[Nemekke]

Hi Everyone,

While doing a Google search for drug interactions I came across your forums and did some browsing. I have belonged to many forums over the years, some which broke down with time, and others which were hard to feel comfortable in.

In reading the posts here, I was happy to see the levels of support, friendship and trust you share, as well as the professional support of Doc John and the rest of the Administration.

I am a 44-year old cancer survivor, four months out of treatments now. I had stage 3 breast cancer with metastases to the lymph nodes, treated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. (Women, I beg you - if you discover any type of lump or mass, no matter how small - get a biopsy. Don't rely on the MRI report calling it a cyst. )

Currently, I am being treated for two strokes, as well as peripheral neuropathy, possible central nervous system neuropathy (having tilt table test soon...oh joy...lol), and whatever else the various tests show for me.

I look forward to meeting everyone

[Idealist]

You sure sound like a cheerful person. It's very nice to meet you. It sounds like you've been through a lot, but I hope things will be looking up for you now. I'm the same age you are, and I know what a bummer it is to have your life interrupted by something beyond your control. But you seem to be handling it well. I wish you good luck, and hope you'll stay around and join our friendly group. You'd be very welcome.

Best Wishes,
Idealist

[Nemekke]

Thank you Idealist

Tonight...I am cheerful...that is always subject to change though...lol

I love helping out and meeting people on here, as I have too many days I don't have the energy to go out in the real world and deal with people.

As far as life-changing events go, whether they be illness, or new relationships, etc. - the hardest parts are accepting your "new normal" and learning new ways to do all the old things. I'm still in a bit of Limboland as far as diagnoses go - the neurologist says I have "sticky blood" from the chemotherapy, and we're still trying to figure out why I fall down all the time...besides the obvious fact that I am a klutz

In the meantime, I make people laugh. What's the point in having these various issues if we can't laugh at them once in a while

[Idealist]

Oooohhhh...so you're wise as well as cheerful! You've got it made! Seriously, though, I know how it comes and goes. That's one of the things that make these forums work so well. The members are very friendly. On their bad days they come here for support, and on their good days they offer it. It's a good system, and you sound like you would fit right in.

I too am in limbo as far as a diagnosis goes, and I know how that anxiety of not knowing can multiply your problems. I think you described it very well. The hardest part is adapting to a new set of conditions.

Anyway, if you ever feel like talking, I hang around the social chat forum a lot. I hope to see you there.

Best Wishes To You...
Idealist

[michael178]

I just had NIH confirm a diagnosis of Cadasil Disease for me after seven years. And even though there are no medications and no cures I am under no threat of dying any sooner than my mother did at 96...which might be one of the main drawbacks of the disease. I don't know anybody who wants to live that long. At any rate, I try not to write about myself, and just want you to know that a lot of us know what it is like not having a DX, keep the faith, not knowing isn't fatal. Yet.

[Nemekke]

Thank you Michael

I believe that none of us are statistics, therefore we only have to die on their time etc., if we choose to. The first time I was given six months to live was in 1996.....lol....oooops so much for that statistic.

Diagnoses can be wonderful or evil, depending on what we do with the information once we have it. For me at this point, the whole doctor/diagnosis thing is pretty funny, as neither my oncologist, neurologist, nurse practitioner, or woundcare specialist really have any idea what to do with me next I don't fit the statistics.

I am doing everything I can to enjoy my days, and help those around me to enjoy theirs. None of us really know when we will pass, nor do we really have as much say in it as we think.

Michael, I wish you some laughter and happy news, and a sunny day tomorrow. I hope you see things that make you smile and feel better.

:hugs:

Michelle

[Darlene]

Michelle,

It is great to see some, as yourself, coming in here that seems so cheerful. I am happy to see such a positive attitude as yours. In here we are one comforting group of people willing to help each other.

This is a place here where a person can get away and enjoy helping others.

Again welcome aboard.

Darlene