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To The Mattresses 11-06-05 Reply to this Message

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FGM and Rags
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 08:58
To The Mattresses 11-06-05 Vote for this post

Here we go....... I suppose the one good thing about being diagnosed with cancer, is that I live in the Chicago area, very close to excellent hospitals that have huge cancer centers. The hospital that we have chosen is Loyola, which is also a university, and they have treated many important people here, including our pal Andrew. The hospital is more of a city in it's size, and has the latest in treatments and technology. I view it as the Disneyworld for the sick. And just like when you go for that vacation with the nice Disney people, where you know you will spend a ton of money on the inside, they still charge you for parking. Everytime you enter the grounds, you get the parking ticket and have to pay $3. before they let you go home. I believe thousands of cars are in their parking lots daily, pulling in enough money to support small villages. Oh well, FGF is probably trying to figure out how to airlift me in to avoid the toll!
On my first visit, I had to register and give them all the info, like that most important insurance card, then all the addresses and phone numbers of anyone I have ever known. Who knows, maybe I gave them some of your phone numbers for emergency, so be on the look out for a call.
Okay, from registration and admission to radiology waiting room. This is where I meet Olivia, a nice black woman with a lazy eye and a traveling foot, always in motion. Her first question is, "Do you still live at 3611 Maple? " Well, I thought, in the last ten minutes, I haven't had enough time to run home, clean my house, call a realtor, make a deal, have a house sale etc, so I just nodded yes, I was still there. Okay, then take a seat, we will call you when ready. So the FGF and I join the others in the waiting room, men, women, children. I forgot to mention, we are in the lower level of one of the buildings, where lots of radiology takes place, and it is huge, like the catacombs of the underworld. okay, back to the story. Olivia hollers over to me, 'Barbara, do you have a bra on?" I was rather startled, so she left her seat and came over to me, you know, Barbara, a bra, do you have one on? My thought process revved up, of course I have a bra on, I am a middle aged, full figured woman making my debut appearance in this hospital, do you think I would come braless? But, I just smiled and said, yes, I do have a bra on. Then she asks if it has metal in it. Now, Olivia, I am thinking, once you hit a C cup, you certainly must have underwires for support, and they do have to hook up in the back, you know! But once again, my answer was yes. Olivia says it has to come off then, go into that little room, remove your bra and shirt, put a gown on forward and then put one on backward, put your things in that locker and then sit down until you are called. FGF asks if I need help, geez, you haven't asked that in 30 years, I guess I can manage. Oh no! There are no locks on these lockers, that's not safe. After all, I am sporting

FGM and Rags
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 09:18
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a brand new pink Olga garment, with fancy lace and the promise of all day support. FGF, I tell him if he sees anyone removing this from the locker, wrestle him to the floor. He asked if I wanted him to just hold it, I declined the offer.
So, the wait begins, I start to think of Olivia, and all the information she has about me at her fingertips. I bet she pressed a button, and saw my whole life in photo. She probably flipped back to the late 60's and early 70's and found me on the NIU campus, wearing real bell bottoms from the navy store, and a tank top with NO BRA!!! There I was, with all my friends, marching for peace and to end the Viet Nam War. I bet that's what she saw, and that is why she had to ask if I was wearing a bra! I am probably labeled someplace in her computer as having appeared braless in the last century. I wonder what else she knows about me?
Come on Barbara, follow me, and so I go, this time to have an IV put in my arm so they can administer contrast dye in my system. The gal has trouble getting the needle in and then staying, I figure this is not good, since I will be wearing lots of needles in the next few months. In the cubicle next to me is a little girl having the same procedure, her tears make me cry. This will be the hardest part, all the children who suffer from this disease.
Back to the waiting room, Barbara, they will call when they are ready. okay, back to FGF, who is watching the View, and trying to figure out how many pounds Star Jones actually has lost. Apparently she is more important than guarding my Olga bra.
Barbara Cowell, follow me please. Okay, this is it, we are on our way to the Cat Scan room. Suddenly, I feel like I am in "Driving Miss Daisy", guess who gets to be Miss Daisy? Yes, that would be me. My technician is a wonderful older black man, named Edmond, who keeps telling me what a Beautiful Lady I am, and how beautiful my scans are. This is a critical person in my case, because I know that he is looking for other cancer spots, besides what we already know. My neck, and chest are on view, and the machine I am now "wearing" gives me instructions of when to breath, hold and breath again. Then the dye starts shooting through my veins for a contrast picture. Edmond says it will burn a bit in my body, but I don't feel anything. I am kind of worried about that, do I have no feeling inside? We are done and he removes the IV and puts a bandage there, my reward for being a good patient.
Finally, back to the FGF and my new bra and out the door. The weather is beautiful and for the first time in a week I am hungry. I have had only liquids since the surgery, but my mouth is feeling better. We headed to a wonderful little restaurant and I ate until I could eat no more. Everything tasted wonderful...............
cathy and Thistle
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 09:40
Re: To The Mattresses 11-06-05 Vote for this post Reply to this Message

