Catholics
Comments
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I feel like I have missed so much on here..... eeeeeeekkkkkkkk
Traci... if it is you whom is trying to quit smoking fast.... TRY THE LOZENGES. Even if you are using them up to surgery day... it is better than the SMOKE that is jeopardizing your skin and blood supply. Even having one of those in your mouth ever 30min. is better than the smoke. SO... I pray you can quit NOW.... but if this is not what happens... get the lozenges ( Nicorette).. and just use those until after the healing part of surgery.... God Bless you sweet thing.....
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guess what Estepp, I am actually addicted to the gum and lozenges! I quit smoking ten years ago...have had a few cigs here and there, but I have a pure addiction to nicotine. My PS told me no go on the nicorette
so can you believe that's where I slipped up?you are so sweet to care...I did make it 8 whole months without nicotine in any form, so I know I can do it. I just don't wanna! (sigh)
I am going to f/u with an email about my (drum roll please...) thyroid!
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SQUID---I think you should follow up here, with the thyroid story. Reason people need to know About hospital and doc screw ups. Otherwise they don't know how serious and how many there are.
Todays screw up for me is scheduling messed up my PET scan for dx of a new breast lump. Now I can't get a scan until the 29th.
Gods Is there for us, but we have to take every percaution to protect ourselves from a system that has 10's of thousands of screw ups daily. Now I have to go fiquire out how to fix my BP of 168/109. Prayer for me now cause I'm very unforgiving at this moment. Sheila
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I do have a bit of a medical update, and I have to say, I am very upset with my Primary Care Doctors!
I continue to have the periodic shortness of breath, anxiety and I get hot flashes where I drip in sweat. At times I feel awful, fatigued, and have a swollen lymph node in neck, and nodule on thyroid. I am already on synthroid .125 mcg per day. My oncologist did have the wisdom to refer me to an endocrinologist after I had chronic thyroiditis show up on my PET scan, and that will be October 6th.
So jumping ahead to two or so weeks ago, I did have thyroid lab work and the chest CT. I didn't hear back from the Resident or my PCP so I wrongly assumed everything came back normal. I kept telling my Psychiatrist that my anxiety was getting unbearable, and that I had more swelling in my neck, and some trouble swallowing. I then asked him just to check my labs in the computer, assuming I must be crazy and a hypochondriac.
Lo and behold, my TSH was very elevated, and the T3 and T4 were not there. My thyroid is crashing out on synthroid, and no one bothered to follow up. They did this to me years ago, except that time I went a whole year! I left a very terse message saying I needed them to call me today and get me in for Friday. No one called. I'm a little worried about some of the other symptoms, and not sure what's going on? On the other hand, I am glad that there is finally evidence to show them so they won't ignore me anymore. But I feel pretty yucky. So there is my rant, and now I am going to get back on task and check with you all here
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Sas,
So I must have been writing my story while you posted. Have you ever had Blood Pressure issues in the past? Are you on BP meds? You have been through too much recently, and we need to try and help you get through this without you getting sick. How can we best support you?
((((((HUGS)))))
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Theresa,
Jimmy must have been a very comforting friend who I bet you will see again
I'm glad you enjoy the stories too. I have collected so many books over the years, and there was my Grandpa telling me about his. Since I have so much fear of the unknown, these stories are a great comfort. There are stories from people of all faith's and those who would consider themselves atheists in one of my books. (these people were interviewed) there were some very real common experiences no matter your beliefs, and one of them being a great comfort and peace around the subject of death. They talk of that feeling of "love" and complete acceptance, and understanding and forgiveness even of times where they were not good to others. The feeling of "love" is sometimes my proof of God. It flows through the body, is limitless and feels very pure. Your prayer life is very extensive, but I like how you recognize the vast potential ahead of you, as well as the best way for you to pray. I am going to have to look up a few words, as I don't know what Secular Franciscan or Divine Order is. I also have not read a lot of scripture, but I absolutely adored the readings from the New Testament in our Services growing up. The Minister would take a reading and intertwine a story from life today, making the message feel very real and applicable. There was a sense of humor and humility as well, so the teachings felt attainable. So I used to say, I love a good Sermon!
