ANA Discussion Forum

Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: mandy branham on November 15, 2010, 04:32:45 pm

Title: New member says Hi!
Post by: mandy branham on November 15, 2010, 04:32:45 pm
Hello,
I am new here, and WOW I thought I was alone, guess not, THANK GOD!, I am still waiting to see the surgeon, and the waiting is driving me batty, and I don't need any help in that area  ;D, I see the surgeon on Nov.30TH, at least it is much closer than it was when I was scheduled, anyway I have had so many questions answered right here, awesome to say the least, it almost makes me feel special, NOT, i would rather not be special, I will say I am thankful for finding this site, as now I can ask questions of those who are in the same boat, as of right now i am just over whelmed and there are no questions, that is subject to change quickly  ;D
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: Jim Scott on November 15, 2010, 05:11:23 pm
Hi, Mandy - and welcome.  Like you, we're sorry you have a reason to be here but glad you discovered the ANA website discussion forums.  Feel free to ask any question (we may actually have an answer), vent and whatever else you feel a need to do.  We'll support you all the way.  :)

Jim
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: TJ on November 15, 2010, 05:19:42 pm
Mandy

As Jim did welcome to the site.  It is truly amazing that this forum can and will help you through this very hard time.  At first you are not sure what to do or where to go.  In time if you continue looking at this site the fog starts to clear.  But sure to ask plenty of questions and the time to make the right decision for you. 

Best of Luck
TJ
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: CHD63 on November 15, 2010, 05:32:33 pm
Hi Mandy and welcome!

If you have not already done so, send for the free ANA materials.  There is a wealth of clear, non-threatening information in the packet.  http://anausa.org/sc/apps/forms/forms.cgi

Of course, we are always available here on this forum to walk you through this journey and support you all the way.

Best thoughts.  Clarice
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: DHJ on November 15, 2010, 07:04:33 pm
Hi Mandy     My tumor appears to very similar in size and symptoms as yours, except mine is on on the left side.I have been  waiting and watching for almost three years now and continue to work and enjoy life. At some point treatment will be needed. Take your time and try to relax as you meet Doctors and research treatment.There many great options and we will be OK.     Peace Dave J
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: Kaybo on November 15, 2010, 07:26:26 pm
Hi Mandy & WELCOME from TEXAS!!

Glad you found us - please let us help you however we can - ask questions, rant, whatever...If you would like to chat, PM me your phone number and I would be happy to call you!

K   ;D
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: mandy branham on November 15, 2010, 08:52:39 pm
WOW!!!
I posted and left, I had no idea i would get so many comments, I am just tickled, I have support, GOD IS GOOD!

I do have something going on that i haven't seen not that it's not here but rather I just haven't found it, I have been have some problems with my nose, only on the AN side, I have to blow my nose after I eat, as soon as I wake up and when I am tired even more, and no I don't have allergies, and I have a bit of pain in my cheek on the right side as well, the pain comes and goes, and the saliva thing, I have way to much at times, ok that is enough wining for now, i just can't believe I have others who understand..................hate that I have this, VERY GLAD I FOUND YOU!!!.................lol................sounds like a corny song  ;D
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: moe on November 15, 2010, 08:59:03 pm
Hi Mandy,
Yep there are regulars here who respond quickly to newbies.
I can't relate to your symptoms, but wanted to welcome you. This place is great.
Questions?  Ask away. Lots of humor here too. Helps buffer the stress :D
Maureen
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: mandy branham on November 15, 2010, 09:06:08 pm
I do know that attitude plays a big part in how this whole thing plays out, and if I am going to get through this I have to first trust GOD and second not let it take what life I have, and yes humor is one of the blessings we have if only we choose to use it, after all I do have a brain, pictures to prove it  ;D and i have come to see that this is just another part of who I am and how I deal with it will help others, and yes I have more questions, but I will get theses answers first,........................THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU,
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: CHD63 on November 15, 2010, 09:07:32 pm
Mandy .....

