by meganne 23 May 2017

I finally started up my computer last night and tried to write this message but I got a bit waylaid writing to other Cuties in need, all the while my laptop just kept shutting down for no good reason, so I finally gave up and went to bed. Thinking I'd try again after a sleep, I figure it was probably something I was doing wrong as I had had a hugely stressful, emotionally draining, day and I was so very exhausted.


Firstly I want to thank all my Cute family who sent me so many wishes of support. Your words and prayers carried me through my darkest days and scariest nights and gave me the greatest strength and comfort.

Most especially I thank my dear friend, Jerri, who kept in constant contact with me via Facebook Messenger as at each setback I would hear my phone ping and see Jerri's smiling face cheering me on. There are no words to express the love I feel for my dear Canadian friend, THANK YOU.

Yesterday , 14 days out from surgery, Ray drove me to the GP for aftercare follow up. Now when I say this so lightly, I had to walk down 15 stairs to get to the garage, then hoist myself up into his SUV, it took quite a bit of wrangling getting my (new knee) leg into the car without being able bend it the required amount, especially since both of us had temporary amnesia and didn't think to move the seat back as far as it could go to make the process a lot easier. LOL!!!

So I'm talking to the GP and he's asking me all about my scary Atrial Fibrillation event, (heart rate 170 beats per minute instead of 64) and he suddenly realises it's time for the staples to come out of my knee. Now I've had over 23 procedures and more needles and stitches than hot dinners, so I should be REALLY used to it, right?
Nope.
One look at the 30 plus staples in my knee saw me reduced to a quivering jelly. Some of them hurt like crazy because my leg was so swollen but they are OUT! Yaye! Now I’m just nervous about bending the knee and the wound opening up. (Come on girl, Snap out of it!!! Sheesh talk about any excuse to avoid doing the physio. )

But on to the most distressing part of this long winded post.

After leaving the GP and in desperate need of a coffee, we headed off towards my friend, Rada’s home, some 40 minutes drive away. You see, the day I ended up in ICU I received a phone call from my very distressed friend telling me she had breast cancer. After talking for nearly an hour it came down to the facts that she had found a lump, she had a mammogram, she had an ultrasound and her STUPID GP told her it was DEFINITELY cancer, which sent her into a spiral of uncontrolled panic, fear and worry. It took all my persuasive powers to finally convince her that, WITHOUT the results of a biopsy, no one could say it is DEFINITELY ANYTHING. It made me so terribly annoyed to be stuck in hospital when she obviously needed me and I spent the next several days texting and calling her to comfort her and talk her through the required steps of having the biopsy done, which she did.

So we arrive at Rada’s to collect her and her hubby and take them the hour’s drive to John Hunter Hospital so I could accompany her to see her (prospective) Oncology Surgeon to get the results of the biopsy. Now, while it was positive for cancer, the Oncologist was really upbeat and positive as there was so many “Favourable points” (his words) to the results.
He was/is convinced that it will only require a small, less intrusive Lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy, and that should result in complete removal of the small cancer cell, which is so close to the surface as to be able to see it. Also, it is Stage 2 and it is non aggressive.
All the while he was speaking to us and with each positive piece of information he imparted, my heart was doing a happy dance and we left there with Rada in a much better, more positive, frame of mind knowing that the whole process should be taken care of a lot more quickly and easily than many other breast cancers.

Still, it IS cancer, and still scary. The procedures need to be followed, ALL BEING WELL………………
Lumpectomy, Sentinel Lymph Node removal, pathological biopsy of all materials then radiation, possibly followed by hormone treatment therapy with Tamoxifen.

So my friends, trying to keep the Devil’s Advocate, FEAR, at bay I humbly ask could all you wonderful prayer warriors PLEASE say a prayer for Rada, for a straight forward removal of the cancer and an all clear before the end of this year.

Her only daughter lives in Switzerland and her son lives at the top end of Australia, 1,000's of kilometres away, so Ray and I, her faith and my friends are all she has to help get her through this.

If any Cuties could see it in their hearts to send her an FSL Angel or even a message, please PM me and I will give you her address.

I can’t thank you all enough for the love and support you all give so freely.
While ever there are Cuties in the world, it holds promise of better things to come. Thank you all so very much.
Hugs and roses, Meg

PS, after my 8 hour adventure, climbing in and out of the SUV, walking for miles through the hospital grounds and feeling so stressed and worried for my friend, I actually slept for 6 hours straight, without pain killers. :-)

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by jrob Moderator 24 May 2017

Prayers for your little sister, Rada and for you. Take care of yourself.

