is a bit longer if your gut feeling is to go with this surgeon and you need to. no epidural - yippee for you! you will be fine and this nightmare will end. take care
im doing ok , im driving now, not much rest at mo as son home on school holidays. feeling very tired. went to docs yesterday have to have full bloodwork done on thursday to check liver function is getting back to normal but doc thinks im anaemic at mo as very pale and eyes and toungue very pale. also sugar levels are not quite stable. seeing surgeon next week to discuss results and action plan for remaining little buggers - hopefully just MRI's.
stacey - prayers are with you hun , let us know as soon as you can :angel:
katie - you ok hun? as each week passes its amazing how you feel so much better. the odd bad day but thats about it.
granolawife - a dose of patience coming your way! thanks for you get well thoughts. i so hope you get your answers soon but this is a waiting game im afraid.
linda - glad your doing ok hun. i will have more info on monitoring these next week when i see my surgeon, as you know i have 4 more that need monitoring, once i know what they are i will be a little clearer. take care x
cailea - hey there - how are you? whats the next step for you again? sorry mate i didnt get chance to read back very far!!! take care x
anyway going out to lunch with my boys and off out later with sister for some retail therepy. im off to germany in may with work so need some new outfits!
by the way - got weighed and another 3lb gone on yeah!!
:)nessie x
bethegk7
04-15-2008, 10:38 AM
Juliet, I will race you to the OR! My date is 6 weeks from tomorrow. Most days I am calm -- today a bit nervous. I cannot wait for surgery...never thought I would say that. You need to do what is best for you and having the surgery in Tasmania sounds right for you. I went with the doctor who is closer (45 minutes vs. 100 minutes). The larger hospital with the liver transplant unit is farther away but I could not find a doctor that was covered by my insurance. For awhile I was nervous about that but my surgeon is great, only does livers and pancreas and has seen adenomas before. He does regular resections of the liver which is really the key point. You want someone who knows how to remove part of the liver. Mine does one a week so he knows what he is doing. I feel comfortable with him and in the end that is what matters. I guess we found out how closely monitored these are -- did you get in a lot of trouble? :(
Nessie, I agree with Juliet you are doing way too much. Please take it easy you are still recovering from major surgery.
Linda, that is great that you are on the wait and see list. I was watched for a year when they thought they were FNHs. I was scheduled to have a MRI every year to monitor growth along with requisite blood tests.
Cailea any date yet?
Katie how are you feeling? Ready for a meeting? I am still shaking my head about your boss. Wow!
I hope Stacey is doing well.
Enjoy the day.
Beth
Nessie, I agree with Juliet you are doing way too much. Please take it easy you are still recovering from major surgery.
Linda, that is great that you are on the wait and see list. I was watched for a year when they thought they were FNHs. I was scheduled to have a MRI every year to monitor growth along with requisite blood tests.
Cailea any date yet?
Katie how are you feeling? Ready for a meeting? I am still shaking my head about your boss. Wow!
I hope Stacey is doing well.
Enjoy the day.
Beth
cailea
04-15-2008, 11:22 AM
Hey all,
Doing ok here in the land down under, physically things are not too bad, mentally, I think I am going crazy, like you Beth, I just want the op to happen asap.
They still haven't called with the date, so I spend each day jumping each time the phone rings. Almost a week of the "within 2 weeks" is up!!
I have gone back to the old board and read through nessie's surgical experience. It has answered questions that I didn't ask the surgeon.
I do have one strange question - it is regarding being able to wear a bra after surgery. I am presuming the wound will be in a similar place? Not sure how I am going to cope if can't wear one..lol
Beth, hang in there, 6 weeks will fly by, and at the rate I am progressing we will be going in at the same time :)
huggs
cailea
x
Doing ok here in the land down under, physically things are not too bad, mentally, I think I am going crazy, like you Beth, I just want the op to happen asap.
They still haven't called with the date, so I spend each day jumping each time the phone rings. Almost a week of the "within 2 weeks" is up!!
I have gone back to the old board and read through nessie's surgical experience. It has answered questions that I didn't ask the surgeon.
I do have one strange question - it is regarding being able to wear a bra after surgery. I am presuming the wound will be in a similar place? Not sure how I am going to cope if can't wear one..lol
Beth, hang in there, 6 weeks will fly by, and at the rate I am progressing we will be going in at the same time :)
huggs
cailea
x
kt8889
04-15-2008, 11:23 AM
Hello Everyone,
Stacey, you are in my prayers today. I know you are being watched over today, let us know how you are when you can.
granolawife, I will pray for patience for you, the waiting and unknown is harder then surgery, I think everyone will agree with that, so hang in there. We understand and are here for you.
Linda, I hope you get some answers, hopefully someone will help you out with some of your questions.
Nessie, make sure you put in a DVD or see if your friends can take your son for a play date. You need to rest my friend and keep taking care of yourself.
Juliet, I was worried about you, but I thought you might have gotten your hand slapped. I am just so happy for your news today. I am so glad you are close to home and you feel good with your surgeon. It sounds like your surgery is going to be very much like mine. Pain control is really good while in the hospital, even without the epidural. The nurses can give you shots into your IV of break through pain meds, so you will be just fine. I did not have a nasal tube either, I think that might go with the epidural. You sound great today and I am just so happy for you! :angel:
Beth, the race is on with you and Juliet and Cailea. I totally understand the nervous days and wanting to get through surgery. It is such a focal point in our lives. Hey, did you every hear anything from your interview last week? I hope good things.
Well, I am still doing ok. I am lowering my dose of meds and still feeling good, so I am happy about that. My mom is going home today, so I am on my own. ;) She lives about 6 hours away, so she just stayed extra time to hang out and I am going to miss her. I also have a doctors appointment tomorrow for two week follow up. Please say a prayer that it will not be like last follow up appointment. I don't know what else he can tell me now that my adenoma is out, but I just want to hear good things.
Hugs out to all of you!
Katie
Stacey, you are in my prayers today. I know you are being watched over today, let us know how you are when you can.
granolawife, I will pray for patience for you, the waiting and unknown is harder then surgery, I think everyone will agree with that, so hang in there. We understand and are here for you.
Linda, I hope you get some answers, hopefully someone will help you out with some of your questions.
Nessie, make sure you put in a DVD or see if your friends can take your son for a play date. You need to rest my friend and keep taking care of yourself.
Juliet, I was worried about you, but I thought you might have gotten your hand slapped. I am just so happy for your news today. I am so glad you are close to home and you feel good with your surgeon. It sounds like your surgery is going to be very much like mine. Pain control is really good while in the hospital, even without the epidural. The nurses can give you shots into your IV of break through pain meds, so you will be just fine. I did not have a nasal tube either, I think that might go with the epidural. You sound great today and I am just so happy for you! :angel:
Beth, the race is on with you and Juliet and Cailea. I totally understand the nervous days and wanting to get through surgery. It is such a focal point in our lives. Hey, did you every hear anything from your interview last week? I hope good things.
Well, I am still doing ok. I am lowering my dose of meds and still feeling good, so I am happy about that. My mom is going home today, so I am on my own. ;) She lives about 6 hours away, so she just stayed extra time to hang out and I am going to miss her. I also have a doctors appointment tomorrow for two week follow up. Please say a prayer that it will not be like last follow up appointment. I don't know what else he can tell me now that my adenoma is out, but I just want to hear good things.
Hugs out to all of you!
Katie
kt8889
04-15-2008, 12:28 PM
Cailea, I wanted to respond to the bra question. Many of us on here are in the
D cup club, :), and we have talked about this. I did not wear a bra fro about 10 days after surgery, my surgery was hand assisted laparscopic, so I don't have the long scar, but a small incision right under my bra and I do fine with it now. Nessie, how high does your incision come to your bra line?
It is amazing all the little things that we have questions about before surgery. I am glad we have somewhere to come to for these things. :angel:
My mom left and I am a 37 yr old woman with two kids of her own and I am amazed how sad I got after she left. I am very tired today anyway and I think it is just one of those days, but it is sad. Could this be made worse by all the drugs in my system?
Katie
D cup club, :), and we have talked about this. I did not wear a bra fro about 10 days after surgery, my surgery was hand assisted laparscopic, so I don't have the long scar, but a small incision right under my bra and I do fine with it now. Nessie, how high does your incision come to your bra line?
It is amazing all the little things that we have questions about before surgery. I am glad we have somewhere to come to for these things. :angel:
My mom left and I am a 37 yr old woman with two kids of her own and I am amazed how sad I got after she left. I am very tired today anyway and I think it is just one of those days, but it is sad. Could this be made worse by all the drugs in my system?
Katie
bethegk7
04-15-2008, 01:25 PM
Katie, I wish I were there to give you a hug! I am 39 years old and I know that I will be in need of my mommy when the time comes. My husband is slightly offended as he feels that he can take care of me but my mom is insistent about coming to taking care of me...and I want her to! Hang in there. I hope your appointments go well. I look forward to no longer needing a liver surgeon/specialist! I will not hear about whether or not I am a finalist for the job until next week. I love having so many balls in the air!
I type this as I sit at work with no bra on because I don't need one.... wish I had more to worry about there but alas I do not!:( Grass is always greener!
best,
Beth
I type this as I sit at work with no bra on because I don't need one.... wish I had more to worry about there but alas I do not!:( Grass is always greener!
best,
Beth
srwolts
04-15-2008, 07:41 PM
Hello all. This is Stacey's husband Chris. Just wanted to let you all know that my wife has been in recovery for about 4 hours now and all is going as well as could be hoped for. I just met with the surgeon and was told that he was able to remove the tumor and some marginal healthy tissue rather than remove the entire left lobe as was originally planned. The nurses have told me she is doing so well that she will not have to go to ICU and will get a regular room instead.
I got to see her a bit ago and she said she hurt a little and was still quite tired. They also said that they didn't have to place a central line or do a blood transfusion. The surgeon told me that the tumor was certainly benign (YAY!). This is the most positive answer we have gotten to date. Stacey is looking foward to sharing with you all, as many of you have done, and helping others get through their ordeal. Thank you all for the prayers.
Chris
I got to see her a bit ago and she said she hurt a little and was still quite tired. They also said that they didn't have to place a central line or do a blood transfusion. The surgeon told me that the tumor was certainly benign (YAY!). This is the most positive answer we have gotten to date. Stacey is looking foward to sharing with you all, as many of you have done, and helping others get through their ordeal. Thank you all for the prayers.
Chris
nessie1
04-16-2008, 06:41 AM
morning
cailea, hey there - you must be going out of your mind every time phone rings hun, . as for the bra thing - i only have little fried eggs at the mo from weight loss:( so no bra was not a problem - i only really wear one to give me some shape! my scar at the top is about 11/2 inch from bra. hopefuly as the weight goes back on they wil grow back! take care hun , keep us posted.
juliet and beth- i know how you feel with the waiting for surgery, its so awful but do things with family friends that your not going to be able to do straight after surgery. i went out with friends for a meal and one or two drinks(yeah right;)) and had a great time. took my son bowling etc. went out with hubby. im now five weeks out and can do all those things apart from drink and bowling but can go out for lunch and things now. it doesnt take long. before you know it it will all be done. take care. i think you should make the most of your mums too. my hubby has been good but i think if i had a mum i would have prefered that!
chris - thanks for keeping us updated. you are also going through this at the moment and its very hard. i dont think i realised how seeing me with all the tubes etc really affected my husband. he was very upset and made him realise what we have together. you need to be strong for stacey but dont be afraid to have a cry yourself - it helps. my husband was on the phone to quite a few of my friends when i was in and he was very emotional. give her a kiss and hug from us here. x
katie, you must be sad to see your mum go mate. i too have sad days and its all part of the healing process im sure. i have been very emotional this weekend too. cant quite comprehend what i have gone through in the last 6 months and knowing i have 4 more little buggers makes me feel uneasy. i think i may have PMT!:D. last night my son who is five never went to sleep until 11.30pm! i was evil - so tired. i feel like booking into hotel this weekend just to get some rest! he has gone to a football club today so at least i get a break. sorry for the moan! good luck with your appointment - im sure the worst is over and all will be fine. by the way tiredness is the main side effect with this surgery. i was told i would be more tired than i had ever been and he was so right. its a different kind of tired. getting better each day.
take care x
cailea, hey there - you must be going out of your mind every time phone rings hun, . as for the bra thing - i only have little fried eggs at the mo from weight loss:( so no bra was not a problem - i only really wear one to give me some shape! my scar at the top is about 11/2 inch from bra. hopefuly as the weight goes back on they wil grow back! take care hun , keep us posted.
juliet and beth- i know how you feel with the waiting for surgery, its so awful but do things with family friends that your not going to be able to do straight after surgery. i went out with friends for a meal and one or two drinks(yeah right;)) and had a great time. took my son bowling etc. went out with hubby. im now five weeks out and can do all those things apart from drink and bowling but can go out for lunch and things now. it doesnt take long. before you know it it will all be done. take care. i think you should make the most of your mums too. my hubby has been good but i think if i had a mum i would have prefered that!
chris - thanks for keeping us updated. you are also going through this at the moment and its very hard. i dont think i realised how seeing me with all the tubes etc really affected my husband. he was very upset and made him realise what we have together. you need to be strong for stacey but dont be afraid to have a cry yourself - it helps. my husband was on the phone to quite a few of my friends when i was in and he was very emotional. give her a kiss and hug from us here. x
katie, you must be sad to see your mum go mate. i too have sad days and its all part of the healing process im sure. i have been very emotional this weekend too. cant quite comprehend what i have gone through in the last 6 months and knowing i have 4 more little buggers makes me feel uneasy. i think i may have PMT!:D. last night my son who is five never went to sleep until 11.30pm! i was evil - so tired. i feel like booking into hotel this weekend just to get some rest! he has gone to a football club today so at least i get a break. sorry for the moan! good luck with your appointment - im sure the worst is over and all will be fine. by the way tiredness is the main side effect with this surgery. i was told i would be more tired than i had ever been and he was so right. its a different kind of tired. getting better each day.
take care x
cailea
04-16-2008, 06:54 AM
evening all,
well the phone didn't ring today but...........i got a letter *sigh*
The date is set for wed 23rd, I have to go for a pre-op assessment on monday.
It is a funny feeling as most of you know. I am glad but scared!!! I plan to enjoy this weekend as I might be the last for a while.
I so wish my mum could come out. She lives in France and its just too complicated so I guess I will have to rely on hubby! Geez he is a bad cook..haha
Stacey (via Chris) - hope you are doing well!! *huggs*
Juliet and Beth - looks like I have to go first :P
cailea
x
well the phone didn't ring today but...........i got a letter *sigh*
The date is set for wed 23rd, I have to go for a pre-op assessment on monday.
It is a funny feeling as most of you know. I am glad but scared!!! I plan to enjoy this weekend as I might be the last for a while.
I so wish my mum could come out. She lives in France and its just too complicated so I guess I will have to rely on hubby! Geez he is a bad cook..haha
Stacey (via Chris) - hope you are doing well!! *huggs*
Juliet and Beth - looks like I have to go first :P
cailea
x
bethegk7
04-16-2008, 09:31 AM
Chris/Stacey -- thank goodness she came through and with more of her liver than thought! That is great! Please give her our best!!!!
Cailea, I am happy for you but seeing the 23rd put a knock in my stomach! Wow that is a week away! Wow! I think that is probably better than the waiting. You will be fine!
Juliet, it is funny the one thing I am dying to know about my hospital is if I will have internet access so I can access this bulletin board! And, yes it is my husband who is a bit offended that my mom is coming! I know that the house would look like a complete wreck if it is left to him. He has a different threshold for mess than I do!
