2013 Survivors!!!
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Oh Melissa, I'm so sorry about your sweet dog! My heart goes out to you. OMG cancer sucks!!! I know it isn't easy, we did it 4 years go with our golden who had cancer. That was bad enough, but to have just battled it yourself is just cruel. We are here for you honey! Big ((((Hugs))))!
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Melissa.
I am so sorry that your German Shepard is ill. It is so hard when a pet needs care and so emotional. I had a similar circumstance with a Shepard but we kept him with us until it appeared he was in pain and then the vet came to our home and put him to rest. My Dad still has our beloved Stymie in the far corner of my childhood backyard and pictures of him everywhere. We have great memories of him. I wish you and your family peace and the wisdom and strength to know when it is time to let go of your beloved pet. Prayers being sent to you all. Very sad.
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Thanks ladies. It's just so hard. Having this happen is hard enough then on top of it I dealt with this last year :-(. My husband is sad too but he even said it. It is hitting me harder since it hits so close to home ;-( Just sucks. I feel sick to my stomach. Didn't sleep last night. Have no appetite. And now trying to think of when and what to tell my kids...
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Aww Melissa, my heart goes out to you. I had to do this too 3 years ago and still miss that dog so much. I knew it was time when the dog was existing more than enjoying life.
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Melissa,
3 years ago this sunday I had to put my 15 year old shephard/lab mix to a peaceful slumber. I miss him still. Last year when I was diagnosed my daughter who is 12 was able to ask questions. My son who was 6 at the time couldn't understand. Then he started crying about missing Midnight all the time. He was afraid of the dog when he was alive. I called the school counselor and she agreed that that was his way of expressing himself while I was sick. He knew Midnight was sick and went to the dr all the time and I was doing the same. I never want to hear my daughter cry like that as I did when I came home and told her he was gone. It'll be very sad but tell your kids before it happens. Then they can have special time with their dog brother. My BFF is going through this with her rottweiller right now. Leg amputation but the cancer spread. Just enjoying her time with him.
Speaking of cancer have I mentioned I HATE THIS FUCKING DISEASE!!!! My friend Roger is on his journey home. He is home but hospice is coming in and medication is making him comfortable. I've been over a few times and friends and family are doing everything they can to help his wife. They don't have kids but their extended family more than makes up for it. I will miss him. Please say a prayer.
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Melissa - i'm so sorry about your dog. Silly cliche but i think kids really relate to the doggy heaven concept. Our good friends had to put their dogs down and that is how we answered our boys questions about them and my 5 year old sometimes talks about how they must be having fun up there in doggy heaven. I was heartbroken when i had to put my cat down. Sending you big hugs.
Everyone else out there today. Not sure what your weather is doing, but if it is anything like what we have here on the east coast in NY today - get outside, breathe in the fresh spring air and remember how amazing it is to be alive and on the road to wellness! Remember to look at all the flowers and trees blooming and enjoy your loved ones! I've got the happy/thankful to be alive bug today and wanted to share it! Go get your happy today!!!
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karen - our posts crossed paths... i'm so sorry about your friend roger. will keep him and all his family and friends in my thoughts.
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I was given this as a kid - when one of our shepards had to be put to sleep: was a comfort to me.
Hugs Melissa - so awful.
Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....0 -
Name: Karen
Age: 44 (3/5)
Married: I met my DH 3/3/91 (was supposed to be a booty call only) and we were married 4/17/99. As much of a stubborn man he could be I don't know what I'd do without him.
Kids: DD 12/31/00, DS 2/18/06
Pets: My kitties - long gone to kitty heaven, Kiefer and Peek a Boo and my shephard lab mix Midnight who went to see his friends in doggie heaven 3 years ago at the ripe age of 15. He was the best. So doofy and protective at the same time. Haven't had the heart to get another pet yet.
Born in Philadelphia and was adopted at birth in NJ. Lived here my whole life and never really left the area I grew up in. My DD is friends with the kids of people I went to school with! We never leave! Never travelled too far (Disney, Vegas, Williamsburg, Gettysburg, Hershey, Salem) but this summer we are taking our first cruise to the Caribbean! Life is short and we are going to have a blast! We told all our friends and family to join us if they want.
Occupation: I was always a secretary at numerous companies. A fun one was when I worked for the manufacturer of a popular condom! Oh the talks we had - too bad the people there were mean spirited and was so happy when I left. Then I got laid off and haven't really gone back to work except for the 6 months before diagnosis when I worked for a medical billing company.
