ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: ppearl214 on January 04, 2007, 03:54:02 pm
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Ok, feeling a bit mushy here... but... I went back to find my very first posts here (gawd, over 1500 posts ago!) and found the initial thread of me saying hi to everyone:
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=371.msg2374#msg2374
I sit here, now 1-1/2 yrs later and realize just how far I have come in that timeframe. And I have to thank you all for being there during this journey... and to Raydean....what do or can I say? You've been there from the very start. You helped to educate me. You, my dear, are too special in my heart. I thank you.
I know this website has brought so many so close. Whether in posts, emails, face to face meetings, etc.... how do you feel this website has helped you?
Thanks
Phyl
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It must be a reflective time of the year! I went back and read bits and pieces and really wish that I had read more BEFORE I had my surgery and really talked it through. I really felt so alone and I really didn't think I could share any of what I was feeling with anyone. I also didn't think I would survive the surgery so there was no sense in making any more "friends". Was I wrong on all counts. If I could do it over again, I would do it all so differently, but I do know that from about three months after my surgery you ALL have been my lifeline and I appreciate each and every one of you more than you will ever know. So to all of you, many hugs and many thank yous.
Brenda
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I know this website has brought so many so close. Whether in posts, emails, face to face meetings, etc.... how do you feel this website has helped you?
Phyl
Phyl:
It has given me much important information, made me feel part of a caring group and allowed me to interact and help other AN patients. That's why, 7 months post-op with few complications, I'm still visiting and posting here. :)
Jim[/color]
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Hi Phyl and my AN family,
That is exactly what this site gave me-an extended family. I don't know how I would manage to go through all this trauma without people on this and cyberknife site (special thanks to marystro and Mark who held my hand in cyberspace).
Flier58
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Hey Phyl,
I did the same thing last night, 1/3 !!
Geuss it could be the time of year, huh Brenda ?
Anyway,while skimming through my posts, I noticed my ups and downs, like the rollercoaster ride it is,
& through it all, you guys have always been there.
You're right Phyl, & everyone, I couldn't have gotten/still going through, any of this without you guys.
You've all taught me so much, this IS the best experience of the trip.
Love & Happiness to all, Nancy
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First I would like to say that originally when I joined back in 2003, it was a whole different forum. The ANA forum of today is a million times better than that, so congrats to whoever keeps this site up because I've seen major improvements from what it used to be. I have met alot of people through this site and have gained alot of support from people who I would love to meet at the Philly Symposium (hint hint) and hopefully I was able to contribute something to others who needed it as well. Since this AN thing is as uncommon as it is, it's nice to meet people, although spread throughout the US, who can understand what each other is going through. Hugs to everyone and to the ANA for this wonderful site that allows us the opportunity to get together in one way or another!
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As you all know I think you are all the greatest .You have always been here. Very attentive and then came the answers, some I didnt want to here ,but i knew that you like my real family would do . told me the truth. If it wasnt for this site .I would not have my life back. My friend AN( malignant tumor) died january 2nd ,2007 he was 39 yrs old.. He too looked for help through me. Thank you , Capt. Dee for sending me to house, I will be forever greatfull. again Thank you all..Just holler I am here. I have quit a few pitty days but that will pass..Love you all Brothers and Sisters...
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I am so grateful to all of you, as you have helped me not only heal the physical side of AN, but the emotional as well. I feel so blessed to walk this journey with you...Thank You!!!!
Hugs,
Cheryl
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My dear friend said a few weeks after my treatment:
"Mary, there is a reason why you have your tumor --- to help others!"
I think we have all touched someone's life through this journey. And it's for the better!!! :D
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What I love about this forum and all of you, is the humanity, the sense of fun, and the feeling of a great 'family'. Two years after my CK sessions I come here to find support, get answers, try to help others if I can, and just for the sheer pleasure of the contact with friends. This forum is is an incredible asset to all of us and a great place to be.