Barb, your vocation is writing not teaching, beautifully written and a joy to read, the story of your courage and humour, (plenty of that), it does take me back to many hours sat in rooms like that. I congratulate you on your courage and ability to laugh at yourself at this time in your life, you will win out in the end, of that I am certain. Also writing this is acting as a catharsis in getting rid of the fears and anger. Great stuff.
Pam and pups
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 09:47
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OMG, FGM I know you are saving all of this and journaling it somewhere.

Love your inner voice.

Pam and pups
Janie, Chip, Mulligan & Clover
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 09:56
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A book, a book, I smell a book!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I am sure at some time in our lives, we or someone we love dearly, as we do you, will have to travel this road and knowing what to expect will make it much easier for us. Hugs to you my dear, dear Barb...

BOB
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Member PageMember Page November 09 at 09:42
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Thanks Barb, having travelled that road last year, I certainly know what you are about to face, there are all kinds of cancer, but the end result is, positive and get rid.

HUGS JANET XX
Casey
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 10:23
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Beautifully written Barb. You are one brave lady and an inspiration to all of us.

My aunt had lymphoma in 1999, went through chemo and is still fine to this day at the age of 90, I wish you the same.

hugs, Theo, Casey and Sir Cedric XOXO
Mary
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 10:28
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I smell a book too Barb.
This is great, I hope you are saving this.
hope all is well and you can use my address and phone # anytime!
I'll email the # to you...
Enya, Kellie and Maxie
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 10:28
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Barb, I'm truly amazed and awed by your courage and grace. The very best of luck to you.

Marie
Nancy & MI Quad Squad
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 11:19
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Dear Barb,
May you never run out of words and the ambition to go on...may you never get so lonely that you feel like you are the only one left in the world...may your days be full and blessed as you truely are a blessing to us....Get well..my friend.
Hugs,
Nancy :)
Jodi, Logan & Katie
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 11:37
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Barb, I just have to tell you how awesome and courageous you are. We are all here for you.
john / irene Maxwell
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 12:07
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That is a very well written story Barb Bet you are glad that bit is over and done We will be sending healing Prayers Your Way


john / irene Maxwell
McTavish, SGirls & Becky
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 12:10
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Wow, Barb. You must be related to Erma Bombeck somewhere!! You can write so we can all visualize what you are going through. I admire your sense of humor. I know we all want a Dr Welby treatment style, but your depiction is closer to everybody's reality!! Big, big hugs!!!! I am also sending lots of McTavish and Smidgen kisses your way. They give the longest ones!! You have to feel better after getting some of those.
Petey and the Wigglebutts
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 12:35
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Barb...your sense of humor is wonderful and will be called on many times. I loved reading this and you are an author at heart. When this is all done...and you have time...I would serious consider writing a book...there will be others that your journal might help.
You are amazing and we love our FGM!!!!!
June & The Fl Boyz
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 12:39
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Barb, thanks for that wonderful story. I so admire you for having such a wonderful outlook and sense of humor.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and know that we are taking this journey with you.

Big wet smoochies from Willie and Barney and lots of hugs from me.
xxxxxx June & The Boyz



Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 12:47
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WOW Barbara! That made me laugh, and it made me cry.

Yes you do write to visually and very bravely too.

I hope all goes OK

Jewels
Lynda and the Minkies
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 13:18
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Edmond sounded very nice...what a tale....I'm pleased you got to eat something at long last too.
You had me creased up about going braless in the last century...and the dossier they may hold on you.....the braless women that had that bright yellow car...hehehe !!!
We enjoyed the first instalment of your journal. May the trips there get to be less often, especially considering the rip-off parking !!
XXX.
Fran and R gang
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 13:48
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I've always known and seen the writer in you, Barb. after all, we are littermates. I agree you have missed your calling although I also know how dearly you love teaching and the kiddies. geneations know you in Berwyn. you are a rarity in the teaching world. I wish I'd had one like you in the 'olden days'.

