Re: hi Marti / to Marti

[Guest guest]

Dear Marti,

I haven't been writing or answering anyone because I've been in my

own little world lately. I spent 9 days in the hospital because of my

asthma (which got exacerbated by a bout of bronchitis). I have been

home about a week and a half now and truthfully, instead of feeling

better, I am " going downhill " again - wheezy, feverish, etc. So I

apologize for not answering anything you have posted.

I think you are very very brave. You are about to embark on a battle

that is literally going to take every fiber of your being to remain

positive, even on your worst days, that you will beat this thing. I

don't know if you have looked at any alternative medicines, but my

aunt, who had bone and liver cancer, went thru an alternative

treatment down in Mexico (involved complete body detox, she was there

for like 2 weeks) think its called the Oasis of Hope(?) but don't

quote this memory-fogged fibro chick. Anyhow, when she went down, she

was on 2 pain patches to control her pain; when she came back, she

didn't need any. She wasn't a fibro patient that I'm aware of, but I

do know that she didn't have the pain that is generally associated

with bone cancer.

I'll be praying for you. I don't know your beliefs and it doesn't

matter, I pray for people when I feel they need it.

I don't see where you have done anything " wrong " . I think, like the

site says, that sometimes, we are so wrapped up in our own pain and

disease that it makes it difficult to reach out and offer hope to

another sufferer.

As for me, the Lyrica 2x a day (at 150 mg) seems to be working. I do

have breakthrough pain midday, but taking a Robaxin helps

significantly. I have also drastically modified my schedule. I don't

plan too much for each day. I have a calendar and am okay if there is

only " one thing " on it to accomplish for the day. My housework is

literally done all day long. I may go into the kitchen one time and

empty/reload the dishwasher. The next time, make my DH's coffee for

the next day. My goal is to nap for at least an hour or two before I

have to get my kids (8 yr old twins) from school because I know once

they are home, I cannot rest. I do not want them thinking " mommy is

always sick " , if that makes sense. They are adopted and lived with

their bio mom who was an addict so she likely was " sick " all the

time. I do engage their help on a lot of stuff, making it fun and

taking a lot off my shoulders. I am starting to let people help me

instead of feeling like I need to do it all myself.

Gosh, didn't know I had this all in me. I just wanted to encourage

you that you DO belong here. I think you are helping folks, even if

they are not able to say anything right now.

((((Hugs)))))

Darlene

>

> What did you find our about your treatments? You can reply

privately if you

> prefer.

> Jeanne in WI

>

> > Hi Angie and Debra,

> > It is amazing how few people there really are who care about

others and

> > what they are going through. Several years ago I had Leukemia

(well I

> > guess I still do, but it's in remission and I am fine) and went

through

> > two rounds of chemotherapy. I was still working at the time and

really

> > didn't get any sympathy at all, after the beginning well wishes.

People

> > there and everywhere, including my family, really did not want to

know

> > about it. I think people get scared of having cancer themselves

and can't

> > talk about it or something - the same happens with Fibromyalgia.

There

> > are also those who say they don't know what to say. (My mother

says

> > that's the way the cookie crumbles.)

> > Now I'm starting chemo again next week for the bone cancer and

the few

> > people left that haven't already fallen out of my life because of

Fibro

> > don't want to talk about it. At least I'm not working now, so I

don't

> > have to look at the faces of the people I worked with like I did

the other

> > time. That was terrible. Seeing the uncaring faces look away

really

> > fast.

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ---

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

Search.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Darlene,

Thank you so much for writing. I can tell it was a tough thing for you to do

and I appreciate it. I feel terrible that you are apologizing for not writing

to me when you have been having such a horrible time. Your getting well is the

most important thing. When I had pneumonia I wasn't writing either and I was at

home for a while before I did. I'm so sorry you've been so sick. Nine days in

the hospital is a long time and you seem to be getting worse since you got home

instead of better. That is scary and frustrating.