Thanks to you all. Lorenzo
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You all just rawk... you really do :)
Question... I know there are non-ANA sanctioned get-togethers that have occurred (such as the Good Coast Brunches, bad coast Brunches :D, etc....) how many of you have taken the opportunity to take time to meet others (in person) from this website and you're feelings about how this website helped to bring you all face to face (or even by telephone for those in areas that have not been able to attend the group gatherings).
Yes, research I am doing... :)
thanks again all! You truly are family!
*shakes Sister Sledge song We are Family out of head*
Phyl
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Question... I know there are non-ANA sanctioned get-togethers that have occurred (such as the Good Coast Brunches, bad coast Brunches :D, etc....) how many of you have taken the opportunity to take time to meet others (in person) from this website and you're feelings about how this website helped to bring you all face to face (or even by telephone for those in areas that have not been able to attend the group gatherings).
***raising hand and waving it around***
I've made time to meet people in person. But you knew that already... ;D And I'm planning on going to the symposium in the summer to meet more of you!
This group has been amazingly supportive and a source of strength for me. I still draw strength from everyone here now that I'm in another difficult time of my life (my father decided to discontinue chemo treatment and is returning home for end-of-life care) - just reading everyone's posts and seeing all the geniune concern, care, and support out there in the world does a lot for me even though I'm dealing with issues unrelated to my AN. I hope to be able to do my part to pay it forward whenever I can.
xoxoxoxoxo
Katie
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Meet some ANers in person? I wish... The irish lot are a private bunch and not one to share and commune easily. I made the effort of being available for people, and some have contacted me by phone. Others contacted me by phone, one from Canada and one from Australia. Interesting being able to chat. However, when it comes to meeting people face to face, not since the week right after diagnosis. I'm standing alone here. But hey, who complains! I have great friends that I chat with regularly on MSN and I have this forum! What more could I want!! :)
Katie, sorry to hear about our father. Difficult times. Thinking of you.
Ciao, Lorenzo
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Lorenzo, Got Skype working? You are not alone! :) Let me know when it's up and running and the Boston Brat will talk AN and all things UK with you :)
Katie..... well... you know... :-*
Phyl
Meet some ANers in person? I wish... The irish lot are a private bunch and not one to share and commune easily. I made the effort of being available for people, and some have contacted me by phone. Others contacted me by phone, one from Canada and one from Australia. Interesting being able to chat. However, when it comes to meeting people face to face, not since the week right after diagnosis. I'm standing alone here. But hey, who complains! I have great friends that I chat with regularly on MSN and I have this forum! What more could I want!! :)
Katie, sorry to hear about our father. Difficult times. Thinking of you.
Ciao, Lorenzo
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Dear Katie,
My heart goes to your Dad, to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Flier58
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Phyl, Skype is loaded, credits are bought, handset is ordered...
cioa, Lorenzo
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I say we all just go to Ireland and visit Lorenzo. Being from "the Emerald City" I'd love to visit the "Emerald Isle". Been to that other rock just to the east of ya, but never there. How was Spain? Have some chorizo and jamon and Cava for me???? Yummy!!!!!
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Emerald isle is open for business, all are welcome. Lets have an AN bash on this side of the atlantic! This is an easy country to invade, so lets have an AN invasion from the Big Country! :)
Spain was sunny and extremely quiet! Fantastic. At times a bit too quiet, but overall it was nice and warm too. Spent most of the time in inland Andalucia, drinking cerveza, wine, eating Jamon and Chorizo and tostadas, not to mention some fish and various types of pigs and lambs and kid goats, and of course drinking copious amounts of festive cava for all of my An friends! Actually, to be honest, I still have some Cava here, so I'm going to open another one tomorrow and celebrate some more. Salute!
Oooops, I'm hungry. Better go and have some salsichon with the bread I made earlier...
