Chat with @FaithfulScout and @PiecesOfWhoeverIWas
If you are not named in this post, please don't read/post/subscribe/react/etc … *Thank You!*
@PiecesOfWhoeverIWas - I hope you get this message. Feel free to ignore it, if the idea of a more dedicated conversation (ideally not in full public view) is not what you’re looking for. I appreciate you reading this!!
@FaithfulScout
Retagging just in case they didn't see the notification <3
@PiecesOfWhoeverIWas
That is so thoughtful! I really appreciate it 😊
You’re welcome! <3
@FaithfulScout I found it! I’m sorry again for the delay, I hope I didn’t worry you.
Please forgive me if I do have days between replies at times. Sometimes I sign on and intend to start going through messages, but then I get through one and something at home pulls me away. I just want to make sure no one takes it personally. Today is my first day having individual pen pal chats. ☺️
Anyway, how are things going with you?
Things are great, especially now that we’ve made it here!
No worries regarding any delays. Being on 7Cups has given me a chance to exercise my faith, since it seems like a lot of people come and go (and btw I’m not referring to you). Over my 2 short weeks on the site, I’m starting to get a sense of who might just be popping in with a question and then suddenly disappear vs. people who might be ready for actual connection.
I recognized the quality of your writing immediately, and I really did trust that we would continue our conversation when the time was right. (I’m also sure that @jesusredeemedme2425 was a big help in keeping my invitation current, that was so incredibly nice!)
Since we’re talking on the Pen Pal thread (which I know isn’t secure, but I’m okay with the honor system), I’d prefer to use my real name, Tom. I’m completely supportive of you or anyone wanting to be called any name of their choosing … my preference is just my actual name. (On the forums, I haven’t decided what I’ll use, but I am going to put my name in my bio.)
It’s about lunchtime, so I’m signing off for now … talk to you very soon!
You’re welcome hehe
@FaithfulScout Hi Tom! How was your weekend?
Hi Pieces, Thanks for writing!
I hear you about the depression in the background … glad it’s taking a backseat to your family vacation and other priorities.
Although I’ve only had ”3rd hand” experience with epilepsy, I can imagine the unpredictable nature of the disorder can be unsettling—it is so amazing the advances in modern medicine. Are your kids teenagers or young adults? My daughter is 20 and my son is 17. (Gosh, I thought I would worry less when they got older, but I think the opposite might be what’s true.) I’m sure you’re a great mom and on top of everything that needs taking care of!
All in all, I’m rolling with life as it comes. This week has been a bumpy ride … (this is also my reason for making the Pen Pal thread). Last week, I had a brain MRI, which revealed a spot on my left hemisphere. This Friday, I’ll get 2 more tests and the mapping of the surgical field, so I will be ready for surgery on Monday 7/21 at 7:30am.
We’re all optimistic, and I figure I can share more as you and I get to know each other better. (I mean, I am totally open to sharing whatever, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you, or myself, with all that has gone on in my life in the past year.)
So … thanks for taking all of this in!
@FaithfulScout Hi Tom. Please don’t worry about overwhelming me with anything. I am fine with long messages, details, heavy topics. I’m also fine with people wanting to keep things shorter. It’s completely up to your comfort level on any given day.
I’m really sorry to hear you’re dealing with this situation. Your appointments are coming up very soon. How are you feeling about it?
I forgot to answer your other question. I have 6 kids, some are grown and some still live with me.
“fine with long messages … also fine with people wanting to keep things shorter.”—Good to know, thanks!
Regarding my appointments, by the second day after receiving my test results, the reality of my situation finally sunk in. Although the MRI was pre-scheduled, it was a coincidence that I started experiencing minor symptoms a week ahead of the appointment, so I wasn’t as shocked over the news when the tumor was confirmed.
Last April I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. That was completely out of the blue. I had never smoked, was always healthy, and at the time I felt healthy. By a complete fluke, I was helping a buddy move things in his storage unit, when I “strained” my back and had to stop for the day.
After about 2 weeks when things only improved a little, I saw my doctor. Based on the information I gave him, he treated me with meds and rest. After another week went by with not much improvement, he ordered x-rays and saw 3 fractured vertebrae, plus a white mass at the base of my right lung.
This set off a series of tests and procedures beginning with the repair and rehabilitation of my back, and continuing with my ongoing cancer treatment.
I am so fortunate to have an incredible medical team and loved ones who are right there with me. Most of all, my relationship with God (the spiritual sense) is the source of my peace, comfort, and serenity as I encounter this next stop in my journey. I hope this gives you a sense of how I’m feeling.
And this actually reminds me of your post (probably one of the first that I read), “Struggling with my faith”. I love talking about God, and I’ll probably circle back to this one at some point.
I’ll talk to you soon!
@FaithfulScout You have a really good attitude about things. I’m glad you have such a good support system while going through this.
@FaithfulScout Hi Tom, it has been good to see your name! How did surgery go Monday? How have you been feeling this week?
@PiecesOfWhoeverIWas
Hi Pieces! The surgery was success … now there remains radiation therapy in a few weeks to reduce the tumor further (and minor speech therapy to “get some of my words back”)
I haven’t decided when to start up physical therapy again, but that’s okay (ever since I got my diagnosis last year, I have been doing PT almost every day). I'm definitely giving myself a chance to heal … plus I have a (scheduled) CT scan today, to monitor the cancer spread, and a post-op on Thursday. It’s a busy week, gonna need lots of rest!
Are you back from vacation?
@FaithfulScout I’m so glad to hear the surgery went well. It sounds like you’re finding a good balance taking care of yourself. You will be in my thoughts with your upcoming appointments and treatments.
@PiecesOfWhoeverIWas
Thank you for your good thoughts and wishes!
And good luck with getting everything the kids need!
