Re: Bad News -- Prayers Requested

[Guest guest]

hey marilyn,

it just seems.. no matter how hard we try..

bad news knocks on the door.

i am so sad and yet am amazed at how you cope, sometimes we know no

other way but to stay composed.

thank you for your wise words and guidance!

it has been invaluable to me

and i have been feeling better and better

and it's the first time in 17 years i wake up with no abdominal pain.

a miracle..

my prayers and purest thoughts are with you.

i look forward to seeing you back online after the surgery with your

witty and hilarious remarks!

jodi

>

>

> OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this

> openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks

> in the row, but since I messed up and posted it

> to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include

> Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the rest

of you.

>

> On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer.

>

> Needless to say, I am not amused.

>

> I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be

> having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at

> Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the

> earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New Orleans.)

>

> On the positive side, I have a very good

> gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a

> very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both

> female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the

surgery.

>

> According to the oncologist, we will not know

> what stage it is until after the Grand Opening

> (as it were). They'll be removing uterus,

> Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

> lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the

> imaging, she does not think the cancer has

> implanted in the uterus, that it may still be

> contained in the lining. This reduces the

> probability of it having spread, but again, we

> won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.

>

> One problem is that although I have lost a very

> significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I

> still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My

> oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to

> come in, remove the fat and give her a clear

> operating area, then after she does her job, the

> plastic surgeon would come back and tidy

> everything up. Doesn't add much time to the

> actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and

> easier for her to be certain she's gotten

> everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic

> surgeon who can coordinate with them in

> post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult.

> In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL

> plastic surgery to be " cosmetic " and therefore

> " elective, " and thus, not covered.

>

> I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never

done before.

>

> I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5

> days after the surgery, and that I will be

> allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days,

> except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear

> liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.

>

> This, in itself, creates a problem because of

> staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital

> to prepare safe food, so everything will have to

> be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am allowed

to have it.

>

> I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted)

> juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking

> of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well

> cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers),

> either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect.

> Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled

> eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some

> SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

> have it. I won't be doing much in the way of

> fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a

> sugar feeder. Based on my research, my

> (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best

> possible diet I could follow for this, and may,

> indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that

> the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.

>

> (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed

> and allowed foods, and said, " This looks like a

> celiac diet. Have you ever been tested? " I told

> her it was the original celiac diet, which was

> displaced by the gluten-free diet because

> gluten-free, although less effective, was easier

> and more profitable. And that since celiac

> testing requires eating gluten for at least three

> weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off

> a diet that works and make myself as miserable as

> I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a

> test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?)

>

> I've talked with our current pastor (we used to

> have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor

> better, but our church no longer has the income

> it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor

> was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is

> praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church

is, also.

>

> I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon

> after I get out of the hospital, but I don't

> think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very

> desperately ill and had a terrible experience

> with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago.

> Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was

> in hospital for four days. This surgery is much

> more complex, and to be honest, the surgery --

> and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next.

>

> A couple of people have commented about how well

> and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not.

> When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry

> and said, " Now my books and my cook book will

> never be published! " and broke down crying. I've

> had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping

> busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.

>

> I want to say thanks to all the people who have

> posted their SCD successes in the last week or

> so. It's the small miracles which give hope.

> Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for

> those of you who haven't (yet) had successes,

> remember that in healing, we take three steps

> forward and two steps back. And sometimes four

> steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just

> had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

I'm so sorry to hear this Marilyn. I'd figured something must be up, since youhaven't been around quite so much, but I thought it was some day to daystuff, I never imagined this. Wishing you health and happiness and prayers and a tranquilspirit. Hope to hear far better news soon.Mara OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks in the row, but since I messed up and posted it to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the rest of you. On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer. Needless to say, I am not amused. I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New Orleans.) On the positive side, I have a very good gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the surgery. According to the oncologist, we will not know what stage it is until after the Grand Opening (as it were). They'll be removing uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the imaging, she does not think the cancer has implanted in the uterus, that it may still be contained in the lining. This reduces the probability of it having spread, but again, we won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery. One problem is that although I have lost a very significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to come in, remove the fat and give her a clear operating area, then after she does her job, the plastic surgeon would come back and tidy everything up. Doesn't add much time to the actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and easier for her to be certain she's gotten everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic surgeon who can coordinate with them in post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult. In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL plastic surgery to be "cosmetic" and therefore "elective," and thus, not covered. I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never done before. I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5 days after the surgery, and that I will be allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days, except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods. This, in itself, creates a problem because of staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital to prepare safe food, so everything will have to be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am allowed to have it. I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted) juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers), either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect. Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to have it. I won't be doing much in the way of fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a sugar feeder. Based on my research, my (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best possible diet I could follow for this, and may, indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has. (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed and allowed foods, and said, "This looks like a celiac diet. Have you ever been tested?" I told her it was the original celiac diet, which was displaced by the gluten-free diet because gluten-free, although less effective, was easier and more profitable. And that since celiac testing requires eating gluten for at least three weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off a diet that works and make myself as miserable as I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?) I've talked with our current pastor (we used to have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor better, but our church no longer has the income it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church is, also. I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon after I get out of the hospital, but I don't think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very desperately ill and had a terrible experience with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago. Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was in hospital for four days. This surgery is much more complex, and to be honest, the surgery -- and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next. A couple of people have commented about how well and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not. When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry and said, "Now my books and my cook book will never be published!" and broke down crying. I've had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it. I want to say thanks to all the people who have posted their SCD successes in the last week or so. It's the small miracles which give hope. Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for those of you who haven't (yet) had successes, remember that in healing, we take three steps forward and two steps back. And sometimes four steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward. — Marilyn New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001 Darn Good SCD Cook No Human Children Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Marilyn, Thank you for sharing this with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart goes out to you and your family. You have been so diligent in helping take care of us on the SCD diet and I believe God will be there for you as well. May you feel His peace and his comfort. We will be awaiting your return and updates. Take care. Tina Kautzmann SCD 1 yr. "Wizop Marilyn L. Alm" wrote: OK... I hadn't actually

intended to post this openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks in the row, but since I messed up and posted it to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the rest of you.On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer.Needless to say, I am not amused.I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New Orleans.)On the positive side, I have a very good gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the surgery.According to the oncologist, we will not know what stage it is until after the Grand Opening (as it were). They'll be removing uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the imaging, she does not think the cancer has implanted in the uterus, that it may still be contained in the lining. This reduces the probability of it having spread, but again, we won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.One problem is that although I have lost a very significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to come in, remove the fat and give her a clear operating area, then after she does her job, the plastic surgeon would come back and tidy everything up. Doesn't add much time to the actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and easier for her to be certain she's gotten everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic surgeon who can coordinate with them in post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult. In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL plastic surgery to be "cosmetic" and therefore

"elective," and thus, not covered.I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never done before.I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5 days after the surgery, and that I will be allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days, except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.This, in itself, creates a problem because of staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital to prepare safe food, so everything will have to be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am allowed to have it.I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted) juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers), either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect. Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

have it. I won't be doing much in the way of fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a sugar feeder. Based on my research, my (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best possible diet I could follow for this, and may, indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.(My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed and allowed foods, and said, "This looks like a celiac diet. Have you ever been tested?" I told her it was the original celiac diet, which was displaced by the gluten-free diet because gluten-free, although less effective, was easier and more profitable. And that since celiac testing requires eating gluten for at least three weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off a diet that works and make myself as miserable as I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?) I've talked with our current pastor (we used to have two

co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor better, but our church no longer has the income it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church is, also.I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon after I get out of the hospital, but I don't think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very desperately ill and had a terrible experience with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago. Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was in hospital for four days. This surgery is much more complex, and to be honest, the surgery -- and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next. A couple of people have commented about how well and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not. When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry and said, "Now my books and my cook book will never be published!" and broke down crying. I've had quite a few crying

jags in here. Keeping busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.I want to say thanks to all the people who have posted their SCD successes in the last week or so. It's the small miracles which give hope. Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for those of you who haven't (yet) had successes, remember that in healing, we take three steps forward and two steps back. And sometimes four steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward. — Marilyn New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001 Darn Good SCD Cook No Human Children Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

Dear Marilyn,

My heart goes out to you, and my prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing.

