Brain Cancer Messages
1797 Total Messages

Wanda

Hi David...

I would send a picture to you here but I can't get it to paste in the body of one of these messages. I am stumped at how others are getting their photos to post. Tell me the secret and I will send a picture of me so you will know who to watch for! :) I have not changed a whole lot... beyond the effects of 4 kids on a body! Enough said!!

It truly has been a LONG time and I am looking forward to seeing you again! I will be glad to help you out with a lift when your schedule allows it! I can get someone to watch the little ones if being around small, ober germ factories is not a good idea for you during treatment. Just let me know when I can help and I will do what I can to make it happen.

Take care! -Wanda

Patient Perspective from David Welch
Just send me the URL for your photo and I can make sure it is converted to a photo on the Messages tab. If I did not have that restriction, think of the bad pictures which could be inserted.

   

Kristy

David,

Oh, do I ever know what you mean. I used to be a workaholic, over-achieving, highly organized person who exercised vigorously almost every day. My house was always clean and my desk organized. I never, ever, missed paying a bill on time, and I always returned phone calls and e-mails promptly. I kept endless to-do lists and reveled in crossing off items. I was always in motion and enjoyed the satisfaction of productivity. You get the idea.

Since my diagnosis, I have slowed down a lot. In many ways, this has been a blessing; I was moving way too fast before and had a tendency to obsess about relatively trivial matters. I have much more clarity and peace of mind now that I'm not consumed with work, and it's made me a much more relaxed person, which is great. But I just can't forgive myself when an unpaid bill ends up lost in a pile of papers on my desk, or when I forget about a phone message or unanswered e-mail. This is just not me. It's very unnerving.

Last year I bought a new cell phone, and I misplaced the paperwork for the huge rebate and didn't uncover it until the deadline had passed. That was a biggie, not only because of the lost $$$ (those rebate deals are so annoying) but because I just couldn't believe that I had failed to take care of it. It NEVER would have happened pre-diagnosis.

And I also find that I can't exercise to the extent that I used to; it just causes too many aches and pains. When I don't exercise enough, I feel worse. Nothing seems to work, with the possible exception of yoga.

Of course, we all need to pay our bills. Otherwise, I'm just trying to become more comfortable with the new, Type-B me, because the last thing I need is to berate myself for no longer being a Type A. So, get it done, but try not to sweat it too much.

Kristy

Patient Perspective from David Welch
Tough to read, but your words are so easy to understand. I go from one period to the other, too. But, I am still Type-A to the core, unless something major changes in coming months and years. Still, your points are part of this whole process. You say it so well. Thanks, Ms. Chapel Hill.

   

Jane Harrison

Hi David:

Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and all of us here at Virginia Tech wish you nothing but good things. You are truly a special and rare person. One I feel most fortunate to call a friend.

All my good wishes and prayers,

Jane

   

Larry Van Etten

Hi David,

I was sorry to hear about your Grandfather. It was very nice to read about the support from your family. It is great to see what a great family you have.

Keep up the good fight.

God bless,
Lar

   

Denise Lawson

I miss you! It was nice to talk with you today ;)

XOXO,
Denise

   

Abigail Jones

Hello David --

I have followed your story for several months at the suggestion of Adele McComas-White, who volunteers in our consumer health library at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Periodically, she sends you health information gleaned from subscription research databases available in the library, most recently on 29 March 2008.

Last year, Adele was instrumental in procuring a supply of your 38 Lemon postcards, which we made available to the many people with cancer being treated at OSU's Arthur G. James and Solove Research Institute.

I am pleased that the information you received from the library has been helpful, just as the 38 Lemon cards have been useful to our patients and families. The free exchange of information is what characterizes a good library. Your web site is a fine example of how online health information sharing can extend and expand knowledge for all.

My very best wishes to you on your journey,

Abigail Jones, MA, MLIS
Consumer Health Librarian
The Ohio State University

Consumer Health Library (Library for Health Information in the Atrium)

The James Cancer Hospital

Patient Perspective from David Welch
Adele is great at connecting dots which make sense. More people should know about OSU (and not just the band), and you are doing that with Adele. There is much knowledge on brain cancer -- just have to dig it out and know where to go. OSU is one of these excellent places, too.

I believe in free supplies of information, as well. I cannot relate to coming to a website and requiring monies to get potentially life-saving exchanges of information. I appreciate that comment. Thanks, Abigail. There are always creative ways to generate monies, but not as an upfront requirement.

   

Kathy

Hi David,

I pray that you are doing well. Just got a MRI reminder in my email and thought I would write and thank you. You are inspiring to all of us out here facing this GBM monster.

38 Lemon is very informative and has helped me a lot to deal with my sister's diagnosis. I really appreciate what you do here sharing your story with us. My sister just found out she has Glioblastoma Multiforme stage 4 . She has been having simple partial seizures and memory problems since 2005.

A new MRI test JAN 2008 showed the tumor on her left temporal lobe. It was thought to be a stage 1 or less Astrocytoma before surgery. She had surgery March 11th and they debulked more than 96% of it. Her pathology report showed a MIB-1 index of almost 20%. She started taking Temodar and Radiation two weeks after surgery and has tolerated it pretty well for almost 6 weeks now on May 9th. She is 51, strong, and doing pretty well on it thus far.

My sister is a very optimistic person. She will have a MRI 2 weeks after her Radiation and Temodar treatment is over. We pray it shows some great results. Just felt a need to share this with someone who has been and is going through it.

I keep you in my prayers. Also, I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather passing. Sounded like a wonderful man.

Patient Perspective from David Welch
Glad the 1st MRI Day reminder is effective. You never know where it will strike and help. Keep pushing with your sister. That is half the battle.