Daane, first, I am so sorry for the loss of your step-daughter. How vey sad. I presume she was young. Did she have a family? Next -- I applaud you for being so conscientious about your health. So many of us let it slide. One thing I've learned working in a hospital is that early detection of almost any health situation is key. The surgery sounds scary but it sounds like this could resolve your condition. I hope so and will be thinking of you. (Every time I hear ISlets of Langerhans, I think of Biology class. That "part of the body" was always easy to remember since the name is unique.) Hugs to you Diane -- except after the 25th they will be very soft hugs for awhile.

Thanks for the good thoughts-- I so appreciate your words. So, the plot thickens. My DS(5)was complaining that his hip/leg hurt last night. He mentioned it in the middle of the night when he wet the bed and we were getting things cleaned up. I didn't think much of it and just thought he wanted to be held/carried. By this morning he couldn't stand on it and was crying that it hurt. At first I thought it was more of not wanting to go to school. Now I think he just couldn't get up out of bed to get to the bathroom in the night, and he really was hurting. We ended up taking him to InstaCare and going through exam, blood work, xrays. Turns out he has "transient synovitis" of his hip. They are not sure of the cause, but you just treat it with ibuprofen and rest and he should be ok in 3-4 days. Poor kid! So I made it just in time for my big meeting, and DH took DS home. (DH isn't leaving for his trip till tomorrow now). My marriage is just a whole other ball of wax. We have had a tough time since our son was born. We went to counseling and it helped for a while. At this point we just kind of coexist like roommates and we just work together to keep the household running. Our relationship just sucks and I am so angry and frustrated with him so much of the time. My meeting was just...unbelievable. I cannot believe the leadership of the agency I work for. It is a state position. The past year has included an extremely poorly handled HR investigation, interviews with the attorney general's office, dear friends being suspended pending termination, then being reinstated due since there was no merit to the charges. They were "reassigned" and I now supervise them, although they have supervised/mentored me for years. It has been a complete travesty. There is endless drama and politics and maneuvering. I am just so burned out and disillusioned. However, I have so much invested in my career at this point, I just cannot bear to give in to all this crap and leave. This is one of those times of life where every area of my life seems difficult and depressing. I just keep thinking, stay strong and keep going, but I am WORN OUT. So, I really appreciate all your kindness and a place to vent it out!! My goodness I sound like such a basket case! Thanks, Jen

I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I hope everything turns out well for Glen and you. (((Nora)))

Hugs to all of you who are experiencing illness themselves or coping with illness in their family. I hope you have all the support you need. I logged on at 9:00AM yesterday and was blown away by over a dozen well wishes which had been posted on Monday mornng in addition to the resonses from the weekend. I shared this thread with my oldest daughter who I think rolls her eyes when I mention someone or something from the forums. I think you understand the the term "stranger friends". My youngest had the mastectomy. The oldest is so impressed by the depth of concern and generosity of this group, and so am I every day. If you need something, ask the group. It is so wow! Heritagehd07, I hope you are doing well. so sorry about you and your mother. moosemac, at first part of me felt exactly the same as you about my baby's beautiful body, but I understood her decision. My daughter chose to have a double mastectomy because she felt she would not be able to handle the anxiety of frequent mammograms and testing, She is the same beautiful loving daughter, sister, mother, wife. Besides she didn't have boobz when I got her. I am so sorry that the last several years have been so rough for your daughter. I am no expert by any means, but message me about whatever. Bunny, thank you. You and your daughter have such resilient spirits. It has been reassuring to learn about your daughter's recovery. May it continue to go well. Raee, the bandages will stay on at least until my daughter sees the plastic surgeon on Monday to have 2 of the drains removed. I will get her the cream in case bandages are removed and changed to remove the drains. Annie, I will show my daughter the knited knockers. see what she thinks. I am not sure she needs them since whe has temporaries.