I've been MIA lately, and a couple of you have been worried about me when you got an auto reply to email....thanks for worrying, my friends.

My mother had an MRI done the other day, and when the doctor got the results, he called me(I'm the one that gets called) to tell me that my mother had a tumor on her spine that was the cause of her motility problems and her pain. And he was pretty certain it was a metastasized tumor.

So, I cancelled all my jobs and drove to Mom's. Had the pleasure of telling her she had terminal cancer. Went to the doctor to discuss end of life issues. Arranged Hospice care. All this by my little old self because no other family could find time to come and help.

I've been up day and night taking care of Mom, managing her pain and taking care of all her personal needs.

Yesterday, we went in for a PET scan, to see how far the cancer had spread. Today the Doctor called to tell me that upon reviewing that scan, he was taking his diagnosis back, that she had a fractured vertebrae, not terminal cancer.

I am not allowed to type the kind of words I want to about all this. They are not nice words. I am not happy. They made me tell my mother she is dying, and THEN THEY TOOK IT BACK. Now we're waiting for an outpatient proceedure....





Jumping Jehosophat.




I need a drink.....

(Message edited by barbara_gibson on December 16, 2008)

Barbara!!!!
I was thinking about you as I got an auto reply and was worried sick!!!!!

I am SO very sorry that you your Mom was mis-diagnosed. WTF is going on lately with these doctors and their reviewing of reports/scans?!?!?!
He may want to get his money back from Sally Struthers school, huh?

Anyway, PLEASE, PLEASE know that you and your Mom remain in my prayers. I truly hope that she gets the proper care she deserves and she's heals up completely.
Prayers that the vertebrae will be healed and she'll be back in action very soon.
I hope she gets good enough to put her foot up that doctor's arse!!!!

Sheesh.....BIG hugs to you both!
I have missed you!!!! Please keep us posted.

****It's me, Kobi I have been turned into an action figure!!! Maybe I can help with the butt kicking the doctor deserves?!?! LOL

Oh CB {{{{{{{H U G S}}}}}}

Oh CB, how terrible to have to go through that! I actually can say I know how you feel as I had a doc tell me I had cancer last week and then he took it back too! Now, I didn't have to tell my mom like you did, but I did have to tell my hubby and that was not, I repeat, not fun or a thing I ever want to go through again. Once the anger subsides, everything will be all good again. I don't know about you, but I know that is was time for me to find a new doctor after that! Still looking, my faith in doc's is a little rocked right now, but I did make sure I got a second opinion that is was not cancer and all is good again. Actually, I had three doctors read the results to be 100% sure after that doctor's blooper.

On the bright side, I am so happy that it is not cancer for your mom! You are a wonderful daughter doing all that you do for your mom. Really big moose (((HUGS))) to you and her from Jersey.

Kobi, love your new look!

Thanks for you good thoughts, girlfriend.

I actually like her DR, and I know he wouldn't have told me if he'd had any doubt. And he's called every day to see if we need anything.

But, Sheesh....


Bad Words.....I'm saying Bad Words....

Know that we're all right there with you CB --- keeping you and your Mom close
and at the ready
to kick arse
as needed!!!

Huge hugs to you my Friend and gentle hugs for Mom

oh and a bottle of the best red wine you've ever tasted... sit back, swirl it around and admire the legs, breathe it in, slowly breathe out through your mouth, take a sip and hold it in your mouth for a moment and relax those shoulders

we've got you covered.....

Oh, gosh, you guys jumped in while I was grumbling and typing.

Thanks, buddies!

Debbie, glad yours took it back, too!

This is one of the worst things I've EVER heard in my life!! I can't even imagine what you were going thru, by yourself no less!! I am FLOORED right now!!
I was reading this and started crying, then it turned from sadness to absolute anger.
Barbara, I am so sorry that you went thru this, but I am so happy that they were wrong.

I'm still pretty shocked about that one, I can't imagine how YOU are handling it! Debbie got mis-diagnosed the other day also, and had to endure hours of thinking it was something really bad. Then, she finds out they made a mistake.

GIHUGIC HUGS to you and your mother

Barbra, spill your guts dear lady. Go ahead, I have your back till 10:00 PM. That was one big mistake.

Talk to Deebie B. Or Me, same sh$t. I was making arrangements as well, the SOB!

