When it rains it pours and if you're lucky,

[TaraF]

the sun will shine again.

As some of you may know I'm awaiting an MRI to determine what the mass is on my brain before meeting with a Neurosurgeon to discuss removing it. As you can imagine I've been very stressed and the waiting is the worse part. I've been a stress eater my whole life, and those of you who are stress eaters as well know that when you are stressed there is not enough food in the room EVER. lol The weirdest thing with me right now is I have no appetite so I haven't been eating. Now obviously this isn't good and so my Aunt called me today to give me a Pep Talk lol So as she is talking she said, "just with me and my final stage, oops". I said, "what?" I've known for a while that her smoking had taken a toll on her and that her breathing hasn't been the best but she didn't inform me of the fact that she is in the Final Stages of Acute Emphaseama because she didn't want me to have to worry about it while going through what I am at the moment.

Another stress added, but at least I'm aware now of what's going on. But you know the last few weeks have shown me a lot. For one it's shown me my wonderful friends here at SC care. God knows I appreciate all of the words of encouragement, kind thoughts, prayers offered, positive energy and anything else you can and have sent my way. NEVER think they aren't appreciated because they truly are. ALWAYS.

And than my friends, my friends that I thought I was drifting from. They have cried with me, they've consoled me, they've offered to drive me to appointments, be with my for my Surgery, they are making dates with me to just go and talk over coffee and/or Drinks. My friends have stepped up and it's amazing.

And than I receive an email from my cousin this evening and well yes I cried. He lives in Massachusetts and we don't see eachother often, but this is what he wrote to me:

"I don't know a lot about your medical system as far as the ins and outs of what they will pay for and what they won't, but please know that if you are able to seek a second opinion from someone here, we have some of the world's top neuro-specialists 20 miles away in Boston. Rich has some very good connections to be able to find "the" person to see for your condition. And, we have a spare bedroom. I'm not saying you don't have good people there. I just want to be sure you know the door is open if you feel you need it."

Just the fact that he extended his hand in such a manner touches me. I have quickly realized that I have so many people around me that care and I feel more blessed than anyone could possibly imagine. Thank you all. I can't say it enough, and I'll say it many more times from here on out I'm sure. Thank you.

[Natalka]

How wonderful that all this support has come your way from family and friends - of course you deserve it all! When someone is in need, people do step up!
Very good of your cousin who might have an 'in' with Boston specialists; you never know! It's something you can discuss with your doctors at the time once you see what the timeline is for you regarding surgery, if you need second and third opinions, based on what sort of decisions you might have to make. You'd have to find out what types of procedures and personal expenses your provincial government will be willing to cover, should it come to you wanting to do that. I know it varies widely... according to very many things.

I know I'm thinking about you every day - but a virtual friend can only do so much!

[SmackUTwice]

Hugs!

I experienced the "just can't eat" thing last November/December when I lost a very very dear frined... a second mom, really. And I, too, am the "eat eat eat" when stressed. LOL But ya really do gotta smack yourself (or maybe not quite litterally!) and take a good look and understand what you're doing to yourself. You need to take care of yourself more than ever!! SO JUST DO IT!

Keep your head up. Life is FULL of ups and downs! It's the journey...

[lekate]

It's very touching that all these people are rallying around you

I never got the stress eating, when I'm stressed/anxious I can't eat, I've maybe eaten a meal a day in the past few days just from anxiety it's insane!

I hope things get better for you I can't imagine what you're going through right now

[VeeVee]

That is so nice.
Its great to know so many ppl care for you! Plus you have all of us here that are rooting for you.
Remember your not alone in this

Take Care

[TaraF]

Thank you all. The last 2 weeks have been an eye opener on so many levels. It's amazing sometimes what it takes for people to shine.

Haha SmackUTwice, maybe you should smack me twice! lol It's true though, you know I was talking to my Girlfriend today and I said to her that I'll stop and think, "why me?" but than I stop and think that there are people who are far worse off than I am at the moment. There are people going through worse situations, going at them alone, etc. It's something I have to try to keep in prospective and it's a continous thing but I'm trying.

Natalka, I appreciate it so much and I'm convinced all of the Positivity has been helping me!

[anisa]

so glad to hear that you have so much support around you. you're a lucky lady
of course you must be a good person to those around you for them to take such good care of you

[Skippy]

I'm please that you have a "virtual" and "Non-Virtual"?(I don't know the word) support network. Be sure to take advantage of it.

[mle]

So wonderful that they're willing to reach out like that
Best wishes to you & your family!

[Lynn49]

Now you brought tears to my eyes!
Hon, it just shows you how many people care and love you...You must be a very special person yourself to receive so many offers of support. Isn't it sad that one has to go through something like this to touch base with so many caring people?
I'll be away for a while, but I'll send up another prayer for you tonight...truth be told, I pray for all my 'imaginary friends' every night...tonight..a special one for you.
Take care of yourself, Sweetheart...you'll need to stay well and strong...eat!
I'd make you chicken soup if I could mail it to you...for now..this will have to do...


Now eat up and stay strong... HMMmmmmm?? You're hungy now, eh?
Take good care...{{{{HUGS}}}}...Lynn

[TaraF]

I appreciate all of the support from my "virtual" friends Skippy. When I'm having a low moment I log in here and read the comments and it brings a smile to my face. And Lynn that soup picture is making me hungry for soup LOL Good job with that! And thank you for your support as well. (hugs)

[Lynn49]