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

Thanks Jerrilyn and I will. hugs n roses, M

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by lbrow 24 May 2017

My dear Meg as always I'm behind on everything. You've been my hero now for a very long time but I think you already know that. You stay in my prayers and now I add your friend Rada. I'm not much good to anyone these days but I continue to lift many up in prayer daily. Ron is a 24 /7 job and since I will soon be 79 myself, I simply ask God for strength to get through each day and night and to be a blessing to anyone who happens to cross my path that day. You are strong and a fighter and Rada is so fortunate to have you. I do so admire friends who are fighters. In my long career as a nurse I've seen so many just sit back and do nothing, I know and have seen that 90% of the battle is your spirit and the Lords. God Bless Lillian

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

Aww Lillian, you do turn my head dear friend, and you know it is totally mutual how I think of you. :-)
Yes I do truly believe that fear and negative thoughts are cancer and the Devil's greatest allies, so I am trying to stay positive for her and myself.
Your prayers are sincerely appreciated.
Huge hugs n love, xxxxxx M

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by airyfairy 24 May 2017

Great to hear from you. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending positive thoughts to her and of course you. Hugs Sarah

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

Thank you Sarah, it is out of our hands but we know the power of prayer works. hugs n roses, M

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by basketkase 24 May 2017

Oh Meg.......I hope you continue your recovery with minimal pain.......You are a true warrior, all you have been through and continue to endure with you and your friends, it would completely overwhelm most, but you always find your strength and rally to any and everyone's aid......Bless you, Meg and prayers for all!

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

Thanks Vicki, it's a bit tougher this time as my heart has thrown me a curve ball to deal with, on top of the knee surgery. I will do what I can and I really appreciate all the prayers I can get for Rada and myself.
Huge hugs n love xxxxx

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by dragonflyer 24 May 2017

So glad you are on the mend, Meg...and so lucky is Rada to have such a good friend, and "sister" on her side to help her through what may come.
I hope that your recovery and Rada's are swift and complete...I will hold you both in my thoughts and prayers...

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

Thank you so much Kim and for offering to send her an Angel, it means so much to me and I know it will help her.
Huge hugs n roses, Meg

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by asterixsew Moderator 24 May 2017

Meganne I have been thinking about you. Our younger daughters mil had the same op a few days before you so from seeing her progress I wonder how yours is going as I visit with shopping. Sorry to hear about your friend but will think positive thoughts for her

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

GRRRR!!! Computer keeps shutting down, oh well they say third time's a charm so I'll try again.....
So sorry to take so long replying Caroline, it isn't because I haven't tried, to add to my computer woes, my (feet on the floor), computer time, is limited by the time it takes for my leg to start swelling up, then it's elevate and apply ice packs until the swelling subsides, then there's the physio 5 times a day to contend with.
I do hope your daughter's MIL will make a complete recovery too.
My Orthopaedic Surgeon requires all knee replacement patients to be able to walk up and down stairs before they're even allowed to leave the hospital, luckily for me as we have 15 stairs inside our house. (though we also have a chair/stair lift outside), I was determined not to use it and still haven't.
I am uncomfortable and out of sorts being so restricted but I really must not overdo things, such as gallivanting around the countryside, climbing in and out of an SUV. LOL! I really paid in pain for that little episode. :-(
Otherwise the pain is negligible at the 18 day mark, I walk up and down our stairs at least three times a day, I cook dinner every night and have done since I came home but I have been made to rest more and not try riding my exercise bike again for at least another three weeks, I was doing 100 revolutions and got a rap over the knuckles for that.
I would be interested hearing how your Daughter's MIL progresses, mind you, we are all different and even the procedures vary greatly, so not everyone will recover at the same rate. I wish her well and thank you most warmly for your message. hugs n roses, M

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by sandralane 24 May 2017

Pleased to hear you are on the mend Meganne, so sad for your dear friends health issues . Hope all goes well for her, and with your help and support i am sure things shall look brighter for her in the coming weeks. My prayers and thoughts are with you both for a continuing return to good health. Remember to rest yourself, you have been through such tough times. Sandra.

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

Thank you Sandra. Apologies for the slow reply, (please see reply to Asterixsew).
I really appreciate your prayers and well wishes, Huge hugs, Meg

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by twee 24 May 2017

So glad to hear that you are on the mend. I'm sorry not to have commented sooner. We have made a move, after living in our home for 40 years. I'm having a difficult time downsizing, leaving our home, and friends. It is an emotional rollercoaster, but one that needs to be made.
My prayers are with you and your friend Rada. She is so blessed to have a dear friend like you.