Please take good care of yourself, and I know God's love will surround you.

It's okay to cry. :-) In fact, it's better, in my opinion.

I'm perking along well...13th day today since I started SCD. Few other stresses have happened, but I'm okay.

many blessings,

Louise

I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New Orleans.)On the positive side, I have a very good gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the surgery.

[Guest guest]

just echoing my thoughts from pecan bread - prayers are going to you

right now!!

eileen

>

>

> OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this

> openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks

> in the row, but since I messed up and posted it

> to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include

> Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the rest

of you.

>

> On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine)

cancer.

>

> Needless to say, I am not amused.

>

> I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be

> having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at

> Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the

> earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New

Orleans.)

>

> On the positive side, I have a very good

> gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a

> very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both

> female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the

surgery.

>

> According to the oncologist, we will not know

> what stage it is until after the Grand Opening

> (as it were). They'll be removing uterus,

> Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

> lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the

> imaging, she does not think the cancer has

> implanted in the uterus, that it may still be

> contained in the lining. This reduces the

> probability of it having spread, but again, we

> won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.

>

> One problem is that although I have lost a very

> significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I

> still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My

> oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to

> come in, remove the fat and give her a clear

> operating area, then after she does her job, the

> plastic surgeon would come back and tidy

> everything up. Doesn't add much time to the

> actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and

> easier for her to be certain she's gotten

> everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic

> surgeon who can coordinate with them in

> post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult.

> In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL

> plastic surgery to be " cosmetic " and therefore

> " elective, " and thus, not covered.

>

> I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never

done before.

>

> I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5

> days after the surgery, and that I will be

> allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days,

> except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear

> liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.

>

> This, in itself, creates a problem because of

> staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital

> to prepare safe food, so everything will have to

> be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am allowed

to have it.

>

> I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted)

> juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking

> of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well

> cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers),

> either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect.

> Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled

> eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some

> SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

> have it. I won't be doing much in the way of

> fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a

> sugar feeder. Based on my research, my

> (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best

> possible diet I could follow for this, and may,

> indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that

> the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.

>

> (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed

> and allowed foods, and said, " This looks like a

> celiac diet. Have you ever been tested? " I told

> her it was the original celiac diet, which was

> displaced by the gluten-free diet because

> gluten-free, although less effective, was easier

> and more profitable. And that since celiac

> testing requires eating gluten for at least three

> weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off

> a diet that works and make myself as miserable as

> I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a

> test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?)

>

> I've talked with our current pastor (we used to

> have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor

> better, but our church no longer has the income

> it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor

> was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is

> praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church

is, also.

>

> I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon

> after I get out of the hospital, but I don't

> think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very

> desperately ill and had a terrible experience

> with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago.

> Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was

> in hospital for four days. This surgery is much

> more complex, and to be honest, the surgery --

> and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next.

>

> A couple of people have commented about how well

> and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not.

> When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry

> and said, " Now my books and my cook book will

> never be published! " and broke down crying. I've

> had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping

> busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.

>

> I want to say thanks to all the people who have

> posted their SCD successes in the last week or

> so. It's the small miracles which give hope.

> Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for

> those of you who haven't (yet) had successes,

> remember that in healing, we take three steps

> forward and two steps back. And sometimes four

> steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just

> had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

My heart goes out to you Marilyn. I can only imagine how stressful

that news was, but it sounds like after the hysterectomy you will be

cancer free.

I am surprised that you would even have cancer as you said cancer is a

sugar feeder and you have been on the diet since 2001.

Please try not to worry too much. It sounds very positive for you. We

can talk and compare hysterectomy symptoms when you get well enough.

Susie

Wizop Marilyn L. Alm wrote:

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

I just know that your surgery will be a success and that you have many

great years ahead of you. You show such talent & humor in your online

writing, and you've come up with so many delicious recipes, there is

just so much still ahead for you to do! I'm really looking forward to

your cookbook. I know it will be a great success.

I'll be praying for your speedy recovery.

Thank you for all the help you have given all of us so graciously.