Thank you for acknowledging what a battle I am about to undertake. I battle

as we all do the Fibro Beast every day. But this will be a different kind of

battle and I've been there before. I made it through then, when I had Leukemia,

and will make it through again. I'm just working on getting my mind out of the

pit I'm in and realizing how it could be worse. Last time I went through it

alone and this time both my daughter Andi and my cousin MJ will be here for me.

So that's uplifting in itself. I'm trying to concentrate on how lucky I am and

get my mind off of other things that are bringing me down. I will succeed I

know. Mind over matter helped me last time and it will this time when my mind

gets there and there is time for it to. I know I'm never given more than I can

handle, at least that is what I've got to remember. I am getting tired of

proving how much I can handle though.

I'm usually very good about going to my " Happy Place " in my mind when things

are really bad. And I've already turned the results over to the One who's will

I trust.

It sounds like you have a good plan worked out for " planning " what you can get

done. When I finally accepted that I could only do a little at a time I did

much better at getting anything done. I do what sounds very much like what you

do; do a little then sit back down. My biggie sometimes is getting back out of

the chair, but I do and do a little something else. Your plan of making sure

you nap before your kids get home seems to be working great. I can't even

imagine having FMS and taking care of 8 year old twins. You sound like such a

great mother, keeping it light with their helping you out and giving them your

attention most of the time when they are home. That is really courageous.

I'm supposed to have two of my grandchildren come stay 3 nights starting next

Saturday.Jack 6 is really easy to have, but this time I'm adding Brady 3 to come

too. Brady is afraid of my sweet little kitty who wouldn't hurt a fly, he's

afraid of mice and birds, my kitty not Brady. So because of this he has not

stayed over yet and Jack started staying over when he was one. He may end up

going home because it is in the nighttime that he is most afraid of LC, the

aforementioned kitty. Brady says the kitty will jump on me while I'm sleeping

and bite my face. No one knows where he came up with this, but he is sticking

to it. It would actually be great if he would stay a little while and then I

would just have Jack.

This will be right before I start the chemo, so starting it off with a bang.

Will probably have a flare during the first week. But hey, it will be a while

before they can come back to stay and I'll probably flare anyway, so it's worth

it. The bring me so much joy. And getting the room ready for the boys will

also be getting it ready for someone to stay over with me for those nights.

Thanks again for your prayers,

Marti

ddean228 wrote:

Dear Marti,

I haven't been writing or answering anyone because I've been in my

own little world lately. I spent 9 days in the hospital because of my

asthma (which got exacerbated by a bout of bronchitis). I have been

home about a week and a half now and truthfully, instead of feeling

better, I am " going downhill " again - wheezy, feverish, etc. So I

apologize for not answering anything you have posted.

I think you are very very brave. You are about to embark on a battle

that is literally going to take every fiber of your being to remain

positive, even on your worst days, that you will beat this thing. I

don't know if you have looked at any alternative medicines, but my

aunt, who had bone and liver cancer, went thru an alternative

treatment down in Mexico (involved complete body detox, she was there

for like 2 weeks) think its called the Oasis of Hope(?) but don't

quote this memory-fogged fibro chick. Anyhow, when she went down, she

was on 2 pain patches to control her pain; when she came back, she

didn't need any. She wasn't a fibro patient that I'm aware of, but I

do know that she didn't have the pain that is generally associated

with bone cancer.

I'll be praying for you. I don't know your beliefs and it doesn't

matter, I pray for people when I feel they need it.

I don't see where you have done anything " wrong " . I think, like the

site says, that sometimes, we are so wrapped up in our own pain and

disease that it makes it difficult to reach out and offer hope to

another sufferer.

