Symposium 2009 Pictures

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

I. As her description of one week indicates, she is living life to the fullest. She's back. 

DHM, have a great year #3. See you in September!

Steve

You have helped me very much- both on line and being there at meetings. I will cherish the TOQUE forever. Keep doing what you are doing STEVE 

DHM

[sgerrard]

I have a couple of more scenic views of Chicago from Cheryl R. to post.

In the second picture, looking down from the Hancock tower, the Drake Hotel can be identified by a row of red lights along the roof.

[saralynn143]

The Drake Hotel can be identified by a row of red lights?!?

[sgerrard]

In the middle of the 2nd picture, it looks like this:



The red is running along the top of the Drake.

Steve

[saralynn143]

Thanks, Steve, I got it. I was just making a little joke at the Drake's expense.

Sara

[Captain Deb]

Jim and I are already talking up plans to go to the next one.

We'll have to ask the ANA to make the ANA Forum Member ribbons in shocking pink or something so we can identify each other easier.

Jan

Well,we told you all to dress like pirates!! No missing each other then.

Maybe next time we will tie big red balloons to our good ears.

Capt Deb

[sgerrard]

Thanks, Steve, I got it. I was just making a little joke at the Drake's expense.

Argh. Totally missed that. 

Steve

[Captain Deb]

Daisy Head Maisy!!

Thanks for all the great pictures.  You are right about this forum and the ANA being such a lifesaver--I really don't know where I would be either without all of you--my despair was so deep and overwhelming after living almost every day with a whopping migraine for two years.  My gratitude is now what is deep and overwhelming!!

I think they must dig up the palm trees every year!!  None 'a dem tings gonna survive de Chicago winter, mon!!

I really enjoyed getting to know you at the Symposium and I truly admire how far you have come in 2 years--just goes to show you that sometimes attitude is everything.

Big HUGE hugs!!

Capt Deb

[chocolatetruffle]

i am also kicking myself for not going!!! where is the next symposium???

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

i am also kicking myself for not going!!! where is the next symposium???

Cincinnati! 2011

We want you to come!

DHM

[moe]

Great photo bucket photos, DHM!!!! They look so clear
Maureen

[Debbi]

DHM - Awesome pics!  And, I loved your update - it's amazing what happens in two years, isn't it? 

Keep smiling!

Debbi

[Goldie]

What great photos of everyone.  I got to meet a couple of you at the conference and kind of wish I had the photos before so I could know who was who!  Somehow those little photos on this site just don't do the trick. 

I am a post gamma knife patient (possibly failed) and will find out more next month with my next MRI.  My fear all along has been the facial paralysis that seems to accompany microsurgery, but I have to say after attending the conference that that fear was greatly eased.  Yes, some have crooked smiles, but so what?  What a beautiful bunch!  Every one of you has grace and I suspect have grown quite a bit in character after having gone through what you have.     It really was very reassuring, and I just want to let you know that you made an impact of encouraging me without giving a pep talk and just being yourselves.  Like Debbi said, keep smiling!

Denise

[leapyrtwins]

Denise -

I'm not sure I met you at the symposium - where are you from?  and what doc did you go to for the GK?

Jan

[Goldie]

Jan, I'm from near Rochester, MN, and had my gamma knife 3-1/2 yrs ago for a small AN at Mayo Clinic by Dr. Michael Link (who is on the ANA board and was a panelist/consultant at the symposium).  As of my last MRI in March, my tumor has either started growing or I might have a second tumor along the facial nerve.  I am still hopeful microsurgery isn't in my future, but time will tell.

I'm sorry we didn't meet.  I met many people, but interestingly almost all were microsurgery patients.  I wonder what the breakdown was of GK patients, etc., attending?

I also want to add that I hope I didn't (and I didn't mean to) offend anyone with my "so what" comment about crooked smiles.  I know everyone's been through a lot and I don't want to downplay it.  (And is there a way to edit once you've posted?  I'm obviously new at this.)

Denise