I am not a doctor and I did not have the symptoms you are describing but it does sound like it could all be related to the AN.  Are these symptoms new or did you have them before you were diagnosed?  I hope you have mentioned them to your original doctor.  If these are new symptoms, I would call the neurosurgeon's office and tell them about it to get an opinion as to whether you should be seen before November 30th.  Just make sure one of your doctors is aware of these symptoms to see what he(she) says.

Let us know ..... now you have a whole forum of caring friends!

Clarice
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: mandy branham on November 15, 2010, 09:26:31 pm
No I didn't have all of this before the diagnosis but some of it I did, I am on a call list, I have let them know, it is just so amazing how many things this can cause, I am still in shock, but I know as soon as I walk into that surgeons office I will get my slap of reality, I just want to get on with my life, as we all do, I have a wonderful hubby who is just being a rock for me, ( a soft cuddly one) and now i have this as well, :)
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: jaylogs on November 15, 2010, 09:42:34 pm
Hello Mandy and welcome to our little club!! I am sorry you HAD to be in this club, but now that you are here, you get all the benefits of this membership!  As everyone said and you no doubt have seen, you can ask questions, rant, blow off steam...whatever!! Let us know how the surgeon appt goes, ok? Take care!
Jay
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: CHD63 on November 16, 2010, 09:39:40 am
Mandy .....

I am so glad you are on top of things.  Hopefully you get a call to come in sooner.  It never hurts to call the office and tell them these new symptoms are very troubling ..... you know the old "squeaky wheel" adage!  There are times when it is the right thing to be aggressive.

Those wonderful hubbies are a Godsend ..... especially when you hear shocking news.  Unfortunately my husband was not with me when I received the diagnosis because I was so sure the report would be negative.  Never again ..... he goes with me to every appointment now!

Many thoughts and prayers!

Clarice
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: mandy branham on November 16, 2010, 10:01:24 am
I just don't know if my symptoms are just my over thinking or if I am truly feeling more symptoms, I have never been that way in the past, but then again this has never been an issue before ether, and I have been researching a lot so that I am informed, I know I will get through this, just reading all I have read here has given me so much incite, and the fact that I can finally express how I am feeling is great.
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: moe on November 16, 2010, 10:57:41 am
I just don't know if my symptoms are just my over thinking or if I am truly feeling more symptoms,

Mandy,
Very common to be more aware of your symptoms once you find out that you have the bugger in your head, and to think that the symptoms are "worse." The mind is amazing.
I was actually kind of RELIEVED to hear that I had the AN, because it pinpointed why I hadn't been feeling right for years. (mine was insidious, slooooooow growing over they think >20 years)
So glad that you know it is there, and it is still within the size for radiation  and time is on your side.
Dang holidays are coming up, but don't let this thing get you down. ;)
Maureen



Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: Lizard on November 16, 2010, 11:25:46 am
Mandy,
Somehow I missed this yesterday, I just wanted to welcome you to the forum as well and to say make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with your Dr(s).  I'm attaching a great list thread with a list of questions to ask the Dr's, take notes because its hard to remember everything.  I had a friend come with me and basically be my scribe.  Add your own questions to the list and it will help you to cover a vast majority of the questions you may have or yet to come up with.  Also, make sure you speak with a nurse about calling in to ask further questions, you want to make sure you have a Dr who is there for you. 
I agree thank God for the rocks we call our husbands, squishy as they may be : )
Welcome to our family, we're here for you!
Liz

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=12217.0
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: Brewers7 on November 16, 2010, 02:20:39 pm
Mandy,
Welcome and prayers from Mississippi.  Susan
Title: Re: New member says Hi!
Post by: 6pick on November 18, 2010, 11:47:41 am
Mandy, welcome.

I would have liked to welcome you sooner but I was pretty out of touch and neck deep in some personal business.

So, welcome to our club, glad to meet you, sorry it's under these circumstances. Finding this forum was a huge relief for me in the way I see it's becoming for you: finding others who "get it". As others have said before, rant, rave, cry, whine, but be sure to laugh, smile, joke and understand that your life has changed - not necessarily for the worst - just changed.

The only other advice I'd throw out at this time is be sure you check out all of your options.

Mark