Thursday, March 3, 2011
Friday, August 14, 2009
Ed's Story of Recovery
My story is simple and small. In December 1998 I was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and treated with antibiotics for about six weeks. I was having difficulty breathing through my nose. The symptoms lasted about six weeks and became worse. I requested that my Primary Care Physician refer me to an Ear Nose and Throat physician. The ENT examined me. Immediately he was extremely concerned to find a tumor behind my nose. I was scheduled for a biopsy in about three days. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Within days many specialists saw me including a dentist to determine what my course of treatment would be and if I would be able to tolerate the treatment. Sloan-Kettering hospital in New York confirmed all the findings and prescribed chemo and radiation. An oncologist in Southampton, N.Y. for chemo and Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island for radiation treated me. All of this transpired within about ten days.
Of interest, all of the physicians agreed this was very unusual because I was not within the age group for this cancer; my tumor was behind my nose and this also was not a typical location for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Sloan-Kettering hospital, which sees thousands of patients every year from all over the world, said they had not seen this situation as well.
My treatment was a curative treatment. This meant that a very heavy aggressive treatment would be used. After my treatment I had no saliva and no taste for two years. I had to have bottled water near me 24/7. All food was like chewing on tasteless bark or cardboard. Some foods such as chocolate and coffee were vile to the taste. I was really depressed and thought my life was slowly ending. Many physical parts of my body were adversely affected. I am now a diabetic and have had to replace many of my teeth. At first I was loosing my short-term memory and long-term memory. It was scary not being able to remember what I did from one day to the next and sometimes I did not know where I was and did not know how to get back home. This was due to my treatments. I also have other illnesses that I continue to deal with. My memory is normal now. In consulting an Endocrinologist he told me that my thyroid was destroyed with the radiation therapy. I now take medication to replace my thyroidal hormones. The thyroid controls memory.
Yes cancer is awful. As time goes by I realize nothing can quite be the same. It takes a long time to realize you can move on. It takes along time to understand how to deal with all the unknowns of cancer. It takes a long time to re-tool your-self to feel useful again.
Today I have proven to myself that I can do many of the same things I used to do. I just do them a little differently. I work in a nursing home as the Culinary Director. I can now taste the food and continue to hone my culinary skills. I am now giving back to others and am feeling so confident that I have started my own business as a wedding coordinator.
Through my entire ordeal my wife Karen has been incredible! She has been there for me every step of the way. She was at my side during every chemo treatment and every radiation treatment. She has been that solid rock for me to lean on. Without her support I can only think -- would I be writing this to you today?
Ed
Ed's story is also available on our Pincbubble web site.
Of interest, all of the physicians agreed this was very unusual because I was not within the age group for this cancer; my tumor was behind my nose and this also was not a typical location for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Sloan-Kettering hospital, which sees thousands of patients every year from all over the world, said they had not seen this situation as well.
My treatment was a curative treatment. This meant that a very heavy aggressive treatment would be used. After my treatment I had no saliva and no taste for two years. I had to have bottled water near me 24/7. All food was like chewing on tasteless bark or cardboard. Some foods such as chocolate and coffee were vile to the taste. I was really depressed and thought my life was slowly ending. Many physical parts of my body were adversely affected. I am now a diabetic and have had to replace many of my teeth. At first I was loosing my short-term memory and long-term memory. It was scary not being able to remember what I did from one day to the next and sometimes I did not know where I was and did not know how to get back home. This was due to my treatments. I also have other illnesses that I continue to deal with. My memory is normal now. In consulting an Endocrinologist he told me that my thyroid was destroyed with the radiation therapy. I now take medication to replace my thyroidal hormones. The thyroid controls memory.
Yes cancer is awful. As time goes by I realize nothing can quite be the same. It takes a long time to realize you can move on. It takes along time to understand how to deal with all the unknowns of cancer. It takes a long time to re-tool your-self to feel useful again.
Today I have proven to myself that I can do many of the same things I used to do. I just do them a little differently. I work in a nursing home as the Culinary Director. I can now taste the food and continue to hone my culinary skills. I am now giving back to others and am feeling so confident that I have started my own business as a wedding coordinator.
Through my entire ordeal my wife Karen has been incredible! She has been there for me every step of the way. She was at my side during every chemo treatment and every radiation treatment. She has been that solid rock for me to lean on. Without her support I can only think -- would I be writing this to you today?
Ed
Ed's story is also available on our Pincbubble web site.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Gratitude - PinC Bubble Girlfriends
Gratitude
Just when I think life can’t get any better – I am taken to new heights and I’m reminded of just how grateful I am. If I took the word gratitude and used each letter to describe what it means to me I would say…
G – for understanding what an amazing gift I have been given.
R – for being receptive.
A – for an attitude of acceptance.
T – for my teachers who have led me to this place.
I - for insight, without it – it could not come to be.
T – for time well spent on every daily endeavor.
U - for understanding the important role we play in each others lives.
E – for enthusiasm, it acts as a magnet to others.
When was the last time a new window of opportunity opened for you? Stop and ask yourself, who and what contributed to making it possible? Did you see the vision before hand? Were you simply in the right place at the right time? Or was it because of the efforts of others that made it possible? I am willing to bet that it falls mostly in the laps of others who have given unselfishly. Have you taken the time to be grateful and to thank them?
Try this simple little exercise to feel the full impact of gratitude. Tomorrow morning when you wake up, reach for the phone and make a quick call a friend and tell them just how grateful you are for their friendship. Describe what they mean to you, why you think they are making an impact on others and what they contribute to the community. In other words, sing their praises. Then finish by saying, I just wanted you to know, and hang up. You will have changed that person’s life with that one phone call and experienced gratitude par excellence.
