Ladies, please don't ignore this

[Todash]

At 6:03 this morning, I got a text from one of my older brothers. "Call me." That cold hand clenching your heart when you know something is very wrong, but not what, is just about the worst feeling in the world, isn't it? I called. "Hey, how you doing?" I asked. Not so well, as it turns out. His wife--my sister-in-law, his life partner for 30 years, the mother of their three children--has advanced breast cancer. Apparently she's had it for a while. So far there is no prognosis, not even a treatment plan. I cannot talk to my niece (she of the cupcake wedding) today because they aren't planning to tell her until they know more, and I'm not sure I would hide it well.

Ladies. Mothers. Grandmothers. Aunts. My sisters. Please, please, please do those monthly self exams. Get the mammograms. Go to the doctor right away even if you think it's just a cyst. Please. I know it's scary, and I know you are busy. But breast cancer is treatable, SO treatable. And you are SO important.

[Moderator]

(((Todash and family))) Sending prayers and positive vibes that a workable treatment will be found even at this advanced stage.

[Srbo]

I`m not a lady, but still.. praying and sending all good vibes to you and yours!

[Spideyman]

What MsMod said, plus candles lit and extra prayers. (((((Todash and family))))

[Todash]

I`m not a lady, but still.. praying and sending all good vibes to you and yours!

Good point, and thanks! Men, do not let the women in your lives ignore this stuff! Make sure they know that you need them to take care of themselves. And if they do find out they have cancer and you are so worried that you cannot be the one to be strong for them, to go to their appointments with them, to take care of them, be strong enough to find someone who will.

I'm going to try to talk my brother and SIL into coming here. My husband and I already talked. We have excellent treatment facilities. They can have our master bedroom and we will move upstairs (the chemo is going to kill the stairs option for her, and all the bedrooms in their house are upstairs anyway).

I know for them we need to be positive, but I can tell you guys: I am scared and so, so sad right now.

[doowopgirl]

I second your plea. My mother in law had breast cancer and because she spotted it early made a full and complete recovery. That was 15 years ago. I never miss a mammogram. Prayers and positive vibes to you and yours.

[Shasta]

Thank you, Todash. My best friend's angel of a mother is now suffering through her second breast cancer fight. But I have to say as someone who is not directly affected I tend to forget about it. Your reminder is a wonderful thing and this is something that, as a woman, I should ALWAYS be thinking about.

While it is not the death sentence it used to be, which causes some people, like me, to push it to the back of my mind, it is still a killer. I am embarrassed to say these things about myself because I know better.

I am so sorry, Todash, for your family and for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this post.

Please keep us updated. You know we will all be sending positive, healing vibes.

[fushingfeef]

So sorry to hear this, Todash. My heart goes out to you and your family. Thank you for bringing this to everyone's awareness, it might save someone out there.

I think part of the problem is that women are tough, sometimes too tough, and are often taking care of so many other people (kids, husband, parents) but they sometimes will sacrifice their own bodies. I've seen this happening with my wife--she knows she has a hiatal hernia, and several ongoing dental problems, but doesn't consider these problems to be important enough to take care of because she's "too busy".

I would also add that men can get breast cancer too, to a much lesser extent than women, but they should do self-checks periodically as they age.

[blunthead]

(((((Todash and family)))))

[king family fan]

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[LongTallSally]

Don't forget... MEN can get breast cancer as well. It's rare, but I know a guy who has been fighting it this year. Guys should be checking for lumps as well.

[Jojo87]

Thoughts and prayers is sent to you and your family Todash. ((Todash and family))

[do1you9love?]

((todash and family) adding mine to the thoughts and prayers!

[AnnaMarie]

ToDash, so sorry your family is going through this. (((hugs)))

[cat in a bag]

Adding my thoughts and prayers, Todash. Thank you.

((((Todash and family))))

[Todash]

Thank you all SO much. Your support means the world to me. And yes, absolutely, men can get breast cancer as well. Plus, guys, do those testicular checks every month. It's easy compared to what we have to do. Testicles are wee little things; it'll take like two minutes! (Please no commentary.) If you don't know how, ask your doctor to show you. Or just look it up online.

As to my SIL, it turns out my brother's been trying to get her to go to the doctor for years, and when they were in for something unrelated, he just took it upon himself to mention it. We're all hoping for the best, of course, but that doesn't sound good.