Paula,
Of course you are not overly sensitive or out of whack! Just today, I decided I didn't want to go back into a Potbellies because the man at the register wouldn't bother to look me in the eye, and acted like I was a bother. So, I will take my business elsewhere (it was the second time I felt that way.) And that isn't anywhere near the service you should have everyday in Rads. We come in vulnerable, and having to turn ourselves over to others who are trained to help us fight cancer. It could be any illness really, but the relationship is a sacred one to me. One where it's important to put yourself in the shoes of the other...There before the Grace of God go I. Your gut tells you that something is "off." Trust your wisdom. I also trust that you can wake them up if you want, but never at the expense of your health or wellbeing. We all teach each other everyday, and my patients have taught me more than I can begin to share. So it is their honor to work with you and learn from you. And if they don't get it, just do what's best for you. We will walk it together
I will pray for a better day for you tomorrow.
Traci
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Estepp,
Welcome back ( I didn't say that before.) Do you have any follow up on your friend Bridget? How are you doing with your lymphedema?
Apple,
thanks for the support, and I meant to ask you, did you have some good news recently? I saw you being congratulated, but I was not able to figure out what had happened (if you want to share.) Oh, and I do take Wellbutrin 150 which is the same med in Zyban, but I can't take the full dose due to side effects. Addictions are powerful, and I will ask for Divine assistance. I thank you for the prayers. Life is pretty humbling sometimes.
Many Blessings Sisters, for a wonderful peacful night and tomorrow,
Traci
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I am asking for Prayers for all of the Sisters and Brothers who are fighting Breast Cancer, and who come to these boards to be heard, tell their stories, share their triumphs and heartaches, tell funny stories, and reach out to each other as we already speak the same language. I appreciate the diversity and the chance to learn each others journey, and to share our individual way of healing.
I want to recognize the women who come to this thread for their support and wisdom. I also want to recognize those who struggle with cancers which might not originate in the breast, but we fight together.
God Bless Estepp, Jeannine, Theresa, mmm5, Paula, JanetinVa, Carol, Jan508 (you can do it!) Apple, Laura, Sheila, Foots, Lovemyfamily, MsPhil, Bridget and members of my support group in DC. May we all lift each other up, and continue to walk together.
Amen.
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AMEN L&H Namaste Sheila
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Oh Traci, I hear your need for prayer you know that we are ALL praying for you not to be tempted about the gum and lozenges. It's got to be the nerves and other things that come along. Well, have you read or heard that Chinese Accupuncture actually helps with cessation of smoking and nicotine urges? I was also on Welbutrin 300mg close to 3 years. I also have a prescription of Xanas (the lowest dose) just in case I get a panic attack, plus low dose sleeping pills. Because if I don't sleep, my bp will just rise up. I don't bother with sleeping pills unless I'm wide awake at 3am.
I just want to extend my big gentle {{{Hugs}}} to you Traci. We are rooting for you!
All of the sistas here on this thread, thank you for giving me the moral support and encouragement. I think that I'm stuck becuase I have an HMO plan. This radiation onocology is the only one availabe although they have several offices throughout Las Vegas.
Due to the large map that the gal drew on my chest, I cannot wear a v-neck or oval neck t-shirt. I went out and picked up more sporty t-shirts.
p.s. During the edit of this thread, I'm noticing slight pink color around my aerola and asked prayers to have the infection resolved.
Lord Jesus, please hear our prayers and lay your hand on each and everyone of us here on this Board. Heal us by your gentle touch and remove all the toxins and cancers lurking in our body. Please make us whole again and grant us our energy. Amen!
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Paula,
I thank you, I think you are right about the motivation behind restarting the nicotine gum/lozenges..I have been feeling so anxious and off for so long, I went way back to my old ways of dealing. I did much better yesterday, and now that I have some "ammunition" to make my MD's listen, I don't feel like taking my anger out on myself (if that makes sense.) Jan508, I', checking in with you too. I know you have a lot of anxiety and fear now too, so let's keep working together
Paula...do you think you have an infection starting? It would be early from the Rads, but everyone is different. I trust that you will have it looked at by your MD...I know you will be able to wake your Radiation Techs up from their slumber. The slumber of falling into a routine and no longer being present. Have a blessed day
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Bridget found out she does have stage 3 Multiple Myloma. She startred chemo while I was gone, and she will be having a bone marrow transplant. She needs many prayers... only 2% of people get this in her age group and background. Due to this.. she is contacting Mayo and Hospitals like this to make sure she is getting the right chemo cocktails here. Keep praying for this young lady please....