Nessie I usually wear a bra for shape as well. Yesterday happened to be a day when I decided to wear a camisole under my shirt instead. The only way to not look completely flat is to wear a bra! Nessie how did you son handle the pre-surgery bit. Last night my daughter cried...she is so worried about me but will not talk about it. The principal of her school came for dinner last night and we talked a bit about making sure Brittney is supported at school particularly the day that I have surgery. The school is great and I know that the principal and the school counselor will take good care of her. They did a great job when her aunt died. I feel so badly for her. This is school vacation week and she was supposed to go to a child care program this am but she did not want to go. She wanted to stay with me. So I am working from home for a bit and then will take her to the office with me. My parents arrive at noon to take care of her for the rest of the week. Hopefully some grandparent spoiling will do her good.
Katie are you ok? Granolawife?
Well I should actually work!
Best,
beth
Cailea, I am happy for you but seeing the 23rd put a knock in my stomach! Wow that is a week away! Wow! I think that is probably better than the waiting. You will be fine!
Juliet, it is funny the one thing I am dying to know about my hospital is if I will have internet access so I can access this bulletin board! And, yes it is my husband who is a bit offended that my mom is coming! I know that the house would look like a complete wreck if it is left to him. He has a different threshold for mess than I do!
Nessie I usually wear a bra for shape as well. Yesterday happened to be a day when I decided to wear a camisole under my shirt instead. The only way to not look completely flat is to wear a bra! Nessie how did you son handle the pre-surgery bit. Last night my daughter cried...she is so worried about me but will not talk about it. The principal of her school came for dinner last night and we talked a bit about making sure Brittney is supported at school particularly the day that I have surgery. The school is great and I know that the principal and the school counselor will take good care of her. They did a great job when her aunt died. I feel so badly for her. This is school vacation week and she was supposed to go to a child care program this am but she did not want to go. She wanted to stay with me. So I am working from home for a bit and then will take her to the office with me. My parents arrive at noon to take care of her for the rest of the week. Hopefully some grandparent spoiling will do her good.
Katie are you ok? Granolawife?
Well I should actually work!
Best,
beth
nessie1
04-16-2008, 10:03 AM
hey beth
how old is she ?
my boy is 5 and didnt really understand the concept.i was very honest with him about my liver and the lump, showed him pics of the scans and got a anatomy book from the library. he cried the last day i took him to school which broke my heart. i didnt speak to him for 2 days which was so hard. the first day he came into hospital i never had pain under control so it was very daunting for him but the following day i was ok and he was fine. since being home he has quiet days,. i ask him what is wrong and he says he wants his old mum back who can run around, playing rugby and play fights!now he can see im getting stronger he is not so bad and now im driving a bit of normality is good for him,. its so so hard hun but just try and be as honest with her as you feel you can be. i kept reassuring him that once it was out i could get better and we can move on. it has been a traumatic time for him seeing his mummy weak and sometimes in discomfort but he has been my little angel when it comes to helping me. give your daughter jobs to do when you come out as its makes them feel important and that they are helping in some way. i spoilt him rotton and got him a pressie to open every day i was in hospital.
the school were fantastic, giving him special jobs and stickers!
hope this helps hun
nessie x
how old is she ?
my boy is 5 and didnt really understand the concept.i was very honest with him about my liver and the lump, showed him pics of the scans and got a anatomy book from the library. he cried the last day i took him to school which broke my heart. i didnt speak to him for 2 days which was so hard. the first day he came into hospital i never had pain under control so it was very daunting for him but the following day i was ok and he was fine. since being home he has quiet days,. i ask him what is wrong and he says he wants his old mum back who can run around, playing rugby and play fights!now he can see im getting stronger he is not so bad and now im driving a bit of normality is good for him,. its so so hard hun but just try and be as honest with her as you feel you can be. i kept reassuring him that once it was out i could get better and we can move on. it has been a traumatic time for him seeing his mummy weak and sometimes in discomfort but he has been my little angel when it comes to helping me. give your daughter jobs to do when you come out as its makes them feel important and that they are helping in some way. i spoilt him rotton and got him a pressie to open every day i was in hospital.
the school were fantastic, giving him special jobs and stickers!
hope this helps hun
nessie x
kt8889
04-16-2008, 10:20 AM
Good Morning/Night ladies...
Cailea, I agree with Beth, WOW, next week. Take a paper and pen with you to your pre-op meeting next Monday. I always forget to ask something. You are going to be fine, you have prayers coming from all over the world! :angel:
Juliet, 6 weeks out huh? You and Beth might be in at the same time, and it is going to be here before we know it. Think about it, Nessie had her surgery 5 weeks ago and it seems like yesterday. I am so glad they let you back on here too. This is truly a life line for us. Nessie was my angle before surgery and the rest of you are my hero's just for being here. I am amazed at how close I feel to women I have never met in person. I am just so thankful for each of you. :angel: Ok, I think I am emotional again today. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I am glad you all say this is normal.
Beth, have a good week with grandma around to help. Your daughter will be just fine. Let her know about Nessie, Stacey and I and we did just great, just a little slow getting around after. It sounds like she goes to a great school for them to be so involved. What hospital are you going to?
Nessie, I am so glad you are doing so well. This weekend my boyfriend and I are invited to a wine dinner and I don't think I am ready yet. I eat like a bird and no drinks yet, so I am looking forward for a couple more weeks to go by so at least I can get back to normal. Glad you are feeling better everyday.
Chris/Stacey, I am so happy for you and Stacey. I hope she had a good night, but I remember the first night isn't about sleeping, just making sure she is comfortable. Please give her a kiss and hug from us. She is in my prayers, for an easy recovery. I agree with Juliet, it would be great if you would pick up a peace lily plant..it is our plant.
Well, I need to get in the shower to get ready for my follow up appointment. I am really nervous, not sure why, I think just because of my last appointment, but i am sure it will be fine.
Prayers out for all of you!
Hugs,
Katie
Cailea, I agree with Beth, WOW, next week. Take a paper and pen with you to your pre-op meeting next Monday. I always forget to ask something. You are going to be fine, you have prayers coming from all over the world! :angel:
Juliet, 6 weeks out huh? You and Beth might be in at the same time, and it is going to be here before we know it. Think about it, Nessie had her surgery 5 weeks ago and it seems like yesterday. I am so glad they let you back on here too. This is truly a life line for us. Nessie was my angle before surgery and the rest of you are my hero's just for being here. I am amazed at how close I feel to women I have never met in person. I am just so thankful for each of you. :angel: Ok, I think I am emotional again today. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I am glad you all say this is normal.
Beth, have a good week with grandma around to help. Your daughter will be just fine. Let her know about Nessie, Stacey and I and we did just great, just a little slow getting around after. It sounds like she goes to a great school for them to be so involved. What hospital are you going to?
Nessie, I am so glad you are doing so well. This weekend my boyfriend and I are invited to a wine dinner and I don't think I am ready yet. I eat like a bird and no drinks yet, so I am looking forward for a couple more weeks to go by so at least I can get back to normal. Glad you are feeling better everyday.
Chris/Stacey, I am so happy for you and Stacey. I hope she had a good night, but I remember the first night isn't about sleeping, just making sure she is comfortable. Please give her a kiss and hug from us. She is in my prayers, for an easy recovery. I agree with Juliet, it would be great if you would pick up a peace lily plant..it is our plant.
Well, I need to get in the shower to get ready for my follow up appointment. I am really nervous, not sure why, I think just because of my last appointment, but i am sure it will be fine.
Prayers out for all of you!
Hugs,
Katie
kt8889
04-16-2008, 01:45 PM
Good Afternoon my Friends,
I just wanted you to know that I just got back from my 2 week check up and I am all good and I never have to see my liver specialist again! :D I am so happy. No cancer anywhere in the tumor and I am healing well. He even said I can start driving whenever I feel ready and go back to work when ready. I am NOT ready yet.
I did ask him about hormonal birth control and he said that if I did ever take it again I would need CT scans every 6 months. I don't think I want to go that route, I know there are other options, so that is my next step.
I am so relieved and happy. Stacey, I hope you are doing well today!
Hugs,
Katie
I just wanted you to know that I just got back from my 2 week check up and I am all good and I never have to see my liver specialist again! :D I am so happy. No cancer anywhere in the tumor and I am healing well. He even said I can start driving whenever I feel ready and go back to work when ready. I am NOT ready yet.
I did ask him about hormonal birth control and he said that if I did ever take it again I would need CT scans every 6 months. I don't think I want to go that route, I know there are other options, so that is my next step.
I am so relieved and happy. Stacey, I hope you are doing well today!
Hugs,
Katie
LindaG40
04-16-2008, 02:07 PM
Hey everyone...prayers out to all of you for everything you've done for me and each other, and for the strength and patience you need to continue the fight. It's good to see you back Juliet, sorry you had to take one for the team!
I understand what you mean about watching the phone Cailea, I still jump every time I see UCSF Medical Center on my caller id! I just received a call from them yesterday, they have me scheduled for my follow-up CT on October 1, and then I should also be scheduled for a follow-up appointment with the hepatologist after that. I'm going to continue with my daily exercise plan (swimming and yoga), keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum (a glass of wine here and there can't hurt), watch what I eat, and practice safe sex! I have two reasons for absolutely not wanting to get pregnant at this time: 1) I'm single, and 2) I don't want to risk my health.
Thank you again for all of your support. I will continue to check in to see how everyone else is doing and offer up any advice and support I can give to help us all get through this ordeal together.
Linda:)
I understand what you mean about watching the phone Cailea, I still jump every time I see UCSF Medical Center on my caller id! I just received a call from them yesterday, they have me scheduled for my follow-up CT on October 1, and then I should also be scheduled for a follow-up appointment with the hepatologist after that. I'm going to continue with my daily exercise plan (swimming and yoga), keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum (a glass of wine here and there can't hurt), watch what I eat, and practice safe sex! I have two reasons for absolutely not wanting to get pregnant at this time: 1) I'm single, and 2) I don't want to risk my health.
Thank you again for all of your support. I will continue to check in to see how everyone else is doing and offer up any advice and support I can give to help us all get through this ordeal together.
Linda:)
granolawife
04-16-2008, 07:20 PM
Hi all...
First of all, Chris, thank you so much for giving us an update on Stacey. I am so glad to hear that she is ok and recovering well! I wish her a healthy and speedy recovery!
Katie, I am so happy for you that your follow-up went so well! It must feel like you've had a giant elephant lifted off of your shoulders! I continue to send you positive vibes for a healthy recovery! Nessie, you as well! Hope you are getting some rest over there... sounds like you've been running around quite a bit. Thank you both again for detailing your recovery. It has been very helpful to me to know what to expect and that you've gotten through it.
Juliet -- I am so happy that you know you are going to be treated, although I know that 6 weeks seems like an eternity right now! The waiting can be maddening. Take care of yourself and try to do things that you may not be able to do for a while to take advantage of the time. I am interested to know more about what your dr. thinks about your being on progesterone bc pills. I was on estrogen birth control for 19 years. I have stopped now, but have been prescribed progesterone to start taking when I am able to try to conceive again. I am worried I may not be able to take it and I may really need it as my body does not make enough itself. I am stressing a bit about the potential that I may not be able to carry children. I don't know what this whole situation may mean for my child-bearing plans. I can't believe I tried for so long to not become pregnant... it's hard to conceive that there is a chance that it may not even be a possibility. ugh -- need to try to remain positive!
I still have not heard from my drs. I am expecting to hear something by friday. I guess they only gather for their "conference" every couple of weeks? The waiting is frustrating. I feel like so many things are on hold until I know what is going on with this.
Beth and Cailea -- I know you must be anxious about your upcoming surgeries. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to hearing that you are recovering well and will be wishing you the best of health!
as alway...thanks for listening! :)
First of all, Chris, thank you so much for giving us an update on Stacey. I am so glad to hear that she is ok and recovering well! I wish her a healthy and speedy recovery!
Katie, I am so happy for you that your follow-up went so well! It must feel like you've had a giant elephant lifted off of your shoulders! I continue to send you positive vibes for a healthy recovery! Nessie, you as well! Hope you are getting some rest over there... sounds like you've been running around quite a bit. Thank you both again for detailing your recovery. It has been very helpful to me to know what to expect and that you've gotten through it.
Juliet -- I am so happy that you know you are going to be treated, although I know that 6 weeks seems like an eternity right now! The waiting can be maddening. Take care of yourself and try to do things that you may not be able to do for a while to take advantage of the time. I am interested to know more about what your dr. thinks about your being on progesterone bc pills. I was on estrogen birth control for 19 years. I have stopped now, but have been prescribed progesterone to start taking when I am able to try to conceive again. I am worried I may not be able to take it and I may really need it as my body does not make enough itself. I am stressing a bit about the potential that I may not be able to carry children. I don't know what this whole situation may mean for my child-bearing plans. I can't believe I tried for so long to not become pregnant... it's hard to conceive that there is a chance that it may not even be a possibility. ugh -- need to try to remain positive!
I still have not heard from my drs. I am expecting to hear something by friday. I guess they only gather for their "conference" every couple of weeks? The waiting is frustrating. I feel like so many things are on hold until I know what is going on with this.
Beth and Cailea -- I know you must be anxious about your upcoming surgeries. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to hearing that you are recovering well and will be wishing you the best of health!
as alway...thanks for listening! :)
nessie1
04-17-2008, 07:14 AM
morning
katie- wow so pleased for you mate! you can finally move on -im so proud of you hun. like you i cant believe how close i feel to the ladies on here without ever meeting? i dont know what i would have done without this site.
cailea - next week!!!! wow mate not long now- is it open surgery for you? dont forget if you have any questions no matter how silly just ask.i will be praying for you hun.
juliet - SKYDIVING??!! you are a brave lady. i cant imagine the stress you must be feeling mate. its the not knowing when you are going in. have you packed a bag? as for periods yes mine did occur on day 3 of hospital stay. i had nothing with me so my step mum had to bring me in some pads. no tampons allowed! anyway she decided to bring me in some ones that looked like maternity towels!! they were HUGE!! Gross or what - but it did make me laugh. its not pleasent but the nurses are used to it. take some baby wipes in also as that helps. did you have a nice meal with friends? i find out about my other 4 next thurs so will let you know. try and stay calm mate. have a good cry when you need to as im a great believer in that. :angel:
granola - hi there. i feel for you hun with all this waiting - its soooo hard. we have all been there or are going thru it - just hang in there. as for progesterone my doc will not give me anything with this or oestrogen in until i have the agreement of my surgeon. i am sure it will be fine as progesterone is not the problem as far as im aware but im not taking any risk with these other little tumors i have. take care and let us know when you know. x
linda - glad your feeling good. thank you for your support also hun. take care x
must go now off to have bloods done.
nessie x
katie- wow so pleased for you mate! you can finally move on -im so proud of you hun. like you i cant believe how close i feel to the ladies on here without ever meeting? i dont know what i would have done without this site.
cailea - next week!!!! wow mate not long now- is it open surgery for you? dont forget if you have any questions no matter how silly just ask.i will be praying for you hun.
juliet - SKYDIVING??!! you are a brave lady. i cant imagine the stress you must be feeling mate. its the not knowing when you are going in. have you packed a bag? as for periods yes mine did occur on day 3 of hospital stay. i had nothing with me so my step mum had to bring me in some pads. no tampons allowed! anyway she decided to bring me in some ones that looked like maternity towels!! they were HUGE!! Gross or what - but it did make me laugh. its not pleasent but the nurses are used to it. take some baby wipes in also as that helps. did you have a nice meal with friends? i find out about my other 4 next thurs so will let you know. try and stay calm mate. have a good cry when you need to as im a great believer in that. :angel:
granola - hi there. i feel for you hun with all this waiting - its soooo hard. we have all been there or are going thru it - just hang in there. as for progesterone my doc will not give me anything with this or oestrogen in until i have the agreement of my surgeon. i am sure it will be fine as progesterone is not the problem as far as im aware but im not taking any risk with these other little tumors i have. take care and let us know when you know. x
linda - glad your feeling good. thank you for your support also hun. take care x
must go now off to have bloods done.
nessie x
cailea
04-17-2008, 08:44 AM
Hey all,
Juliet - hang in there mate. I know I have cried more than I have in years in the last month alone. It helps. I have been taking my frustration out on my long suffering husband too! :( Just get that bag packed girl and lets get it over with x
Nessie - I had the period question too..LOL... mine is due day of surgery and was wondering how they deal with that one! I am getting pretty scared but I just keep telling myself "there is no other choice". Will think up some more strange questions ;-) my mind is running too fast at the moment with panic! and yep, open surgery, need to remove the whole left lobe, maybe more.