[kingricefan]

Todash, sending along my prayers to you and your family. Let's all think positive thoughts, today there have been lots of advancements in the treating and/or curing of cancers. be strong!! ((((Todash))))

[Lily Sawyer]

Don't forget... MEN can get breast cancer as well. It's rare, but I know a guy who has been fighting it this year. Guys should be checking for lumps as well.

You must have ESP. I was just about to post that men aren't immune to breast cancer and should do their own self-exams in the shower, too.

The thing is, guys don't voluntarily go see a doc unless an appendage has fallen off or they're spurting blood from their jugular. I would hope a lump or breast tissue that feels weird or a pec that seems like it's shifted to the right or something odd would be compelling enough to get a guy in for some bloodwork and his own mammogram.

Anyway. Good thoughts, vibes, and prayers coming your way for your SIL, Todash. You tell her there are a bunch of randoms she doesn't know over here who are pulling for her. :-)

[GNTLGNT]

....big hugs honey, and prayers to the Great Healer for you and your family...as a nurse, I fully support and encourage any kind of screenings and labwork, along with regular check-ups...it's the only rodeo we get...might as well get more than an eight second ride...

[Becks19]

Todash, I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. (((Todash and family)))

[tower-obsession]

(((((((Todash and family))))))) Lots of prayers and good thoughts coming your way from me too. And thanks for reminding me to do my monthly ritual.

[Todash]

No real news yet, but my husband talked to them, and after some suggestions for OTC painkillers, she is feeling better. They had a back X-ray this morning as they are concerned she hurt herself when she fell. I think probably it's metastasized to the spinal column (usual order of metastasis: bone, liver, lungs, brain) but am hoping that that's the extent of it. I doubt it, but ... I'm hoping.

I know I'm way early because of the new (2009) recommendations, but I am going to go ahead and schedule my first mammogram. I don't ever want my husband to suffer the way I'm seeing my brother suffer.

[Todash]

And thank you all again for your support. You are good people.

[Dana Jean]

I am so sorry to hear about this Todash. I send your whole family energy and vibes and prayers for good health. You all must take care of yourselves now. More so than ever before. When someone in a family gets cancer, the whole family is fighting cancer and you all will need every ounce of strength you have.

So many hugs.

[Todash]

Yesterday morning they went into the (military) clinic for an X-ray of Marcia's back because of the increasing pain and trouble walking. On their way home, they got a call saying the doctor wanted to give her a script for pain meds but had no other recommendation beyond seeing the surgeon the next day. My brother decided to go to the ER of a civilian hospital even though the military doctor told him they wouldn't do anything for her.

Well, they did. She got a CT and a full body MRI. And they found, as expected, that the cancer has metastasized to her spine. But they didn't find any in her liver, lungs, or brain. (The trouble walking could have been caused by metastasis to either the spine or the brain, and because of the blood-brain barrier, once it is in the brain there is very little they can do.) Because pressure on the spine can cause permanent nerve damage if not quickly relieved, they removed a tumor that was pressing on her spine to save her ability to walk. This morning, she can roll over, and she can feel her feet. Later today they will complete her assessment and figure out a treatment plan.

I know that this isn't over. I know nothing is certain. I know she has a hard, long slog ahead of her. But I'm SO relieved. I feel like I could fly. Life feels so very sweet and precious right now.

[Moderator]

Was listening to a show on NPR yesterday with a doctor from the American Cancer Society who was saying how important it is for people to be getting not just medical care, but the right kind of medical care and that the patient is an important part of what should be a team approach. Sounds like your brother is doing just that for your SIL. Good for him (and your SIL)! Sending prayers there will be more positive news for them.

[Spideyman]

Positives- thankful for the guidance to go to the ER. As Ms Mod stated- getting the right kind of medical care is so essential. Thankfully, your family appears to be on the right path. Remember always- positives and that the mind and body work together. May this team of doctors help your SIL. Prayers.

[Out of Order]

Man, do I have a hard time reading these threads.

They scare the crap out of me, which I guess is a good thing.

I'm wishing ALL the very best, please!!

[GNTLGNT]

...as always, if there's anything I can do in my "official" capacity as a Nurse...please let me know...

[Todash]

...as always, if there's anything I can do in my "official" capacity as a Nurse...please let me know...

Thanks! You know, I was just talking to my husband about that. He is a nurse, and I have a sister who is a nurse, and also two sisters-in-law who are nurses. I can't imagine dealing with something like this without having a medical person of some kind in the family. I love, love, love nurses. (And teachers.)