School: I did some college but am only halfway to Associates. Been thinking about finishing it. I also got my manicurist license and did that part time before I was married. That was fun. Then I got my medical coding license. Passed the test on the first try. No easy feat. It was hard!
Fun Fact: We love to have parties! Love having friends over whether its small or large groups and I go all out. The food and wine flow freely and every party has a signature drink. Oh the stories my kids could tell! But it's more about the food and beverage. We love being around our friends and family and enjoying life. New Years is our big party since it's my DD's birthday. I also love to read. When I was little my mom worked days so I would wait for her at the library and it instilled my love of books. I regret not getting a job as a librarian. Maybe one day... I also cross stitch. I've been working on a Thomas Kinkade sampler for 13 years! Plus I've done others in between. And don't get me started on movies. I swear the reason we bought our house is because it had a movie theater in the basement! My favorites are southern chick flicks. I can recite the entire Steel Magnolia's movie!
So I think that is all. I love learning about everyone! I'm nosy that way!
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Karen, I remember you talking about your friend Roger. All of you will be in my prayers. I've mentioned each of you to my mom over the last few months, she's a 19 year survivor this November. She is catholic and recites the rosary every night once for each person in her prayers. My dad asked me to stop "introducing" new people as her prayers are getting longer lol.
Karen, I'm coming to your place New Years Eve!!!!
Tazzy I love that story!! Very appropriate and touching.
It's very warm here but overcast, looks like rain. My back is getting a little better and I'd love to go out for a walk but I think that's a bad idea lol. I'd get half way down the road and have to hitch hike back.
I think we are missing stride on this bio.0 -
Karen - I am a bookworm too. I converted one of our bedrooms into a library - I love to sit in there amongst my books. I am sure if I retired now, I still wouldn't have chance to read all the books I have.
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Melissa I feel so bad, whatever you decide I know it will be the right choice for your dog and your family. Sending prayers and good thoughts
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Hi ladies. Been a while.
I had my final breast surgery on April 17, an oophorectomy along with a tummy tuck. My PS had to close up the pockets the implants go in because the scar tissue gave out. I have 800cc implants and a rather flat tummy.
After all the unwanted surgeries I've had to have, my husband agreed that I should get the one I've ALWAYS wanted. So...I'm sporting my hip to hip incision (stitches are out though so does that make it a scar now?) but it's low.
I have my MO appt tomorrow and will most likely be given my prescription for Tamoxifen.
I haven't read the back posts to catch up, so I hope you all are doing well.
Kristie0 -
Karen - sending love to Roger.
Melissa - sending hugs to YOU and YOURS.
Tazzy - made me tear up... all of you actually... making me think about my kitty I lost in 2006. She was my 1 and only out of all my pets. From 19 to 38 we weathered life just us two. I miss her. And there's another reason to buy a home... I need to burry her ashes that are in a box on my wall unit with a photo of her.
MrsCich... i'm jealous.. I wanted a tummy tuck SO FRICKIN' BAD - rest up and heal well.
5luvbugs; I had my port removed before my last infusion, the fucking thing hurt so much when I lay on that side that I couldn't sleep.
Ramols; Rugby...! Really that was your go to sport... you are one cast iron bitch! ;-)
Love to all - I'm outta here (work) off to spin class!
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Melissa ....that's heartbreaking...our pets become part of our family and when they get sick and decisions have to be made, it is so traumatic. Many years ago we had to have
our 18 yr old cat put down because of stomach cancer.....F.....ing cancer ....it hits so many including our beloved pets.....good luck on your decision....tough one....❤0 -
(((Hugs))) Karen. Sending prayers for Roger.
What a lovely story Tazzy. I love how people on here always know the right thing to say!0 -
Karen..praying for Rodger. Melissa big hugs. Tazzy the post is beautiful,such a lovely picture you painted. X
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Tazzy....ditto from me....beautiful story!!!
Karen.....I'm so sorry about your friend Roger.....I will certainly be praying for him.0 -
Tazzy, I too got comfort from thr rainbow bridge poem.., and everytime I have read it, including now, I tear up.
Karen, prayers for Roger!
Websister, Stride, Mrs. Cinch etc. hoping you'll tell us about you!0 -
Juneau - my rugby days were more about parties and drinking with the boys team and less about playing. But I will say - I loved a good scrum (i often played 8 man) and a successful tackle was pretty exhilarating... ;-)
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Melissa- I'm so sorry about your dog. I'd go with the doggy heaven route.
Karen- prayers for Roger. Thinking of his family.