We will love reading your Journal as you take us thru each day. cry and laugh with you. for tomorrow this could be any of us. and many here have been there already. memories revisited.

We Love you FGM.
Fran
Beth and Camy
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 14:31
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Barb,
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I can't wait for the happy ending! Seriously, there's not one of us who hasn't or isn't going to go through something like this either ourselves or with someone we hold dear. Your courage is an inspiration.
Beth
Kelly O
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 15:45
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Thank you for sharing but they must learn to get your name right - FGM and no other

Remember us all by your side every day you are there...
Annie & E Gang
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 15:50
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This is amazing Barb and I laughed and I cried reading it..we are sending prayers and healing thoughts for you each day and will keep checking for updates on how you are feeling.
Lots of Love and kisses from us all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Maureen, Hamish and Maddie
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 16:12
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Barb, what a writer you are! I loved your description of the 'bra incident'. Hospitals sure take us right back to basics, don't they.

There are many of us there with you in spirit, thinking of you every day.
Love, Maureen
Susan & McDuff
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 19:22
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Beautifully written Barb - thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We are here for you and share in your situation as best we can. Sending warm, caring thoughts your way and sparkle wishes too!
Susan & McDuff
Kip
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 19:30
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Good show FGM. Next obstacle, the dreaded gown with the opening in the rear!

Kip
Benny
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 21:22
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What a wonderful lady you are. I love the way you think and then respond to the hospital staff. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you recover.
Benny
Jeni, Bonnie and Flora
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 21:38
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Thank you. i relate too to marching braless last century!
Sonny and Cayla
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 21:42
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Barb, I read your post and I laughed so hard the way you described everything. I could just picture it! The bra part, the moving part . . . You really should write a book.

On a more serious note, you are very courageous. I hope that everything will work out and my prayers are with you.
Geri & Emma
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Member PageMember Page November 06 at 21:47
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Barb- you certainly have a gift for writing. My thoughts are with you on your journey to wellness.

Geri
FGM and Rags
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Member PageMember Page November 07 at 09:22
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Der Friends,
Thanks so much for all your positve comments. Get all those terriers ready to go to battle with me, tell them this is even more serious than squirrel hunting. One milkbone paid for each cancer cell they grab, kill, and bury, where nobody can ever find again!
Sparkle kisses
FGM and Rags
Cheryl
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Member PageMember Page November 07 at 11:31
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OK, so next time they ask you if you're wearing a bra, say "Yes, and are you wearing one, too?" (Especially if it's a fat guy!)

When you mentioned the "catacombs" -- whew, it gave me chills -- I remember all that, and that dye stuff, and the fun things they sometimes make you drink.

I remember that every time we left the doctor's office or hospital, Trip would put me in the car, close the door, rev up the engine and yell, "OK, now -- we're FREEEEEEEE!" (accompanied by playing the William Tell Overture on the CD player in the car!)

So now, we're waiting, my dear, for part 2... hope all went well today.

Love,
Cheryl

Max
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Member PageMember Page November 07 at 12:00
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Dear Barb, I knew you'd been a bra-burner when I met you, I could feel it, LOL! Thanks for your observations and humor during this journey, you are such a special person, and we think of you everyday. How wonderful that you got a delicious meal out of it, too. Hugs, xxxMarianne and Maxxxx
Sue & Booker
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Member PageMember Page November 07 at 14:01
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Barbara (!)
If you don't save these journal entries, I will! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You don't know how much I admire you, your positive attitude, your humor....and your new Olga bra (I'm sure it's gorgeous).

Big hugs coming your way from Sue & Booker
Anne H Robbie & Duncan
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Member PageMember Page November 08 at 20:32
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You are one talented writer! Like the others I laughed and I cried. (especially about the parking fee!!)

We're all behind you -- 100%!

Anne
xxx

ps FGF sounds like a trooper too!
Anne H Robbie & Duncan
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Member PageMember Page November 08 at 20:32
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You are one talented writer! Like the others I laughed and I cried. (especially about the parking fee!!)

We're all behind you -- 100%!

Anne
xxx

ps FGF sounds like a trooper too!
Maggie, Jake & Mickey
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Member PageMember Page November 08 at 22:09
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Chuckles and tears here also. I so admirer your courage and humor. You are an extremely brave woman. Jake is ready to go hunting he said you better buy the extra large box of milk bones cuz he is going to be a killin manic for you. Maggie and Mickey will help also but Jake is the champion hunter and killer in our house. We love you FGM.

Hugs, Kris & MJM
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