[Todash]

Confirmed: no cancer in the brain. And they think it's probably only metastasized to her spine and nowhere else, though they won't know for sure until they read the PET scan they did today. (Her doctor seems very careful. I like that.) She starts radiation this week as well as hormone treatments (to slow/stop the cancer growth) and something to help her bones. And then in a few weeks she will start chemo. Her doctor says this is a long term thing, more like a marathon than a sprint.

[Moderator]

All things considered, that news sounds somewhat encouraging. Healing vibes being sent. :love:

[Spideyman]

Prayers and healing vibes. Stay in the positives as much as possible. Law of attraction.

[Becks19]

Confirmed: no cancer in the brain. And they think it's probably only metastasized to her spine and nowhere else, though they won't know for sure until they read the PET scan they did today. (Her doctor seems very careful. I like that.) She starts radiation this week as well as hormone treatments (to slow/stop the cancer growth) and something to help her bones. And then in a few weeks she will start chemo. Her doctor says this is a long term thing, more like a marathon than a sprint.

Todash, Thoughts, prayers and healing vibes being sent to you and yours.

[Todash]

All things considered, that news sounds somewhat encouraging. Healing vibes being sent. :love:

Oh, yes, I wasn't very clear (that happens sometimes when I get a little verklempt). At this point, this is THE absolute best possible news we could have gotten. It feels, in fact, rather like the miracle I was afraid to hope for. Even if she has any cancer in the lungs or liver (which they will know when they read the PET scan), it's definitely so small that they won't have to do any radiation treatments; the chemo will take care of it. And they're going to be conservative with the chemo, using the smallest amount that gets results, which is good news for quality of life. For as long as she had it, I truly was prepared to hear that it had gone to her brain, which would have been very, very bad news--because the chemo agents cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. But to hear that it probably hasn't even metastasized to her liver or lungs ... wow. Just wow. The fewer places it has metastasized, the fewer places that have to have radiation, the better.

I called them last night and could hear the relief in their voices. She is still having trouble walking, but the doctors don't think any permanent damage was done to the spinal cord itself, and she's hoping to start physical therapy soon. (It amazed me how quickly that symptom escalated, by the way. I had just seen her the week before.) Maybe they could do some kind of reconstructive surgery to her back? I don't know; I hope so. Either way, things are looking pretty dang good.

Thank you all SO much for your prayers and thoughts and encouragement. :smile2:

[Shasta]

I am SO happy to hear this. Thank you so much for letting us know. Please also know that we will continue to keep positive thoughts for her in our minds!

[Jojo87]

Prayers sent to you and yours Todash.

[Christiane17]

Just saw this post Todash as I'm not here often lately. But good vibes and prayers will be sent to you and your family. Miracles happen sometimes I know from experiencing. Take good care. :smile2:

[kingricefan]

Great news! We'll all be keeping our fingers (and toes, eyes, arms, legs, etc.) crossed for a continued positive outcome!!

[atomicinchworm]

As I mentioned in the Pit Bull thread, I am Todash's niece. She is my very favorite aunt. Not to say that my other aunts aren't perfectly acceptable people, but, well they are republicans.

That was kind of a joke.

They really are republicans, but that is not the only reason why Todash is one of the most awesome people in the world. We get on really well, and I consider her a friend on top of her being my aunt.

Todash's sister-in-law is my mom.

Thank you for all of your kind words and thoughts; they are appreciated.

Just a quick update, she has started radiation treatments to kill the cancer in her back. She is still not walking great, but before the emergency surgery she wasn't really walking at all, so I guess that is something. She will start chemo on the 18th. I am glad to have such a supportive family, as it has helped with this process.

Let me go ahead and add, please, please, please, if you think something might be wrong, or you have that little niggling pain that won't go away, just go to a damned doctor. It's easier on you, easier on your spouse, and easier on your family.

[Shasta]

She will start chemo on the 18th.

Please know we'll all be thinking about her.

And we're pretty fond of Todash around here as well! (It may just be her sugar bowls..... :wink2:)

[GNTLGNT]

It may just be her sugar bowls

...for the love of God Scott, walk away from that one...please!....anyway...I am thankful as can be, that the news is that positive-and your love and support will make this a much easier marathon to accomplish...the "miles" will be horrendous, but what a comfort you all will be...bless your collective hearts...

