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FGM and Rags
 
November 08 at 21:21
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To the Mattresses
The day has come to meet my new doctor, Guy Petruzelli, a man who is well known in his field, and deals only with my condition.
We drive over to Loyola, this time entering the Cardinal Bernendin Cancer Center. It is very bright and clean and modern. We round the corner and find the waiting area for the cancer team we are about to meet. I check in, and then head to the chairs to wait my turn. Yikes! What's wrong here? The chairs in the area are made out of maroon velvet, not only don't they match the decor, they are wearing out. I settle into one to begin the wait, the magazines don't interest me, but the FGF is happy to find some car stuff to read. Then it hit me, the movie The Calendar Girls. If you haven't seen it, you need to. The basic story is that a group of women are raising money for a comfy chair for the cancer wing of the local hospital when their good friend's husband has just died. They raise the funds by selling a calendar where the ladies are naked, but artfully covered. That's when the big smile and chuckle hit my face. The TC selling a calendar with our members naked, their faithful terriers covering the evidence, so to speak. There would Fran in her garden, with the R Gang pulling the red wagon in front of her. Cheryl in her writing shed, with Roo protecting her with those giant cucumbers from the garden. Annie romping in the fields, and, of course, Ellie deciding to chase a hartley and Suckie Sis coming to the rescue. Then there was John in the sunroom, glad that Maxwell has so many toys! Well, it was quite a sight, and I plan on saving that one for not so happy days. Considering the size of Loyola and the money generated, I am pretty sure that I have not been sent there to buy them new furniture, so for the time being, you are off the hook! Think of all the members here, we could easily have a 10 year calendar.
Mrs. Cowell, come this way. We entered a very nice examing room with lots of interesting medical toys and gadgets. The first member of the team enters, a fourth year resident from Ohio. I hand him all my paper work from the last hospital and feel like I am applying for a job and he is now looking at my resume. He looks at me and asks why I am here. I really was expecting him to know that, but I began at the beginning. I did point out that the papers I gave him stated I was 64, when in fact, I am only 54. He looked at me for a while, and said I looked more like 44. I knew he spoke the truth, and had a keen and observant eye. I must know digress from the original story to explain these comments.
We have the most wonderful neighbors in the world, Philip and Eugene. I could write another adventure all about them, but it is not their turn yet. Anyway, we spend a lot of time with them, and I consider them to be family. They are both brilliant and try to engage me in as much culture as they can. They are honest, they love me, and they mince no words. If Eugene says, Barbara Jean, you look
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FGM and Rags
November 08 at 21:47
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Re: To the Mattresses
terrible in that blouse, don't wear it again, I would listen. This past summer I spent a few days in Las Vegas with my old college friends, a 30 year reunion. In this cute shop, run by some modern day Gabor sisters, I bought this little hairpiece for 10 dollars, because the Gabors told me my husband would love it. It is one of those things, that you put over a ponytail and it looks like you have a lot of hair, I call it my bird's nest. When Eugene first saw me in my nest, hair pulled back away from my face, and all piled in the back, he said, Barbara Jean, you look 10 years younger with your hair like that. I knew that day, that I had found my fountain of youth. So, you have probably guessed by now, I had my nest in when we went to the doctor, and he said 44 not 54. I told you Eugene tells the truth.
Back to the story.......With a push of the door, enters the Great Petruzelli! He confers briefly with the resident, looks me in the face, and says, I will fix you, I know exactly what to do for you. I know you are afraid of losing part of your tongue and all it's functions, but that will not be necessary. He asked if I wanted to see my cancer, hmmm, I don't know, but I have a feeling I am going to. He numbed my nostrils and my mouth, and then slid a camera right through my nose and down my throat. Icky, right? Then, he turns me around in my chair and there is a big TV featuring my insides. FGF jumps off his chair to join the two doctors, as they dodge back and forth looking at my stuff. I have to follow the directions, like swallow, stick your tongue out, do this, do that, all the time the camera is projecting the inside story of me. Three men and a TV screen, you would have thought they were watching football. Well, that camera hit my gag reflex one too many times and that was the end of that.
