Re: ((((((((Shirley!!)))))))) from your old pal...

[Guest guest]

Dear Shirley,

Gosh! I can't tell you how nice it is to be back in touch with you here.

It's been so long that I don't quite know where to start. I love you and all

the other friends who were family here years ago. You are so kind to write

so many nice things to me. Yes, I was here when (was it Dr. Sutherland?),

performed your total pancreatectomy surgery and islet cell transplant in

Dec. 2000. I remember one of the members was in touch with your husband and

kept us updated on how you were recovering. The trials, setbacks, and

finally the triumph of your recovery! There were a lot of prayers and hopes

going for you and you fought hard and we were all so relieved when you

turned the corner, and got back home. I'm so happy for you that the surgery

was a success. You deserve it. I'm just sorry that you have several other

problems old and new. Don't you have hepatitis? You are a real fighter and

you should be proud of yourself for pulling through all that you have had to

endure.

I'm sorry that Carole isn't here anymore. I hope that she will perhaps

come back. I appreciate your forwarding that e-mail to her and hope that she

will write back. You're right, Carole is so sweet and caring. I remember

several times that I was back in the hospital with surgery or whatever and

she sent me the nicest cards as you did in Nov. 2000 when I had my Whipple.

Remember, I had my surgery first in Nov., and you went in for your surgery

in Dec. My how time has flown! Unfortunately the Whipple didn't " take, " as

the Dr. put it. Oh well. Others have it much worse than we do, although I am

concerned about your diabetes. Are you on insulin, pills, special diet ect?

I take 30 units of 70/30 humilin a.m., and 25 units p.m.

Say, that is wonderful news about Peg and . I definitely remember

that situation as it was so heartbreaking to hear of a child suffering with

C.P. and his mother's love, care, and fear seeing her little boy in that

level of severe pain. An answer to prayer and a good medical team can work

miracles!

Well, I want to type some more, but I just got out of the hospital and I

haven't gotten back up to full strength just yet, so I'll have to sign off

for now, but I'll be back hopefully tommorrow and I hope that you continue

to do as well as you can and please write back whenever you get the chance.

I can't tell you how good I felt when I got your post tonight - made me feel

welcomed back and loved because I love all of you. You helped me through a

lot of hard times and I appreciate all of the wonderful support here. I

heard from Mark and Karyn and I hope that mabe some of the new folks will be

in touch or vice' versa! God Bless and keep you safe. Thank you for being my

friend. :-)

Love & Thoughts,

Henry