Everyone (as said by many) this group has been a true lifeline. I at least feel I can go to hospital informed and with few suprises even if it means hubby has to drag me kicking and screaming on wednesday.
lots of love
cailea
x
Juliet - hang in there mate. I know I have cried more than I have in years in the last month alone. It helps. I have been taking my frustration out on my long suffering husband too! :( Just get that bag packed girl and lets get it over with x
Nessie - I had the period question too..LOL... mine is due day of surgery and was wondering how they deal with that one! I am getting pretty scared but I just keep telling myself "there is no other choice". Will think up some more strange questions ;-) my mind is running too fast at the moment with panic! and yep, open surgery, need to remove the whole left lobe, maybe more.
Everyone (as said by many) this group has been a true lifeline. I at least feel I can go to hospital informed and with few suprises even if it means hubby has to drag me kicking and screaming on wednesday.
lots of love
cailea
x
nessie1
04-17-2008, 09:11 AM
cailea
you wont be kicking and screaming mate! your inner strength will kick in - believe me. as you know mine was open surgery and i am a real wimp but i got through it just like you will. dont worry about taking it out on hubby - i did too and still do! he makes sure he has some "time out " too and that helps!
i have just been to see the nurse and i was telling her about this site. i would have felt so isolated if i didnt have you ladies to moan to, its been fantastic. my hubby (typical man) cant understand why i still want to talk about it. he says we should "move on " now! he has no idea! if i can help anyone through my experience i will, and i am just so grateful to all you guys. thank you. x
nessie x
you wont be kicking and screaming mate! your inner strength will kick in - believe me. as you know mine was open surgery and i am a real wimp but i got through it just like you will. dont worry about taking it out on hubby - i did too and still do! he makes sure he has some "time out " too and that helps!
i have just been to see the nurse and i was telling her about this site. i would have felt so isolated if i didnt have you ladies to moan to, its been fantastic. my hubby (typical man) cant understand why i still want to talk about it. he says we should "move on " now! he has no idea! if i can help anyone through my experience i will, and i am just so grateful to all you guys. thank you. x
nessie x
bethegk7
04-17-2008, 10:42 AM
Katie that is great news! I so look forward to that day! I really like dr. vandermeer but I would be happy to not have to see him much after the surgery! He is supposed to be the best liver surgeon in western NY -- funny because the hospital (Robert Packer), is in PA!
My daughter is 9 and she again went to bed in tears last night. Her hugs are more frequent and she is by my side always. Usually when my mother is here I am chopped liver (no pun intended) but she barely spoke to my mother when I got home last night. And, then the crying. Oy! I know that she is thinking but her aunt and how she died. I keep telling her that I will be fine that my tumors are nice tumors not bad tumors. Nessie I will tell her about you, Katie and Stacey and how you have done so well post surgery. That is a great idea. Next week when she is back at school I will talk to the counselor about seeing her regularly.
Juliet you made me cry. I wish we could do this at the same hospital -- that would be great. I am terrified too about that first night and the next day. I told my husband that I want him there at the earliest they will let him in because I am so scared about how I will feel the next day. I keep hoping that I will just be so out of it I won't notice.
Cailea, both Nessie and Katie said they felt calm going in. I am so encouraged by Stacey's surgery. Maybe our surgeons will go in and find that they do not need to remove the entire left lobe. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!
Granolawife -- I hope you hear soon. Ask lots of questions. I keep a list of questions in my wallet. When I think of a new one I quickly write it down. I hope my doctor has a lot of time blocked out for my questions!
I cannot imagine getting through this without this bulletin board and the ladies on it. I will be forever grateful to you all.
Spring has arrived finally and it is a lovely day. Beth
My daughter is 9 and she again went to bed in tears last night. Her hugs are more frequent and she is by my side always. Usually when my mother is here I am chopped liver (no pun intended) but she barely spoke to my mother when I got home last night. And, then the crying. Oy! I know that she is thinking but her aunt and how she died. I keep telling her that I will be fine that my tumors are nice tumors not bad tumors. Nessie I will tell her about you, Katie and Stacey and how you have done so well post surgery. That is a great idea. Next week when she is back at school I will talk to the counselor about seeing her regularly.
Juliet you made me cry. I wish we could do this at the same hospital -- that would be great. I am terrified too about that first night and the next day. I told my husband that I want him there at the earliest they will let him in because I am so scared about how I will feel the next day. I keep hoping that I will just be so out of it I won't notice.
Cailea, both Nessie and Katie said they felt calm going in. I am so encouraged by Stacey's surgery. Maybe our surgeons will go in and find that they do not need to remove the entire left lobe. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!
Granolawife -- I hope you hear soon. Ask lots of questions. I keep a list of questions in my wallet. When I think of a new one I quickly write it down. I hope my doctor has a lot of time blocked out for my questions!
I cannot imagine getting through this without this bulletin board and the ladies on it. I will be forever grateful to you all.
Spring has arrived finally and it is a lovely day. Beth
kt8889
04-17-2008, 03:13 PM
Hi everyone....we are enjoying the lovely weather here in Ohio also, it is so nice, I love it. I think I was having withdrawl issues getting off my pain pills. All I have wanted to do for the last two days is cry. So, today I tried to do something about it and got my hair done. It kicked my butt, I am so tired now, but it was good for me.
Do any of you know if you are allowed to have someone stay with you in the hospital at least on the first night? My sister stayed with me the first night, bless her heart and it was wonderful. She would make sure that all the correct meds are being taken care of and that I was comfortable. It was so nice having her there, so if any of you have an option, it is nice. Just keep in mind, you are awake every two hours or so, so it is not the easiest shift, but made me feel so much better.
Juliet, Nessie brought up the baby wipes and yes, they are great. My boyfriend bought me the adult wipes and they are very nice to have to keep you fresh. ;) Hang in there love, I know you are so nervous you can get the call anytime, but keep your chin up, cry when you need to and vent to us, we are here for you. Oh, and I can not believe you would skydive, holy crap, you are an amazing woman!
Beth, if it would help, Nessie and I could write a post to your daughter to let her know we are doing just fine. I don't know if it would help, but if you think it would, just say the word.
Cailea, I think we have all snapped at our hubbys or significant other through all this, it is so normal. You have less then a week and we are so praying for you. On the day of surgery, you will have a calm come over you and it is a blessing. Nessie and I both had it happen.
Linda, thank you for checking in. You sound as if you are doing great. I will make sure I am still around too, I want to know how your next MRI comes out.
Nessie, you sound good. I had my blood test done yesterday at the doctor also, I will be very happy when I do not feel like a pin cushion, at least for a while. I know I am not ready to leave you ladies either. I don't know if we can make it happen, but a trip to Vegas would be so cool.
Well ladies, I better take a nap, I am still feeling a little weepy, not sure why, but I need to rest.
Prayers going out to you Stacey, hope you are getting better every day!
Hugs,
Katie
Do any of you know if you are allowed to have someone stay with you in the hospital at least on the first night? My sister stayed with me the first night, bless her heart and it was wonderful. She would make sure that all the correct meds are being taken care of and that I was comfortable. It was so nice having her there, so if any of you have an option, it is nice. Just keep in mind, you are awake every two hours or so, so it is not the easiest shift, but made me feel so much better.
Juliet, Nessie brought up the baby wipes and yes, they are great. My boyfriend bought me the adult wipes and they are very nice to have to keep you fresh. ;) Hang in there love, I know you are so nervous you can get the call anytime, but keep your chin up, cry when you need to and vent to us, we are here for you. Oh, and I can not believe you would skydive, holy crap, you are an amazing woman!
Beth, if it would help, Nessie and I could write a post to your daughter to let her know we are doing just fine. I don't know if it would help, but if you think it would, just say the word.
Cailea, I think we have all snapped at our hubbys or significant other through all this, it is so normal. You have less then a week and we are so praying for you. On the day of surgery, you will have a calm come over you and it is a blessing. Nessie and I both had it happen.
Linda, thank you for checking in. You sound as if you are doing great. I will make sure I am still around too, I want to know how your next MRI comes out.
Nessie, you sound good. I had my blood test done yesterday at the doctor also, I will be very happy when I do not feel like a pin cushion, at least for a while. I know I am not ready to leave you ladies either. I don't know if we can make it happen, but a trip to Vegas would be so cool.
Well ladies, I better take a nap, I am still feeling a little weepy, not sure why, but I need to rest.
Prayers going out to you Stacey, hope you are getting better every day!
Hugs,
Katie
LindaG40
04-17-2008, 10:35 PM
Hi Ladies!
Nessie, I know exactly how you feel. Now that I know these things are in my liver, I want to find out as much information as possible and be prepared for anything, and there's no way I'm going to let go of my angels on this board!:angel:
Katie, great news for you, but...you don't have to go back at all? No follow up scans in a year? Not that I want you to, but it just seems like they would want to continue monitoring you at least until your liver is back to its normal size. It sounds like you are getting stuck still, which would give them the indication that you're healing properly. I'm so happy for you.
I really hope that we can all meet up in Vegas next year. Start saving your pennies! I think it would be a great way to start the new year, and a fun way to put a face with the names.
You ladies are my inspiration!:)
Nessie, I know exactly how you feel. Now that I know these things are in my liver, I want to find out as much information as possible and be prepared for anything, and there's no way I'm going to let go of my angels on this board!:angel:
Katie, great news for you, but...you don't have to go back at all? No follow up scans in a year? Not that I want you to, but it just seems like they would want to continue monitoring you at least until your liver is back to its normal size. It sounds like you are getting stuck still, which would give them the indication that you're healing properly. I'm so happy for you.
I really hope that we can all meet up in Vegas next year. Start saving your pennies! I think it would be a great way to start the new year, and a fun way to put a face with the names.
You ladies are my inspiration!:)
granolawife
04-17-2008, 11:24 PM
Hi,
Well, I got news today. Looks like I will also be having surgery. Removing the gall bladder, left lobe and the other 4 cm lesion from the right lobe. Unfortunately they can't do it laproscopically because it's too close to the biliary ducts. Need to sort out my insurance issues tomorrow and then get on the surgeon's schedule. He said that he can do it in about 4 weeks, but I may wait 6 b/c my mom is going on a desperately needed vacation that I don't want to ruin! I think I can wait an extra couple of weeks.
Good news is that he said that he thought I should be healed enough after a couple of months to try to have kids. (??) Also...since they will be getting both lesions, I should not have to worry about this again!!
For those who have had open surgery -- how is the scar? does it heal well? how do they close the incision? I hadn't even really considered this before.
I know it's a long road ahead, but I can't wait to get back to feeling like my normal self!
Hope to know more tomorrow...
Well, I got news today. Looks like I will also be having surgery. Removing the gall bladder, left lobe and the other 4 cm lesion from the right lobe. Unfortunately they can't do it laproscopically because it's too close to the biliary ducts. Need to sort out my insurance issues tomorrow and then get on the surgeon's schedule. He said that he can do it in about 4 weeks, but I may wait 6 b/c my mom is going on a desperately needed vacation that I don't want to ruin! I think I can wait an extra couple of weeks.
Good news is that he said that he thought I should be healed enough after a couple of months to try to have kids. (??) Also...since they will be getting both lesions, I should not have to worry about this again!!
For those who have had open surgery -- how is the scar? does it heal well? how do they close the incision? I hadn't even really considered this before.
I know it's a long road ahead, but I can't wait to get back to feeling like my normal self!
Hope to know more tomorrow...
cailea
04-17-2008, 11:56 PM
Hi All,
granola - big huggs going out to you!! I know it is a terrifying prospect but if it makes us all well again......... Not sure about trying for kids after 2 months?? I would have thought that the body would take longer to heal internally than that. Not sure though I have not discussed the kids issue with the surgeon, so maybe some who has can tell you more.
juliet - you must be crazy! :P skydiving...geez!!
In terms of the scar, my surgeon drew the following (lets see if I can do this...lol)
|
|
|
|_________
Seems a little dramatic and different to what others have reported. I might ask more when I go for the pre-op assessment on Monday.
katie - Glad you are hanging in there and trying to find things to do that bring you joy. I am working on a list of things to do to keep me sane when I come home.
Like Juliet, I don't think anyone can stay with me either. Maybe because the Aus doctors are insisting on ICU. Juliet - check with hospital though, mine allows 24hr visiting in ICU.
Nessie *huggs* you are my inspiration! :)
Sorry if I missed anyone, this "together' woman seems to be unable to concentrate for longer than 10 mins (thank goodness I am not at work!)
Trying to keep up the courage and retail therapy seems to be helping!
Oh, a question. I was due to go overseas on 20th June. What's the chance of that happening??? (about 8 weeks after surgery)
sending lots of love to you all
cailea
x
granola - big huggs going out to you!! I know it is a terrifying prospect but if it makes us all well again......... Not sure about trying for kids after 2 months?? I would have thought that the body would take longer to heal internally than that. Not sure though I have not discussed the kids issue with the surgeon, so maybe some who has can tell you more.
juliet - you must be crazy! :P skydiving...geez!!
In terms of the scar, my surgeon drew the following (lets see if I can do this...lol)
|
|
|
|_________
Seems a little dramatic and different to what others have reported. I might ask more when I go for the pre-op assessment on Monday.
katie - Glad you are hanging in there and trying to find things to do that bring you joy. I am working on a list of things to do to keep me sane when I come home.
Like Juliet, I don't think anyone can stay with me either. Maybe because the Aus doctors are insisting on ICU. Juliet - check with hospital though, mine allows 24hr visiting in ICU.
Nessie *huggs* you are my inspiration! :)
Sorry if I missed anyone, this "together' woman seems to be unable to concentrate for longer than 10 mins (thank goodness I am not at work!)
Trying to keep up the courage and retail therapy seems to be helping!
Oh, a question. I was due to go overseas on 20th June. What's the chance of that happening??? (about 8 weeks after surgery)
sending lots of love to you all
cailea
x
kt8889
04-18-2008, 12:12 AM
Hi ladies, I went to a play tonight with my daughter at her high school, so I am up late.
Granolawife, I am so happy for you, Congratulations. I hope all the insurance stuff works out for you. Good idea to plan around your moms schedule. No matter how old we are, it is so helpful to have you mom there. Great news about being able to get pregnant so soon after surgery. Prayers are being answered for you!
Juliet, my pain the first couple of days home..days 5 and 6 after surgery, my pain was at a 7 on the 1-10 scale, so they almost doubled my meds. I got kicked out of the hospital in 4 days because of the hand assisted laparscopic, but I got it under control. I did not stay in ICU at all, so that is why my sister stayed. You will be in such good hands in the ICU, almost your own nurse to watch over you. My scars are healing really well. They glued me back together. The small, 4 cm ones are almost all healed and I have one that is about 14 cm and it is doing well also. I do still have a part that is numb and it is weird, but my surgeon said it will come back with time.
Linda, it is strange that my doc would stay never a another scan. I think I might ask my normal doctor to get an ultra sound in 18 months to 2 years just to double check. I would hate to have another one get out of control again, and not know it. I am saving my pennies for sure. I have never been to Vegas, but my boyfriend has been like 4 times, so we keep talking about going. I think it would be perfect.
