topic Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME in Jewelry

Finally a Message From ME2ME

Me2Me — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:33:58 GMT

I want to apologize to all my Ripkanista friends for putting you all on hold for so long. I have had a rough patch of illnesses that I wasn't quite sure how to share with all of you...

As some of you know I am a breast cancer survivor. In 2010, I did what I thought I had to do to survive. Chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy, implants, and radiation. At the end of that year I had to have my implants removed due to a staph infection, but I made it through.

This summer, I had some days were I wasn't feeling quite myself. I went to my primary doctor...who was concerned about the mass I had on my sternum. I felt pressure on my chest and had been having a hard time sleeping. The only sleep I could get was laying on one of our recliners. I went two my oncologist within a couple of weeks and she did the usual blood testing to determine if my cancer had come back....she said I was cancer free.

Another few weeks went by and I was doing laundry. I noticed that I felt winded when I went to unload my dryer. I then believed I could have bronchitis and went to my primary doctor again. She did an EKG on me and order for me to have a CT scan that very day. Nothing was found other than my heart rate was a little elevated.

Within a few days I asked my DH to take me to the ER. I knew something was wrong, but even after blood work, another chest x-ray, and a overnight stay....they found nothing. They sent me home thinking I was a crazy lady with stress! Yeah! I had stress I wasn't getting any sleep.

Finally, my DH has had enough and he calls all my doctors and tells them this thing on my chest is getting larger and my wife can hardly breathe.....I was finally sent for all types of testing....MRI...and a biopsy.

My biopsy results were given to me on Halloween.....The mass on my sternum is a newer type of breast cancer for me, HER. It is completely different from the other cancer I had and that is why it didn't show in my blood work. Breast cancer HER is treatable, but not curable. I will be taking a chemo pill Veladox? and be giving radiation soon. I also have a small mass on my chest with 5 lymph nodes that are infected.....

That day that I am getting this wonderful news.....Thank God my Dad had come down from Ohio to visit......cause that was a rough day! My oncologist noticed that my feet were swelling. I had edema. The next day my feet and legs started swelling and then I noticed that Sunday....nothing was fitting me! My torso down had edema! My DH rushed me to the ER again!

All these months everyone including myself thought it was the mass pressing from my sternum to my heart and it wasn't! To make a long story short. I spent nine days in the hospital for congestive heart failure! I am 48 years old and I have never smoked. I am not overweight.....My cardiologist even did a heart catheter on me.......my arteries are clear and very healthy. The problem is a virus recently moved in my body and attacked my heart and now my heart is pumping at 15-20%. They have no idea how this has happened to me? I am home now on a Life Vest and I can only drink 1 and 1/2 liters of liquid a day and my sodium in take is less than 2,000 mg. My cardiologist tells me that if my heart doesn't get better on it's own within a few months.....he will have to install a fibulator in my chest.

I also have to wait for my heart to get a little better before I start my cancer treatment. Waiting to hear from them today. I still have to get a PETSCAN and a bone CT.

I feel numb and scared. I look around and I am not quite sure what to do? I have four beautiful sons that I have to fight for, including my DH.

I just want all of you ladies to know this. If you feel there is something wrong with you....Don't you let the doctors do a few tests and send you away. You know your body better than they do. Get complete blood work done.

I'm going to look through Ripka now. I think I need a little something new to brighten my week.

Much Love, Christine

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

Sammycat1 — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 17:52:19 GMT

Good Lord -- I'm amazed at your resilience to even be able to post to us! Prayers are being sent up for you immediately and for as long as you need -- and longer. We've missed you terribly here and it's good to hear from you.

We are going through some cardiac issues with DH; it's a similar experience -- we have to push everyone at every step of the way to get to the bottom of it.

I think you deserve several Ripka "pity gems" to boost your spirits, ASAP! That's an official prescription!

Your courage under fire is more than commendable -- and please know that we here are with you during this fight.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

judyakm — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:16:55 GMT

Christine, you have been thru so much....I am so glad they finally figured out what the issues was so you can begin getting the treatment relief you need....finally!!! Thoughts, prayers and hugs are coming your way!!!!!!

judy

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

2zbeach — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:22:25 GMT

Dear Christine, I am sorry to hear that life has thrown you such a curveball. You were wise indeed to listen to your body. Please know that you will be in my prayers and that hugs and warm wishes are coming your way. I think I'll throw in a little pixie dust for good measure. Please know that we are all pulling with you during your fight.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

equss — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:25:27 GMT

Me2me I am so sorry to read about your health problems. Sending you positive, healing energy. I do not post on ripka as much as I use to, but have missed seeing your postings. Wishing you improved health very soon.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

debsgirl — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:31:06 GMT

For what it's worth, my friend's 35-year-old son-in-law had the same heart diagnosis. His heart improved on its own, and he now is driving, taking classes, working out (with limitations) and traveling to Spain! Continue being your own best diagnostician, and don't hesitate to invoke the drs when something feels off to you.

