Topic: Until we meet again... arrivederci

It's been a long season of "not doing so well" for me, especially since my normal level of activity is go, go, go! 

Heart ablation Dec. 29, 2023 for aFib.
From Feb. 15 until the present:  Shortness of breath, unable to walk twenty feet without huffing and puffing... unexpected weight loss of 20 pounds.
Hemoglobin level is normally a minimum of 11, but mine was down to 8, so there was an internal blood loss going on somewhere.
Finally had a doctor REALLY listen to me and who sent me for tests.
Iron infusion last week to bring my hemoglobin level back up, which gave me more energy than I'd had since February when all this started.
Colonoscopy first on the agenda yesterday.
Colon cancer on the agenda for today and who knows how long.

So... I will be away from my desk for the next couple of months while surgeons and oncologists determine the best course of action for this tired and exhausted human being who has had to close her animal rescue sanctuary for good... all the animals except one dog and about twenty barn cats have been placed with other rescue organizations and my barns and stalls are completely empty.

I've been here since 2008, and this place feels like home. So I didn't want to disappear completely without a goodbye (for now).  Take care, and best wishes to all. 

MJ

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Marylin--
I'm praying for you. If you don't believe in God, just think of them as rays of positive energy. See you when you get back.
Take care,
dags smile

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Nuts. I'm sorry to see you go, Marilyn. I'll be thinking about you, though, hoping for the best and that you return when your health permits.

All my best wishes, my friend.
Dirk

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Oh, no, Marylin. So sorry to hear this. Upcoming times will hard to get through, I know for a fact, but I'm praying you'll endure and get back to us in fine form. It can be done, it just takes a while.

Bill

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Marilyn, My Dear Friend ...

I was devastated to read this. You and I have been good friends since I joined, not long after you. I'll pray for you.

I'm an eleven-year survivor of colon cancer and still doing well. And I'm closing in on eighty years old. I had the exact symptoms you described, except my hemoglobin was 6.1. I had surgery six weeks later followed by seven months of chemo. I rarely got nauseous from the chemo; just couldn't stand to put my hands in the freezer. Other than that, it went pretty smoothly. I hope all of that helps to let you know the future can be bright, even with that diagnosis.

You know my phone number should you want to talk. I'll always have time to listen. But even better, you have David. He'll take care of you.

Love and lots of big hugs headed your way.

Alan

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

OMG, Marilyn;
Girl, thus far, this has not been a good year. Like Alan, I was devasted to learn of it. My well wishes, loving energy, and prayers are with you that you get through this. You're a fighter. I hope to see you back around the water cooler soon. 

Big, giant, get well hugs.
Love,
~Lynn
PS: You have my number. Call me if you want to talk. ;-)

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Sorry to see you leave like this. Hopefully, it will only be temporary. You have been one of the best reviewers for my writing. Get better, I'm praying for you.

Be blessed and get healthy.

George FLC

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

MJ, it was shocking to hear this. We came onboard this website at the same time, and you are a dear friend. I don't know what to say, but I'll say this: I was told I'd never walk again without knee replacements. That was forty years ago, and my knees are still working. 

All my best thoughts and hope for you,

Nathan

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Okay, I'm a dolt. When I read your original post, I thought you were still waiting on confirmation as to whether or not you have colon cancer. Having reread it, I'm now as freaked out as everyone else. There are very few people I've come across in my life of whom it can be said they are a force of nature. You rank at the top, dear friend. Anyone who rescues animals, especially as many as you have, is on that list. Heaven knows, I don't pray often, but in your case I'll gladly make an exception. You have many friends here, and we all will. Please keep us informed if you're up to it as to how things are going as this unfolds. If you can bring the same energy and determination to getting well as you do to everything else you've done, you will beat this.

Please get well. That's a heartfelt prayer, a request, and an order.
Dirk

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Hi Marilyn,

Sorry to see you go, but understand you need to look after yourself. Hope things turn around for you.
Take care and best regards, Randall

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Aw, jeez, MJ. So sorry to learn of your trial, and I pray  a cure will be coming. Feel free to consult me for any questions you might have regarding treatment. I dealt with this often in my former day job.

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Thanks for the kind words and well wishes.  I appreciate all of them. 

Happy trails… until we meet again!

MJ

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

Prayers!

don

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Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci

I don't check in very often anymore, so was shocked to see this. So sorry for your health issues and hope all works out for your return to somewhat normalcy anyway now that you have someone to listen. Please keep us updated as much as possible. The site is bit sluggish of late so perhaps it can recuperate in your absence and be ready to fire on all cylinders when you return. Going to miss you until then. Take care my friend. Vern

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