Beth, let us know if Nessie and I could write a post for your daughter, we would be glad to.
I have a gall bladder question for anyone that has gotten yours out....food seems to go right through me. Rude, I know, but I don't eat much at all, I have lost my appetite, so I can not figure it out.
Nessie, I am so proud of you! You still have 4 of these to keep an eye on and you are doing so good with all of this. You are my hero!
Another question, does anyone use a diaphragm for birth control? I am thinking that might be a good option for me with no hormones. My surgeon said I could go on the mini pill, but I will need CT scans every 6 months if I do. I think I am just asking for another tumor if I do that, so I am not going to.
Well ladies, another chatty post, I need to go to bed, it is late.
Hugs,
Katie
Granolawife, I am so happy for you, Congratulations. I hope all the insurance stuff works out for you. Good idea to plan around your moms schedule. No matter how old we are, it is so helpful to have you mom there. Great news about being able to get pregnant so soon after surgery. Prayers are being answered for you!
Juliet, my pain the first couple of days home..days 5 and 6 after surgery, my pain was at a 7 on the 1-10 scale, so they almost doubled my meds. I got kicked out of the hospital in 4 days because of the hand assisted laparscopic, but I got it under control. I did not stay in ICU at all, so that is why my sister stayed. You will be in such good hands in the ICU, almost your own nurse to watch over you. My scars are healing really well. They glued me back together. The small, 4 cm ones are almost all healed and I have one that is about 14 cm and it is doing well also. I do still have a part that is numb and it is weird, but my surgeon said it will come back with time.
Linda, it is strange that my doc would stay never a another scan. I think I might ask my normal doctor to get an ultra sound in 18 months to 2 years just to double check. I would hate to have another one get out of control again, and not know it. I am saving my pennies for sure. I have never been to Vegas, but my boyfriend has been like 4 times, so we keep talking about going. I think it would be perfect.
Beth, let us know if Nessie and I could write a post for your daughter, we would be glad to.
I have a gall bladder question for anyone that has gotten yours out....food seems to go right through me. Rude, I know, but I don't eat much at all, I have lost my appetite, so I can not figure it out.
Nessie, I am so proud of you! You still have 4 of these to keep an eye on and you are doing so good with all of this. You are my hero!
Another question, does anyone use a diaphragm for birth control? I am thinking that might be a good option for me with no hormones. My surgeon said I could go on the mini pill, but I will need CT scans every 6 months if I do. I think I am just asking for another tumor if I do that, so I am not going to.
Well ladies, another chatty post, I need to go to bed, it is late.
Hugs,
Katie
kt8889
04-18-2008, 12:16 AM
Cailea, your scar drawing is the same thing my surgeon drew out if he had to open me up, so it looks about right. I think Nessie has one like that too, but she will let you know.
Have a good day and enjoy your last weekend for a little while. You are in my prayers.
Hugs,
Katie
Have a good day and enjoy your last weekend for a little while. You are in my prayers.
Hugs,
Katie
bethegk7
04-18-2008, 11:42 AM
Hi all -- another sunny gorgeous day in NY!
Katie and Nessie if you want to write a note to my daughter Brittney that would be wonderful. I began telling her about you last night.
Arlyn (right?), that is great, in a weird way, that you at least know what you are doing. Sounds like you are in the same boat as Stacey, Juliet and I -- left lobe, a bit of the right and the gall bladder! My doctor described my scar as the mercedes benz scar. If you think of their emblem it makes me a bit sick. I am hoping for the approach that your doctor drew. I intend to get specifics on May 8!
The whole "jacking up the rib cage" makes my hair stand on end!
The gall bladder removal and its impact on the body and ability to eat is making me nervous. I am beginning to have lots of issues with diarhea as is. Not sure if that is nerves, a bit of a bug, or the whole liver issue.
Cailea I hope you are doing well. Do you have your list of questions for Monday?
I hope Stacey is doing ok!
Best,
Beth
Katie and Nessie if you want to write a note to my daughter Brittney that would be wonderful. I began telling her about you last night.
Arlyn (right?), that is great, in a weird way, that you at least know what you are doing. Sounds like you are in the same boat as Stacey, Juliet and I -- left lobe, a bit of the right and the gall bladder! My doctor described my scar as the mercedes benz scar. If you think of their emblem it makes me a bit sick. I am hoping for the approach that your doctor drew. I intend to get specifics on May 8!
The whole "jacking up the rib cage" makes my hair stand on end!
The gall bladder removal and its impact on the body and ability to eat is making me nervous. I am beginning to have lots of issues with diarhea as is. Not sure if that is nerves, a bit of a bug, or the whole liver issue.
Cailea I hope you are doing well. Do you have your list of questions for Monday?
I hope Stacey is doing ok!
Best,
Beth
nessie1
04-18-2008, 12:26 PM
hey there
juliet - my pain was at its worse on day 4. they never dosed me up before epidural came out - i would say about an 8. this was only for a few hours then i was drugged up so all ok. when i came home it was well under control, pain drugs every 2 hours. sneezing coughing and laughing were a challenge at first. please dont worry hun it will be fine. the tape to apply after is micropore tape - the paper kind. lets it breath and stops any dirt getting in.
granola - well surgery for you too mate. get the insurance sorted and get it done and dusted!im glad you have an action plan now. my scar is looking good , all internal stitches so just a fine line. apply the tape i mentioned and leave on for 3 months. this "irons out" the scar and turns it white quicker. glad that kids can be an option in the not so distant future
katie - gall bladder removal did the same to me - after being constipated i could not stop going!! this has settled down now and back to once a day. dont eat high fat foods as this irritates it. once your body adjusts to no gallbladder its ok. are you feeling better today??
beth - me and my son will write a post to your daughter to reassure her. i have spoken to him about this and your daughters fears and will write what he tells me.
now the vegas thing - i have a plan!
lets all write to maury povich!!! tell him our stories and see if he can make our dreams come true! it would be soooo cool.
nessie.
juliet - my pain was at its worse on day 4. they never dosed me up before epidural came out - i would say about an 8. this was only for a few hours then i was drugged up so all ok. when i came home it was well under control, pain drugs every 2 hours. sneezing coughing and laughing were a challenge at first. please dont worry hun it will be fine. the tape to apply after is micropore tape - the paper kind. lets it breath and stops any dirt getting in.
granola - well surgery for you too mate. get the insurance sorted and get it done and dusted!im glad you have an action plan now. my scar is looking good , all internal stitches so just a fine line. apply the tape i mentioned and leave on for 3 months. this "irons out" the scar and turns it white quicker. glad that kids can be an option in the not so distant future
katie - gall bladder removal did the same to me - after being constipated i could not stop going!! this has settled down now and back to once a day. dont eat high fat foods as this irritates it. once your body adjusts to no gallbladder its ok. are you feeling better today??
beth - me and my son will write a post to your daughter to reassure her. i have spoken to him about this and your daughters fears and will write what he tells me.
now the vegas thing - i have a plan!
lets all write to maury povich!!! tell him our stories and see if he can make our dreams come true! it would be soooo cool.
nessie.
nessie1
04-18-2008, 12:38 PM
brittney
Hey there! you mum has been telling us all about you and you sound so wonderful. i have had surgery 5 weeks ago and i have a five year old son. he was scared too. not seeing his mummy for a while and scared what would happen to me. please please dont worry babe. your mum is going to be just fine. at first it may seem a little scary but your mum will get better each day. my son didnt want to talk about things and didnt want to leave my side as he was so worried, but he has been so brave and very helpful to me. he has got me drinks, tidied up for me and rubbed my back which has been so helpful. the doctors are so good at these operations and they do them every day so there is no need to worry. your mum is gonna be there for you and please dont be afraid to talk to her or your friends or people at school. your mum is a very brave lady and loves you very much, she has helped me a lot over the last few weeks. i was able to go out for lunch, and do lots of things almost straight away when i came home. your mum is gonna have to take it easy for a bit but she will soon be back to normal.
my son who is five wanted me to type this......... be really brave, dont worry, take it steady, talk to your friends, dont be afraid.
i guess that says it all
take care honey , and dont be afraid to have a cry if you want. you and your mum are going to be just fine.
nessie x
Hey there! you mum has been telling us all about you and you sound so wonderful. i have had surgery 5 weeks ago and i have a five year old son. he was scared too. not seeing his mummy for a while and scared what would happen to me. please please dont worry babe. your mum is going to be just fine. at first it may seem a little scary but your mum will get better each day. my son didnt want to talk about things and didnt want to leave my side as he was so worried, but he has been so brave and very helpful to me. he has got me drinks, tidied up for me and rubbed my back which has been so helpful. the doctors are so good at these operations and they do them every day so there is no need to worry. your mum is gonna be there for you and please dont be afraid to talk to her or your friends or people at school. your mum is a very brave lady and loves you very much, she has helped me a lot over the last few weeks. i was able to go out for lunch, and do lots of things almost straight away when i came home. your mum is gonna have to take it easy for a bit but she will soon be back to normal.
my son who is five wanted me to type this......... be really brave, dont worry, take it steady, talk to your friends, dont be afraid.
i guess that says it all
take care honey , and dont be afraid to have a cry if you want. you and your mum are going to be just fine.
nessie x
kt8889
04-18-2008, 01:05 PM
Nessie, what a wonderful idea...I will have my daughter post also to Brittney! I am still struggling with a sadness I have never had. I think it is just all the drugs coming out of my system, but if it keeps up, I am going to go to my GP. By the way, yes, let's write everyone we can. I already wrote to Oprah and told her about the strongest women all around the world that helped me.
Juliet, I am eating well, just not sure if I am eating enough. I just have no appetite. Friday night is usually date night, so maybe eating out will be good. I had fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma on every scan report I had, ultra sound, MRI and CT scan, so please just take a deep breath and give that stress to God. We will deal with it if you have to and we will help you every step of the way. We will say extra prayer for you love, and I am sorry you are going through this extra stress, like surgery it's enough.
Beth, I will have my daughter post also. I know she is working tonight and tomorrow, so it may take a couple days, but she will do it. She is 17 and always on the move. ;)
Cailea, I bet you will be able to go at 8 weeks out. Nessie, how are you feeling? Could you go on an overseas trip in 3 weeks? Cailea, is you trip business or pleasure?
Well ladies, I am going to try to get out and get my nails done. Then maybe just sit outside and relax in the sun. I need some sun! :)
Hugs,
Katie
Juliet, I am eating well, just not sure if I am eating enough. I just have no appetite. Friday night is usually date night, so maybe eating out will be good. I had fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma on every scan report I had, ultra sound, MRI and CT scan, so please just take a deep breath and give that stress to God. We will deal with it if you have to and we will help you every step of the way. We will say extra prayer for you love, and I am sorry you are going through this extra stress, like surgery it's enough.
Beth, I will have my daughter post also. I know she is working tonight and tomorrow, so it may take a couple days, but she will do it. She is 17 and always on the move. ;)
Cailea, I bet you will be able to go at 8 weeks out. Nessie, how are you feeling? Could you go on an overseas trip in 3 weeks? Cailea, is you trip business or pleasure?
Well ladies, I am going to try to get out and get my nails done. Then maybe just sit outside and relax in the sun. I need some sun! :)
Hugs,
Katie
kt8889
04-18-2008, 01:20 PM
Dear Brittney,
My name is Katie and I live in Ohio, not to far from you in New York. I had the same surgery your Mom is going to have two weeks ago. I only spent 4 days in the hospital and that was to make sure everything went well. Guess what, everything went great! I was very tired because of the medicine they gave me, but it also made me feel much better. You Mom will even be able to get up and walk very slowly in the halls of the hospital after a couple of days and I bet she would love for you to walk with her. After she gets home, my kids helped by keeping there room clean and getting me drink refills. As I felt better, card and board games are always nice to play. I still have not started back to work, but I can make dinner and last night I went with my daughter to her school play, so things are getting back to normal.
Brittney, your Mom has been so great to us and she is going to have lots of prayers coming for her, I know she is going to be just fine like me.
Let your Mom know if you have any questions for me or Nessie, we would be glad to answer anything for you.
Hugs,
Katie
My name is Katie and I live in Ohio, not to far from you in New York. I had the same surgery your Mom is going to have two weeks ago. I only spent 4 days in the hospital and that was to make sure everything went well. Guess what, everything went great! I was very tired because of the medicine they gave me, but it also made me feel much better. You Mom will even be able to get up and walk very slowly in the halls of the hospital after a couple of days and I bet she would love for you to walk with her. After she gets home, my kids helped by keeping there room clean and getting me drink refills. As I felt better, card and board games are always nice to play. I still have not started back to work, but I can make dinner and last night I went with my daughter to her school play, so things are getting back to normal.
Brittney, your Mom has been so great to us and she is going to have lots of prayers coming for her, I know she is going to be just fine like me.
Let your Mom know if you have any questions for me or Nessie, we would be glad to answer anything for you.
Hugs,
Katie
bethegk7
04-18-2008, 01:28 PM
Thank you Katie and Nessie. You made me cry. This means so much to me and I cannot wait to show it to my daughter tonight. Thank you, thank you.:angel:
I will write to Oprah as well. I think that is a great idea!
I will write to Oprah as well. I think that is a great idea!
nessie1
04-18-2008, 02:39 PM
beth - you are welcome hun. like katie said if she wants to ask us anything get her to post.
cailea- i am going overseas in 4 weeks. only 2 hour flight to germany for a few days with work. going to the "becks" brewery.i know i will be fine by then if the last 5 weeks recovery is anything to go by. i am so looking forward to it- we deserve it after all we have been through.
katie - im so sorry you feel down . it is normal and i too have had bad days. i feel bad as i shouldnt feel so down as i have come through surgery and survived , however the sad feelings i still get now . dont know why, all i can think it is the emotional rollercoster we have been on. your adrenelin keeps you going for so long but eventually you need to let your body express itself. it will pass , just try not to worry about it. enjoy that sun and get some fancy nails!go out tonight if you feel up to it. it will do you good.try milkshakes with extra vitimins - they fill you up and are good for you. your appetite wil return. mine did in about week 3 . take care x
oprah - here i come!! i just think its a fab idea!!!!!
love you all
nessie x
cailea- i am going overseas in 4 weeks. only 2 hour flight to germany for a few days with work. going to the "becks" brewery.i know i will be fine by then if the last 5 weeks recovery is anything to go by. i am so looking forward to it- we deserve it after all we have been through.
katie - im so sorry you feel down . it is normal and i too have had bad days. i feel bad as i shouldnt feel so down as i have come through surgery and survived , however the sad feelings i still get now . dont know why, all i can think it is the emotional rollercoster we have been on. your adrenelin keeps you going for so long but eventually you need to let your body express itself. it will pass , just try not to worry about it. enjoy that sun and get some fancy nails!go out tonight if you feel up to it. it will do you good.try milkshakes with extra vitimins - they fill you up and are good for you. your appetite wil return. mine did in about week 3 . take care x
oprah - here i come!! i just think its a fab idea!!!!!
love you all
nessie x
granolawife
04-18-2008, 10:59 PM
Hi all,
Got my surgery date today, along with some other info. I'll have surgery on May 29th. He said to expect to be in the hospital 4-5 days, then recovering in Pittsburgh for 10 days or so after that and will meet with him again before I can go home to Florida. I have a lot more questions for my surgeon, but I am trying to gather them now so that I can ask them all at once.
Juliet, I had the mention of my lesions potentially being cancer initially, however after watching them for 4 years, was told that the growth would be much more aggressive if it were, so they knew it was not. I was also told that my liver functions would have gone up much more a long while ago, instead of just recently. I was also told that generally it would have spread to other parts of the body, and my other scans showed nothing else. I hope this is helpful...please have faith that you are going to be ok. I think that Drs. like to cover themselves and will not commit to anything until they have the thing under a microscope! I did think the pregnancy thing was a little short (2 months?!), but I like the answer, so I went with it! We'll see how I feel...don't know that pregnancy will sound that appealing 8 wks after, but I was glad to hear that it wouldn't be a year. Hugs to you...