Time to talk procedure. This is the man who perfected laser surgery for this type of cancer. He has done over 100 of them and they have all been successful. He says he will go in and remove the tumor, and leave the tongue intact. He will also sweep out the cancer cells on both sides of my neck. After a several weeks recovery, he will hit me with the radiation and chemo for 6 weeks, and then plan on 4 months to heal and rebuild. He promised that I would be ready for school in the fall, or even summer school if I wanted. I heard the snicker from FGF on that one, since he knew the thought of summer school has never once appealed to me over the years, and this wouldn't be the year that I would find the need.
I am convinced that I have found the perfect doctor, and I have confidence in his confidence. As we were leaving, he gave me his card and wrote his cell number and his home number. He said, if you need me, I am here, don't hesitate to call. At that point, I knew that my neck belonged to the Great Petruzelli!
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Jean O'Neil
November 09 at 08:53
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, I so enjoyed your commentary!! :) I too think this could be a book in the making--seriously! You are definitely inspiring in your outlook and sense of humor. Can't tell you how relieved I am that you are in such capable hands with the great doctor. As always, I am here for you every step of the way!!
Jean
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Janie, Chip, Mulligan & Clover
 
November 08 at 22:24
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Re: To the Mattresses
What a grand find the Great Doctor is! Those prayers led you straight to his door. I felt like I was right beside you and FGF and that is where I want to be. Keep the faith and we are off to the next adventure...
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Sandi and MacGuyver
 
November 08 at 22:31
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Re: To the Mattresses
Bless you Barb.You have the most wonderful outlook on this...and I am so impressed with your attitude.Of course, you will beat it! And,it sure sounds like you have the best doctor which helps alot too.
I am holding you close to my heart and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
love and hugs,
Sandi
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Jodi, Logan & Katie
 
November 08 at 22:58
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Re: To the Mattresses
You are so lucky to have found such a wonderful doctor. Glad you have a course of action. Like always, wishing you the best.
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R-gang
November 08 at 23:03
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Re: To the Mattresses
I was impressed with your Italian doctor and his confidence he has in healing you. he is truthful so you know what to expect. we are with you in spirit and prayers to see you through this. you R one in a million you brave girl.
now...about that calender....good thing the R gangs wagon is BIG if its going to discretely cover my Asters, etc. anything for a cause tho.
Hugs
Fran
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Macaroon
November 12 at 13:02
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Re: To the Mattresses
LOL!
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Pam and pups
November 08 at 23:58
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Re: To the Mattresses
I see a tee shirt in his future--once he has got you all back to good health---
The GREAT Petruzelli!
Pam and pups
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The Oregon Girlies...
November 09 at 00:20
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Re: To the Mattresses
Thank you for taking us along Barb. It sounds like you are in very competent hands. We are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.
xxxxBetty and the Girlies...
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cathy and Thistle
November 09 at 05:42
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Re: To the Mattresses
What a time you are going through, but how fantastic we all found out how beautifully you write, now you won't get off the hook, so this is a book in the making.
We are with you all the way, I just know this time next year you will be back at school and all this a thing of the past. we care about you and know you will come through this just like the Great doctor says.
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Lily
November 09 at 07:49
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Re: To the Mattresses
FMG,
What an interesting story and it was so nice of you to make us a part of this with you..You know we are with you 100% and this helps us undersatnd what is happening..You are such a wonderful friend to us for taking us along with you..we will be here for you always..
Much love,
Lily, Sir William & Boomer
Linda & Allen too
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Betsy and Wick
 
November 09 at 07:52
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Re: To the Mattresses
He sounds like an excellent and wonderful doctor! With someone like him on your side, you are sure to pull through this in the end. Thanks for posting your adventure in the hospital. It was beautifully written and your sense of humor is great! We love the part about the Terrier Club Members Calendar. Too funny! :)
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Nessie's mom/Linda D
November 09 at 08:48
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Re: To the Mattresses
You are truly amazing and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to meet you through this forum.