Ladies... have a great day! radiation is a booger... and some ladies burn from the start. I pray you do not have issues with this. TWICE A DAY... please use COCOA BUTTER all over the radiation fields... and BLESS YOU !
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Estepp, will pray for your friend Bridget.
Traci, check your PM.
Paula
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Ladies, I know that the prayers from this group are heard.
Hollyann, who has been there for so many people on these boards just posted an urgent request for prayers for her husband on the Housework Support Group.
Could we please add our prayers that he is able to get the help he needs, and that he gets that help quickly?
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Hello,
No word yet on scan...I'm holding my breath everytime my phone rings. My full body PET/CT was 38 min. I just about jumped out of the scanner...My leg is back in pain. (Have to use a cain & wear flat shoes UGH to work) At least I'll find out what's that about.
Jan: I'll be praying you ditch those cigarettes. You can do it!
Prayers for all my beautiful sisters here.
Jeannine
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Still praying for my beautiful and loving and supportive sisters on this site. you guys are awesome!
Ellie
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Hello Sisters,
Estepp, I am sorry to hear of your friend Bridget's diagnosis. Of course I will pray for her! I see that Hollyanns husband needs urgent prayers as well, which made me wonder....has there ever been a designated prayer time for us to pray at the same time? I was just thinking there are those that might benefit from a collective prayer, and that we could keep it simple. We could choose a time that we all would most likely be available, share the names who are in urgent or critical need, and pray for a few minutes.
Would anyone be interested? I am a late night person, so I can do 11:00 pm Eastern time as a suggestion.
Traci
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Jeannine,
It was yesterday, right? I don't know the turnaround time, did you Onc agree to call you? We are holding steady with you, and sending you white light and asking for Angel intervention.
Traci
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I pray for y'all daily and I thank for your prayers also.
I'm having my surgery Monday 9/20 DMX and T/E's. I need prayers for no node involvement and low oncotype score!!
I'm starting to get 'terrified'...
Anyone go through that surgery? What can I expect?
My DH had me trying to get in and out of recliner tonight without using my arms. He is so funny!!!
Love to all
God Bless
Jan508
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Traci - that's a really good idea about collective prayer or prayer times. I'm (hopefully) asleep at 11pm, so maybe we can have different times of the day when we pray together and if we can join, great, if we can't, then we can prayer another time.
That's similar to the concept of the Divine Office, which I was mentioning in another post. Divine Office divides the day into prayer times - morning, mid-morning, noon, mid-day, evening, night, when the whole Church prays together. Of course, most of us do our hours when we can, but monasteries and others have set times to pray. I have my Microsoft Outlook calendar set to remind me to pray at work at 9, 12 and 3:00. I can't do it all the time b/c of my workload, but even a quick, "Save me Lord!" at that hour is good, I hope. :-)
Secular Franciscans are people out in the world, single or married (as opposed to Franciscan priests, nuns, brothers) who make promises to follow the way of St. Francis to Jesus. There are lots of inspiring Franciscans, such as Mother Angelica, Fr. Groeschel, in our day. I'm learning. :-)
So many prayers to my sisters in trouble!! I understand all the anxiety and depression that goes with it. Many hugs.
"I cried to you, Lord, and you healed me; I will praise you for ever."
Have a blessed evening. - Theresa
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Jan - I just saw your post!!! I understand your feeling terrified. I will certainly keep you in my prayers, especially Monday! Peace and calmness, cure from cancer, no nodes and steady hands to your doctor. Hugs to you and your husband! I know what my husband went through while "sharing" the road.
-Theresa
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thanks Theresa...
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Hi Jan508. I will definitely be praying for you and everyone here! I'm right behind you on 9/29 with a mastectomy (left). The closer it gets, the more scary it gets for me. But I keep thinking once surgery is behind me it will be a big relief. I won't know about node involvement until after surgery either. I'm going to tuck a St. Christopher medal in my hospital bag (not sure he's the right saint, but I'm sure he won't mind). And I never go anywhere without the rosary that they gave me in the hospital when my son was born. Somehow I've just transferred it from purse to purse all these years. He's 25 now! In fact, saying the rosary might be a gentle way to keep circulation going in fingers during recovery. Certainly we'll be able to do at least that:) I saw a couple of different breast surgeons before deciding. The surgeon I liked best & who has one of the best reputations around this area is at Georgetown University Hospital/Lombardi cancer center. Which just so happens to be a Catholic hospital! That wasn't my intention in seeing several surgeons but that's how it turned out. Coincidence? I'm not so sure. God bless and you will be home safe & sound before you know it.
ps - your husband sounds like a sweetheart!
