RE: [MOL] John

[jlehner@nyee.edu]

Title: John

Dear Dusti,

 

Never to worry about asking questions...remember that old saying "the only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked!"  We all have courage and dignity in us and usually, when disaster strikes, the human spirit is able to reach deep inside and call on faith and hope to overcome any obstacle.  I truly believe that out of each negative occurrence there is a lesson and message that God is offering to help us to grow.  I have had so many joyful events followed by some disaster in my life that I am surprised that I don't have permanent whip-lash ;+)

 

You express great care and loving support in your messages.  Do not sell yourself short and remember that it is difficult to feel down when you are grateful for the gift of another day on this journey.  Love you.

God Bless.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: Barham, Dusti # IHTUL [mailto:Dusti.Barham@tulsa.cistech.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2000 10:26 AM
To: 'mol-cancer@lists.meds.com'
Subject: [MOL] John

John,

Thank you for answering my impertinent, nosy questions (that wasn't a pun!).  As soon as I clicked on sent on my message to you yesterday I started questioning myself if that wasn't too personal or weird of me to ask you.  I'm just a curious George and it helps me so much to see how other people cope with their difficulties.  You truly embody the spirit of courage and dignity.  I can only hope that I face my trials with that in mind.  Thanks again friend.

Dusti
 

----------
From:   jlehner@nyee.edu[SMTP:jlehner@nyee.edu]
Reply To:       mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Sent:   Wednesday, April 26, 2000 3:57 PM
To:     mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Subject:        RE: [MOL] John

My dear Dusti,
 
Yes, I do have a very slight sense of smell, ironically can and do still sneeze and my sense of taste has returned months after the radiation.  I still look in the mirror in the morning at the hole in my face, my teeth on the sink and see the hole in the roof of my mouth (its plugged when I put the dental plate in) and just shake my head and thank God that he gave me four beautiful daughters when he did.  I can just imagine having to wake up next to me!  Yikes!!! ;+)  I also thank God for giving kids resiliency... they are not only used to seeing me in the morning without my nose but sometimes hide it and still from time to time call me daddy no nose!  Well, gotta run and catch the train to God's land.  Will chat some tomorrow.  God Bless and don't ever be afraid to ask me anything.  We are all in this together.  Love you.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: Barham, Dusti # IHTUL [mailto:Dusti.Barham@tulsa.cistech.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 4:41 PM
To: 'mol-cancer@lists.meds.com'
Subject: [MOL] John





John, can I ask you a dumb question?  I have the utmost respect for what you have been through so I hope this doesn't sound cavalier or rude but are you able to smell?  If not, do you miss it?  When I was 15 I had to have two extensive jaw surgeries that left my face looking like the elephant man for about six weeks.  It was so swollen that you couldn't see an indention for my nose and I was bruised down to my chest.  Anyway, I remember looking in the mirror and being scared that I didn't recognize myself, the surgery changed the shape of my face forever but I'm use to it now.  It was after I healed that I realized that I am not my face.  A good lesson for a young girl to learn.  Of course that doesn't even compare w/ what you have gone through.  I enjoy your posts.

Regards,
Dusti
 

        ----------
From:   jlehner@nyee.edu[SMTP:jlehner@nyee.edu]
Reply To:       mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Sent:   Wednesday, April 26, 2000 3:03 PM
To:     mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Subject:        RE: [MOL] Hi, Everyone

        Dear Kathleen...my day has been crazy but I did want to let you know that
you are in my thoughts and prayers.  My ex-wife just went through a
mastectomy last month and they used her own tissue from her abdomen to do an
augmentation.  It was all done at the same time.  I would strongly suggest
getting a second opinion and discussing the options available to you.  there
are several breast cancer web sites that may also be of help.  Having
undergone a very disfiguring surgery, I can appreciate what you are going
through.  In my case, they had to remove my nose and upper jaw.  Thank God
that they were successful in doing a bone graft to give me a new jaw (took
bone from my arm that was replaced by bone from my hip) and gave me a rather
real looking prosthetic nose.  I was out of work for 6 months and for the
past three years have been cancer free and in "normal" life working and
active coaching my kids soccer team.  No one knows that it is not my real
nose!  What you will find is that you are not your breast as I found that I
am not my nose.  Yes your life dramatically changes but with the love and
support of those around you, you will move on and maybe even find, as I did,
a more deeper meaning to being alive.  God Bless and please use me as a
sounding board if you wish.  Love.
John

        -----Original Message-----
From: KathleenCorrigan@AOL.COM [ mailto:KathleenCorrigan@AOL.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 11:03 AM
To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Subject: [MOL] Hi, Everyone




        Dear Friends:  The news was not what I expected.  I'm scheduled for a
mastectomy on May 18th, I believe.  There will be two surgeries, apparently.

        Needless to say, I was somewhat stunned at the news.  The diagnosis was
ductal carcinoma in situ.  I thought maybe a lumpectomy or something, but I
guess it all must go.  Any feedback on this sort of thing would be
appreciated.

        Love, Kathy