[Shasta]

...for the love of God Scott, walk away from that one...please!....anyway...I am thankful as can be, that the news is that positive-and your love and support will make this a much easier marathon to accomplish...the "miles" will be horrendous, but what a comfort you all will be...bless your collective hearts...

The second I hit "post quick reply" I thought, "Uh oh...."

[kingricefan]

...for the love of God Scott, walk away from that one...please!....anyway...I am thankful as can be, that the news is that positive-and your love and support will make this a much easier marathon to accomplish...the "miles" will be horrendous, but what a comfort you all will be...bless your collective hearts...

My first thought was that Sheena Easton song 'Sugar Walls'. (and she ain't singing about her house.....) :eek2: :tongue:

[Todash]

...for the love of God Scott, walk away from that one...please!....

I appreciate how hard it was to just walk away from bait like that.

[atomicinchworm]

The radiation is working at shrinking the tumors. She has regained feeling in places (like behind her knee) that she has not felt in ages. She has also had the energy to go shopping (with the help of a walker and wheel chair) so her spirits are greatly improved.

They will have a clearer idea on the prognosis on the 18th, but so far things are going really well.

[Moderator]

The radiation is working at shrinking the tumors. She has regained feeling in places (like behind her knee) that she has not felt in ages. She has also had the energy to go shopping (with the help of a walker and wheel chair) so her spirits are greatly improved.

They will have a clearer idea on the prognosis on the 18th, but so far things are going really well.

That's great news! Thanks for keeping us updated.

[Shasta]

The radiation is working at shrinking the tumors. She has regained feeling in places (like behind her knee) that she has not felt in ages. She has also had the energy to go shopping (with the help of a walker and wheel chair) so her spirits are greatly improved.

They will have a clearer idea on the prognosis on the 18th, but so far things are going really well.

That's amazing! I'm shocked and pleased that it's working so well so quickly!

Thanks for keeping us posted!

[Becks19]

They will have a clearer idea on the prognosis on the 18th, but so far things are going really well.

Prayers being said that they continue to do so!!

[Todash]

The radiation is working at shrinking the tumors. She has regained feeling in places (like behind her knee) that she has not felt in ages. She has also had the energy to go shopping (with the help of a walker and wheel chair) so her spirits are greatly improved.

They will have a clearer idea on the prognosis on the 18th, but so far things are going really well.I don't understand how I ended up the only female in the family (and it is a big family) who generally views shopping as exquisite torture, but I'm glad she is enjoying herself. :biggrin2:

She really is irreplaceable. I know technically everyone is, but ... some people are more so.

[Spideyman]

Wonderful news, vibes for continued improvement and good prognosis.

[Terry B]

Sending good vibes to Todash and family! There's a large cancer presence in my family and understand the anguish. Having to get news like this at any time is bad enough but during the holidays just makes it worse. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

[GNTLGNT]

http://catholiclane.com/wp-content/uploads/men-praying-hands.jpg

[atomicinchworm]

Good news!

Mom won't need to have chemo, provided the insurance will cover the expense. The drug they are recommending is brand new (ok'd in September), much much easier on the body than chemo, and very effective. It will be a long treatment plan, of probably 2 years. The only downside is that it is very, very expensive. Hopefully the insurance will cover it.

They did find a small cancer mass in a lung, but the medication should take care of it.

She walked 400 yards today with a cane, which is such an improvement over the last time I saw her. I'm really excited to see them over Christmas.

[atomicinchworm]

A quick clarification: it is chemo, but it is a different kind of chemo. It is supposed to have significantly less side effects than the typically chemotherapy.

At this time, they are not planning on taking the breast, and this medication should return the breast tissue to normal.

Really, this is the best possible cancer she could have had, given the length of time she had it before diagnosis. She is also in really good hands, with the medical team they have behind her.

[Moderator]

Sending best of luck that the insurance company will cover the new chemo medicine!

[Spideyman]

Good positive news. Saying an extra prayer the insurance company will pick up costs and that the new med will do all it promises. Christmas miracles do happen!

[Todash]

Isn't this great, guys? :smile2:

[cat in a bag]

Continued prayers and healing vibes being sent!

[Todash]

I would like to take a moment to emphasize that so far, my SIL has been extremely fortunate, largely due to the (somewhat rare) type of cancer she has. Please don't let her good fortune lull any of you into complacency. If you find a growth in your breast tissue or notice any changes, it IS urgent. You MUST NOT put it off. Most Stage IV breast cancer patients are not this lucky. The earlier it's diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of long-term survival, or maybe even a cure.