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meganne by meganne 26 May 2017

OH Terri I was so sad to read you had sold your lovely home. I understand 'gut-wrenching' to be the appropriate term for how it feels to leave one's family home. I still feel homesick for my last home, so I do hope you can find a whole new lifestyle to help you through the downsizing.
Than you so much for your prayers dear friend, I will pray you find contentment and happiness in the next stage of your lives. Huge Hugs and love, Meg

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by kustomkuddle 23 May 2017

Sending prayers for your continued improvement and for your lovely friend. While I know that treatments have changed over the years and everyone responds differently, my mom went through something very similar. At the time she had a mastectomy but did not have chemo or radiation. This year she will celebrate 30 years cancer free. She has had a few concerns over the years but all turned out benign. They have made so many advances in cancer treatment since then but nothing has changed about the emotions that arise when we hear the word cancer!

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

So very true kk, the word cancer is enough to put the strongest, most positive, person to into a whole new world of fear. I truly believe that the 'fear' of cancer is the most destructive force in a person's battle with cancer.
I'm so very glad to read of your Mum's success.
Mine was very aggressive and terminal, but I beat the odds, I am now 9 years clear and my darling sister is coming up 15 years. Huge hugs xxxx meg

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by pennifold edited 24 May 2017

Good morning my dear friend, it's 7.45am as I write this and I know you won't be up yet. Thanks for texting me about Rada. My Angel is already made and I sent you a picture of it last night. You know I'll keep her in my prayers and you are an Angel yourself looking after her for all the appointments etc needed for her. Just make sure that you yourself are getting some rest too, you need to heal that knee. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with you next week. I'm waiting for things to settle down here after our trip away. God bless you and Ray and I can't wait to come and see your new sewing room. Love always Chris

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

Thank you my dear BFF, I knew I could count on you.
I would hate to have gone through breast cancer as alone as Rada is, I was so lucky to have all the love and support of my Cute family and my biological family, so I'm adopting her as my baby sister.
I had a very painful night last night but you'll be shocked, I kept to the new regime: up at 7:00 am, porridge, physio, ice then rest. 😁

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by 02kar Moderator 23 May 2017

My goodness, what a rough time for you and Rada. I agree her GP should have his knuckles rapped. Here's a piece of good news to share with Rada. I know someone who has gone through what Rada is facing. It is almost 21/2 years and she is doing great. So prayers for both of you and please keep us updated.

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

Thanks Karen, I feel honoured that she called on me to be with her through this xxxx

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by Barbaric 23 May 2017

Our prayers are with you.

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

Thanks Barb, they are greatly appreciated
xxxxx

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by laurasomi 23 May 2017

Meganne, you are a wonderful friend, going through some rough ways yourself and still be there for your friend, in times like what your friend Rada is going through, you really find out who your friends are. You are a jewel, my thoughts are with you and your friend.
Hugs from across the ocean,
Gabi

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

Thanks Gabi. Some of us, having been through it ourselves, just find it easier to face than others, some are so afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing they pull away. All I can do is what comes from my heart and hope it is good enough. hugs n roses, m

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by jerrib 23 May 2017

Your welcome dear Friend
So happy that I was able to bring a smile to your face from the other side of the world.
I will always be here for you, if only through words of encouragement.
I still have you and your friend in my prayers and know that you will help her through her dark days.

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

You truly are an earthbound Guardian Angel. xxxxxx

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by toogie 23 May 2017

There goes God's timing again....While it is heart breaking to hear your friend may have cancer, I'm sure your love and concern for her, helped somewhat relieve your fear of your own surgery.
It is sad there is cancer in the world. It touches almost all of us or our loved ones. You've been there and will also be there for her. Hoping the best for you both-Toogie

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

Thanks Toogie, I know I have heart issues now and I'm on a very dangerous medication but I'm trying not to worry about that. Ray and I will be there for her, every step of the way, whatever it takes.
She is a sweet lady but doesn't understand all the medical possibilities, all she heard was that dreaded word cancer and her GP needs a crack over the knuckles for being so insensitive and scaring her far worse than was necessary.
I think 2017 is going to be a rough year as I have already said a last good-bye to 6 friends and I'm determined she won't be joining them.

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by Sewmum1 23 May 2017

You are an amazing person to be able to give your friend such wonderful support whilst you are still healing yourself. Lovely to see you around here again.
Hugs and prayers to you no your friend also.

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meganne by meganne 23 May 2017

Thank you so much for your kind words. One can only do one's best. :-)

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