As for me, the Lyrica 2x a day (at 150 mg) seems to be working. I do

have breakthrough pain midday, but taking a Robaxin helps

significantly. I have also drastically modified my schedule. I don't

plan too much for each day. I have a calendar and am okay if there is

only " one thing " on it to accomplish for the day. My housework is

literally done all day long. I may go into the kitchen one time and

empty/reload the dishwasher. The next time, make my DH's coffee for

the next day. My goal is to nap for at least an hour or two before I

have to get my kids (8 yr old twins) from school because I know once

they are home, I cannot rest. I do not want them thinking " mommy is

always sick " , if that makes sense. They are adopted and lived with

their bio mom who was an addict so she likely was " sick " all the

time. I do engage their help on a lot of stuff, making it fun and

taking a lot off my shoulders. I am starting to let people help me

instead of feeling like I need to do it all myself.

Gosh, didn't know I had this all in me. I just wanted to encourage

you that you DO belong here. I think you are helping folks, even if

they are not able to say anything right now.

((((Hugs)))))

Darlene

>

> What did you find our about your treatments? You can reply

privately if you

> prefer.

> Jeanne in WI

>

> > Hi Angie and Debra,

> > It is amazing how few people there really are who care about

others and

> > what they are going through. Several years ago I had Leukemia

(well I

> > guess I still do, but it's in remission and I am fine) and went

through

> > two rounds of chemotherapy. I was still working at the time and

really

> > didn't get any sympathy at all, after the beginning well wishes.

People

> > there and everywhere, including my family, really did not want to

know

> > about it. I think people get scared of having cancer themselves

and can't

> > talk about it or something - the same happens with Fibromyalgia.

There

> > are also those who say they don't know what to say. (My mother

says

> > that's the way the cookie crumbles.)

> > Now I'm starting chemo again next week for the bone cancer and

the few

> > people left that haven't already fallen out of my life because of

Fibro

> > don't want to talk about it. At least I'm not working now, so I

don't

> > have to look at the faces of the people I worked with like I did

the other

> > time. That was terrible. Seeing the uncaring faces look away

really

> > fast.

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ---

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

Search.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/10/2008 12:56:27 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

martibowenboguski@... writes:

Thank you so much for all of your support. I really appreciate it. You have

reminded me that I need to go to the library and get some books on tape

before next week. Thanks for that too.

Can't the library lend you a cd player to listen to the cd's on?

Love and gentle hugs,

Debi/Central Cal.-55

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Be a good e-mail buddy, and ALWAYS

protect your friends from email address harvesters which can lead to more

Spam, unwanted mail, and even viruses.

Copy and paste forwards into a new email and place parenthesis around the

addresses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.

(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\

5

48)

[Guest guest]

Dear Marti,

Grandchildren are such a delight aren't they? I have 2 by my son (so

far; 2 diff moms, another story...lol). The oldest is going to be 2

and on several occasions, I have asked my " heart " daughter if I could

keep her for awhile - the last time was the week of Thanksgiving. I

was whupped by the time I took her home....lol...but it was so very

worth it! The youngest is still an infant (4 months), but I got to

see her for the first time at Thanksgiving as well. My son and her

mom will likely get married, so I will " inherit " a 4 yr old grandson

and an 8 yr old grandson! Imagine that.....45 yrs old (well, at the

end of the month, anyhow) and a grandma to 4 kids! Plus, the older

granddaughter's half-sisters call me grandma so it makes

6.....hahahahaha.....

It's funny that your younger grandson has that notion about your

kitty. He had to have heard or seen something to make him think that,

but then again, sometimes kids come up with the darndest things!

I think getting the room ready will help lift your spirits a lot. And

having people there this time to help you, well, that will make all

the difference in the world. Let them pamper you. Let them do for

you. It's something they obviously want to do and it's their way of

showing just how much they care for you!

We all definitely have battles every day. I commend those who can

still work. I honestly do not see myself working a " real " job ever

again. I can and do, however, create resumes for folks on a

consultant basis because I can do it from home on " my time " . I have

found the mornings are best for me, as the day goes on, my energy

level lags some; I have started taking a protein shake that is my

mom's concoction which is helping, but I haven't been on it for long,

only a week.