Barbara, I second Boom's sentiments! We'll have your back regardless where you are or what situation you're in.
I'm glad that you like the doctor; hoping that he can earn trust again as I am sure that was rocked a little.

Tell him you have tons of girlfriends that are at the ready. H*ll, I even have a sword now LOL!

Take care and stay in touch!!!

She's got a metal bra, don't mess with her!! Barbara, your's is on the way!!!!!!!

To my fellow Mods, please alow CB to vent, walk away, all kids should be in bed. I will clean up anything that needs it at 10. Thanks.

I'll pick up in the morning, venting is part of what we are all about here. There is always someone to care and we are all better for it.

Barb you go right a head and vent dear,, those damn doctors are a pain in the donkey.. they are human but shouldn't tell people the wrong thing without consulting another doctor first.. we are all here for you.. wish I could come and pour you a drink...

Barbara, I am so glad you posted. When your auto reply came back, I was extremely worried for you and your Mom. What happened sucked (slap me) no other way to put it but, I am so glad it was a mis-diagnosis. From the bottom of my heart, I hope that you and your Mom enjoy many more years.

Tho others may walk away without helping, for all you are doing and have done for your mother, your light shines bright.

donkey?

Did she say donkey?

Tom

Holy Moly, CB. I don't have the words to tell you how sorry this ...stuff is. I can't imagine what you and your Mom have gone through.

Please take a little time to re-group before you make any decisions on what to do about all this.

Giant hugs and kisses,

-Steve

CB...O..M...F...GAWD....I don't really have any other words to say than O...M...F...GAWD...I have tears, thinking how HORRIBLE it must have been for you to hear this, and then have to tell your mom, arrange for hospice...ALONE!!!!! I wanna kick some donkey!!!!

BIG hugs to you and your mom. PLEASE call me anytime you need a shoulder, or just to vent or talk or whatever. I don't know how this is affecting your work, I know this is your busiest time of year. If my company had not been so kind when I went through my he)), I would have been out of a job.

omg...i said donkey and he)). jerry, you got some work to do...

I am still stunned...I cannot even imagine....I'd write some letters to the facility that took the tests, and the radiologist that read them. They need to know they screwed up.

OK, end of rant. CB, please rant away and know I am sending you one big ole' virtual hug

Well, look who droped in, I almost crapped myself!

Good advice Steve.

Thanks, my friends.

When I went to the see the Dr, all the staff came by and said they were sorry and that they really liked my mom. They gave me their cell phones so I could call them over the weekend if I needed anything. They are a caring bunch, and that makes it easier to forgive them and work with them.

I think I I'm more bitter with my family, what there is of it...you'd think I was an only child...

Today, I got email from my niece, whom I've bailed out plenty, saying she knows I'm busy and all, but could I write a better letter of recommendation for her husband's immigration review.....

Bad Words(I know really good ones!)

Jerry said "crap".....

CB, might be time to say, no more.............

Yes CB, it's hard to slap yourself, people start to talk, you know how it is.

CB - huge hugs coming from the cold, snowy, and slippery midwest.

I'd be saying a lot of very bad words right now too... probably yelling them so my neighbors could hear.

You know what helps in times like this?

I hear it makes you go blind......

OK, I'm out of here. The 10:00 PM gig is over. Post NICE CRAP only. Please remember that it could have been cancer. Get a good nights rest dear lady.

Oops.....I meant slapping yourself, not puppies!

Love the pic, Becky. What cuties.

I'm missing my kitties, and my Eric....

I'm with Tink...OMF GAWD! I know some pretty bad words too (you have probably heard me say a few)and right about now saying them would make me feel better for you.

You are way too kind..I would have kicked the Drs. a$$ and then let him apologize. I know you like the Dr. but geeeeez, this is a major blunder. My heart goes out to you and your mom to have to listen as this news was being told to you and then you going and doing the next step....I am so sorry. My offer stands, TELL ME IF YOU NEED SOMETHING!!!! I can't do everything but ya know...I got family in places...CB, hugs my friend to you and your mom. You are a big part of my circle of friends and I don't like when my friends hurt. We'll talk soon, any time...