I won’t wake you up in the morning but I do want to thank the following individuals for they’re help in making Pinc Bubble Girlfriends a reality. To David Cooper, who saw my vision and was the teacher who appeared when the student was ready; Jodi Grieshop, who understood why it was important and asked, what can I do? Gaila Rae, a true believer and loyal friend. Denise Ball, who shares the dream; Kathy Greider, the greatest cheer leader of all and who gives unconditionally; Tamika Morrison who steers the ship and is steady as she goes; Jerika Head, for her enthusiasm and belief in others; Lee Kantor and Andy Greider for providing the opportunity to tell our story; Karen Baxter, a visionary and grand promoter; Cutina Johnson, the only person I know who can herd cats; Renee Knorr, my kindred spirit and whom I love dearly for including us in everything; and to all the Pinc Bubble Girlfriends who have joined us on this important journey. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks goes out to each and every one of you. I am grateful!
Mimi Long
Just when I think life can’t get any better – I am taken to new heights and I’m reminded of just how grateful I am. If I took the word gratitude and used each letter to describe what it means to me I would say…
G – for understanding what an amazing gift I have been given.
R – for being receptive.
A – for an attitude of acceptance.
T – for my teachers who have led me to this place.
I - for insight, without it – it could not come to be.
T – for time well spent on every daily endeavor.
U - for understanding the important role we play in each others lives.
E – for enthusiasm, it acts as a magnet to others.
When was the last time a new window of opportunity opened for you? Stop and ask yourself, who and what contributed to making it possible? Did you see the vision before hand? Were you simply in the right place at the right time? Or was it because of the efforts of others that made it possible? I am willing to bet that it falls mostly in the laps of others who have given unselfishly. Have you taken the time to be grateful and to thank them?
Try this simple little exercise to feel the full impact of gratitude. Tomorrow morning when you wake up, reach for the phone and make a quick call a friend and tell them just how grateful you are for their friendship. Describe what they mean to you, why you think they are making an impact on others and what they contribute to the community. In other words, sing their praises. Then finish by saying, I just wanted you to know, and hang up. You will have changed that person’s life with that one phone call and experienced gratitude par excellence.
I won’t wake you up in the morning but I do want to thank the following individuals for they’re help in making Pinc Bubble Girlfriends a reality. To David Cooper, who saw my vision and was the teacher who appeared when the student was ready; Jodi Grieshop, who understood why it was important and asked, what can I do? Gaila Rae, a true believer and loyal friend. Denise Ball, who shares the dream; Kathy Greider, the greatest cheer leader of all and who gives unconditionally; Tamika Morrison who steers the ship and is steady as she goes; Jerika Head, for her enthusiasm and belief in others; Lee Kantor and Andy Greider for providing the opportunity to tell our story; Karen Baxter, a visionary and grand promoter; Cutina Johnson, the only person I know who can herd cats; Renee Knorr, my kindred spirit and whom I love dearly for including us in everything; and to all the Pinc Bubble Girlfriends who have joined us on this important journey. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks goes out to each and every one of you. I am grateful!
Mimi Long
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A Gift That Keeps on Giving - Pinc Bubble
Local Georgia Artisan is donating all Holiday Sales - 100% to "Pinc Bubble Girlfriends" to Help A Cause for Women.Mimi Long is the founder of Pinc Bubble Girlfriends non-profit Corporation headquartered in Atlanta, GA.
Over the years she and her husband, Dr. Crawford W. Long have been involved in many philanthropic causes. Pinc Bubble Girlfriends is a Free global service for women who are undergoing chemotherapy and other types of cancer treatments, cancer survivors and those living with chronic non-contagious diseases. Services are available to women across the U.S.A. and in 31 countries on 5 continents.Pinc Bubble offers group and one-on-one help with how to look and feel better while suffering from the side effects and ravages of cancer and chronic non-contagious diseases. Volunteer "Girlfriends" provide a positive attitude and give assistance in teaching skills to help with personal appearance.
Research shows that a positive attitude can greatly enhance recovery and when women feel good about how they look their self-esteem is much better. Pinc Bubble "Girlfriends" are helping in this recovery process.
Or Unique Free services include; One-on-help in a group or in home setting on how to deal with hair loss, skin care, eyebrows, eyelashes, blemishes, head coverings, iWigs, and self-esteem. Our Volunteers
are "Girlfriends Helping Girlfriends" that are trained professionals currently from the medical, cosmetic, prostheses and motivational speakers industries. We are brand neutral.We do not attempt to disperse or offer any medical advise. However, we do provide resources and related articles from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health and Women's Health.gov and also from our advisory staff of licensed medical personnel, to women who request it.
We welcome and embrace women of every race, color and creed. This effort is made possible through donations and sponsors.
Go to the Pinc Bubble Store to view the exquisite jewelry all hand-crafted in sterling silver, 14 kt, fresh water pearls and precious stones.
Also featured are hand-crafted one of a kind belt buckles fashioned from fresh water pearls and vintage pins. Black and brown belt straps are available for the buckles.
Give A Gift that Keeps on Giving!
Please pass this information on to your friends and join us in building a "Community for Women."
Every day there are 4,500 people who are diagnosed with this awful disease. Who do you know? How has it touched you, your family, or a friend? When one family member has cancer, the whole family has it. Give them hope, help them into our Powerful, Positive and Compassionate Pinc Bubble of Care. Go to www.pincbubble.com
Let us know how we can assist you!
Jewelry Show to Benefit Pinc Bubble Girlfriends - December 16, 2008 - Call for Details - 404 368-4937 - 9 A.M. to 8 P.M.
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