Self-breast exams, monthly.
Mammograms starting at 40.
Exercise, 150 minutes a week.
A healthy, varied diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.

DO IT.

[if-so-Grrl]

Loads of healing vibes!!! That is great news about the new chemo. They just keep on getting better at this!

[Shasta]

This is great news! What an awesome holiday gift!

[Becks19]

Continued prayers and healing vibes being sent.
Prayers and crossed fingers that the insurance company covers this. (((( Todash and Atomicinchworm))))

[atomicinchworm]

So good news, treatment is being covered by the insurance; she starts it as soon as they get it in. :) Only one pharmacy in the country stocks it, so they have to order it in.

Also, I saw my parents over the holiday, and my mom looks night and day better. In probably a week she'll start using a cane to get around the house instead of a walker, which is only a good thing.

I want to thank everyone for your vibes and thoughts. :)

[atomicinchworm]

My mom is doing well, and now walks with a cane. The chemo pill made her a little queasy the first couple of days, but now she has no problems taking it.


I'm going to go ahead and expand the topic of this thread:

Ladies, please have your yearly gynecological exam done. It's really not that bad, and it doesn't take but an hour out of your year.

A really good friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer today. She is 30. Despite a family history, she hadn't been to the gynecologist in several years. It is fortunate that she is only in stage 1. She is having her first consult tomorrow to go over her options.

Please, please, please go to the doctor. Early detection is vital in the treatment and curing of cancer. Seriously, just go.

[GNTLGNT]

Isn't this great, guys? :smile2:

...no question...:love:

[Shasta]

My mom is doing well, and now walks with a cane. The chemo pill made her a little queasy the first couple of days, but now she has no problems taking it.


I'm going to go ahead and expand the topic of this thread:

A really good friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer today. She is 30. Despite a family history, she hadn't been to the gynecologist in several years. It is fortunate that she is only in stage 1. She is having her first consult tomorrow to go over her options.



I had stage 1 cervical cancer as well, at the ripe old age of 22. I was told I had an abnormal pap at 18 but didn't go back for four years. It turned into cancer. So take it from someone who knows - GO!

If you have to have cancer, this is the one to have. It sucked really badly but it's fairly easy to take care of. Of course, the side effects caused my thyroid to go nuts, which has been a nightmare of epic proportions!

[king family fan]

Must say I made my yearily appointments, thanks Gals ,I had been putting them off.

[atomicinchworm]

Another update. My mom's cancer marker count has gone down from 399 to 325 after just one month of treatment. She is handling the medication very well, with little to no noticeable side effects.

She is still having issues with one of her feet being droopy, as it is only a couple months off of almost being completely paralyzed, that isn't too bad. She will get a foot brace just to help prevent her from tripping over the foot she can't feel that well.


My friend is still in the testing stage, but it looks like the cancer is just in one area and will be easily removed with surgery. Which is awesome. What's not so awesome is her 50$ co pays and missing a ton of work. They are really feeling the budget strain. :(

[Shasta]

Ug! Insurance and bills and not working. I know it all too well. I'm so sorry for her.

But SO glad to hear she's doing better!

[Dana Jean]

http://thelook.today.com/_news/2013/02/06/16872125-woman-with-terminal-cancer-a-model-of-beauty-in-paris-photo-shoot?lite

Read the article. Watch the embedded documentary. It's 15 minutes but worth it.

This is real beauty and grace.

I hate cancer.

[atomicinchworm]

I'm hanging out with my parents for a couple of weeks (my husband stayed at home because he had to work). I got to see the most recent mri results of my mom's spine today. Almost every single vertebrae has cancer in it. Her blood markers have gone down, which is good. She will probably need another dose of radiation because the first hit missed some cancer in a rib and in the muscle under the spine.

It just hit me. I knew it was bad. I just hadn't seen the visual.

This sucks. This just absolutely sucks. And she's still acting like nothing has changed. And she's still popping pain pills like candy.

And my younger brother is a selfish immature a**hole. My dad is going to loose his wife, and she hasn't talked to him about it at all.

I am just so frustrated and depressed and anxious, and I am trying my best to be there for my dad and my mom but am not in a good mental place to. I just want to hug my husband.