Katie (and Nessie!), I can only imagine how emotional this whole roller coaster has been... I had a bit of a break down myself yesterday, the first of many I am sure. I keep thinking that next year at this time, we will all be in a much different, better place! It's helpful for me to think of it in those terms. I am sending big hugs your way.
Beth and Cailea -- Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers as well as you approach your surgeries. Beth, hugs to your daughter as well. I can only imagine how scary this must be for her. This is not something that kids should have to go through or try to understand, but you sound like a wonderful mother who is going to make the best out of this not so great situation. It will be over before you know it.
To all of you...I really am honored to share this bizarre life experience with you...you truly seem like amazing women that I am enjoying getting to know in an unusual circumstance.
:) Arlyn
ps- warning - i may be sending a lot of questions your way soon... i am putting together a list ... i will try not to ask anything that's already been answered in previous posts!
Got my surgery date today, along with some other info. I'll have surgery on May 29th. He said to expect to be in the hospital 4-5 days, then recovering in Pittsburgh for 10 days or so after that and will meet with him again before I can go home to Florida. I have a lot more questions for my surgeon, but I am trying to gather them now so that I can ask them all at once.
Juliet, I had the mention of my lesions potentially being cancer initially, however after watching them for 4 years, was told that the growth would be much more aggressive if it were, so they knew it was not. I was also told that my liver functions would have gone up much more a long while ago, instead of just recently. I was also told that generally it would have spread to other parts of the body, and my other scans showed nothing else. I hope this is helpful...please have faith that you are going to be ok. I think that Drs. like to cover themselves and will not commit to anything until they have the thing under a microscope! I did think the pregnancy thing was a little short (2 months?!), but I like the answer, so I went with it! We'll see how I feel...don't know that pregnancy will sound that appealing 8 wks after, but I was glad to hear that it wouldn't be a year. Hugs to you...
Katie (and Nessie!), I can only imagine how emotional this whole roller coaster has been... I had a bit of a break down myself yesterday, the first of many I am sure. I keep thinking that next year at this time, we will all be in a much different, better place! It's helpful for me to think of it in those terms. I am sending big hugs your way.
Beth and Cailea -- Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers as well as you approach your surgeries. Beth, hugs to your daughter as well. I can only imagine how scary this must be for her. This is not something that kids should have to go through or try to understand, but you sound like a wonderful mother who is going to make the best out of this not so great situation. It will be over before you know it.
To all of you...I really am honored to share this bizarre life experience with you...you truly seem like amazing women that I am enjoying getting to know in an unusual circumstance.
:) Arlyn
ps- warning - i may be sending a lot of questions your way soon... i am putting together a list ... i will try not to ask anything that's already been answered in previous posts!
cailea
04-19-2008, 08:36 AM
hi all,
Arlyn - good news you have a date, although it does tend to make things a little more real. oh and ask away with your questions, I am sure I have some but just can't think straight at the moment, so would be great for me too!!
Nessie - thanks for the advice re: travel. It is for business (1 day) and pleasure (14 days). I am aware that I may get tired easily but everyone keeps telling me I have been complaining of tiredness for the last 6 months, so hopefully I won't feel any worse than that. oh and Becks Brewery, a nightmare for me, the first time I got drunk was on Becks on a school trip to Germany ;-)
Juliet - like Arlyn said the doctors will never discount the cancer possibility until the tumour is out. They have said to me it is very unlikely based on all my scans and blood work. Also I spoke to my GP yesterday and he said in his experience (over 35 years as a doc), he has only ever seen 1 case of liver cancer in someone who DIDN'T have hep B (C).
Beth - your daughter sounds lovely and as hard as it will be for her she will get a happy healthy mum back. I don't know how honest you want to be with her? I remember visiting my mum in hospital after an open surgery hysterectomy when I was about 9. It terrified me, all the tubes etc scared me to death, so maybe better she doesn't visit straight after? This of course is down to you and how your little one reacts to things. Just keeping thinking it will be 2 weeks of bad and a lifetime of good x
Things are going okay here, been a little frustrated with the people around me. They were very concerned and paniced when I was waiting for the date now they seem to be chilled out and almost happy now I have one *sigh* obviously the prospect of the op is giving them relief!!...lol
I am a little paniced as everyone on here sounds so fit and healthy. I am the fatty...LOL...I have lost 25kg on a diet/exercise over the past 6 months but I have a lot to go. I guess this is going to disadvantage my recovery? :( When can I start swimming again after op?
Also, I have started my packing:
undies
PJ's
book
MP3 player /portable DVD player
toiletries
slippers
anything else I need?
lots of love to you all, you are all in my thoughts.
cailea
x
P.S. I was in Vegas in Feb last year and it was a blast even for not much of a gambler like me. I did get really sick though, damn those buffets, I can't control myself!...lol
Arlyn - good news you have a date, although it does tend to make things a little more real. oh and ask away with your questions, I am sure I have some but just can't think straight at the moment, so would be great for me too!!
Nessie - thanks for the advice re: travel. It is for business (1 day) and pleasure (14 days). I am aware that I may get tired easily but everyone keeps telling me I have been complaining of tiredness for the last 6 months, so hopefully I won't feel any worse than that. oh and Becks Brewery, a nightmare for me, the first time I got drunk was on Becks on a school trip to Germany ;-)
Juliet - like Arlyn said the doctors will never discount the cancer possibility until the tumour is out. They have said to me it is very unlikely based on all my scans and blood work. Also I spoke to my GP yesterday and he said in his experience (over 35 years as a doc), he has only ever seen 1 case of liver cancer in someone who DIDN'T have hep B (C).
Beth - your daughter sounds lovely and as hard as it will be for her she will get a happy healthy mum back. I don't know how honest you want to be with her? I remember visiting my mum in hospital after an open surgery hysterectomy when I was about 9. It terrified me, all the tubes etc scared me to death, so maybe better she doesn't visit straight after? This of course is down to you and how your little one reacts to things. Just keeping thinking it will be 2 weeks of bad and a lifetime of good x
Things are going okay here, been a little frustrated with the people around me. They were very concerned and paniced when I was waiting for the date now they seem to be chilled out and almost happy now I have one *sigh* obviously the prospect of the op is giving them relief!!...lol
I am a little paniced as everyone on here sounds so fit and healthy. I am the fatty...LOL...I have lost 25kg on a diet/exercise over the past 6 months but I have a lot to go. I guess this is going to disadvantage my recovery? :( When can I start swimming again after op?
Also, I have started my packing:
undies
PJ's
book
MP3 player /portable DVD player
toiletries
slippers
anything else I need?
lots of love to you all, you are all in my thoughts.
cailea
x
P.S. I was in Vegas in Feb last year and it was a blast even for not much of a gambler like me. I did get really sick though, damn those buffets, I can't control myself!...lol
nessie1
04-19-2008, 09:18 AM
hi there
arlyn , glad you have a date mate, i think its near beths. how are you feeling now ?? dont forget ask awya with questions hun.
juliet - sorry didnt mean to make you cry!! i was very hard growing up without my mum. she died when i was 5 of a brain tumor and i have no memory of her now which i do find hard.luckily i had the best grannie ever, who i lived with and who took care of me. she was just like a mum helped me through those times such as first shaving of legs, first period, makeup etc!!!she unfortunately she died when i was 18 but as time moves on you heal. i am a mummy now so i cannot dwell on things and need to be strong for my boy. energy wise i am doing good. i do still get tired but i dont sleep much really. i have been an insomniac for years. i dont sleep in day just try and get an hours rest up with a book. when i came home i never slept in day just rested with feet up. my mind is bored but my body gets tired. i try and walk every day - only about a 30 min walk but it makes me feel good. i have to be careful though as i dont want to burn off more calories than im eating as im trying to put on weight!
cailea - you go with the becks!! i work in the brewery industry so i am going there with work as i said. dont know if i will be able to drink any though?? not sure when i can have alcohol? i would also add baby wipes to your packing list - great for freshening up in between bed baths!! how you feeling?? let us know how you get on monday. i will be praying for you hun :angel:
beth - has your daughter read our posts yet??
im feeling stroppy today - still no period - been 5 weeks so it must be PMT!
even though i wish this had never happened to me i am so glad in other ways it has. i would never have met you special ladies!! cant wait to meet. i am draughting my letter to oprah today. it really would be amazing. i try and visualize you all in my head!!
take care x
arlyn , glad you have a date mate, i think its near beths. how are you feeling now ?? dont forget ask awya with questions hun.
juliet - sorry didnt mean to make you cry!! i was very hard growing up without my mum. she died when i was 5 of a brain tumor and i have no memory of her now which i do find hard.luckily i had the best grannie ever, who i lived with and who took care of me. she was just like a mum helped me through those times such as first shaving of legs, first period, makeup etc!!!she unfortunately she died when i was 18 but as time moves on you heal. i am a mummy now so i cannot dwell on things and need to be strong for my boy. energy wise i am doing good. i do still get tired but i dont sleep much really. i have been an insomniac for years. i dont sleep in day just try and get an hours rest up with a book. when i came home i never slept in day just rested with feet up. my mind is bored but my body gets tired. i try and walk every day - only about a 30 min walk but it makes me feel good. i have to be careful though as i dont want to burn off more calories than im eating as im trying to put on weight!
cailea - you go with the becks!! i work in the brewery industry so i am going there with work as i said. dont know if i will be able to drink any though?? not sure when i can have alcohol? i would also add baby wipes to your packing list - great for freshening up in between bed baths!! how you feeling?? let us know how you get on monday. i will be praying for you hun :angel:
beth - has your daughter read our posts yet??
im feeling stroppy today - still no period - been 5 weeks so it must be PMT!
even though i wish this had never happened to me i am so glad in other ways it has. i would never have met you special ladies!! cant wait to meet. i am draughting my letter to oprah today. it really would be amazing. i try and visualize you all in my head!!
take care x
kt8889
04-19-2008, 12:55 PM
Good Morning Ladies...you all are making my cry today...Nessie bless your heart. You are a strong woman for all you have been through. Beth, I agree with Cailea, that you might look a little scary at first. The central line in your neck is the biggest thing. Just prepare Brittney that you will have tubes hanging off your neck and other tubes that will be out of your side and hands or arm if she wants to come see you. My daughter is working today, but I will make sure she writes too. Funny how the ages make a difference in kids. My daughter 17 yrs. thought all of this was so cool. Loved being in the hospital and asking questions. My son, he is 14 yrs. was just worried about his mom, but knew I would be fine.
Arlyn, your date is the day after Beth's surgery. We will have double up our prayers that week. :angel: Please ask us anything.
Cailea, how are you doing? It is strange how people react to all this liver stuff. I think people feel like you know what it is and now you are taking care of it, so everything is good. You can vent to us, we have all been there. ;) And bless you heart, I was chunky and I have lost about 17 lbs.(7.25 kg) since my first biopsy 6 weeks ago. You will to, but we do not recommend this diet to anyone but us. ;) I bet you can start swimming as soon as your scar heals, three weeks or so.
Juliet, I have been walking to do normal things. Yesterday, the stay at home moms were out in the neighborhood with the kids, so I went out to hang out with them and I went out to dinner for date night...I did to much for only two weeks out. I was so tired. I have never been a napper, like Nessie, so I watch tv, read or surf the net or just rest. My body just will not keep pushing, but it gets better every day.
Well, I am going to enjoy this day, it will be very quiet here. My son is doing a 30 hour fast with his youth group to raise money for African children. I pick him up at 7:00 pm and he is going to be so hungry we will have to stop on the way home to get him something. :) He is a good kid.
I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. Prayers out for all of you!
Hugs,
Katie
Arlyn, your date is the day after Beth's surgery. We will have double up our prayers that week. :angel: Please ask us anything.
Cailea, how are you doing? It is strange how people react to all this liver stuff. I think people feel like you know what it is and now you are taking care of it, so everything is good. You can vent to us, we have all been there. ;) And bless you heart, I was chunky and I have lost about 17 lbs.(7.25 kg) since my first biopsy 6 weeks ago. You will to, but we do not recommend this diet to anyone but us. ;) I bet you can start swimming as soon as your scar heals, three weeks or so.
Juliet, I have been walking to do normal things. Yesterday, the stay at home moms were out in the neighborhood with the kids, so I went out to hang out with them and I went out to dinner for date night...I did to much for only two weeks out. I was so tired. I have never been a napper, like Nessie, so I watch tv, read or surf the net or just rest. My body just will not keep pushing, but it gets better every day.
Well, I am going to enjoy this day, it will be very quiet here. My son is doing a 30 hour fast with his youth group to raise money for African children. I pick him up at 7:00 pm and he is going to be so hungry we will have to stop on the way home to get him something. :) He is a good kid.
I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. Prayers out for all of you!
Hugs,
Katie
bethegk7
04-20-2008, 10:30 AM
Good morning ladies!
Nessie and Katie Britt read your posts and I cannot thank you enough. She is a thoughtful young lady who took it all in. She said to say "thank you and that helped her understand."
I do not think she would be as concerned if her aunt had not died. Until Lisa's death I do not think she very thought a parent could die. And, she watched her cousins go through so much pain. Britt is very close to them and she is such a sympathetic kid. I am worried about her coming to the hospital and seeing me. Before I go in, I will explain all the tubes. She will come to the hospital for the first time with my parents (a retired doctor and a retired nurse) so they can explain. I just hope they remember she is 9!;)
Arlyn -- you are a day after me! Wow you are going to be so far from home. Do you have friends in Pittsburgh? Ask any questions you want and do not worry if they have been asked before!
Cailea (this will help Nessie visualize) I am overweight as well. I am trying to lose some weight but I have 6 weeks to go. I would not worry about that. So much of it is attitude. Just know that you are going to come through this strong as can be. Thanks for the concern about Britt. I have been worried about that but she wants to see me so I don't think I can put her off.
Juliet I am so sorry that you are in "no man's land'! That is so cruel. It is interesting to see how the different health systems work.
Kaite and Nessie make sure you rest. Listen to your bodies!
Cailea hang in there! I hope your pre-op appt goes well.
Too scary to think if I had not found you all.
Best, Beth
Nessie and Katie Britt read your posts and I cannot thank you enough. She is a thoughtful young lady who took it all in. She said to say "thank you and that helped her understand."
I do not think she would be as concerned if her aunt had not died. Until Lisa's death I do not think she very thought a parent could die. And, she watched her cousins go through so much pain. Britt is very close to them and she is such a sympathetic kid. I am worried about her coming to the hospital and seeing me. Before I go in, I will explain all the tubes. She will come to the hospital for the first time with my parents (a retired doctor and a retired nurse) so they can explain. I just hope they remember she is 9!;)
Arlyn -- you are a day after me! Wow you are going to be so far from home. Do you have friends in Pittsburgh? Ask any questions you want and do not worry if they have been asked before!
Cailea (this will help Nessie visualize) I am overweight as well. I am trying to lose some weight but I have 6 weeks to go. I would not worry about that. So much of it is attitude. Just know that you are going to come through this strong as can be. Thanks for the concern about Britt. I have been worried about that but she wants to see me so I don't think I can put her off.
Juliet I am so sorry that you are in "no man's land'! That is so cruel. It is interesting to see how the different health systems work.
Kaite and Nessie make sure you rest. Listen to your bodies!
Cailea hang in there! I hope your pre-op appt goes well.
Too scary to think if I had not found you all.
Best, Beth
kt8889
04-20-2008, 01:23 PM
Good Morning my friends...