13 yo son w. UC

SCD 1 year

[Guest guest]

Our church prayer group is praying for everything to proceed as it should.

Hi Marilyn,

You are definitely in my prayers. I've also written your name in our church book of prayers. May all go well so that you're back with us soon. I'm sure Elaine is up in heaven petitioning God on your behalf also. She won't let you down!!!!!!

Pat LattanzioIt's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money Finance.

[Guest guest]

Dear Marilyn,

What a scary ordeal you're going through! Please know that so many of

us are thinking about you and supporting you with our best healing

wishes. I really believe that your strong apirit (and excellent

diet!) will get you through this and you'll be back to good health

quickly. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us on these lists

- your help has been invaluable!

Debbie T (UC 27 yrs, SCD 10/06, Lialda)

BTVC-SCD , " Wizop Marilyn L. Alm "

wrote:

>

>

> OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this

> openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks

> in the row, but since I messed up and posted it

> to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include

> Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the rest

of you.

>

> On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer.

>

> Needless to say, I am not amused.

>

> I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be

> having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at

> Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the

> earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New Orleans.)

>

> On the positive side, I have a very good

> gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a

> very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both

> female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the

surgery.

>

> According to the oncologist, we will not know

> what stage it is until after the Grand Opening

> (as it were). They'll be removing uterus,

> Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

> lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the

> imaging, she does not think the cancer has

> implanted in the uterus, that it may still be

> contained in the lining. This reduces the

> probability of it having spread, but again, we

> won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.

>

> One problem is that although I have lost a very

> significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I

> still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My

> oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to

> come in, remove the fat and give her a clear

> operating area, then after she does her job, the

> plastic surgeon would come back and tidy

> everything up. Doesn't add much time to the

> actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and

> easier for her to be certain she's gotten

> everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic

> surgeon who can coordinate with them in

> post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult.

> In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL

> plastic surgery to be " cosmetic " and therefore

> " elective, " and thus, not covered.

>

> I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never

done before.

>

> I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5

> days after the surgery, and that I will be

> allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days,

> except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear

> liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.

>

> This, in itself, creates a problem because of

> staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital

> to prepare safe food, so everything will have to

> be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am allowed

to have it.

>

> I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted)

> juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking

> of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well

> cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers),

> either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect.

> Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled

> eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some

> SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

> have it. I won't be doing much in the way of

> fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a

> sugar feeder. Based on my research, my

> (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best

> possible diet I could follow for this, and may,

> indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that

> the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.

>

> (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed

> and allowed foods, and said, " This looks like a

> celiac diet. Have you ever been tested? " I told

> her it was the original celiac diet, which was

> displaced by the gluten-free diet because

> gluten-free, although less effective, was easier

> and more profitable. And that since celiac

> testing requires eating gluten for at least three

> weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off

> a diet that works and make myself as miserable as

> I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a

> test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?)

>

> I've talked with our current pastor (we used to

> have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor

> better, but our church no longer has the income

> it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor

> was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is

> praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church

is, also.

>

> I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon

> after I get out of the hospital, but I don't

> think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very

> desperately ill and had a terrible experience

> with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago.

> Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was

> in hospital for four days. This surgery is much

> more complex, and to be honest, the surgery --

> and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next.

>

> A couple of people have commented about how well

> and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not.

> When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry

> and said, " Now my books and my cook book will

> never be published! " and broke down crying. I've

> had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping

> busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.

>

> I want to say thanks to all the people who have

> posted their SCD successes in the last week or

> so. It's the small miracles which give hope.

> Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for

> those of you who haven't (yet) had successes,

> remember that in healing, we take three steps

> forward and two steps back. And sometimes four

> steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just

> had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

Sending white light and prayers your way. You're a good egg . . . tough on the outside, soft inside.

You may want to bring a small pillow with you to the hospital. After general anesthesia they'll want to make sure your lungs get rid of the anesthetic gas, so they'll encourage you to do deep breathing exercises and cough, which could cause discomfort. Hold the pillow against your abdomen to help brace you when you feel a cough coming. Besides that . . . having something from home is comforting.