Also, my niece was recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum and is in the process of being tested for Rett's Syndrome. She's still regressing. This also absolutely blows.

On a positive note, my friend with the cervical cancer had surgery and is now cancer free. She has also taken the opportunity to stop smoking, which is always a good thing.

[FlakeNoir]

(((AIWorm,))) I'm so sorry you're a) going through this and b) going through this without your husband's hugs right now. My thoughts are with you and your family... I wish you peace in your heart and strength to deal with all of the complications (and many side effects) of cancer. xox

[Todash]

Hey kiddo, I'm sorry. I really am. Unfortunately this is a long road, and nothing will make it shorter. It may not seem like it, but she is in a much better place than she was when first diagnosed.

[blunthead]

(((((atomicinchworm and family)))))

[Spideyman]

Atomicinchworm- sending positive thoughts and prayers for all. Know we are here for you. May you find the comfort and strength that you need at this time.

[cat in a bag]

((((atomicinchworm and family)))) Many prayers and positive thoughts!!

[Moderator]

(((atomicinchworm and family)))

[fushingfeef]

My heart goes out to you and your family, inchworm. Hug your husband when he gets home from work, but in the meantime here's the best hug I can give online:
(((((atomicinchworm)))))

[Haunted]

I'm hanging out with my parents for a couple of weeks (my husband stayed at home because he had to work). I got to see the most recent mri results of my mom's spine today. Almost every single vertebrae has cancer in it. Her blood markers have gone down, which is good. She will probably need another dose of radiation because the first hit missed some cancer in a rib and in the muscle under the spine.

It just hit me. I knew it was bad. I just hadn't seen the visual.

This sucks. This just absolutely sucks. And she's still acting like nothing has changed. And she's still popping pain pills like candy.

And my younger brother is a selfish immature a**hole. My dad is going to loose his wife, and she hasn't talked to him about it at all.

I am just so frustrated and depressed and anxious, and I am trying my best to be there for my dad and my mom but am not in a good mental place to. I just want to hug my husband.



Also, my niece was recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum and is in the process of being tested for Rett's Syndrome. She's still regressing. This also absolutely blows.

On a positive note, my friend with the cervical cancer had surgery and is now cancer free. She has also taken the opportunity to stop smoking, which is always a good thing.

BIG, BIG hugs for you and yours

[Shasta]

((((Atom))))) I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you feel. I have never before felt such a helpless feeling and I absolutely hate it.

We are thinking about you and we are all so, so sorry.

[gniknehpets]

I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. My parents have had a bumpy road the past few years and I know how helpless you feel when it seems like there's nothing you can do to help them. But there is one thing we can do, listen to them when they want to talk about the hard things. Let them talk about their fears. It's really hard, I know, but it helps them deal with what's happening to them. Again, I'm so sorry.

[atomicinchworm]

So, plus side, cancer markers continue to go down. She'll have to have another round of radiation to deal with cancer in her rib that is causing a lot of pain and a vertebrae that appears to have become more compromised.

Now she has an emergency appointment tomorrow to have an ultrasound done on her good leg because it appears she has developed a blood clot.

I'm so tired. And so...I don't even know.

[FlakeNoir]

(((atomicinchworm,))) really good news on the markers dropping, I hope things go well for her tomorrow with the ultrasound--it's good that they're aware of it so steps can be taken immediately to eliminate the risks. Wishing you both (& your whole family) more good news and much better times.

[Spideyman]

((((atomicinchworm)))) holding you to good news and calming vibes.

[Shasta]

I'm so tired. And so...I don't even know.

I totally understand. And it's a kind of tired that's different than anything else I have ever experienced.

Please take care of yourself too. You're not going to be any good to anyone if you don't take care of you.

[hairyfairy]

I hate having mammagams, I find them a bit painful, but after reading this, I won`t be skipping them!

[atomicinchworm]

Good news. It wasn't a blood clot. She had cellulitis, which can be a big deal if it is not treated in time. Fortunately, the antibiotics are doing there job and the swelling and intense pain have gone down. It's just a shame that the military doctors couldn't find their heads if they were shoved up their own ass, and of course it was her civilian doctor that actually showed concern for her well-being and getting down to the root of the problem. #frustrated

I apologize for the doom and gloom nature of the last couple of posts, but I was just a little overwhelmed and sleep deprived.

And, thank you, hairyfairy. I have seen a couple of people read this and take the initiative, which means this thread did its job.