Something I suggested to my aunt, as well as to someone I know who

has to go thru dialysis 3x a week for 4 hours a shot is getting a

portable walkman/MP3/IPOD/whatever and listening to music that is

inspirational to them - whether it be instrumental or vocal. There's

just something about music, you know? It can calm and sooth where

nothing else can. Also, have you thought about using an essential oil

(lavendar)? It also soothes. And for painful areas, wintergreen is

fantastic, although birch essential oil works even better than that!

Know that you don't have to answer and/or acknowledge everyone. I

believe the majority of this list that is active is aware of just how

much you DO care for them, even when you cannot post. Don't apologize

for not posting; you will on good days. We all know that. Just keep

us posted and know that I'll keep you lifted in prayer.

(((Hugs)))

Darlene

>

> Dear Darlene,

>

> Thank you so much for writing. I can tell it was a tough thing

for you to do and I appreciate it. I feel terrible that you are

apologizing for not writing to me when you have been having such a

horrible time. Your getting well is the most important thing. When

I had pneumonia I wasn't writing either and I was at home for a while

before I did. I'm so sorry you've been so sick. Nine days in the

hospital is a long time and you seem to be getting worse since you

got home instead of better. That is scary and frustrating.

>

> Thank you for acknowledging what a battle I am about to

undertake. I battle as we all do the Fibro Beast every day. But

this will be a different kind of battle and I've been there before.

I made it through then, when I had Leukemia, and will make it through

again. I'm just working on getting my mind out of the pit I'm in and

realizing how it could be worse. Last time I went through it alone

and this time both my daughter Andi and my cousin MJ will be here for

me. So that's uplifting in itself. I'm trying to concentrate on how

lucky I am and get my mind off of other things that are bringing me

down. I will succeed I know. Mind over matter helped me last time

and it will this time when my mind gets there and there is time for

it to. I know I'm never given more than I can handle, at least that

is what I've got to remember. I am getting tired of proving how much

I can handle though.

>

> I'm usually very good about going to my " Happy Place " in my mind

when things are really bad. And I've already turned the results over

to the One who's will I trust.

>

> It sounds like you have a good plan worked out for " planning "

what you can get done. When I finally accepted that I could only do

a little at a time I did much better at getting anything done. I do

what sounds very much like what you do; do a little then sit back

down. My biggie sometimes is getting back out of the chair, but I do

and do a little something else. Your plan of making sure you nap

before your kids get home seems to be working great. I can't even

imagine having FMS and taking care of 8 year old twins. You sound

like such a great mother, keeping it light with their helping you out

and giving them your attention most of the time when they are home.

That is really courageous.

>

> I'm supposed to have two of my grandchildren come stay 3 nights

starting next Saturday.Jack 6 is really easy to have, but this time

I'm adding Brady 3 to come too. Brady is afraid of my sweet little

kitty who wouldn't hurt a fly, he's afraid of mice and birds, my

kitty not Brady. So because of this he has not stayed over yet and

Jack started staying over when he was one. He may end up going home

because it is in the nighttime that he is most afraid of LC, the

aforementioned kitty. Brady says the kitty will jump on me while I'm

sleeping and bite my face. No one knows where he came up with this,

but he is sticking to it. It would actually be great if he would

stay a little while and then I would just have Jack.

>

> This will be right before I start the chemo, so starting it off

with a bang. Will probably have a flare during the first week. But

hey, it will be a while before they can come back to stay and I'll

probably flare anyway, so it's worth it. The bring me so much joy.

And getting the room ready for the boys will also be getting it ready

for someone to stay over with me for those nights.

>

> Thanks again for your prayers,

> Marti

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Darlene,

What a sweet letter. I loved hearing about your grand children. Boy you are

a young grand mother, but things happen when they happen. I was 53 when Jack 6

was born and I felt like a young grand mother too, although my daughter was 28

and that already made me fell old - not really. It's just always hard to

believe our children are the ages they are, from little on up. It sounds like

you will be having a bunch of them soon. Being with mine is the joy of my life.

I love just hearing them say Nana and holding my hand when we go somewhere. I

wish I could see them more often, but right now it's about once a month. Before

that blasted school started I use to have Jack stay over with me at least twice

a month. I really think Nana time should be worked into the school schedule.