What a positive outlook you have! And I bet you could talk us into doing a calendar!
Thanks and big hugs to you and your family!
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Geri & Emma
November 09 at 09:11
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb- it sounds as though you are in the most capable hands. Your doctor sounds wonderful- not too many physicians would give out their personal phone numbers, that's for sure.
Your attitude is also amazing and that counts for so much as I am sure you know.
We're behind you every step of the way.
Geri
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Petey and the Wigglebutts
November 09 at 09:45
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Re: To the Mattresses
WOW!!!!! FGM...he's the one that's for sure.
Now about this calendar...all we can say is...my heavens...it would take a truckload of us terriers to discreetly cover our Mom!!
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Sue & Booker
November 09 at 09:47
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Re: To the Mattresses
Mrs. Cowell (!)
We are proud to know you - what a postitive woman you are! Sounds like you have a wonderful doctor!
From Booker:
Mom and I will walk through this journey with you (with occasional stops to do my business and for her to pick it up!)
We love you FGM!!
Sue & Booker (and Hobie, too)
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Nancy & MI Quad Squad
November 09 at 14:13
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Re: To the Mattresses
Well, FGM...I would have never guessed you are 54! Certainly you are much younger then that as your hair pulled back has revealed.
At such a fine age, (I am 52,) you can take it from me, their is great hope for you...I have had many a doctor proclaim that for me...and I for you..since we are so young.
Be kind to yourself and make sure that you stay in the company of your dear friend, Eugene!
I laugh about the camera thingy...Bill had that done while being treated for strained vocals years ago. He had previously had vocal cord surgery to remove a cyst.
It is rather interesting to see the wonders of the throat.
Ahhhh....they had Bill go thru the octive scale to warm up to sing...then told him to whistle.
He couldn't talk for 3 entire wks after the surgery...blistfully quiet.
Best to you my dear.
I do enjoy the interesting parts!
Hugs,
Nancy :)
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john / irene Maxwell
November 09 at 15:22
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Re: To the Mattresses
Thank you Barb For sharing your story with us we are right there with you
john / irene Maxwell
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Maureen, Hamish and Maddie
November 09 at 16:05
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Re: To the Mattresses
Does your doctor know that you have such a very large family and that you have made him world famous? He sounds wonderful!
Love the calendar images lol.
Love from down under,
Maureen
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Susan & McDuff
November 09 at 16:36
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Re: To the Mattresses
What a wonderful writer you are Barb! I feel like I am in your shoes when I am reading your story. Please know that you have quite a cheering team here. All the best and God Bless,
Susan & McDuff
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 09 at 16:54
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Re: To the Mattresses
He sounds a fabulous doctor, Bob....and like he really knows his stuff too. I had to laugh at the Calendar Girls mention. I knew they were a bunch of WI (Womens' Institute) ladies but I hadn't known the story about why they did the calendar apart from the fact it was for charity.
The look at your cancer didn't sound much fun, though no doubt it was fascinating if you weren't the one gagging-hehehe !!!
Hope all continues to progress smoothly.
XXX.
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Annie & E Gang
November 09 at 17:05
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Re: To the Mattresses
We are honoured to know you Barb,and we are with you and thinking of you all the way and how thrilled we are that you have found this surgeon,What a wonderful writer yoo are.