Juliet, I agree with you on the pools, germs and swimming stuff. I did not even think of that. And honestly, yesterday while doing laundry, I my myself sore by lifting to much. I think swimming would have to be very, very slow at first, so you would not pull anything. We will be coming after you if you try to do pilates after just two weeks. There is no way I could do that now....so you be good when the time comes. ;)
Beth, I am so glad it helped Brittney a little. I can understand how she is relating the death of her aunt to your surgery. Bless her heart, I will say an extra prayer for her and I will have Kayla write a post today. She will be home for most of the day. Your mom and dad will help her to prepare to see you too, it will be good.
Cailea, I am praying for you with your doctor appointment today. No question is stupid for you surgeon or for us.
Nessie, how are you feeling? How often will you have follow up appointments? When do you go back to work?
Arlyn, I am amazed you are coming all the way up here for surgery. Do you have family or friends to look after you?
Linda, how are you doing dear? Any special men you have your eye on? Keep checking in and letting us know how you are.
Stacey, are you home yet? I hope you are healing and feeling better everyday. Don't worry about posting, I remember how out of it I felt at first and it just takes a couple days to get back to normal...we are praying for you.
Well ladies, I am going to try to have a lazy Sunday. I don't know how I would have survived all this without you either....so glad we have each other.
Hugs,
Katie
Juliet, I agree with you on the pools, germs and swimming stuff. I did not even think of that. And honestly, yesterday while doing laundry, I my myself sore by lifting to much. I think swimming would have to be very, very slow at first, so you would not pull anything. We will be coming after you if you try to do pilates after just two weeks. There is no way I could do that now....so you be good when the time comes. ;)
Beth, I am so glad it helped Brittney a little. I can understand how she is relating the death of her aunt to your surgery. Bless her heart, I will say an extra prayer for her and I will have Kayla write a post today. She will be home for most of the day. Your mom and dad will help her to prepare to see you too, it will be good.
Cailea, I am praying for you with your doctor appointment today. No question is stupid for you surgeon or for us.
Nessie, how are you feeling? How often will you have follow up appointments? When do you go back to work?
Arlyn, I am amazed you are coming all the way up here for surgery. Do you have family or friends to look after you?
Linda, how are you doing dear? Any special men you have your eye on? Keep checking in and letting us know how you are.
Stacey, are you home yet? I hope you are healing and feeling better everyday. Don't worry about posting, I remember how out of it I felt at first and it just takes a couple days to get back to normal...we are praying for you.
Well ladies, I am going to try to have a lazy Sunday. I don't know how I would have survived all this without you either....so glad we have each other.
Hugs,
Katie
granolawife
04-20-2008, 06:12 PM
Hi...
Thanks so much to everyone for the encouraging words. They mean so much to me as I wrap my head around this. Having a confirmed date does make it seem very real and I am already not sleeping that well. I imagine it will be worse as I get closer. I keep thinking of my surgeon's words when he said that my surgery would be a little tricky because the larger tumor is pressing against the bile ducts...he said the biggest risk is cutting or tearing the ducts which would lead to them leaking. A very bad situation apparently. ugh....trying not to think about that!!! He said it only happens in 1 - 2 % of cases, but I am not finding much consolation in that right now.
Cailea, I am thinking of you so much as you go in to this week. Please let us know how your pre-op appt. goes if you are able to. You know that we are all here thinking of you and sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! In a few weeks you will be mending nicely and this part will all be behind you. We are all here for you.
Beth, I can't believe your surgery is the day before mine! I am so thankful we are here to offer one another support!! Is yours being done laproscopically or open surgery? How long did they say you would be in the hospital?
I am having my surgery done in Pittsburgh because of the amazing liver center they have there. I have zero confidence in the local drs. I have seen(read previous posts!) and the surgeon at UPMC has a fantastic reputation. My husband and his family are from Pittsburgh and my in-laws live there, so I will recover at their house after I am discharged from the hospital. My mom, dad, sister and husband are all flying in and will be there at least until I am discharged. I will have a whole brigade of people with me. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful family. My best friend offered to fly up after my parents have to leave to keep me company at the in-laws, but I don't want to ask that of her, particularly if I'm just going to be sleeping mostly anyway. Any thoughts?
Also, my husband and I were planning on going to Italy for vacation the third week in August. For those that have been through this, do you think that's a reasonable trip to try to take? Otherwise, we can always just go lie on a beach somewhere.
Juliet, I am so sorry you are still in limbo...I pray that you will have a plan in place this week!
Nessie, I think you also had open surgery...? How long were you in the hospital? How long was your actually surgery?
Sorry for the LONG post....
Hugs,
Arlyn
Thanks so much to everyone for the encouraging words. They mean so much to me as I wrap my head around this. Having a confirmed date does make it seem very real and I am already not sleeping that well. I imagine it will be worse as I get closer. I keep thinking of my surgeon's words when he said that my surgery would be a little tricky because the larger tumor is pressing against the bile ducts...he said the biggest risk is cutting or tearing the ducts which would lead to them leaking. A very bad situation apparently. ugh....trying not to think about that!!! He said it only happens in 1 - 2 % of cases, but I am not finding much consolation in that right now.
Cailea, I am thinking of you so much as you go in to this week. Please let us know how your pre-op appt. goes if you are able to. You know that we are all here thinking of you and sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! In a few weeks you will be mending nicely and this part will all be behind you. We are all here for you.
Beth, I can't believe your surgery is the day before mine! I am so thankful we are here to offer one another support!! Is yours being done laproscopically or open surgery? How long did they say you would be in the hospital?
I am having my surgery done in Pittsburgh because of the amazing liver center they have there. I have zero confidence in the local drs. I have seen(read previous posts!) and the surgeon at UPMC has a fantastic reputation. My husband and his family are from Pittsburgh and my in-laws live there, so I will recover at their house after I am discharged from the hospital. My mom, dad, sister and husband are all flying in and will be there at least until I am discharged. I will have a whole brigade of people with me. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful family. My best friend offered to fly up after my parents have to leave to keep me company at the in-laws, but I don't want to ask that of her, particularly if I'm just going to be sleeping mostly anyway. Any thoughts?
Also, my husband and I were planning on going to Italy for vacation the third week in August. For those that have been through this, do you think that's a reasonable trip to try to take? Otherwise, we can always just go lie on a beach somewhere.
Juliet, I am so sorry you are still in limbo...I pray that you will have a plan in place this week!
Nessie, I think you also had open surgery...? How long were you in the hospital? How long was your actually surgery?
Sorry for the LONG post....
Hugs,
Arlyn
granolawife
04-20-2008, 06:13 PM
ps -- Stacey, still thinking of you as well...I hope that you are doing ok!!! :)
cailea
04-21-2008, 05:22 AM
hi all,
Well the pre-op appointment went ok. My pulse was sky high so they sent me for an ECG, also had bloods taken, a meeting with the anaesthetist. Honestly I think what I got was a lot of confusion.
I am now told the op is likely to be 6 hours, i will be having a blood transfusion and the cathether etc will go in while awake...yippppeee!..not.
Other piece of news is that I am to be admitted 2pm on wed, i thought op would be that afternoon but seems they are going to do it the next morning. Can't say I am too thrilled at spending wed and the night in hospital away from hubby.
Well wasn't this a cheerful post...LOL...not in a great place right now.
I am thinking about you all though.
cailea
x
Well the pre-op appointment went ok. My pulse was sky high so they sent me for an ECG, also had bloods taken, a meeting with the anaesthetist. Honestly I think what I got was a lot of confusion.
I am now told the op is likely to be 6 hours, i will be having a blood transfusion and the cathether etc will go in while awake...yippppeee!..not.
Other piece of news is that I am to be admitted 2pm on wed, i thought op would be that afternoon but seems they are going to do it the next morning. Can't say I am too thrilled at spending wed and the night in hospital away from hubby.
Well wasn't this a cheerful post...LOL...not in a great place right now.
I am thinking about you all though.
cailea
x
nessie1
04-21-2008, 05:32 AM
morning
hope your all doing ok
cailea - thinking of you today hun , hope all goes well. let us know when you can :angel:
stacey - you are in my thoughts babe, how you doing??
juliet - dinner sounds fab!! yes i can hug my son, i have had hugs since week 1. its fine. he sits on my lap and we have a snuggle - he is a very loving boy. back to school today so a bit of "me " time now. i know thats a bit selfish but i so need it! i had my first drink sat night! went to a party and i had 1 glass of wine-it was lovely! had a dance aswell! hope you know soon mate - you are being verybrave!
katie - seeing surgeon thurs. with results! i so hope its a FNH then at least i know the others are and they can stay put as long as they dont grow too much!! supposed to be signed off work til mid june but i will see how i go. its the tiredness that stops me going back now! my boss is insistant i dont go back til june but i will see how i feel. glad your still doing ok - remember take it easy!!hows the emotions??
beth - glad we could help your daughter! how you feeling?? it wont be long now .
arlyn - glad you have so much family and friends who can help. that wil be good for you . as for bile leakage - as juliet said they use that special tool that minimises blood loss and leakage. you wil have a drain in to monitor the bile anyway and it normally just stops by itself. i was also told that was the biggest risk but it was all ok. i did have open surgery - in theatre for 2 hours, in hospital for 7 days (3 days in ICU). any questions fire away - dont be afraid to ask anything!!
well lazy day for me today! still no period - 37 days now?? my PMT is getting too much!! so wierd for me and no im not pregnant!!
take care
nessie x
hope your all doing ok
cailea - thinking of you today hun , hope all goes well. let us know when you can :angel:
stacey - you are in my thoughts babe, how you doing??
juliet - dinner sounds fab!! yes i can hug my son, i have had hugs since week 1. its fine. he sits on my lap and we have a snuggle - he is a very loving boy. back to school today so a bit of "me " time now. i know thats a bit selfish but i so need it! i had my first drink sat night! went to a party and i had 1 glass of wine-it was lovely! had a dance aswell! hope you know soon mate - you are being verybrave!
katie - seeing surgeon thurs. with results! i so hope its a FNH then at least i know the others are and they can stay put as long as they dont grow too much!! supposed to be signed off work til mid june but i will see how i go. its the tiredness that stops me going back now! my boss is insistant i dont go back til june but i will see how i feel. glad your still doing ok - remember take it easy!!hows the emotions??
beth - glad we could help your daughter! how you feeling?? it wont be long now .
arlyn - glad you have so much family and friends who can help. that wil be good for you . as for bile leakage - as juliet said they use that special tool that minimises blood loss and leakage. you wil have a drain in to monitor the bile anyway and it normally just stops by itself. i was also told that was the biggest risk but it was all ok. i did have open surgery - in theatre for 2 hours, in hospital for 7 days (3 days in ICU). any questions fire away - dont be afraid to ask anything!!
well lazy day for me today! still no period - 37 days now?? my PMT is getting too much!! so wierd for me and no im not pregnant!!
take care
nessie x
nessie1
04-21-2008, 09:50 AM
cailea - sorry i must have been typing same time!!
you dont sound very happy mate. i had to stay in hospital the night before also. my hubby stayed with me , not in same room but he was there for support. ask if they have any visitors rooms for your man. how big is your tumor?? did you say it was left lobe removal?? (sorry mate)
can they not put catheter in when asleep??are you having epidural? i can imagine its all very "real " now for you. just remember we are all here for you hun. just think this time next week it will all be done and you will be thinking of coming home! try and stay positive , i know its so hard but you are strong and you will be fine.
take care :angel:
you dont sound very happy mate. i had to stay in hospital the night before also. my hubby stayed with me , not in same room but he was there for support. ask if they have any visitors rooms for your man. how big is your tumor?? did you say it was left lobe removal?? (sorry mate)
can they not put catheter in when asleep??are you having epidural? i can imagine its all very "real " now for you. just remember we are all here for you hun. just think this time next week it will all be done and you will be thinking of coming home! try and stay positive , i know its so hard but you are strong and you will be fine.
take care :angel:
bethegk7
04-21-2008, 10:08 AM
Good morning from this side of the world!
Cailea -- that is a bit unfortunate but see if your hubby can stay. Operating first thing in the am is better -- the doctor will be well rested! Don't worry about the cathether too much. When I had my c-section I dreaded that so much. And, in the end it was not bad at all -- and I am a total baby when it comes to putting tubes in me!
Juliet -- too bad we are half way around the world from each other! Dinner sounds fabulous! And, we have a brillant poodle too -- Ladybug. She greets Britt every morning with a facial of kisses! She usually sleeps with us. As soon as the alarm goes off she plops right down on top of me and gives me a facial then she is off to see Britt. I am so worried because after the surgery there will be no plopping and I am worried how to handle her. I love that dog so much and have taught her some bad behavior such as it is alright to lay on top of me. I don't want to punish her but .... Such silly things to worry about! I am also curious about the drinking. I must admit that wine and I are good buddies right now. I plan to stop drinking May 1 and wonder when I can drink again. Not that it is important but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine or a good ladies night out! I just want to give my liver the best opportunity to heal and regrow!
Arlyn -- I am scheduled for open surgery to remove the left lobe, a smidge of the right and the gall bladder. My surgeon mentioned the whole bile duct thing as well. He said that is why the hospital stay is long because they have the drain in and monitor the bile. That is also why the surgery is a bit long because the need to seal the bile ducts. It sounds like he plans to stitch them so he said he does some stitching puts a pad in, sees if there is leaking and so on. The bile ducts are like a tree....lots of little branches that need to be sealed off. It is just one of the complications that they must tell us about.
Nessie -- I am dying to know which brewery you work for (but understand if you don't say). My husband and I lived in England for 7 months. My husband LOVED british beer. I think he tried every kind!!! We cannot wait to go back one of these days. We both love the UK!
Stacey, I hope you are doing well!
Best,
Beth
Cailea -- that is a bit unfortunate but see if your hubby can stay. Operating first thing in the am is better -- the doctor will be well rested! Don't worry about the cathether too much. When I had my c-section I dreaded that so much. And, in the end it was not bad at all -- and I am a total baby when it comes to putting tubes in me!
Juliet -- too bad we are half way around the world from each other! Dinner sounds fabulous! And, we have a brillant poodle too -- Ladybug. She greets Britt every morning with a facial of kisses! She usually sleeps with us. As soon as the alarm goes off she plops right down on top of me and gives me a facial then she is off to see Britt. I am so worried because after the surgery there will be no plopping and I am worried how to handle her. I love that dog so much and have taught her some bad behavior such as it is alright to lay on top of me. I don't want to punish her but .... Such silly things to worry about! I am also curious about the drinking. I must admit that wine and I are good buddies right now. I plan to stop drinking May 1 and wonder when I can drink again. Not that it is important but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine or a good ladies night out! I just want to give my liver the best opportunity to heal and regrow!
Arlyn -- I am scheduled for open surgery to remove the left lobe, a smidge of the right and the gall bladder. My surgeon mentioned the whole bile duct thing as well. He said that is why the hospital stay is long because they have the drain in and monitor the bile. That is also why the surgery is a bit long because the need to seal the bile ducts. It sounds like he plans to stitch them so he said he does some stitching puts a pad in, sees if there is leaking and so on. The bile ducts are like a tree....lots of little branches that need to be sealed off. It is just one of the complications that they must tell us about.
Nessie -- I am dying to know which brewery you work for (but understand if you don't say). My husband and I lived in England for 7 months. My husband LOVED british beer. I think he tried every kind!!! We cannot wait to go back one of these days. We both love the UK!
Stacey, I hope you are doing well!
Best,
Beth
granolawife
04-21-2008, 10:43 AM
I was wondering about the drinking myself actually...I plan on asking my surgeon about it, so I will let you know. I need to figure out how to phrase it "approporately". He said I can have a glass or two now with no worries, but I have to admit that I over did it a bit this past Saturday. I had to release some stress...and boy, did it feel good! I plan on stopping compeltely May 1 though. He said no alcohol 14 days before surgery, but I want to give my liver extra rest!