But they won't listen to me.

I started today getting the room ready. First I had to clean the bathroom.

It's my son's bathroom when he is here - and since Christmas he has been here a

lot, but school is back in session so that is over - and I thought he had been

keeping it clean. I don't know why I thought that, but when I went in there I

was very surprised. It hadn't been cleaned since Thanksgiving and was really a

mess. I told him on the phone today that if I could get to him, I would grab

him and have him down here cleaning that tub. I got most of the bathroom

finished, but still have the tub and toilet for tomorrow. I also put some wash

away and folded some towels. Big day for me. I gotta do something about this

clutter. I have to make myself start throwing things away or giving them away

if they are in good shape. I've also got to get things done by mid week so I

can rest before they come or I might have a flare while their here. Couldn't

handle that.

Mornings are my best times too. My mind and my body start to fade as the day

wears on. I think it's great that you are doing resumes for people. I'm trying

to make a little money on line helping parents and teachers with kids with

Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. It's what I used to do before I

couldn't work full time, after I quit being an accountant.( Can't be much more

different than those two.) My son has Aspergers and I have a teaching

certificate and a Masters, so I'm trying to build something on that. I really

need the money. I just hope I can stay mentally alert enough and free of brain

fog and fatigue and pain enough to make some headway.

I have a walkman and the last time I did the chemo I listened to books on

tape. I don't have one that plays CD's and I think most of the books are on CD

now, so maybe my daughter might loan me hers, if she has one. She has this mp3

player that is the size of a credit card. She and her husband love to have all

the newest gadgets. Anyway that's what takes my mind off of things the best. I

love music, but it makes my emotions go up and down significantly depending on

what is playing. Sometimes my favorite songs make me sob. I'm strange like

that. Maybe a little to sensitive.

Thank you so much for all of your support. I really appreciate it. You have

reminded me that I need to go to the library and get some books on tape before

next week. Thanks for that too.

Blessed be,

Marti

My thought for the day:

You did what you knew how to do

And when you know better you do better. Maya Angelou

ddean228 wrote:

Dear Marti,

Grandchildren are such a delight aren't they? I have 2 by my son (so

far; 2 diff moms, another story...lol). The oldest is going to be 2

and on several occasions, I have asked my " heart " daughter if I could

keep her for awhile - the last time was the week of Thanksgiving. I

was whupped by the time I took her home....lol...but it was so very

worth it! The youngest is still an infant (4 months), but I got to

see her for the first time at Thanksgiving as well. My son and her

mom will likely get married, so I will " inherit " a 4 yr old grandson

and an 8 yr old grandson! Imagine that.....45 yrs old (well, at the

end of the month, anyhow) and a grandma to 4 kids! Plus, the older

granddaughter's half-sisters call me grandma so it makes

6.....hahahahaha.....

It's funny that your younger grandson has that notion about your

kitty. He had to have heard or seen something to make him think that,

but then again, sometimes kids come up with the darndest things!

I think getting the room ready will help lift your spirits a lot. And

having people there this time to help you, well, that will make all

the difference in the world. Let them pamper you. Let them do for

you. It's something they obviously want to do and it's their way of

showing just how much they care for you!

We all definitely have battles every day. I commend those who can

still work. I honestly do not see myself working a " real " job ever

again. I can and do, however, create resumes for folks on a

consultant basis because I can do it from home on " my time " . I have

found the mornings are best for me, as the day goes on, my energy

level lags some; I have started taking a protein shake that is my

mom's concoction which is helping, but I haven't been on it for long,

only a week.

Something I suggested to my aunt, as well as to someone I know who

has to go thru dialysis 3x a week for 4 hours a shot is getting a

portable walkman/MP3/IPOD/whatever and listening to music that is

inspirational to them - whether it be instrumental or vocal. There's

just something about music, you know? It can calm and sooth where

nothing else can. Also, have you thought about using an essential oil

(lavendar)? It also soothes. And for painful areas, wintergreen is

fantastic, although birch essential oil works even better than that!