Much Love and kisses from us all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Max
November 09 at 17:22
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, we love reading your installments, you have such funny observations - the chairs in the waiting room, how true that is! As a girl I had a heart murmur and was always schlepped around to hospitals and doctors, the waiting rooms were always blah and not much thought into color coordinating, either. Seems that hasn't changed, has it? LOOOOVE the story about your fall, were you wearing it when we met, or should I even ask such a rude question, LOL? If you were, it looks fabulous, I couldn't have guessed your age, you look a lot younger than that and now that you're running around your neighborhood in pajamas, that's even more true. The cancer does sound scary, must have been very interesting to see it for FGF, we can't wait for those bad cells to be gone. And yay for your doctor, he sounds wonderful! and more yays for you! Hugs, xxxxMarianne and Maxxx
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Jeni, Bonnie and Flora
November 09 at 18:55
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Re: To the Mattresses
Another '51 baby, eh? Barb, you are truly inspirational.
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Jeanie, Jolly & Hattie
November 09 at 23:23
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Re: To the Mattresses
Oh, Barb....what a wonderful writer you are. I, too feel like I am right there with you. The doctor sounds wonderful, and I am sure he will make you good as new. Please know that we are all with you every step of the way. You have such a great attitude.
Hugs and kissies,
Jeanie, Jolly & Hattie
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Benny
November 10 at 09:20
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Re: To the Mattresses
FGM,
You've got some tough stuff to do right now. I'm with you all the way. You are doing a great job.
Benny
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Alina
November 10 at 11:33
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Re: To the Mattresses
It sounds like you have a wonderful doctor. It is very reassuring when they give you their private number (even though chances of patient calling unless it is an extreme emergency is nil). I worked at a teaching hospital and one of the nurses would call the medical students "Gods in training" because they were so "above it all". So, when one reads about a doctor that cares for his patients it is very refreshing and the confidence factor goes way up.
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Cheryl
November 10 at 15:08
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Re: To the Mattresses
Hello, Dear!
Guy Petruzelli sounds like quite the guy! I'd stick with him and don't hesitate to use the number if you need to -- he has given you a special gift that I'm sure he doesn't give freely!
One time, just before my last chemo, I came down with a flu-like illness and Trip waited until morning to call my Doc. Boy, did he get reamed out by Dr. Joe!!!! I had to be rushed to the hospital and Dr. Joe was NOT happy with dear hubby at all! He said, "I don't care what time she gets sick -- it's YOUR JOB to call me!"
We need more doctors like this. As an aside, my dear Dr. Joe's 22-year-old son, Mike, just won the 3-way mayoral race in our village -- I think he's gonna do great things, knowing that family!
You mentioned to me that you were having a hard time finding the "positive" -- well, my dear, you have no worries there because I can see that it's kicked in all on its own! You can't keep a good 54- (or 55-) year old down! (I say that because i happen to know you're almost ready to cross over to the "double nickle" age soon!)
BTW, Oprah said something in an interview on TV this morning about those of us women in our fifties -- it was to the effect of we have reached an age where we finally realize we are at an age to become all we can be and that it will take us well into the future. I didn't say it nearly as eloguently as she did, but I think you know what I mean!
As I've said before, you are a fighter -- you have what it takes, and what you might feel you don't have, WE WILL GIVE YOU -- freely and with lots of love!
BIG Hugs to you, my friend!
Cheryl
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Barney Rubble & Miss Betty
November 10 at 16:39
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Re: To the Mattresses
Mrs Cowell, you don't have a son called Simon do you!!
What a wonderful account of your day with the new Dr. I loved it. You are handling this so well, with such a positive attitude you will win.
Bridget
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 12 at 07:44
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Re: To the Mattresses
If only....teehee.....he's a doggie person, though.
XXX.
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Sarah,Jesse and Bella's mom
November 11 at 15:09
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb,
I can tell you got a GREAT doctor, and I too am very encouraged and positive about his treatment plans for you!!
The calendar,my dear you have quite the imagination...you had me howling!!!
We love you too, hugs and kisses your way!
Sarah
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Macaroon
November 12 at 13:09
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Re: To the Mattresses
Barb, you are truly an inspiration! This really should be a book or magazine article at the very least! Attitude is a big percentage of recovery and you, I am sure, will fully recover. That is my prayer. Lori
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