Well wishes to you and everyone. ferna, UC/CD, SCD 97, 05, 06, No Meds

Supercharge your AIM. Get the AIM toolbar for your browser.

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

I'm sorry to hear this news - as if it hasn't been enough to

restructure your entire life to accommodate your gut - but I truly

believe the adage, " God only gives you what he knows you can handle. "

Somehow we find our inner strength when we have to go through these

things.

My thoughts and prayer will be with you - and I hope you turn to this

message board for support, just like you've given to us.

Warm wishes,

Kathy

UC since 12/05

SCD since 7/07

[Guest guest]

My heart and thoughts are with you. Keep us informed about your status and

please do not

hesitate to ask for ideas or suggestions about your condition. There are lots of

experienced brains and bodies on this group.

We do not know each other but please know that I always read your post with

great

attention even if the topic is not of great interest to me. You just write so

damn well - it is

a real pleasure for the mind to read your prose!

Much love to you.

Bourouba

>

>

> OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this

> openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks

> in the row, but since I messed up and posted it

> to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include

> Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the rest of you.

>

> On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer.

>

> Needless to say, I am not amused.

>

> I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be

> having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at

> Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the

> earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New Orleans.)

>

> On the positive side, I have a very good

> gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a

> very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both

> female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the surgery.

>

> According to the oncologist, we will not know

> what stage it is until after the Grand Opening

> (as it were). They'll be removing uterus,

> Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

> lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the

> imaging, she does not think the cancer has

> implanted in the uterus, that it may still be

> contained in the lining. This reduces the

> probability of it having spread, but again, we

> won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.

>

> One problem is that although I have lost a very

> significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I

> still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My

> oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to

> come in, remove the fat and give her a clear

> operating area, then after she does her job, the

> plastic surgeon would come back and tidy

> everything up. Doesn't add much time to the

> actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and

> easier for her to be certain she's gotten

> everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic

> surgeon who can coordinate with them in

> post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult.

> In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL

> plastic surgery to be " cosmetic " and therefore

> " elective, " and thus, not covered.

>

> I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never done before.

>

> I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5

> days after the surgery, and that I will be

> allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days,

> except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear

> liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.

>

> This, in itself, creates a problem because of

> staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital

> to prepare safe food, so everything will have to

> be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am allowed to have

it.

>

> I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted)

> juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking

> of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well

> cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers),

> either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect.

> Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled

> eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some

> SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

> have it. I won't be doing much in the way of

> fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a

> sugar feeder. Based on my research, my

> (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best

> possible diet I could follow for this, and may,

> indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that

> the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.

>

> (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed

> and allowed foods, and said, " This looks like a

> celiac diet. Have you ever been tested? " I told

> her it was the original celiac diet, which was

> displaced by the gluten-free diet because

> gluten-free, although less effective, was easier

> and more profitable. And that since celiac

> testing requires eating gluten for at least three

> weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off

> a diet that works and make myself as miserable as

> I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a

> test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?)

>

> I've talked with our current pastor (we used to

> have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor

> better, but our church no longer has the income

> it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor

> was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is

> praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church is, also.

>

> I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon

> after I get out of the hospital, but I don't

> think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very

> desperately ill and had a terrible experience

> with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago.

> Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was

> in hospital for four days. This surgery is much

> more complex, and to be honest, the surgery --

> and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next.

>

> A couple of people have commented about how well

> and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not.

> When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry

> and said, " Now my books and my cook book will

> never be published! " and broke down crying. I've

> had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping

> busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.

>

> I want to say thanks to all the people who have

> posted their SCD successes in the last week or

> so. It's the small miracles which give hope.

> Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for

> those of you who haven't (yet) had successes,

> remember that in healing, we take three steps

> forward and two steps back. And sometimes four

> steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just

> had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

I read each and every post and am learning so much in support of my daughter who has UC. I thank you so much for the time you take to post your replies and wish you well. It sounds like you are in good medical care and good personal care. Thank-you for all you do for those of us just beginning to deal with diagnosis and in researching and helping. You are a God Send. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks,

Teri

[Guest guest]

---Dear Marilyn--I am so sorry you have to go through this. My

thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck!

