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  • I could hug my doctor(s)

    Posted by Melodie on May 15, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    Just dropping in to say Hi and report how well I feel. I could have posted this in the chit chat section but posting here as I want others who are on their way to RC or still in early recovery to know healing takes time. Last autumn I was depressed because my recovery wasn’t happening as I envisioned it. I had my RC late July 2007 and was disappointed because I had lots of issues with leaking and irritation in the first few months that followed…Pat and Holly will remember as I called then quite often. I’m sure my doctors were tired of hearing from me but they were the ones who told me I could likely return to work within 6-8 weeks. The first three months were tough for me but the next three I saw hugh improvements. As it turned out, at six months I recognized I wanted to be back to work and started back on a reduced schedule. I have now been back to work full time for six weeks and happy to be back. :) I realize we are all different but hoping this message offers encouragement for some who are wondering…”will I ever feel normal again?”

    I have confidence in my new operating system and very happy to report, like dear Pat who coached me last year….I am now a happy Indiana Pouch owner!!!!! :) I have my next catscan late next week but I am not anxious about that…I feel I’m a living miracle and good to go and enjoy each and every day. I’ve learned so very much from this experience with BC…and so much of that is positive that I feel truely blessed. I wish that for all of you. Take care & hugs to all, Melodie


    Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright
    Stephany replied 16 years, 8 months ago 5 Members · 8 Replies
  • 8 Replies
  • stephany's avatar

    stephany

    Member
    May 28, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    Plus, Joe, think of trying to make money in trucking right now with the price of gas! You’re probably better off at the keyboard, maybe? A trucker that lives just a few miles north of us just lost his whole business. Five rigs, garages, trailer, etc, while he rode out the tornado in the grease pit, Whew!

    Good to read how things are going, Patricia. Time does put a different picture on things. I read that after a year, most people are satisfied with their choice of reconstruction, so we’re aiming for that one year mark.

    Stephany in Iowa

  • melodie's avatar

    melodie

    Member
    May 18, 2008 at 5:20 am

    Joe,

    I have always wondered how you could be so good with a PC when I knew you had been a truck driver…well, now I know. Apparently, you learned quickly during your class time, even if two of the instructors did up and quit…I think maybe you have talent in that area. I agree with Pat…why not try to teach a class to others who still struggle with the PC basics. You would be great. I think there is likely a number of ways you can bless your community with the sharing of your talents and time. Plus you have a terrific personality!

    Pat,

    You are so funny! I can’t ever think of you at a rest home…unless you were the maybe the entertainment director. I do think it would be good for you also to do some kind of work or volunteer time so you get out of the house more often. You too have so much to offer others. I so appreciate you being here on the forum and I don’t know what we would do without you but think it would be good for you to get out more. The rest of the world should also be blessed by your presence.

    I feel so fortunate to have met so many awesome personalities on this forum. God Bless each and every one of you! Take care. Melodie


    Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright
  • 's avatar

    Guest
    May 16, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    Just a detour you guys….and Joe you’re pretty good with the computer…why not go out there and teach a class of your own..maybe even volunteer with one of the senior centers. They’re always looking for someone .. my friend does that…I gave her the name of her class..”First you plug it in!” ;D

    I may be heading back to work myself…only this time .. since a new door opened as a lighting consultant in the retail end of things. I’ve done tons of set decors..and my sons who have been in the commercial end of the lighting business for years just had an opportunity to acquire also a retail space big enough to include their offices and warehouse space which they previously had to rent…so a good deal all around for them and besides it will help pay for my nursing home!!
    Pat

  • 's avatar

    Guest
    May 16, 2008 at 7:39 pm

    Melodie this is great that you are doing so well getting back to work full time. Right now I don’t know what I’m doing I was a trucker and had to retire due to a medical problem and then I enrolled in a Tech School for PC Software long b4 I found out I had BC and with my luck this was a very credible school and over the summer the 2 networking teachers that were there-QUIT just my luck. I made great money as a trucker but I will never be able to that again so right now I am praying for the lottery lol. WTG, Joe ;)

  • melodie's avatar

    melodie

    Member
    May 16, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Margot, Thank you for your prayers…all of us can always use them. I believe in the power of prayer. I kept a journal with family/friends going during my BC adventure and I felt I had almost a sacred duty to recover and be successful, as an example for others I know who will experience cancer…and I know some will.

    Leigh, Your road hasn’t been easy and I keep you in my prayers.

    Ginger, Harry, Thanks for your comments…encourages me to continue on trying to reach out to others…I know I might not be at this happy state I’m presently in if I hadn’t had Pat doing such a terrific job of coaching me for the Indiana Pouch, and Holly was checking on me to ensure my attitude was good…God bless those two women – they are awesome!


    Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright
  • harry-s's avatar

    harry-s

    Member
    May 16, 2008 at 4:24 pm

    Hi Melodie – Sounds like you are definitely on the road to life after BC. Harry is back to work too and is doing well…it is definitely a positive thing to encourage those who are still not back to feeling normal yet. I wish you continued full recovery and will continue to keep you in prayer. Margot

  • leigh's avatar

    leigh

    Member
    May 16, 2008 at 8:48 am

    Hello Melodie,

    Great to hear!!

    Leigh


    Leigh, 39
    Dx July 2007
    TURBT July 2007
    RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
    Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
    TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
    4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum
  • 's avatar

    Guest
    May 16, 2008 at 12:06 am

    Melodie,
    Sounds very positive for you, your back to work and feeling good, thanks for the update, its always nice to get good news from a fellow warrior…Ginger

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