Ramols- is that code for getting booty?! Haha0 -
Melissa - you and your family will know when it's time to let go. It is never easy! Pets are part of our family. I've had 3 poodles that lived to 20. Saying good bye is the hardest part. Memories and photos will warm your hearts forever.
Tazzy - wonderful story.
Karen - Roger is in my thoughts & prayers.0 -
Chrisrene - Lol. No - but... I'd be lying if I said I didn't hook up with any of the rugby guys. Ah... Feels like a lifetime ago...
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Loved loved reading these.. I am going to fill mine out tomorrow I am just lazy right now but it's so cool getting to know u all more!
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I met with my psychologist yesterday. I was talking about my forgetfulness and general lack of a properly working brain. She said she's seen it in her chemo and radiation patients. She likened it to our fight or flight response to ongoing stress. She said it causes inflammation which is why our brains feel so cloudy. She called it "stress inflammatory response". I guess it's an area in which they'll be doing more studies. Of course the way to stop it is to reduce the stress in your life, by meditation, massage therapy, exercise, daiquiris and hot French guys. (Whatever works for you!). Anyway, keep your eyes out for any new studies on the topic. They're even looking into it as a source of disease....
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I have radiation brain ...
I just told Scottiee that I was worried that I would be chasing after a couple of drunks chasing after French guys when we are in Chicago ....0 -
Tazzy.....that's you and me she's talking about..😇....I think Jo is just worried she won't get a piece of the "action".....😜>
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Dearest Karen - hugs to you and daily prayers for your friend Roger and his family. I am so very sad for you and ALL.
Melissa - continued hugs and prayers being sent your way. I hope your pet is never in pain.
Sister Warriors - tomorrow marks the 52nd. anniversary of my BIRTHDAY MONTH! I was born on the 31st. and generally celebrate ALL MONTH and I highly recommend it. Coincidentally, tomorrow is also the day of my LAST CHEMO treatment and Thursday the LAST Neulasta. These first 2 days of my BIRTHDAY MONTH are truly a gift!
Peace, love and blessings with minimal SEs to ALL. I WILL keep in touch while trotting on over to the Radiation pages. You are all THE BEST!
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First off, Tazzy, the rainbow bridge story had me in tears. My 16-year-old cat died early Sunday morning. It happened in the best possible way--she was asleep in bed, curled up next to my husband. He remembers hearing her purr, and about an hour or two later we woke up and she had died in the same position. She had a great day on Saturday poking around the backyard, getting some quality lap time and basking in the sun. She had kidney problems, but we think she must have died suddenly of heart failure or something else fast.
Melissa, I'm thinking about you and the difficult decision you have to make. It is so hard to lose a furry friend, and it's also hard to see them in pain. The situation with my cat was so different. She did not have the kind of slow decline your canine companion faces. I hope Believe is right, and you'll just know when the right time arrives.
Karen, I am also thinking about Roger and hoping he is comfortable.
Cmbernardi, Happy BirthMonth!
SwgeeWi, we definitely need more studies on the effects that daiquiris and hot French guys have on our mental well-being.
Shari and MrsCich, good to hear from you!
Ramols, your comment about getting out and observing spring is right on. I read a cancer recovery book that recommended a daily 20-minute mindful walk. Just walk, look and listen to your surroundings.
I love reading everybody's profiles! This is a remarkably well-traveled group with so many great stories.
I treasure these boards, but I am a bit gun-shy about how accessible these posts are on Google. I haven't always used the most pristine fucking language, and I'm not sure what direction my company is heading with social media. Fortunately this site also has a p.m. feature! I'll send my information to Shianne and Aruba. If anybody else wants it, let me know.
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Ramols, as an ex-South African I got a great kick (pun intended!) out of the fact that you played rugby. It's the national sport over there, almost a religion, and I'm a huge fan - lol.
The Rainbow Bridge story always brings tears to my eyes as I have also lost a most beloved kitty 5 years ago when the neighbour's arthritic old dog came into my yard and killed her. It was violent, unexpected and so devastating. I've had her for 11 years, she was my little shadow, a beautiful Siamese, never far from my side, and trusted me 100%. I loved her so much. She is buried in a special place in our yard, and I still miss her every day.
Stride, I know only too well that emptiness that you are experiencing right now having lost that little' person' who shared your life for so long. It is very hard. At least she went peacefully. Hugs to you.
Melissa, may you get some clarity about the situation soon. Always so sad when we have to make these decisions. Hugs to you too.
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