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Post by anonrefugee on May 22, 2015 18:20:13 GMT
uksue prayers and good thoughts for you! I missed you're earlier post. I'm sorry you have to go through it again. You can do it!
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Post by Merge on May 22, 2015 18:21:22 GMT
Oh, I'm so sorry to read your update. But I know you are strong and determined, and you will get through this.
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Post by jumperhop on May 22, 2015 18:23:34 GMT
No one told me that Tumors that large were cancerous 90% of the time. And yes mine was that large. I was told it was the size of a baseball, an apple, my fist depending who was talking.
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Post by compwalla on May 22, 2015 18:25:54 GMT
I just read your update. I'm glad the surgery will be sooner rather than later because waiting is awful. Could I give you just one piece of advice? Well, I'll give it anyway, and if you don't want to read it then skip this post now. My advice, if you haven't done so already, is to get a notebook and take it with you to every single appointment of any kind. Write down every single thing anyone says to you, nurses, techs, doctors, whoever. Write down phone numbers (or glue business cards in the back), and whatever else. This serves two things -- one, you're in shock and probably won't remember some of what they all say. And, eventually when you start seeing lots of different people you'll forget who said what. And two, you'll be surprised at what comes in handy. I remember sitting in the infusion center hooked up to IVs, just minding my own business. I overheard two of the nurses talking about a particular radiation specialist at the hospital (the infusion center was affiliated with Georgetown Hospital but located elsewhere). The phone number they had for her wasn't correct and they were trying to get through to the hospital operator and the lines were busy, etc. My ears perked up when I heard them talking about her because I had just been for an appointment with her. lol. I called one nurse over and said I had the radiation lady's number right in my handy notebook. Anyway, my notebook was my lifeline during the craziness of surgery and after-surgery treatment. I've forgotten whether you have kids...? By the way, my cancer surgery and treatment was 15.5 years ago. HAHAHAHA! First thing I did last night was get a fresh notebook and folder out for just that very thing. This is my first go round with (probably) cancer but not my first with a complicated medical issue. The notebook is essential, I agree. I do have two boys, 18 and 10. My younger one is the more anxious kid and he's been having a really hard time lately. We confirmed what was wrong this week but we've known I've been sick with *something* for a few months and his is the sort of imagination that runs wild. As it turns out, his worst fears were not irrational. We're telling the older one pretty much everything and the younger one as much as we think he can handle. I don't lie to my kids but I don't want to freak my ten year old out for no reason. He knows I have a tumor, he knows it's making me very sick and crabby, that I have to have it removed, and there will be people he loves here to take care of him when his dad and I are not able to be here or while I'm home getting well.
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,855
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on May 22, 2015 18:26:00 GMT
I'm sorry to hear that it wasn't good news. I will be hoping that they get the tumor removed and that it hasn't spread. Try to stay positive, and lean on your loved ones right now.
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Post by flanz on May 22, 2015 18:26:17 GMT
Good luck today. I have cervical cancer, confirmed last week, and have my surgery ( radical hysterectomy) scheduled for 25th June. I had no symptoms at all. It's my second bite at the cancer apple and it is damned scary. I hope they have a plan for you and it is implemented quickly. I'll be thinking of you Sue, and sending thoughts for healing. I hope you have a lot of people IRL who can support you when you need a helping hand, and you know you have us, your Pea Pod, too! xo
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Post by compwalla on May 22, 2015 18:28:09 GMT
No one told me that Tumors that large were cancerous 90% of the time. And yes mine was that large. I was told it was the size of a baseball, an apple, my fist depending who was talking. Specifically, adrenal tumors that large. Dr C said any adrenal tumor over 6 cm is usually cancerous. Tumors elsewhere, who can say? They have their own fruit/sports ball size specific characteristics, one of which may be size is meaningless.
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Post by flanz on May 22, 2015 18:36:14 GMT
I, too, missed your original post. I'm so glad that you kept pushing for answers and that one of your docs took you seriously! I'm sorry to read your update, but I have always admired you here in cyberspace and I feel you are a tough lady and will come through whatever lies ahead with flying colors.
That is not to say that you need to BE tough all of the time. Crying, asking for help, leaning on others - all normal and healthy! I wish I lived nearby so I could bring you some healthy home cookin'. If you have a friend who can set up a meal train for you while you are in largest need of some extra helping hands, that would be terrific.
Love that you are armed with your notebook and I can tell you have your big girl panties on. You can do this! And yes, 90% doesn't mean you are in that majority. Here's hoping that you are not! hugs across the miles...
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Post by originalvanillabean on May 22, 2015 18:37:51 GMT
Thoughts and prayers with you, Virginia.
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Post by jennyap on May 22, 2015 18:48:20 GMT
Well damn. I'm so very sorry to hear this, but am also glad that you were your kickass, take no BS self and advocated for yourself until you got answers. You are in my thoughts and I have no doubt you'll kick whatever this is completely and totally to the curb. So very much this ^^^^^ (but don't be afraid to show weakness when you need to) All good thoughts for your surgery.
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Post by jumperhop on May 22, 2015 18:57:27 GMT
I wish I could fix this and wrap you in 1000's of comforting and funny Pinterest quotes. You are amazing, always spot on with your opinion, brilliant, a great writer, creative, and a fabulous woman. I am so sorry you are going through this. Glad you are a fighter! I wouldn't want to be the punching bag. Kick it in the a$$! Jen
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Post by liya on May 22, 2015 19:01:02 GMT
My thoughts are with you. Hugs!
