LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!

Subject: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:15 PM

Over in the decluttering thread, a few of us have been following along as LilyFestre/Michelle went through some very scary medical procedures which ultimately wound up diagnosing her with uterine cancer. She got the final biopsy results a couple of days ago and they are performing a hysterectomy, tomorrow. She's to go in at 6a and have the surgery at 730a. They told her it was a slow cancer so they hope to be able to get it all. They will not know until they are in there just what all they will have to take.

She has been terrified, but is prepared. She and her husband are leaving now to spend the night in a motel near the hospital as it is a couple of hours from their home.

Anyone who would like to post good thoughts, prayers, etc. please know they will be greatly appreciated. Lots of calm energy would be good. it's just been so scary for her. (Please no horror stories.)

Thanks a bunch. Her husband will have limited internet access, so I hope we will hear fairly soon how she did.

kat (with Michelle's permission)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:19 PM

Warm thoughts and prayers from the Blue Ridge...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:25 PM

Please tell Michelle she has my very best wishes for a complete recovery.

Bruce M

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:38 PM

You already know you are held in prayer here, Michelle. Remember that you and your husband have many unseen friends thinking about you and sending what strength and support we have.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:42 PM

Michelle, wear a hat lined with foil, and all will be well. {It was you told me that remember?}
I believe this is a fairly common and successful procedure, so don't worry, just get well soon.

John

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:02 PM

You know you are loved, dear one.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:15 PM

All the very best wishes for a speedy recovery from Geoff and me and the ducklings.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:19 PM

Kick some BUTT! :~)

You already know all the rest.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:32 PM

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

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:01 PM

Michelle,
Remember to pay attention those last moments before you go under. Then dream away until you wake in recovery with the worst behind you.
We will all be with you.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welc
From: Rowan
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:25 PM

All the best, Cobber.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:33 PM

Thanks, Pat. I wish I had the confidence you do (what's that you're smoking?) But there is a lot of moral support over there on the de-clutter threads--we all share the advice wealth and all move forward. We talk amongst ourselves, understanding that there are probably folks who come to just read along, and a few who probably come to chuckle at the baby steps we sometimes manage, but at least we're all moving forward.

Here's the bear, Michelle. It's a significant one in the family, my sister carried it all of the way from London for my first child's first xmas (Moonglow was born in 1988).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Tig
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 08:28 PM

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((XXXXXXX))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Lots of love and healing hugs
Tig
xxx

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:17 PM

I've been down that road, six years ago now. It is frightening.

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and looking forward to hearing that it has all gone well.

Lean on your husband and friends for as long as you need them but know that this too shall pass. Six years on and I rarely remember it.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:26 PM

I like that bear, Stilly- I can see him dancing.

Michelle, as others have said in different words, now is a good time to lie back and "leave the driving to us. Remember that slogan? It is one I often use. Here's to a quick recovery and a fresh appreciation for friends. You have made a lot of good ones.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: maire-aine
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:39 PM

From the de-clutter thread: "...image … of a very strong group of Mudcat women forcefully chasing the cancer away."

This reminds me of something that happened when I was working with a community organization in SW Detroit many years ago. We were finishing a planning meeting (for a big actions against a large local bank) and one of the people, a pastor of a n'hood church, summed up the meeting by saying "the Sisters are tough". Damn straight, the sisters are tough. Go get 'em, Sister Michelle.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:44 PM

Michelle - Hang in there kid ! Fond memories of 2005 at Susan's !

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 10:01 PM

More than a few thoughts, here, for Michelle's mom, Bonnie. That is one tough and yet ultimately tender lady. She and Michelle have ridden the Cancer Train with too, too, TOO many dearly loved friends in the last several years. I cannot think of two better-equipped ladies to drive that train now.... while I wish they didn't have to, I can only take my hat off to them both. You'll see-- in no time Michelle will be telling us how she licked that fear.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Tinker
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 10:44 PM

Ahh, Bonnie..... and Michelle's husband.... loved ones all... remember there is a calm haven here. Goodness knows there is a crowd of folks here who have been through some tough times. Know that we stand with you too.....


Blessings and Light

tinker


who is pulling out a few well loved bears for a morning photo op to greet your return.....

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 12:06 AM

She'll have to grin and Bear it once she's back on line, apparently! The use of a bear came up on the other thread because having a pillow or a stuffed toy to squeeze and stabilize the muscles around the surgery site really helps if you have to cough or sneeze.

This is the story I told about my mother's bear in the other thread:

When my mother went to the hospital for a large surgery (can't remember which one, she had several) there was a woman in the bed next to her who loaned her a teddy bear. "It helps to hug it tight if you have to cough," she said, and it really did. When Mom got out of the hospital she bought herself a good teddy bear about that same size and named it Betty, after the wonderful woman who loaned her the first bear. And in her will, she left that bear to my sister's best friend's cat, because the cat used to always curl up with that bear when my mom was cat-sitting.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welc
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 02:35 AM

michele

I have 3 friends who have gone through same variously between 5 and 14 years ago. All are well. All still are clear of cancer. All crazy wonderful ladies.

You are gonna be ok, Angel. Lots of love and light headed your way. Even a reminder in my work Outlook to take a moment at 7:30 eastern standard time to give thought and energy to the medical staff and you.

tamara

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:28 AM

Thinking of you.

Sending you lots of healing energy for a speedy and full recovery.

Much Love

Khatt xxx

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 06:57 AM

Michelle, best wishes and thoughts from me too.

Cheers and hugs
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:50 AM

I'm picturing light and wisdom and strength guiding the doctor's hands right now and throughout the surgery.