Know that you don't have to answer and/or acknowledge everyone. I

believe the majority of this list that is active is aware of just how

much you DO care for them, even when you cannot post. Don't apologize

for not posting; you will on good days. We all know that. Just keep

us posted and know that I'll keep you lifted in prayer.

(((Hugs)))

Darlene

>

> Dear Darlene,

>

> Thank you so much for writing. I can tell it was a tough thing

for you to do and I appreciate it. I feel terrible that you are

apologizing for not writing to me when you have been having such a

horrible time. Your getting well is the most important thing. When

I had pneumonia I wasn't writing either and I was at home for a while

before I did. I'm so sorry you've been so sick. Nine days in the

hospital is a long time and you seem to be getting worse since you

got home instead of better. That is scary and frustrating.

>

> Thank you for acknowledging what a battle I am about to

undertake. I battle as we all do the Fibro Beast every day. But

this will be a different kind of battle and I've been there before.

I made it through then, when I had Leukemia, and will make it through

again. I'm just working on getting my mind out of the pit I'm in and

realizing how it could be worse. Last time I went through it alone

and this time both my daughter Andi and my cousin MJ will be here for

me. So that's uplifting in itself. I'm trying to concentrate on how

lucky I am and get my mind off of other things that are bringing me

down. I will succeed I know. Mind over matter helped me last time

and it will this time when my mind gets there and there is time for

it to. I know I'm never given more than I can handle, at least that

is what I've got to remember. I am getting tired of proving how much

I can handle though.

>

> I'm usually very good about going to my " Happy Place " in my mind

when things are really bad. And I've already turned the results over

to the One who's will I trust.

>

> It sounds like you have a good plan worked out for " planning "

what you can get done. When I finally accepted that I could only do

a little at a time I did much better at getting anything done. I do

what sounds very much like what you do; do a little then sit back

down. My biggie sometimes is getting back out of the chair, but I do

and do a little something else. Your plan of making sure you nap

before your kids get home seems to be working great. I can't even

imagine having FMS and taking care of 8 year old twins. You sound

like such a great mother, keeping it light with their helping you out

and giving them your attention most of the time when they are home.

That is really courageous.

>

> I'm supposed to have two of my grandchildren come stay 3 nights

starting next Saturday.Jack 6 is really easy to have, but this time

I'm adding Brady 3 to come too. Brady is afraid of my sweet little

kitty who wouldn't hurt a fly, he's afraid of mice and birds, my

kitty not Brady. So because of this he has not stayed over yet and

Jack started staying over when he was one. He may end up going home

because it is in the nighttime that he is most afraid of LC, the

aforementioned kitty. Brady says the kitty will jump on me while I'm

sleeping and bite my face. No one knows where he came up with this,

but he is sticking to it. It would actually be great if he would

stay a little while and then I would just have Jack.

>

> This will be right before I start the chemo, so starting it off

with a bang. Will probably have a flare during the first week. But

hey, it will be a while before they can come back to stay and I'll

probably flare anyway, so it's worth it. The bring me so much joy.

And getting the room ready for the boys will also be getting it ready

for someone to stay over with me for those nights.

>

> Thanks again for your prayers,

> Marti

>

>

---------------------------------

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

[Guest guest]

That's interesting. I didn't know they had them. I will check on it. Thanks,

Marti

DebiAC012553@... wrote:

In a message dated 2/10/2008 12:56:27 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

martibowenboguski@... writes:

Thank you so much for all of your support. I really appreciate it. You have

reminded me that I need to go to the library and get some books on tape

before next week. Thanks for that too.

Can't the library lend you a cd player to listen to the cd's on?

Love and gentle hugs,

Debi/Central Cal.-55

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Be a good e-mail buddy, and ALWAYS

protect your friends from email address harvesters which can lead to more

Spam, unwanted mail, and even viruses.

Copy and paste forwards into a new email and place parenthesis around the

addresses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.

(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\

5

48)