I have recently become aware of a growth in a very sensitive internal area. There is some minor pain associated with it. I am scheduled to see a doctor today and, depending on his diagnosis, I may have to go to Buffalo for surgery, since the V.A. is the only health provider I have.
I am frightened out of my mind, but writing is my only way to help myself mentally. You have all been so kind to me through these past several years. I consider you all friends, some of you closer than my own family, and I thought you all had a right to know what's going on in case I can't contact any of you while I am in the hospital, if I have to go in. The V.A. hospital in Buffalo doesn't have public internet, although there are a number of wireless networks there. Unfortunately, all of them are password access only, and I don't know if I'll be able to use any of them.
If this is what I fear it might be, I want to thank all of you, from my heart, for all your kindnesses, all your kind words, and the reception you've given me and my stories. At times, your comments were the only things that lifted my spirits and made me believe that I was worth being cared about.
Love one another. If you love someone, as a friend or as a lover, TELL THEM, every chance you get!! Please don't fight any more. We are all sisters and brothers, and the only way we will ever get what we need is by presenting a unified front. The small differences between a TV and a TG are infinitesimal compared to the commonalities that make us who and what we are.
Support one another. Understand one another. LOVE one another. You are a remarkable bunch of wonderful people, and I thank God that I found you and have been accepted as an equal, and as a friend, by all of you.
My friends here at home will keep you all updated as to my condition, if I can't. My best friend, Tina, my housemate for over 17 years will have my computer and instructions on how to post here. The same goes for my friend Mike, known to some of you as Dak Roland.
There is every possibility that I am misreading my symptoms, but these things I needed to say, just in case I'm right.
Thank you all for the best ten years of my life. I love you all. Wish me luck, and pray for me, if you can.
For now, farewell. All that remains is this. To a certain someone. She knows who she is. I love you. I will always love you, no matter what. In someone else's words, "If God so wills, I shall love you even more, in -----."
All my love, hopes and dreams,
Catherine Linda Michel
Comments
All my prayers, dear heart...
...you have been such a blessing to all here, and I pray for comfort and encouragement in this time. You are loved, sweetheart. Godspeed!
Possa Dio riccamente vi benedica, tutto il mio amore, Andrea
Love, Andrea Lena
Please
Please keep us up to speed! We really need to know you're okay!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Challenges
For the second time today I have been reduced to tears. Please do not be negative, you have a life & vitality that is an example to many of us, do not give that up.
I understand your concerns but you have to look positively and take this as a challenge.
You have my love,
Topsy
My thoughts are with you.
Dear Catherine,
My heartfelt good wishes are for you. Even if your worst fears are realised there is much to be hoped for. So much progress has been made in treatment that prospects for recovery are now excellent.
I have close friends and family to bear witness to this.
A hand to hold against the fear of the unknown. And many, many, more to be found here.
Hugs,
Don't abandon hope!
Even if the doctors suspect it's a tumour, depending on exactly where it is they might be able to either perform a biopsy or remove it. In either case, the chances of suffering fatal complications are negligible. If you're lucky, it might still be benign. Even if it is malignant, it might not have established any secondary tumours yet.
By all means take some basic precautions in case of the worst case scenario (e.g. writing a will), but stay strong, keep warm, and believe that (with the assistance of the doctors) you can fight it. Don't give up. Don't abandon hope. Cancer survival rates are improving all the time - if you believe you're a survivor, you might just be one...
--Ben
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Dearest Catherine.
ALISON
'Every dark cloud has a silver lining so take heart as we
will all pray for you,even 'Down Under' on the other side of the Pacific.A lot of people love you Catherine and will be with you all the way.May the Good Lord love and protect you.
Much love,ALISON
ALISON