Peggie

[Guest guest]

Marilyn, I like many others will be thinking of you and waiting to

hear good news of your recovery. I haven't been following the list

quite so much in the last few months but in the past you have been a

wonderful support in times of trouble.

Regards,

Kylie

>

>

> OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this

> openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks

> in the row, but since I messed up and posted it

> to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include

> Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the

rest of you.

>

> On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine)

cancer.

>

> Needless to say, I am not amused.

>

> I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be

> having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at

> Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the

> earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New

Orleans.)

>

> On the positive side, I have a very good

> gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a

> very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both

> female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the

surgery.

>

> According to the oncologist, we will not know

> what stage it is until after the Grand Opening

> (as it were). They'll be removing uterus,

> Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

> lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the

> imaging, she does not think the cancer has

> implanted in the uterus, that it may still be

> contained in the lining. This reduces the

> probability of it having spread, but again, we

> won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.

>

> One problem is that although I have lost a very

> significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I

> still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My

> oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to

> come in, remove the fat and give her a clear

> operating area, then after she does her job, the

> plastic surgeon would come back and tidy

> everything up. Doesn't add much time to the

> actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and

> easier for her to be certain she's gotten

> everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic

> surgeon who can coordinate with them in

> post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult.

> In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL

> plastic surgery to be " cosmetic " and therefore

> " elective, " and thus, not covered.

>

> I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never

done before.

>

> I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5

> days after the surgery, and that I will be

> allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days,

> except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear

> liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.

>

> This, in itself, creates a problem because of

> staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital

> to prepare safe food, so everything will have to

> be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am

allowed to have it.

>

> I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted)

> juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking

> of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well

> cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers),

> either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect.

> Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled

> eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some

> SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

> have it. I won't be doing much in the way of

> fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a

> sugar feeder. Based on my research, my

> (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best

> possible diet I could follow for this, and may,

> indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that

> the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.

>

> (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed

> and allowed foods, and said, " This looks like a

> celiac diet. Have you ever been tested? " I told

> her it was the original celiac diet, which was

> displaced by the gluten-free diet because

> gluten-free, although less effective, was easier

> and more profitable. And that since celiac

> testing requires eating gluten for at least three

> weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off

> a diet that works and make myself as miserable as

> I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a

> test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?)

>

> I've talked with our current pastor (we used to

> have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor

> better, but our church no longer has the income

> it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor

> was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is

> praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church

is, also.

>

> I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon

> after I get out of the hospital, but I don't

> think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very

> desperately ill and had a terrible experience

> with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago.

> Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was

> in hospital for four days. This surgery is much

> more complex, and to be honest, the surgery --

> and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next.

>

> A couple of people have commented about how well

> and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not.

> When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry

> and said, " Now my books and my cook book will

> never be published! " and broke down crying. I've

> had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping

> busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.

>

> I want to say thanks to all the people who have

> posted their SCD successes in the last week or

> so. It's the small miracles which give hope.

> Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for

> those of you who haven't (yet) had successes,

> remember that in healing, we take three steps

> forward and two steps back. And sometimes four

> steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just

> had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

Marilyn, I like many others will be thinking of you and waiting to

hear good news of your recovery. I haven't been following the list

quite so much in the last few months but in the past you have been a

wonderful support in times of trouble.

Regards,

Kylie

>

>

> OK... I hadn't actually intended to post this

> openly to the lists until I had a few more ducks

> in the row, but since I messed up and posted it

> to SCD Recipe Creators while trying to include

> Donna in my list of experienced SCDers, I may as well tell the

rest of you.

>

> On 25 February 2008, I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine)

cancer.

>

> Needless to say, I am not amused.

>

> I saw the oncologist this week, and I will be

> having a complete hysterectomy on 25 March at

> Touro Hospital in New Orleans. (This was the

> earliest it could be arranged in still Katrina-shattered New

Orleans.)

>

> On the positive side, I have a very good

> gynecologist, who is also a surgeon, as well as a

> very good oncologist who is also a surgeon. Both

> female. Both have worked together. Both will be there during the

surgery.

