Infection is back - I am weary

[msmaggie]

Kathy,
Your husband sounds like a treasure, and your daughter too.  Blessings there, my dear.  My husband was in charge of my PICC lines, and I never loved him more!  He got up at 5 every morning to get things set up for me.  I 'm glad you got the central line instead of having all those bits and pieces flapping around.  What a nuisance!  My prayers are with you as you move into the next stages of treatment.  May they be an encouragement to you!
Love,
Priscilla

[NancyMc]

Chin up.
Be strong.
Love to Kristin and the man.
Thinking of you,
Nancy

[leapyrtwins]

Kathy -

I'm one who has never shied away from professional help - for me and for my children - so you might want to ask Kristin if she's willing to talk to a therapist.  Sometimes being able to express your thoughts and fears to someone who is totally "away" from the situation can be immensely helpful and can put a new perspective on things.  A support group - like Donnalynn suggested - is also a great idea.  It would depend on Kristin and her comfort level though.  Some find they like the privacy of one-on-one counseling, others like the support a group offers.

Then again, Kristin is old enough to decide for herself what she wants to do and she may not feel she needs counseling or a support group.  I'd let her lead the way by presenting her with resources and letting her make her own decision.  Telling her it's okay to seek help will give her a good foundation to make the decision that is right for her as some might think it's admitting to a weakness if they say they need help.

Being honest and open in your communication with Kristin and encouraging her to talk about her feelings is another idea that I think would be helpful to her.

Keep in mind that these are just my opinions; I am not a medical professional 

Best,

Jan

[Kathy M]

Thanks for all the suggestions for Kristin.  She is one amazing young lady and she has been dealing with some heavy stuff with me for a very long time.  She told me last night that she very much appreciates the offer to talk about how she is feeling about all of this, but she would feel selfish since this is not about her.  Had myself a good little cry last night thinking about it. 

I think in time, she may feel differently, and I will be certain that she knows the many options that are available to her, be it counseling, support groups (and yes, I remember reading about some of theses same kinds of groups at my hospital that DonnaLynn mentioned!), or people who share these life experiences.  I thank you for your caring hearts that extend to my family.

I had my appointment with the oncology surgeon this morning.  The green light was given for surgery on Thursday at 11:30.  I must say, the difference between my AN surgeons and this one is NIGHT and DAY.  I was cared for by my AN surgeons with compassion, caring, kindness, AND skill, experience, confidence, and knowledge.  The first 3  characteristics are absent in this one!  But, I keep reminding myself, that I wlill not have a long-term relationship with this guy - he is the surgeon who, once I heal sufficiently, will refer me to the oncologist for my treatment.  So, we are willing to accept the lack of bedside manner and pray that he is the surgeon that we are hoping for in the skills category!  AND....we are even more grateful for the AN surgeons in Cincinnati - they spoiled us!  If my husband and I do not have a rapport with the oncologist we meet with down the road, we will seek out one who fits the bill from all perspectives!!

So, we are ready.  Heading to Columbus tomorrow night so we are close to the hospital.  My husband's family is driving up from Kentucky to be with us tomorrow night and they will remain with my family during surgery on Thursday.  I feel surrounded by love, prayers, warmth, and positive healing energy - much of which come from my AN family here.  And I am looking forward to becoming a postie, once again.  I may not be online tomorrow, but I've asked my daughter to log in Thursday and let you know how I'm doing.  Not sure if she wll follow this thread or start a new one, but on her family notification list is my AN family. 

As always, thank you all for being here for me throughout all of this. 

Kathy

[leapyrtwins]

I must say, the difference between my AN surgeons and this one is NIGHT and DAY.  I was cared for by my AN surgeons with compassion, caring, kindness, AND skill, experience, confidence, and knowledge.  The first 3  characteristics are absent in this one! 

Well, it's a great thing that you have all of us then.  We'll make up for your surgeon's lack of compassion, caring, and kindess 

Best of luck, Kathy.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

You are strong.  Keep the faith; you'll get through this.

Kisses 

Jan

[lori67]

Kathy,

Some of the best doctors have the worst bedside manner!  I like to think they spent so much time studying that they missed out on the socialization.   

I know your daughter will be okay.  She just wants to make sure she's there for you, just like you've always been there for her.  You must be very proud of her and you should be proud of yourself for raising such a caring and compassionate daughter.

I'll be thinking of you and your family and I'll be anxiously awaiting some word from Kristin.  Virtual hug to the whole family!

Now - GO GET 'EM, TIGER!!!!!

Lori

[pjb]

Kath
I am so sorry that the doctors have no compassion but we do, you just need them now as the experts I guess that overules the rest. You know that your family and AN friends will definitely provide what the doctors are lacking and then some.

My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family I as others will be looking for information as to how things are going but Kristen will have enough on her mind so she shouldn't stress if she misses a few people.

Best Wishes,

Pat

[sgerrard]

OMG, who started the ANA Book Club, used to say "kisses to your forehead." In her absence, here is one for Kathy:



 

Steve

[yardtick]

Talk about feeling warm and fuzzy!  Thanks Steve 

Kathy sending you a virtal hug and many 

Anne Marie

[Debbi]

prayers and love and hugs flying at you from NJ, Kathy.  Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

And, Steve, your photo montage made my cry - what a beautiful series of pictures.

Debbi

[wendysig]

Kathy,

I'm sorry I didn't get to wish you luck today and I pray that you are in the very best of hands.  I too am sorry your surgeon doesn't have the caring and compassion skills but pray he is extremely skilled at what he does.  I have to agree that some of the best doctors have the worst bedside manner!  I really do think that they've  spent and still spend  so much time studying and in the lab that they don't expend much energy on developing  social skills.  I'm sending you hugs,  my love and prayers for a great outcome and am looking forward to Kristin's post.

Wendy

[pjb]

The kisses on the forehead was so sweet and was just perfect for today.

My prayers and thoughts are with you Kathy and your wonderful family will be waiting by the computer.

Best Wishes,

Pat

[Jackie]

Kathy,

Thinking of you and praying for you and your family
and sending blessings your way.

Jackie in Oregon

[Lynn Mc]

Kathy,

Prayers are with you and your family.  Big hugs for all.  I really do love the kisses on the forehead Steve. 

Lynn

[cindyj]

Have just now read this whole thread - so sorry, Kathy, about ALL you have been through and sorry I'm just now reading about it.  Hope you are recovering as comfortably as possible today...I have been through breast cancer twice (mastectomy first time around), please feel free to PM me once you are up and about and I'll be glad to talk with you more.  You are strong and you can get through this!  You know we are all cheering you on!

Hoping the rest of 2010 will be a much better year for you!  May hugs,

Cindy

PS - Steve, that is one of the sweetest things I've seen...