Ciao, Lorenzo
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Katie - so sorry to hear about your father, mythoughts are with you and your family.
I've never had the opportunity to meet anyone in person. Don't really know of anyone else in the Philly area but am hoping to meet some people at the Symposium (I already signed up). Can we bring our dogs?
Karen
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Alittle over nine years ago we began my husband's AN journey. For many reasons including size, location, being treated on emergency basis we were totally lost. We were facing significant outcomes, the realities of being disabled and the financial issues that follow. I didn't have a clue where to turn to, or whom to turn to. It was probably one of the darkest times of our lifes. Thankfully, I had guardian angels in earthly form who chose to walk along side of Chet and I until we were strong enough to walk this path. Lois White, (former ANA Director) David Minger, JoAnn Gunter and Dr Charles Mangham all played an important part. Each shared knowledge, compassion, each gave us hope, lent us their strength. listen with their ears and heart. Both Chet and I are better people because of what these 4 people did for us. What a priceless gift!!
Like so many others on this board we made the choice to walk along side of others till they to were strong enough to walk alone. Phyl, thank you so much for giving me credit, but the truth is, it was inside you all along!!! You made all these good things happen by researching and working so hard at understanding your options.
The value of this forum is inmeasureable. I see it in so many ways. Information shared, the reaching out, every good and positive outcome, we can all share in due to knowledge gained and shared. Each of us rejoice with and for every positive outcome. Everytime someone posts that they have safely made it thru each of us does the happy dance!!! For those traveling the path less travel (outcomes) you too hold a special place in our hearts and at this table of AN. We see your struggles. Know in your hearts that we stand with you and beside you. We see much more then the crooked smiles, or limp, the pain of headaches and all the other issues to numerous to count.
We see courage, inner strength, we see acceptence and hope for the future. We see your willingness that lessons and knowledge be gained from your experience so that others will benefit from your journey.
I am very proud to be a member of the AN family. Most of you will never know how much we value each of you. How much you mean to us. You stood with us thru the darkest of times. Surrounded us with love and strength when we lost our karina (granddaughter). Stood with us as we faced serious health issues and along the way made me laugh. We are both much better persons for knowing each of you.
You have made a positive difference in this journey. Those closest to me know the issues that we
still face in the future with Chet and other family members. Because of my AN family. i know we aren't alone!!
Hugs and Love
Raydean
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Katie..
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....
Hugs,
BrendaO
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Just want to join you in expressing appreciation for this forum. AN can be a very isolating experience so the common experience, information before, during and after treatment is invaluable. Having some idea of what to expect helps so much. Being able to hear from those who are a few weeks, months and years ahead provide encouragement and answers for the questions that no one else (sometimes even including the "Docs") can answer. So to those of you who continue to post even though you are doing well and don;t necessarily need the support yourself........Much gratitude! That also make me want to give back by sharing information and experiences as well.
Bev
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To Katie:
I am thinking of you. I hope your father is comfortable. My best friend (and room-mate) is nearing the end of his life too, after a 3 and a half year battle with Hodgkins. The last 6 months have been very hard. Every time we do anything, holidays, birthdays etc...he mentions how wierd it is to say this is my last Halloween, last Thanksgiving .......
This forum has provided endless friendships. If someone fades away, someone new comes on.  When one of the regulars goes on vacation, you truly miss them. When one of the regulars has a brain wreck, you truly miss them too. (Hi Capt.)
I am here because I like it here. There is a chance to make a difference in someones life. Calming anxieties is huge to me. I had no one to calm mine while treatment options were being looked at. Yes, I had family and friends saying "you will be fine"......how in the heck would they know that? They, like myself, had no flippin idea what an AN was much less what I would be like after I got it out or zapped!!!ÂÂ
I know now what it is like to have surgery, recover from it and move on without forgetting that there is someone who, just like me 2 and a half years ago, is very afraid and needs a friend THAT GETS IT!!
Kathy