Anyone have an opinion on traveling overseas for vacation about 10 weeks out?
Cailea...you are one day closer to this all being over with today!! HUGS...
Anyone have an opinion on traveling overseas for vacation about 10 weeks out?
Cailea...you are one day closer to this all being over with today!! HUGS...
kt8889
04-21-2008, 11:33 AM
Good Morning all,
Cailea, we are here for you love. Reading your post brought me back about 3 1/2 weeks, that is where I was. Don't worry about what they say they are going to do to you awake. I was told I was getting all that stuff awake too, catheter and central line. Well, I was very drugged up when they did all of it. I might have been talking to them, but I do not remember much of it. I even asked for more drugs before they did it and that is about the last of what I remember. I am sorry you are feeling that stress right now....I do remember being there. You can read back when I was freaking out and Nessie and Juliet told me it would be fine, and it was. You get extra prayers this week from me!
Juliet, I am coming over for left overs! My digestive track is getting better. I feel a gurgle where I have never felt it before, just under my right rib. It feels wierd. That is so great that you and Beth have a poodle! I have a yorkie poo that is 14 yrs old named Slipper. :D She is my buddy, always with me...even more after I got home from the hospital. Beth, I had to put her next to me at first and you will to, but they understand somehow.
Arlyn, I ALWAYS post long! :) I have not had a drink yet, but I am going to try to go out this weekend. My boyfriend is a club DJ and my best friend is a DJ on the radio and she is crazy! We are supposed to go out this weekend for birthdays, but I don't know if I will have a drink or not. If you could ask your doc. for us...before surgery and after. I am so happy that you have lots of family around to help you out up here. You will have great weather too, a little cooler then home. ;)
Nessie, you get extra prayers this week with your doc. app. on Thursday. I am feeling a little better. I had a rough time on Saturday night. My boyfriends birthday is this Wednesday and we bought tickets for a wine dinner months ago for Saturday. It was at a restaurant that we are great friends with the owners, so I told Will to just go, but it was silly for me to go. I can't drink, I hardly eat.....but it made me so sad when he left to go, and that is so unlike me. But, I picked up my son and my daughter that is never home stayed home with me and we all watched a movie together. It turned out really nice. I get sad when I am alone, so we will see how I do. I am taking B12, my sister said it helps, so we will see.
Beth, how is you daughter hanging in there? I think that is a good plan to stop drinking so soon. We have so many great bottles of wine we shipped home from Napa Valley that I am dying to break into. ;) Oh well, they are not going anywhere.
Stacey, we are still praying for you dear!
Hugs to all,
Katie
Cailea, we are here for you love. Reading your post brought me back about 3 1/2 weeks, that is where I was. Don't worry about what they say they are going to do to you awake. I was told I was getting all that stuff awake too, catheter and central line. Well, I was very drugged up when they did all of it. I might have been talking to them, but I do not remember much of it. I even asked for more drugs before they did it and that is about the last of what I remember. I am sorry you are feeling that stress right now....I do remember being there. You can read back when I was freaking out and Nessie and Juliet told me it would be fine, and it was. You get extra prayers this week from me!
Juliet, I am coming over for left overs! My digestive track is getting better. I feel a gurgle where I have never felt it before, just under my right rib. It feels wierd. That is so great that you and Beth have a poodle! I have a yorkie poo that is 14 yrs old named Slipper. :D She is my buddy, always with me...even more after I got home from the hospital. Beth, I had to put her next to me at first and you will to, but they understand somehow.
Arlyn, I ALWAYS post long! :) I have not had a drink yet, but I am going to try to go out this weekend. My boyfriend is a club DJ and my best friend is a DJ on the radio and she is crazy! We are supposed to go out this weekend for birthdays, but I don't know if I will have a drink or not. If you could ask your doc. for us...before surgery and after. I am so happy that you have lots of family around to help you out up here. You will have great weather too, a little cooler then home. ;)
Nessie, you get extra prayers this week with your doc. app. on Thursday. I am feeling a little better. I had a rough time on Saturday night. My boyfriends birthday is this Wednesday and we bought tickets for a wine dinner months ago for Saturday. It was at a restaurant that we are great friends with the owners, so I told Will to just go, but it was silly for me to go. I can't drink, I hardly eat.....but it made me so sad when he left to go, and that is so unlike me. But, I picked up my son and my daughter that is never home stayed home with me and we all watched a movie together. It turned out really nice. I get sad when I am alone, so we will see how I do. I am taking B12, my sister said it helps, so we will see.
Beth, how is you daughter hanging in there? I think that is a good plan to stop drinking so soon. We have so many great bottles of wine we shipped home from Napa Valley that I am dying to break into. ;) Oh well, they are not going anywhere.
Stacey, we are still praying for you dear!
Hugs to all,
Katie
nessie1
04-21-2008, 02:58 PM
just a quickie
the alcohol question
i dont drink that much but i do get lot free through work!- have cut down a lot in past year. i had one blow out a week before surgery which was fab. i did end up being sick all night though! where i live Cider is very popular! my first drink was last sat 5.5 weeks post op. only one glass of wine. i will check with surgeon on thurs if ok to drink now and let you all know what recommendations are.
beth - dont really want to say (id and all that) which brewery i work for.i was in sales but now im in the logistics side of things . where did you stay in england?? you and your family need to come over and enjoy a beer or two with us!in fact you ALL should!! cant believe im the only english girlie on this site!
take care x
the alcohol question
i dont drink that much but i do get lot free through work!- have cut down a lot in past year. i had one blow out a week before surgery which was fab. i did end up being sick all night though! where i live Cider is very popular! my first drink was last sat 5.5 weeks post op. only one glass of wine. i will check with surgeon on thurs if ok to drink now and let you all know what recommendations are.
beth - dont really want to say (id and all that) which brewery i work for.i was in sales but now im in the logistics side of things . where did you stay in england?? you and your family need to come over and enjoy a beer or two with us!in fact you ALL should!! cant believe im the only english girlie on this site!
take care x
cailea
04-21-2008, 06:34 PM
Hi All,
Well i am slightly more cheerful this morning ;-) I think a lack of sleep and reality kicked in yesterday. I am trying to view the confusing viewpoints of the docs as nothing to be worried about and that they will do what's right whatever that may be.
nessie - the tumour is about 10cm x 10cm in size (as the intern doc said yesterday, "gee it is large!" *sigh*) and is in the left lobe. It is almost the size of the left lobe, so they will be taking it, possibly more. I am hoping because I am being admitted the day before that I can cause some hell regarding the catheter, tubes etc and get them to put them in either last thing at night or in the morning. I am unsure about the epidural. The doc said yesterday, it depends, on what I am not sure. I think the confusing aspect yesterday was that I saw an anaesthetist who won't be the one in the op. A doc that won't be in the op...LOL..it made it tough to get any straight answers.
The one good thing they said was they have their 4 best anaesthetists on this op and that my surgeon is one of the best liver surgeons in Australia, that helped, even if its not true...haha. I also told the anaesthetist that I want to be knocked out before I see any stainless steel or scalpels ;)
Nessie, I lived in a cider area too. I did my degree at Plymouth. That is also one of the stops on our trip in July (if it goes ahead).
Well i intend to enjoy one of my last days before the op doing nothing..haha I am waiting at the moment for a guy to come and install foxtel (cable/satellite). I have talking to hubby about getting it for years and it has taken this op for him to agree!
Thank you all so much for your good wishes. I take great comfort in knowing others have been there (and are there) and made it through the other side.
lots of love
cailea
x
P.S. When I am in hospital, Juliet will be providing updates here via hubby. Hopefully hubby will bring his laptop in when I am a little better so I can write my own messages.
Well i am slightly more cheerful this morning ;-) I think a lack of sleep and reality kicked in yesterday. I am trying to view the confusing viewpoints of the docs as nothing to be worried about and that they will do what's right whatever that may be.
nessie - the tumour is about 10cm x 10cm in size (as the intern doc said yesterday, "gee it is large!" *sigh*) and is in the left lobe. It is almost the size of the left lobe, so they will be taking it, possibly more. I am hoping because I am being admitted the day before that I can cause some hell regarding the catheter, tubes etc and get them to put them in either last thing at night or in the morning. I am unsure about the epidural. The doc said yesterday, it depends, on what I am not sure. I think the confusing aspect yesterday was that I saw an anaesthetist who won't be the one in the op. A doc that won't be in the op...LOL..it made it tough to get any straight answers.
The one good thing they said was they have their 4 best anaesthetists on this op and that my surgeon is one of the best liver surgeons in Australia, that helped, even if its not true...haha. I also told the anaesthetist that I want to be knocked out before I see any stainless steel or scalpels ;)
Nessie, I lived in a cider area too. I did my degree at Plymouth. That is also one of the stops on our trip in July (if it goes ahead).
Well i intend to enjoy one of my last days before the op doing nothing..haha I am waiting at the moment for a guy to come and install foxtel (cable/satellite). I have talking to hubby about getting it for years and it has taken this op for him to agree!
Thank you all so much for your good wishes. I take great comfort in knowing others have been there (and are there) and made it through the other side.
lots of love
cailea
x
P.S. When I am in hospital, Juliet will be providing updates here via hubby. Hopefully hubby will bring his laptop in when I am a little better so I can write my own messages.
srwolts
04-21-2008, 08:38 PM
Hi Everyone!
First of all I want to thank you all for all the prayers you sent my way! THEY WORKED!
2nd of all - BM IN JUST 5 DAYS!! I AM THE WINNER!! WOO HOO!!
;)
Seriously now, everything is going really, really well. I had my surgery on Tues and came home on Friday night!! Hasn't even been a week and I haven't even taken any pain pills today! Can you belive that??? Great huh?
I am still in pain, but just trying to get off those pills. If i get too sore, i won't hesitate to take one, trust me! I have about 16 staples and the incision is right under my breast bone down to the top of my belly button. Right down the middle, basically I was cut in half. I had to have IV's put in my ankles because they had a lot of trouble getting veins in my arms. I have SEVERAL holes and bruises to show for it! I did have the nasal drain tube and that really wasn't bad until about the 3rd day and that is when it got removed. I guess they tried to do the neck line, but ended up not because I have a big lump in my neck and it's bruised a little bit. That actually hurts quite a bit right now. Not able to look up all the way and hurts to swallow. But I am hanging in there.
I go in 2 weeks to have my staples removed and the first follow up. Sorry I am not typing too much right now, but please feel free to ask any questions.
All in all the surgery/recovery is not near as bad as what I thought it would be. I am moving around SO much more than i thought i would be at this point.
Love you all and thank you for everything! I will be back on later!
Stacey
First of all I want to thank you all for all the prayers you sent my way! THEY WORKED!
2nd of all - BM IN JUST 5 DAYS!! I AM THE WINNER!! WOO HOO!!
;)
Seriously now, everything is going really, really well. I had my surgery on Tues and came home on Friday night!! Hasn't even been a week and I haven't even taken any pain pills today! Can you belive that??? Great huh?
I am still in pain, but just trying to get off those pills. If i get too sore, i won't hesitate to take one, trust me! I have about 16 staples and the incision is right under my breast bone down to the top of my belly button. Right down the middle, basically I was cut in half. I had to have IV's put in my ankles because they had a lot of trouble getting veins in my arms. I have SEVERAL holes and bruises to show for it! I did have the nasal drain tube and that really wasn't bad until about the 3rd day and that is when it got removed. I guess they tried to do the neck line, but ended up not because I have a big lump in my neck and it's bruised a little bit. That actually hurts quite a bit right now. Not able to look up all the way and hurts to swallow. But I am hanging in there.
I go in 2 weeks to have my staples removed and the first follow up. Sorry I am not typing too much right now, but please feel free to ask any questions.
All in all the surgery/recovery is not near as bad as what I thought it would be. I am moving around SO much more than i thought i would be at this point.
Love you all and thank you for everything! I will be back on later!
Stacey
kt8889
04-21-2008, 08:52 PM
Welcome home Stacey!!!!!! I am so glad to see you on here and so glad you are doing so well. I am proud of you for getting off those pain pills. I think I was on them to long and had a rough time getting off of them. I am so happy and proud you made it through just fine. I will keep praying that you keep healing well. :angel:
Cailea, you sound like you are in better spirits today! Everything will be fine, you are in good hands, not always fun, but it will be fine. I am praying lots for you this week and will continue to do so. So glad you are getting cable put in...it really does help in the first three weeks when you need to just park it. Tell your hubby we said he did good! ;)
I have a request all...my Dad is fighting lung cancer and he is back in the hospital. I honestly don't know what is going on right now, but I am going to go sit with him tomorrow. Please say a prayer for him.
Thank you so much....lots of hug!
Katie
Cailea, you sound like you are in better spirits today! Everything will be fine, you are in good hands, not always fun, but it will be fine. I am praying lots for you this week and will continue to do so. So glad you are getting cable put in...it really does help in the first three weeks when you need to just park it. Tell your hubby we said he did good! ;)
I have a request all...my Dad is fighting lung cancer and he is back in the hospital. I honestly don't know what is going on right now, but I am going to go sit with him tomorrow. Please say a prayer for him.
Thank you so much....lots of hug!
Katie
cailea
04-21-2008, 08:56 PM
Welcome home Stacey!!! and well done for getting through this with such bravery, you are giving me hope! Just take care of yourself and don't do too much too quickly (((huggs))))
Katie, good wishes and thoughts your way for both you and your dad. Thinking of you x
cailea
x
Katie, good wishes and thoughts your way for both you and your dad. Thinking of you x
cailea
x
granolawife
04-21-2008, 11:04 PM
Welcome back Stacey!! I am so glad to hear that everything went so well!!
Katie...Please know that you and your father are in my thoughts and prayers...HUGS....
Arlyn
Katie...Please know that you and your father are in my thoughts and prayers...HUGS....
Arlyn
nessie1
04-22-2008, 05:39 AM
morning
juliet i could not have put it better myself. you are so right. this site has helped me no end and i dont know what i would do without you guys. sometimes i lie in bed and visualize us all meeting - and thats it im in floods of tears. being strangers and having such different lives is all part of the amazement i feel to find such a special bond. juliet is sounds like you are so confused. go with your gut instinct. if you feel melbourne is better equiped and you can get it done sooner then do it, however if its hard for family that will be a drawback. i know that you want it out "now" but if you feel more comfortable being close to home whats a few more weeks?as for smoking i know its bad but if it gets you through the stress for a few weeks then so what! just make sure you stop after your better. take care mate.
stacey - YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im so proud of you hun. well done for doing it, i told you not to worry too much, but the thought of lines in the ankles makes me cringe!! i was also covered in scratches and bruises when i came out but they soon dissapear. take it easy - dont do too much and listen to your body.
cailea - hey there. sorry forgot yours is 10cm. im so glad you sound better today. please stay calm and know that we are all praying for you. like i say this time next week it will all be done! if you kick up enough fuss im sure they will do catheter etc once asleep! just lay it on thick! take care love, well done on getting cable - im not a telly person but it has been great over last few weeks. are you stopping in england long?? no matter where you are im coming to meet you!
katie - im sorry about your dad, it must be very hard what with everything else. i am sending prayers hun. are you going out this weekend? what kinda music you into?
by the way did everyone get oprah address off internet? can we email her show or do we need to put in post?
also how amazing on other thread Fannylou has posted. she helped me so much with info its lovely to hear from her.
take care all
juliet i could not have put it better myself. you are so right. this site has helped me no end and i dont know what i would do without you guys. sometimes i lie in bed and visualize us all meeting - and thats it im in floods of tears. being strangers and having such different lives is all part of the amazement i feel to find such a special bond. juliet is sounds like you are so confused. go with your gut instinct. if you feel melbourne is better equiped and you can get it done sooner then do it, however if its hard for family that will be a drawback. i know that you want it out "now" but if you feel more comfortable being close to home whats a few more weeks?as for smoking i know its bad but if it gets you through the stress for a few weeks then so what! just make sure you stop after your better. take care mate.
stacey - YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im so proud of you hun. well done for doing it, i told you not to worry too much, but the thought of lines in the ankles makes me cringe!! i was also covered in scratches and bruises when i came out but they soon dissapear. take it easy - dont do too much and listen to your body.
cailea - hey there. sorry forgot yours is 10cm. im so glad you sound better today. please stay calm and know that we are all praying for you. like i say this time next week it will all be done! if you kick up enough fuss im sure they will do catheter etc once asleep! just lay it on thick! take care love, well done on getting cable - im not a telly person but it has been great over last few weeks. are you stopping in england long?? no matter where you are im coming to meet you!
katie - im sorry about your dad, it must be very hard what with everything else. i am sending prayers hun. are you going out this weekend? what kinda music you into?
by the way did everyone get oprah address off internet? can we email her show or do we need to put in post?
also how amazing on other thread Fannylou has posted. she helped me so much with info its lovely to hear from her.
take care all
nessie1
04-22-2008, 06:03 AM
I have emailed oprah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!
nessie
So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!
nessie
cailea
04-22-2008, 07:29 AM
Hi All,
Glad to see that love is all around today :)
I haven't done my Oprah letter but I will when I get back home, promise. I reckon I might also sell the get Dr OZ to do a show on this condition that has brought us together.