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Post by leslie132 on May 22, 2015 19:24:16 GMT
My husband's tumor at the base of his brain was the size of a clementine. His surgeon.... Who is beyond gifted....told is it is Cancer. To see a tumor that large it had to be. Well..... It was 100% benign and the doctor was amazed. So you hold tight. Get yourself ready for surgery and then go kick some ass. This may be a benign tumor that you just need to remove. That is what the peas will pray for!!
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Post by Jockscrap on May 22, 2015 19:43:21 GMT
All the best for your forthcoming surgery. I hope your recovery is speedy, and once it is all over, that you'll feel so much better and are symptom free.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,768
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on May 22, 2015 19:48:49 GMT
Good thoughts to you and your physicians. Keep us posted!
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Post by jumperhop on May 22, 2015 19:52:59 GMT
Please know I am sorry for anything I wrote that may have been to much and been offensive. I am completely uneducated as far as Tumors go. And as always I have good intentions but make things worse.
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Post by Really Red on May 22, 2015 20:04:00 GMT
Ugh. I hope everything goes well and you are the 10%. Someone has to be, right? Thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Post by *christine* on May 22, 2015 20:06:32 GMT
Omgosh - I feel like I've missed a few episodes - I didn't realize you had been ill....I hope that your surgery goes well. Are you living back in TX now? (I feel like a bad stalker or I'm maybe confusing you with someone else or my spreadsheet is not up to date).
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Post by scrapmaven on May 22, 2015 20:50:25 GMT
This comment stands out and is your absolute truth. This is very surreal, I'm sure. Have you also looked into MD Anderson? One of the top clinics, if not the top for many cancers and it's right in Texas. Keep us in the loop, so that we can be w/you as you weather this storm. We don't know eachother at all, but just know that a stranger on a message board is here w/you and has very strong shoulders on which you can lean.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,960
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on May 22, 2015 21:10:08 GMT
Good luck, Compwalla. Wishing you the very best.
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Post by 2peaornot2pea on May 22, 2015 21:16:23 GMT
No one told me that Tumors that large were cancerous 90% of the time. And yes mine was that large. I was told it was the size of a baseball, an apple, my fist depending who was talking. Specifically, adrenal tumors that large. Dr C said any adrenal tumor over 6 cm is usually cancerous. Tumors elsewhere, who can say? They have their own fruit/sports ball size specific characteristics, one of which may be size is meaningless. @compwala, you are correct. My niece had an 8 pound abdominal tumor that had to be surgically removed. It was so large, she named it. Thankfully it was non-cancerous.
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Post by eebud on May 22, 2015 21:36:53 GMT
Wow!! I am so sorry to hear about this but I am glad that you used google and you have been diagnosed. Hopefully when they remove the tumor, you will be in the 10% but if not, then hopefully the cancer is contained so they can get it all.
DH had some medical issues that we have been dealing with. What has worked great for us instead of notebook was s 3-ring binder with the page protector inserts. Every time he went to the doctor, he was being handed more papers with test results or instructions or something. We were able to easily slipped those papers into the page protectors. It also had loose leaf notebook paper for note taking. As insurance was filed and EOB's came through, I would print the EOB and add it to the book. I never pay a bill until the doctor, hospital or whoever sends us a bill. I have been burned a few times when I tried to pay what I knew we owed without having an actual bill yet. As bills came in and were paid, I checked off the EOB that was covered with each bill. Many bills were for 4 or 5 EOB's. I would add the bill to the book and would make note of how I paid it. For instance, if it was paid using FSA, I noted that. It helped when FSA would request further documentation. We took that book to every appointment. It was wonderful because if we were seeing someone new, we had all the answers to all of their questions in that 3-ring binder. If an office said that we owed money, again, it was all in the binder. Sorry for going on and on about this but I wanted to pass on what has been a huge help to keep us organized with all the appointments, bills, etc. Oh yes, I forgot, I also put calendar pages at the beginning so that I could track appointments back to EOB's, etc.
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Post by anniefb on May 22, 2015 22:06:46 GMT
So sorry to hear that you and Dr Google were right but sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. {{{{{hugs}}}}}
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Post by KelleeM on May 22, 2015 22:21:58 GMT
My goodness that sucks rocks. Glad you are getting great care. Many positive thoughts heading your way.
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Post by emelle64 on May 22, 2015 22:49:22 GMT
I"m terribly sorry to read your update. I hope your surgery can happen quickly and that the waiting time passes as quickly as possible.
Emelle
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Post by sues on May 22, 2015 23:36:44 GMT
I'm sorry to hear that. I hope your surgery goes smoothly and you heal quickly.
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Post by cindyupnorth on May 23, 2015 0:10:38 GMT
This really sucks comp. I hope that they get that thing out quick and painless, and it turns out better then you think! Good thoughts and prayers to you and your family!!
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Post by bothmykidsrbrats on May 23, 2015 1:02:41 GMT
Sending positive thoughts to you and your family.
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
Jul 3, 2014 16:02:54 GMT
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Post by julieb on May 23, 2015 1:51:31 GMT
Thinking good thoughts. I would call your doctor and get it off your chest.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on May 23, 2015 1:58:11 GMT
I'm sorry you are dealing with this. However, I'm relieved for you that you finally have some answers. I hope the surgery is a success and you feel back to your old self soon. Take care and keep us posted on how it's going.
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