I love that pic Beckey.

giant hugs cb and mom. how awful to go through that but am so glad it is not the big c
hi to all and hugs to those who need it.
elaine

Visiting a friend in the hospital a couple of years ago...two jock docs come bursting in and started telling my friend and his wife that he was terminal..I quickly stepped out in the hall..moments later they came out and went into the next room-stayed a couple of minutes-came back out in the hall talking to each other in their native tongue. Went into my friends room and said they were in the wrong room and he was fine...while his wife in flooding tears looked on...twenty minutes and prayer later I tried to find them to no avail. There are some things you triple check before you act I don't care how busy you are. Barbara, hang in there...We luv you...

Barbara, what a horrible ordeal for your mum and you. Hugs from the UK.

OMG!!!!

I am very glad to hear that your mom is OK and just needs a little surgery.

I can't imagine what you all went through, OMG! Lots and lots of hugs to you. So sorry you went through this.

Barbara - what an ordeal you & your Mom went through! So very happy that she'll be OK. Very scary.
Sending along lots of gentle hugs to you & your Mom. Please keep us updated.

CB sorry to hear all of that. Hugs and prayers are still coming your way............

CB, just BIG hugs and love sent your way. And I completely understand about being the "one" who has to handle everything, including having to tell loved ones that they are terminal because no one else could face it. Just glad to hear that the doc misdiagnosed and things won't be so bad. (((((hugs)))))

CB....I cannot even imagine the emotional roller coaster you've been on...

Big Hugs.....
Sincere prayer for your Mom and you and all your are going through...

OMG CB!!!! I can't imagine what both you and your Mom have gone through.
You two are in my prayers and hugs.

CB...just glad to hear it wasn't terminal....I'd still want to KTA but, one good thing did come from this you found out where the rest of the family stands.....hard to take but, at least you know.

Prayers up for you and your mom.

How awful! I'm so sorry you and your Mom had to go through all that crap. And so glad the diagnosis was reversed. Hang in there. We'll always listen.

Barbara how terrible on one level and how wonderful on another. That seems to be the way thing are going lately for everyone. Up, down, up, down and not the good kind of up/down. My family's health has been doing similar gyrations. My father was in and out of the hospital three times last week (probably from the flu).

The take away I'm getting to paraphrase Mr. Reagan, Trust your doctor but verify.

Barb, thank God. Glad everything is OK.

oH CB,
First, I am soooo glad your Mom will be OK.

Second...OMG...I am soo sorry you had to deal with all that.

Bless you and enjoy your mom this Christmas and for many more years.

HH...that is a horrible story as well...check the room number!

CB, I feel so bad for you for what you've been through. Like everyone, first the sadness at the news, then the anger at the reversal. But happy too that it's not that evil C. But I'm mostly sad about your family's reaction. I'm sorry they weren't there for you and your mother when you needed them. I hope they realize family is the most important thing in the world.
(((((((((HUGS)))))))))

CB - so many big hugs for you and for your Mom. What a raw mix of emotions - not just on the diagnosis and reversal but on the family. I can't imagine how much you have had to endure...and to not have anyone to help in any way. I am so sorry - you know your BT family will do ANYTHING that they can to help.

With again huge hugs to you and Mom and to the center of your soul and core.

Guys, thanks so much. I was kind of just posting a "you're not going to believe this" story. Not until I looked in and saw this outpouring of support did the reality of the last week sink in for me.

I've gotten so much unasked for support from you all. I'm reminded again what a unique place BT is.

Because of all this, I won't be getting Holiday cards out, and I was already receiving them from you when I left town. Consider yourselves "carded", though, with my best wishes for the season, whatever flavors you celebrate!

Wow...don't even know what to say other than let those bad words fly! Yowsers! How rough. So as the eternal optimist...at least you got good news.

No worries, being "carded" is great.

I'm still amazed. This is just, so, awful and good at the same time. Ugh!

Whare has Mark been...

I'm off to Bonaire soon. Can't wait to get in the water...

I'm sorry for the pain that I know you went through when you heard the news and when you had to tell your mother. Unfortunately, even the reversal can't take away that. And come on, a tumor and a fracture look different on a MRI, I'm sure. But in the end, all that matters is that you and she have had great news. And your mother will always remember that you were the one that was there for her even though other family members weren't.

CB, I am flabbergasted upon reading this. OMG....
just shocked that such a mistake could be made. Glad all is better for you and your mother. All the more reason now to enjoy and hug hug hug & love love love one another this special time of year.