With best wishes for your speedy recovery.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

BGDC — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:48:17 GMT

You hang in there!!!!! You have a lot to fight for and your spirit at this horrible time is amazingly strong. I was happy to read debsgirl's post. You can beat this!

Lots of love,

BGDC

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

funwun — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:52:23 GMT

Sending you a big hug and the best of wishes!!!

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

Jersey Born — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:54:27 GMT

Me2Me, thank you for sharing such a heartfelt, kind post with us. We all need to be very aware of what is going on with our bodies as we age. I am so glad that you are finally getting the proper help you need. It all starts with a proper diagnosis, but in your case it is multiple diagnoses. I am sorry you are going through so many things at once.

I want to recommend a book for you called The China Study. This book is one of the reasons that former President Bill Clinton became a vegetarian. It is about how a primarily vegan diet can shrink cancer tumors in laboratory animals, and how it can help the heart as well. I have recently been reading about the benefits of different plant flavonoids (anti-oxidant plant pigments that also act as antioxidants) recently, and I can tell you that some of them have very strong antiviral properties-- like quercetin, in particular (found in abundance in asparagus, buckwheat, parsley, celery, dill, green peppers, red cabbage, olive leaves, watercress, red onions, black tea, raw spinach, etc.) Here is something from our USDA with a listing of flavonoids in fruits and vegetables.

What I really wanted to say, however, is please don't give up hope that you will conquer all of your diagnoses, and thrive in spite of them. I will add you to my prayer list, which, sadly, keeps growing longer every day.

xoxox

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

Bird mama — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 19:00:55 GMT

Me2Me, I own no Ripka however I have followed the enthusiastic threads of the Ripkanistas whenever Judith visits.

Your post moved me and I wanted to tell you that I know someone (a husband of a co-worker) who recovered fully from a virus/infection that also settled around and in his heart.

I am sorry that you are going through all of these health issues - when it rains it pours sometimes.

Since I know you like sparkly and pretty jewelry, here's a bouquet of jeweled flowers that comes with well wishes and prayers for a full recovery.

Respectfully - Birdmama

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

knittybitty — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 19:50:21 GMT

I haven't been on the boards in a long time. I tend to check in only when it gets cold.

So I was so surprised when I logged in to see this message from you. The times Ive been in contact with you, you have been just a joy, and a hilarious Ripkanista, who is so very cheery! You are a delight! And a wonderful, kind addition to the QVC boards. You have a wonderful attitude! I wish you a speedy recovery, and I hope your spirits remain high. I will be praying for you. Put on some bling. Do your Ripka dance!

Many hugs((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Knittybitty(Ripkanista who rarely posts)

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

WhateverLolaWants — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:06:01 GMT

Me2Me, you have had quite the ordeal to get these diagnoses! May that be the beginning of the road to another recovery. You have a great support group to help you through this, so ask for help when you need it. Take one day at a time and we'll all be praying for you!

Hugs,

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

donnaluby — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:21:38 GMT

Me2Me, thank you for sharing your health issues here. What a difficult ordeal you have been going through. So glad you have the love and support of your husband and your family while you are going through treatments and recovery. Please know that you are in my prayers and send you all good wishes for your recovery. Enjoy whatever new Ripka pieces you get. All the best, Donna

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

aprilmom — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:04:26 GMT

my thoughts and prayers are with you- stay strong and positive

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

Mama Deb — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:07:57 GMT

Wow you certainly have been through so much. My heart goes out to you. I will say a prayer for you Christine. Keep your positive attitude up. God bless you.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

BlingQueen022 — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:44:55 GMT

Hi Christine:

As I sit and read your thread I sit in tears reading this. I am a lost for words here. I am so sorry this is happening to such a great woman as yourself. You're a strong woman to even tell us what's going on. I will be praying you get over this hurdle in your life. You beat it once, and I hope you beat it again. Wishing you nothing but a road to recovery. You've always been a pleasure to have on this board. I want you here for quite some time. Get well my friend.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

kiwi55 — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 22:37:57 GMT

Me2Me, I am so sorry to hear about the health trials that you have been going through. It is hard not to feel helpless in these situations but you have many Ripkanista friends who are now going to be lifting you up in their prayers for strength and healing at this time. God bless.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

Harolds Wife — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 23:29:18 GMT

Me2Me I'm so very sorry that you've had to endure these medical issues in the last few months. Now that you FINALLY have the diagnosis, I wish you all the best possible outcomes in your treatment. You seem to be a strong person and have the support of family and friends as well as all of us here on the forum. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

MickD — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 23:45:54 GMT

Me!!! We were all so worried about you!! Holy cow what an awful ordeal with not only the cancer but the CHF! You are a strong lady and thank gawd for the tenacity of your DH and your sons.....you will all pull together through this as a family...and lean on us too as your extended family. We love you and know that you will get better!

~ (((((HUGS))))) Mick

Re: Finally a Message From ME2ME

LexPex — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 00:39:17 GMT

What a horrific medical story. Several times I have watched Medical Mysteries and your story sounds like one. Thank God, at least they have a diagnosis. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please post and keep us updated.