>

> According to the oncologist, we will not know

> what stage it is until after the Grand Opening

> (as it were). They'll be removing uterus,

> Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as the

> lymph nodes. Dr. Cheng has stated that from the

> imaging, she does not think the cancer has

> implanted in the uterus, that it may still be

> contained in the lining. This reduces the

> probability of it having spread, but again, we

> won't know until the pathology report comes back after the surgery.

>

> One problem is that although I have lost a very

> significant amount of weight (180 pounds), I

> still have quite a flap of fat on the abdomen. My

> oncologist wants to find a plastic surgeon to

> come in, remove the fat and give her a clear

> operating area, then after she does her job, the

> plastic surgeon would come back and tidy

> everything up. Doesn't add much time to the

> actual surgery, makes it much safer for me and

> easier for her to be certain she's gotten

> everything. Unfortunately, finding a plastic

> surgeon who can coordinate with them in

> post-Katrina New Orleans may be very difficult.

> In addition, the insurance companies consider ALL

> plastic surgery to be " cosmetic " and therefore

> " elective, " and thus, not covered.

>

> I will have to do a colonoscopy-type clean out, which I've never

done before.

>

> I am told that I will be in the hospital for 3-5

> days after the surgery, and that I will be

> allowed nothing by mouth for the first two days,

> except possibly some chips of ice. Then clear

> liquids for a day or two. Then soft foods.

>

> This, in itself, creates a problem because of

> staying strict SCD. I dare not trust the hospital

> to prepare safe food, so everything will have to

> be ready in advance, and Harry will bring up food when I am

allowed to have it.

>

> I'm planning bone broths and legal (diluted)

> juices for the clear liquids part. I'm thinking

> of pureeing some of my easiest to digest, well

> cooked vegetables, and (in separate containers),

> either beef or chicken for the soft foods aspect.

> Or both. Once I get home, I can have soft-boiled

> eggs, which I tolerate very well. I'll have some

> SCD goat yogurt ready for as soon as I am able to

> have it. I won't be doing much in the way of

> fruit or honey, because cancer, like yeast, is a

> sugar feeder. Based on my research, my

> (relatively) low carb version of SCD is the best

> possible diet I could follow for this, and may,

> indeed, be a major contributor to the fact that

> the cancer does not appear to have gotten any farther than it has.

>

> (My oncologist looked at the list of non-allowed

> and allowed foods, and said, " This looks like a

> celiac diet. Have you ever been tested? " I told

> her it was the original celiac diet, which was

> displaced by the gluten-free diet because

> gluten-free, although less effective, was easier

> and more profitable. And that since celiac

> testing requires eating gluten for at least three

> weeks before the test, I saw no reason to go off

> a diet that works and make myself as miserable as

> I had been for 25 years just for the sake of a

> test. She agreed -- why fiddle with what works?)

>

> I've talked with our current pastor (we used to

> have two co-pastors, and I knew the older pastor

> better, but our church no longer has the income

> it did before Katrina, and so the older pastor

> was asked to retire). Our church prayer group is

> praying for everything to proceed as it should. My sister's church

is, also.

>

> I hope I'll be able to be on-line relatively soon

> after I get out of the hospital, but I don't

> think I'll be up to much. I was so very, very

> desperately ill and had a terrible experience

> with the gall bladder surgery seven years ago.

> Same day surgery it was supposed to be, and I was

> in hospital for four days. This surgery is much

> more complex, and to be honest, the surgery --

> and anesthesia -- frightens me more than what comes next.

>

> A couple of people have commented about how well

> and calmly I am taking this. Actually, I'm not.

> When the doctor broke the news, I looked at Harry

> and said, " Now my books and my cook book will

> never be published! " and broke down crying. I've

> had quite a few crying jags in here. Keeping

> busy, continuing on is the only way I can handle it.

>

> I want to say thanks to all the people who have

> posted their SCD successes in the last week or

> so. It's the small miracles which give hope.

> Please don't stop posting such wonders! And for

> those of you who haven't (yet) had successes,

> remember that in healing, we take three steps

> forward and two steps back. And sometimes four

> steps back, but then six steps forward. I've just

> had a heckuva set of four steps. Can't wait to see the six forward.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>