Hi Michelle!

I am a bit of a lurker at times on some threads and I have followed your story. Ya' know, you have some really good friends on that thread and even more out here in the rest of the Mudcat village. You have support coming from all sides, myself included, but let me go a different way. The surgery is scary but like Maggie told you, it'll be a different story in a few weeks.

I always liken getting one of these diagnoses (and then doing the surgical/medical follow-up) to riding an elephant downhill......sit back, hang on, and try to stay aboard!

Now really what I mean by that is that if you have done everything you can, have Docs you believe in, and have things laid out as best you can for the time frame, just get on with the procedures and don't worry yourself nutso about everything. What's the point? You're doing it.....RIDE ON!!!!

I've had a lot of folks I know who have faced life threatening illnesses. The ones I always admired the most were real winners with one trait in common. The winners refused to be defined by the illness. They did all the things they needed to do and then got on back to living their life. Work hard at getting well and when you have done all you can, work hard at living.......but enjoy the entire ride!

I've never met Maggie but I'd like to. She's one who obviously lives life every day and I don't think there's anything that could ever takeover her life. Handle the situation and do the best you can then get on with living........I think that's our Stilly River Sage.

Take a few deep breaths......it can be you too. A lot of 'Catters believe in you. Attack the disease, do all that is needed, then get on with living your life.

Much Love....

Pat