And for you, Michelle, a release of the stress and fear that has been gripping you, and the patience and courage to heal. We love you, woman!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: maeve
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:56 AM

You are surrounded by loving folks here- male and female.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 08:30 AM

I have decorated a very special room for you over in the Mudcat Recovery Ward.
We are waiting for you.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Tinker
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 08:49 AM

NOw the decorated room is a high honor...... or sureal

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 10:36 AM

Michelle, here's one you will love. Think "recovery ward." Think "bedpans." Think "Mudcat attic." Think about it.... OK: I just got done emptying TWO of those (VERY full) and setting up a third. THAT was fun! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 11:11 AM

Did Liz have a hand in decorating the Mudcat Recovery Ward? Plenty of booze and chocolate, right?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 11:29 AM

I AM IN CHARGE OF DECORATING!
Liz is in charge of debauchery - so yes, lots of chocolate and booze.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 11:51 AM

Will there be pink flamingos?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 11:53 AM

Will there be pink flamingos?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 12:36 PM

"Mudcat attic.", Susan? Seems like I hear more about cellars. :)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Tinker
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 12:42 PM

The attic is for wandering mudcatters, the cellar..... well it's been pretty well explained.


Tinker

who has spent time in both Mudcat attics and cellars....

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 12:58 PM

By now, our girl is no doubt sleeping off one helluva hangover and is free of cancer.

Doesn't that make you want to smile?

I think I'll go buy a round in the Mudcat Tavern!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 01:24 PM

I'll go check on her room preparations in the recovery ward. Ratched keeps starching the sheets.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 01:44 PM

Still no calls here AFAIK.

IMO that would be GOOD news.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 01:46 PM

Oh, sorry, forgot to answer Eb. Michelle will understand the reference-- she helped decorate the Mudcat Attic Dorm, and had a particular reaction to one item with which we furnished it. (She will explain if she wishes.)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 01:57 PM

Room is ready. A lovely sunny yellow, pale yellow flannel sheets, sunflower pillows, and daffodils in a banana jar. Bright and cheerful. But if she hates it I have a pink number ready as well.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 02:06 PM

Michelle, I wish you an uncomplicated procedure and a speedy recovery! I'm sure you will be fine. Your mudcat friends will help you through...

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 02:08 PM

All of that yellow will be a great background for all of the brown bears.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: ClaireBear
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 02:21 PM

Michelle, all my support from afar. I went through a similar procedure for cervical cancer 5 years ago, and I stand with you now. You'll be fine. All that golden light will surely make it so. Not to mention all those bears...

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Severn
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 02:36 PM

All the best thoughts from one who survived small-cell cancer in the lymphatic system a couple of years ago and, it being in full remission am able to stand, grinning it down. You'll come out of it like a champ and will have a lot of friends here cheering you on as they did for me. We've got your back.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 03:01 PM

Still no incoming calls here, but Hardi did just issue an outgoing cell call letting Bonnie know that Michelle and she are still in "our" prayers (which Michelle and perhaps Bonnie will understand includes all of her MudBuds), and inviting a callback when she is ready to let "us" know anything. (They know Friday is technically a day off and they may be holding calls for that reason.)

Animaterra, pls see contemporaneous post in decluts thread.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:08 PM

Stilly - you DO mean stuffed brown bears? Right? Toys? After that whack on the head I thought I better ask. I am not about to shovel out that room every few hours, you know.

It's always something. SIGH

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:28 PM

If we bring in real bears, I suspect they had better be Pampered, bears, don't you think?

Susan--you're making me dizzy! I'm going to ask a clone to move any of today's update posts that actually have news about Michelle over here from the de-clutter thread so people can find it and not have to wade through our dust kittens and stacked up cardboard boxes. If posts are similar, we'll let the pixies have them (so maybe they'll leave some of the rest of our threads alone!). Makes this much easier on the general population to know what in heck we're talking about sometimes. But thanks for your efforts!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,WYS-out
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:34 PM

SRS, there is no need to move ANYthing. I've taken care to put, in each thread, what belongs in each thread, and it was not I who created the multiplicity of threads. So please-- just leave it! (Or YOU will be making ME dizzy.)

Still no word on Michelle here-- SRS has the hospital's name and number so she may get news before I do.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: ClaireBear
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:34 PM

SINS< bears do that in the woods. You got any woods in there? If not, no worries.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:47 PM

Bears do it whereever they are locked in. Miss Stilly is not quite herself after the accident in the Tavern. And Nurse Ratched is not happy about the extra work load - heh heh a pun.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welc
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:59 PM

I hear Curmudgeon may be taking his intravenous antibiotics in Sinsull's recovery ward too. So Michelle, you won't be lonely. You can listen to all the bleeps, whirrs and glurps in between his grousing about the noise from his machines.

You too can fight over the laptop and who gets to read which thread first. Although I think Tom will probably ask you to read his to him as his eyesight is not great, by his own admission. Don't let him make you do all the work though. You are not his bleeding secretary.

Mary? May I donate a little get well fairy and a pack of playing cards to the room?

When my little Hilary had to have liver biopsy, she didn't want to take deep cleansing breaths as the doctors and nurses told her she must. Very important to keep lungs strong and clear. So I bought her this set of paint pens that you had to blow the paint out of the end.   Don't think she got on too well with them as I ended up giving them away.

If I still had them though, would definitely donate to the recovery ward. Imagine Michelle and Tom blowing paint at each other and all over Mary's freshly decorated room.


tam      

slinking off before Mary catches me