You are as always included in our prayers.

It really is so hard when there are complicated things to hear that affect
you health.  A person can only process so much.  Trigger words really do
make it hard to listen, even when the doctors explain.

The part about not having the antibodies is almost good news.  At least that
is a problem identified that can be dealt with.  Its good to know there is
something they may be able to do about it.

As my ten year old grandson taught me, not all cancer is created equal.  His
uncle Dave had a tumor in his jaw this past summer, and the needed surgery
looked pretty bad.  When I told Ryan that Dave had cancer, he said "is it
the good kind or the bad kind"  and when he asked what I meant, he said was
it a kind they could do something about.  More and more kinds they can do
something about.  The word itself is no longer unmentionable or a death
sentence.

For now, have the best weekend you can, and know that you are surrounded by
prayers and by friends.

Jo

Donna, prayers definitely on the way.  You really have had too much already!
Love you.
Gwen

Donna,
I can't see where any of the three choices are a good thing except that
finding out exactly what is wrong will allow the proper treatment.  You
have been so sick up to now that having a treatment plan can only be a
plus.  I can only imagine your mind trying to listen to the doctor while
the word "cancer" is the only thing jumping out at you.  I like Jo's
post about the "good and bad kind".  Let's all try to concentrate on the
positive and hope your tests will give the doctor a clue as to where to
go from here.  You remain in my nightly prayers.

Ann

I like the thought that there are good kinds and bad kinds of diseases.  My
mom has survived colon and breast cancer.  Like some one said, to get the
decision about what you do have is half the battle.  Then they can treat it,
in most cases today.  A miracle.

Our prayers are always with you.  Here's a very gentle hug across the miles.
(((((((Donna))))))))

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((donnag))))))))))))))))))))))))))))  no doubt, a
very tough appointment and tough day for you, sweetie.  prayers and healing
thoughts go without saying and always continue for you.

soooo, it sounds like your doctor doesn't know yet, if you do or don't have
cancer.  i just did a very quick scan on mastocytosis.  thankfully, there
are drug treatments for it.

i hear you, sweetie.  the "c" word is brain and emotion numbing for sure to
hear.  i wish doctors would give their patients a little more time to
process the emotional impact of just hearing that word.  they should just
leave the room for  a minute or two, to allow the patient to regain their
balance.   instead, they go ahead and give more information and it just
bounces off the emotional shielding that automatically goes up, because of
the "c"word emotional klaxon that sounds off.  (when what was said might
have made a huge difference.)  i'm sorry that happened to you, hon.

do let us know when the biopsy is scheduled, so the asa prayer machine can
engage more intensely for you, sweetie.  in the meantime, try to think good
thoughts and hang in there.  we'll all be hanging in there with you.

lovingly,
kate

Well, saw the new specialist today about the tryptase abnormality they
found on my last round of bloodwork.

Specialist says that the type of abnormality I have  in my blood work is
usually seen  in 3 types of problems, 2 of those types of problems being
some sort of cancer and the third type of problem is a very rare
disorder of the immune system that is called mastocytosis.   He said the
mastocytosis is quite rare, but if it turned out to be that this is what
I have, then they would have to be even more vigilant about any type of
respiratory infections I get as well as I would be at a much much
greater risk of having a very severe anaphylactic reaction to anything I
am allergic to or might become allergic to.

The first step to sorting out which of these 3 problems I have is to go
for a bone marrow biopsy that they will schedule for as soon as
possible.

He said my blood work also indicates that my body has not responded at
all to the pneumonia shot that you get every 5 years.   My last one was
just in august of 06 and I show absolutely no antibody formation to it
at all, which would likely explain why I still get so many pneumonia's
even though I thought I was protected from the most common type.  I will
get a different type of pneumonia vaccine and then he will recheck my
antibodies 6-8 weeks after getting the vaccine, if there is no
antibodies, he will give me a second vaccine and recheck again.  If
after the second vaccine there is still no antibodies, then they will no
longer bother with the standard pneumonia vaccines and just have to
monitor my respiratory stuff much more vigilantly.

In any case, he wants me to always carry an epi pen with me at all
times, even in the winter months.  I have carried one in the summer and
fall months as I have a very strong reaction to bee stings.

One thing that I thought was kind of funny, is that one of the types of
cancer that this might indicate, the symptoms are things I have been
having trouble with a lot for the last 2 years or so, such as hot
flashes, light-headedness and passing out, etc.   Very weird.

Needless to say, after he told me he is concerned that I have cancer, I
hardly heard much else he said.

Trying really hard now not to freak out, but damn, this has been one
rollercoaster of a year, and I just don't know how much more I can take!

Told the Lord today, I'm not laughing any more!!!  Enough already!!!

OK, thanks everyone for letting me have my little rant and whine!

Prayers would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hugs,

Donna
.
.
.
.
1.)   ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......

2.)   Hey MJ, tit for tat, I got your back!

3.)    J.K.M.A.

Donna, You sound very together in your post, but I can imagine how
scary this is. It seems to me you really "got" everything your doctor
said in spite of your anxiety, and it sounds like he has a good game
plan for you. Please let us know when the biopsy is. Prayers coming
your way always,

Diane

{{{{{Donna}}}}}

DeeTee

Hi Donna,
I am sorry to hear about your doctor's visit. Some days it would be
better to just stay in bed and pull up the covers, I think. You
continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope for the best
possible outcome. Your plate is certainly full. The hardest part of
any of this, I am sure, is the not knowing. Hearing the C- word must
be very scary.
    Rose   @}>->--
    Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to understand it. RB

    Please remove "Ima" to reply.

Donna,

sweetie, you are so  in my prayers. I know this has to be really hard on you
and so scary. I hope you get the best possible answer that is fixeable and
that you will not have so many severe problems anymore. I love you girl. You
hang in there.

First of all, repeat after me: I do not have cancer, I do not have
cancer, I DO NOT have cancer!

Now then, it appears the symptoms you listed can also be associated
with mastocytosis and/or mast cell activation disorders.  There are
quite a variety of ways of treating mastocytosis so it's not a
hopeless thing.  And treatment should have you doing better in so many
other ways.  Here's a website to look at more http://www.tmsforacure.org/
I'm beginning to wonder if this is something they should be screening
more of us with auto-immune stuff for - it coincides with so many of
our "ordinary" symptoms.

And of course the C word freaks you out.  I'm glad the panic has
calmed down some and that you are seeing your counselor to help more
with this news.  to quote Dame Julian of Norwich, "All shall be well,
and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."

Nann

{{{{{{{{{{Donna}}}}}}}}}}

No wisdom. Just hugs and prayers.

When is the biopsy scheduled? Cancer does not equal death. It all depends on
the roll of the dice, what kind you get and how it responds to chemo. Look
at that new pitcher for the Red Sox. In one year he went from diagnosis to
treatment to rehab/training to starting in the World Series. And if it is -
we are here to help support with love and prayers and as many jokes as you
can stand without peeing. Got it?

While waiting, go or have someone go to the library and borrow some comedies
to watch. Occupy your mind so you aren't obsessing.

Love - Adelle