I am feeling relatively calm tonight, I find the mornings the worst until my brain kicks in and calms me down. I am ready to get this over with!!! I have told hubby to go home early tomorrow night and to come back very early in the morning before the op. He tells me "but that is outside visiting hours"..hmmmmfff...does he really think I care about visting hour rules..LOL...he will be there or be in big trouble....;-)
Nessie, we should be around Newbury for a couple of days and then down in Devon for around 3 days.
Well I will say my goodbyes now. I may make it on in the morning Aus time but most of you will be all asleep then.
The doc says max of 2 weeks stay but definitely a week (they seem more cautious here!), so I will see you all when I see you. And Juliet I will speak to you sooner than that.
Take care ladies and stay strong, this WILL be all over for all of us soon.
lots of love
cailea
x
Glad to see that love is all around today :)
I haven't done my Oprah letter but I will when I get back home, promise. I reckon I might also sell the get Dr OZ to do a show on this condition that has brought us together.
I am feeling relatively calm tonight, I find the mornings the worst until my brain kicks in and calms me down. I am ready to get this over with!!! I have told hubby to go home early tomorrow night and to come back very early in the morning before the op. He tells me "but that is outside visiting hours"..hmmmmfff...does he really think I care about visting hour rules..LOL...he will be there or be in big trouble....;-)
Nessie, we should be around Newbury for a couple of days and then down in Devon for around 3 days.
Well I will say my goodbyes now. I may make it on in the morning Aus time but most of you will be all asleep then.
The doc says max of 2 weeks stay but definitely a week (they seem more cautious here!), so I will see you all when I see you. And Juliet I will speak to you sooner than that.
Take care ladies and stay strong, this WILL be all over for all of us soon.
lots of love
cailea
x
nessie1
04-22-2008, 08:22 AM
cailea - you sound so positive, keep it up mate im so proud of you. all will be fine, i will pray for you tonight. tell hubby - sod the visiting hours he has got to be there. you will know tomorrow what time you are on the list. we will speak next week , tell juliet how you are mind as we need to know! lots of hugs coming your way.
by the way newbury only hour away from me, and devon only couple of hours - we have so got to meet for a drink!!
take care my love:angel:
nessie
by the way newbury only hour away from me, and devon only couple of hours - we have so got to meet for a drink!!
take care my love:angel:
nessie
bethegk7
04-22-2008, 10:48 AM
Cailea -- good luck. Juliet I hope you can tell Cailea's husband to give her our best when he goes to the hospital tomorrow morning (before visiting hours!). This other side of the world thing is hard to deal with some times.!
Stacey -- wow you are amazing already home and a bm! I am so happy that you are doing well. Don't over do though!
Katie, I am so sorry about your father. Your family will be in my thoughts! Tell he has prayers from around the world! Aside from your father, you sound happier. Are you feeling less sadness?
Juliet we have a standard as well. She is the runt of the litter so she is smaller than most standards but she is great. I always had standards growing up -- I think they are the best dogs! Boy you have surgeons fighting over you -- crazy! You need to do what is best for you. Some times that is hard to sort out but try to shut out the noise and figure out what feels right for you. This sounds silly but maybe make a list of pros and cons of the two options. What does Pete think? Hey if we can get on a talk show down under I am game!
Nessie -- we lived in London mostly but spent 2 months in Beyton a small village right outside of Bury St. Edmonds. We loved it! When we were in Beyton we would take bike rides every weekend -- visiting churches and pubs!
Arlyn -- how are you? Do you have to go to Pittsburgh for pre-op stuff?
Have a great day (evening)! Beth
Stacey -- wow you are amazing already home and a bm! I am so happy that you are doing well. Don't over do though!
Katie, I am so sorry about your father. Your family will be in my thoughts! Tell he has prayers from around the world! Aside from your father, you sound happier. Are you feeling less sadness?
Juliet we have a standard as well. She is the runt of the litter so she is smaller than most standards but she is great. I always had standards growing up -- I think they are the best dogs! Boy you have surgeons fighting over you -- crazy! You need to do what is best for you. Some times that is hard to sort out but try to shut out the noise and figure out what feels right for you. This sounds silly but maybe make a list of pros and cons of the two options. What does Pete think? Hey if we can get on a talk show down under I am game!
Nessie -- we lived in London mostly but spent 2 months in Beyton a small village right outside of Bury St. Edmonds. We loved it! When we were in Beyton we would take bike rides every weekend -- visiting churches and pubs!
Arlyn -- how are you? Do you have to go to Pittsburgh for pre-op stuff?
Have a great day (evening)! Beth
kt8889
04-22-2008, 10:49 AM
Cailea, I am praying for you...and I agree with Nessie about the visiting hours...make him be there with you. I had someone with me the entire time I think. Tell him to pack a toothbrush and hang out. You will be fine, and fuss for the drugs when you are being prepped, and remember we are proud of you! :angel:
Juliet, you are making me cry this morning and I already did my makeup. ;) We will all meet some day, I know it. Don't know how yet, but we will. You all are so important to me and I am so greatful that you all are part of my life. I am sorry you are dealing with the where and who again. See what they say in Melborne and I will say a prayer that you will know what to do. I so understand the need to be close to family, but you have a tricky surgery. I am praying for you love! And the smoking part, after surgery, it will be the last thing you will want to do, so don't worry about it. I was a smoker and I had quit for a long time until I found out I had a liver tumor, and I fell of the wagon hard. We turn to what we know. I don't want one any more though, so I am done again and you will be too.
I don't know if I will be going out this weekend, I am still so tired, but I feel like I am missing so much stuff....but I know that is silly to think that way. I am taking care of myself first. I listen to to 40..dance...I like everything.;)
Thank you all so much for the prayers for my Dad..we have a strange relationship, long story, we went many years not talking, but I'm working on it. My step mom just called to see if I left yet, so I better get going.
Beth, enjoy the lovely weather today!
Arlyn, thank you for the prayers!
Fannylou, I hope you join us...we are here for you!
Hugs to all,
Katie
Juliet, you are making me cry this morning and I already did my makeup. ;) We will all meet some day, I know it. Don't know how yet, but we will. You all are so important to me and I am so greatful that you all are part of my life. I am sorry you are dealing with the where and who again. See what they say in Melborne and I will say a prayer that you will know what to do. I so understand the need to be close to family, but you have a tricky surgery. I am praying for you love! And the smoking part, after surgery, it will be the last thing you will want to do, so don't worry about it. I was a smoker and I had quit for a long time until I found out I had a liver tumor, and I fell of the wagon hard. We turn to what we know. I don't want one any more though, so I am done again and you will be too.
I don't know if I will be going out this weekend, I am still so tired, but I feel like I am missing so much stuff....but I know that is silly to think that way. I am taking care of myself first. I listen to to 40..dance...I like everything.;)
Thank you all so much for the prayers for my Dad..we have a strange relationship, long story, we went many years not talking, but I'm working on it. My step mom just called to see if I left yet, so I better get going.
Beth, enjoy the lovely weather today!
Arlyn, thank you for the prayers!
Fannylou, I hope you join us...we are here for you!
Hugs to all,
Katie
bethegk7
04-22-2008, 10:54 AM
Katie we cross posted....you seem down again....and you are going to work already!?!??!?!
Beth
Beth
lestex
04-22-2008, 02:07 PM
I need advise. I have had a growing fnh for 3 years. Originally 7cm, now 10cm. One doctor says it must come out, one says we just need to biopsy to rule out cancer.
Any advise or similar situation? Any help is appreciated.
Any advise or similar situation? Any help is appreciated.
granolawife
04-22-2008, 02:07 PM
Hi...
what do you guys think about my husband and I's planned vacation to italy 10 wks post-op? i don't know if that's too ambitious? i think i am most concerned about the long plane ride.
my family has their arrangements made, so that is making me feel better. my poor mom has to cut her vacation short and take 3 different planes and a train to come back from italy early, but she will be there. again, i do feel very lucky.
Juliet, i also hope that your surgery is close to beth and I's! Strange, but I think I would also feel better having the camaraderie of 2 people I know going through the same thing at the same time...I think it will give me more strength! I have already gotten so much from everyone on here.
Katie, I continue to pray for you and your dad. please keep us posted on how you are both doing. what a stressful time for you...i am so sorry!!!
Beth, I found out I don't have to be up in Pittsburgh until a couple of days before. I will go up Tues, 5/27. All my pre-op stuff will go on Wed., then I will check in to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. on Thurs. the 29th for surgery. I guess the insurance cos. don't pay for overnight the night before anymore...can't say I am unhappy about that, although I am sure I will not be sleeping at all anyway. how about you?
Cailea... you remain in all of our thoughts everyday!! again...another day closer to this be OVER...and you recovering and healthy!!
Stacey - please keep us posted on your recovery if you feel up to it! we are so happy for you!
:)
what do you guys think about my husband and I's planned vacation to italy 10 wks post-op? i don't know if that's too ambitious? i think i am most concerned about the long plane ride.
my family has their arrangements made, so that is making me feel better. my poor mom has to cut her vacation short and take 3 different planes and a train to come back from italy early, but she will be there. again, i do feel very lucky.
Juliet, i also hope that your surgery is close to beth and I's! Strange, but I think I would also feel better having the camaraderie of 2 people I know going through the same thing at the same time...I think it will give me more strength! I have already gotten so much from everyone on here.
Katie, I continue to pray for you and your dad. please keep us posted on how you are both doing. what a stressful time for you...i am so sorry!!!
Beth, I found out I don't have to be up in Pittsburgh until a couple of days before. I will go up Tues, 5/27. All my pre-op stuff will go on Wed., then I will check in to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. on Thurs. the 29th for surgery. I guess the insurance cos. don't pay for overnight the night before anymore...can't say I am unhappy about that, although I am sure I will not be sleeping at all anyway. how about you?
Cailea... you remain in all of our thoughts everyday!! again...another day closer to this be OVER...and you recovering and healthy!!
Stacey - please keep us posted on your recovery if you feel up to it! we are so happy for you!
:)
granolawife
04-22-2008, 02:14 PM
Juliet, on the surgery location issue... I can only tell you how I felt, and I am going out of state to have my surgery done. I am very lucky that my family is able to make arrangements to be there, but even if they were not, as long as one of them was able to come I think I still would be going to Pittsburgh. I know that this is the right decision for me. I think that this is somewhat of a major surgery and I want the best available surgeon performing it. I was not at all comfortable with the local surgeon though, so that did help my decision making process.
ugh- i know it's a tough decision....you really do have to go with your gut feeling....
ugh- i know it's a tough decision....you really do have to go with your gut feeling....
nessie1
04-22-2008, 02:36 PM
stacey - how you doing there?? hope your ok you sound like your doing great!
arlyn - italy sounds fab, im nearly 6 weeks out and although tired feel ok in self, no more pain just scar a bit tight. when you go wil it be a relaxing time?? or sightseeing?? the plane should be fine as you can sleep a bit but you will need to make time every day for rest.
katie - hows it going- i continue to pray for your dad. i too have a very up and down relationship with my dad. he had open heart surgery a while ago at a time when we wern't talking so i had to put our differences aside. at the moment he has been very good with me and all this liver business and i hope our relationship continues to grow. he has a lovely girlfriend (not with my step mum anymore) and he seems very happy other than his health issues. i hope you and your dad can resolve some of the bad feelings - its never too late. i feel i can never forgive my dad but i can move on and try and build a better relationship. take care and see if you can summon up some energy for a boogie this weekend!
Beth - glad you liked little old england! the countryside is lovely and bike rides to pubs are a must!
speak tomorrow
take care
arlyn - italy sounds fab, im nearly 6 weeks out and although tired feel ok in self, no more pain just scar a bit tight. when you go wil it be a relaxing time?? or sightseeing?? the plane should be fine as you can sleep a bit but you will need to make time every day for rest.
katie - hows it going- i continue to pray for your dad. i too have a very up and down relationship with my dad. he had open heart surgery a while ago at a time when we wern't talking so i had to put our differences aside. at the moment he has been very good with me and all this liver business and i hope our relationship continues to grow. he has a lovely girlfriend (not with my step mum anymore) and he seems very happy other than his health issues. i hope you and your dad can resolve some of the bad feelings - its never too late. i feel i can never forgive my dad but i can move on and try and build a better relationship. take care and see if you can summon up some energy for a boogie this weekend!
Beth - glad you liked little old england! the countryside is lovely and bike rides to pubs are a must!
speak tomorrow
take care
kt8889
04-22-2008, 07:19 PM
Beth, thank you for the prayers. I am not working yet. I would like to go back next week, at least go into the office to make 100% pay, but we will see. I think the hand-assisted Laparoscopic surgery is much easier on the body, but I am still so tired! I think my blues are getting better. My Dad said it is very normal to have some depression after an operation and it is starting to fade, thank goodness. I am normally a very positive person, so that was hard. I will let my Dad know prayers are coming from all over the world, I am sure that will make him smile.
Nessie, I have done the same as you with my Dad, not quite forgiven, but it is important to work on our relationship. He has had a feeding tube for over a year now and now he is nauseated with that and is loosing more weight. I just wish he would feel better before he gets worse, you know?
lestex, What kind of surgeons are you going to? Are either at teaching hospitals? Are you having pain with your FNH? How do you know for sure it is a FNH? Are you still on birth control? Sorry for all the questions, but these lovely tumors are tricky.
Cailea...prayers to you! :angel::angel::angel::angel:
Stacey, how you feeling dear?
Juliet, how are you love, I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hugs to you all,
Katie
Nessie, I have done the same as you with my Dad, not quite forgiven, but it is important to work on our relationship. He has had a feeding tube for over a year now and now he is nauseated with that and is loosing more weight. I just wish he would feel better before he gets worse, you know?
lestex, What kind of surgeons are you going to? Are either at teaching hospitals? Are you having pain with your FNH? How do you know for sure it is a FNH? Are you still on birth control? Sorry for all the questions, but these lovely tumors are tricky.
Cailea...prayers to you! :angel::angel::angel::angel:
Stacey, how you feeling dear?
Juliet, how are you love, I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hugs to you all,
Katie
moderator2
04-22-2008, 10:45 PM
We need to limit threads to 80 posts or sixty days.
Each and every member should be starting their own thread for their own health support topic.
Each and every member should be starting their own thread for their own health support topic.