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Guess what Janet?
I have prayed in that very chapel, and I told a story awhile back about a Priest who prayed along side me...and that's where it was
There is an amazing Plastic Surgeon there who specializes in chronic post operative pain that saved me from a life of absolute despair. No doubt my blessing was finally meeting him. Coincidence? You seen to be on a roll...0 -
Jan and Janet- Prayers for your upcoming surgeries, positive outcomes and true healing.
I pray a very peaceful resolution to your anxiety Traci, and I pray for your friend Laura that she gets the best possible care!'
Jeannine I hold my daily novena in your name and pray that you have some resolution to your pain and a negative PET.
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mmm5,
Thanks so much for your prayers and concern. I did get in touch with an MD covering for mine, and I have already added another half pill of synthroid. It will take a while to feel better, and this really paints a better picture of why I have felt so terribly ill at times over the last 4 months. I am so glad that I will be seeing a specialist, and I will have my neck checked on Tuesday due to the swelling and discomfort. This has been quite a trial, and I am sure I will have the biopsy fears as well. But this too shall pass
And having evidence makes me feel validated and should be a wake up call to all of my MD's that I don't manifest symptoms out of the blue for attention. (Onc insinuated this might be "psychological." So there we go...Jan and Janet, we will be praying for you to have an uneventful surgery, to have minimal pain, to be assisted in the first few weeks after surgery (which is so important.) And to have it be alright just to take it easy and recuperate.
JanetinVa, I will be giving you strong prayers from close by to your hospital....at one point I had a membership in their gift shop, LOL! You will see crosses in the rooms, they even have them in the E.R. bays. There is a place where you can write prayers in the chapel, and it holds maybe 100 or more people. There is also an office right next door to the chapel where there are clergy. I bet they would come right to your side if you asked
Theresa,
Maybe 10:00 PM or would 9:00 PM Eastern Time be better? I was thinking that would allow most people on the West Coast the chance to get home from work if anyone is out there doing the 9 to 5. Your path and studies sound just wonderful, I will need to learn now about St. Francis' path to Jesus (told you I am a novice
Many Blessings to all of the Ladies here and on the Boards. May Jesus hold you close.
Traci
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I will pray for Jan & Janet on your upcoming surgeries as well. Please bless your medical team to be alert, have good discernment, steady hands, smooth surgery and quick recovery. No nodes and Low Onco scores.
Jeannine, I am awaiting the pre-auth for my PET scan too (I can feel the nerves), praying for a negative PET for you.
Traci - How are you holding up? {{{Hugs}}}, have you checked your Private Message? Yes, you have such a great idea about the universal prayer/praying times.
Lastly about me : I have developed a pimple like thing by the oil duct on the aerola 2 days ago and it was painful. A small area next to it on my skin has gotten pink too. It drained today with puss and a small amount of blood. My BS's nurse told me to put antiobiotic ointment and tape it. I will be seen by one of the BS on duty 1st thing tomorrow morning. I've never had this happen before and am worried and paranoid. I pray that it is nothing and a dose of antibiotic will clear it. Amen!
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I pray for your adversities lady's, So many hardships happening here on our Catholic thread... I join you united... in prayer!
Father,
We thank You for the day You have given to us. We come to You in Thanksgiving. You have given all we have to us. You are so merciful and loving. I thank You with all my heart. I want to put this out there Father... there are MANY BC survivors that need You help and teaching. I ask, without ceasing... that You hear our prayer of complete healing... healing from a BEAST .
Father, I/we pray this IN YOUR NAME, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Thank you Laura, very nice prayer!
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I add my prayers for jan and janet facing the beginning of their journey. Let their faith be strong. Let them heal without problems. Keep their thoughts of you. Ban fear, depression and despair. Strengthen hope. Let them sleep with comfort. Let their pain be minimal. Let there doctors and nurses listen to their words and respond humanely. May Mother Mary be at their side. Amen L&H Namaste.Sheila
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