Support for LateToSchool

Parent Cafe
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<p>Moderator note: on another thread, a poster asked where latetoschool has been, as members had not seen her post lately. Latetoschool responded with the post below, and the entire thread which was on a different topic turned to latetoschool. I have split the rapidly growing posts meant for LateToSchool to their own thread…this thread. LateToSchool…you deserve it and we want people to be able to find it under the right subject heading. All of us at CC will be thinking of you.</p>

<p>With sincere apologies to Weenie and Berurah for hijacking the thread - since you asked - I am here, and I have been lurking a bit. But I am somewhat challenged…</p>

<p>For one week now I am out of the hospital. Unexpectedly, I have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, metastasized to the liver. I can count on one hand the number of times in my life that I have been sick. For me to even take one aspirin is a very unusual event. As I have posted before, I do not even drink alcohol. I am wondering if you can imagine my shock, astonishment, and fear as over the past 14 days I have entered a world of more doctors, clergy, lawyers, estate planners, etc. and as I assemble my war chest for this next, incredible battle that by the numbers almost no one wins. I am no Randy Pausch and I do not possess his grace and class. </p>

<p>I have completed five days of radiation, and a week of chemotherapy, and there is plenty more of this scheduled. So far I have kept my regular work schedule, even hopped on a plane and traveled this week, and have had no side effects. Somehow, I managed to become entangled with an outstanding oncologist, and I have a very high degree of confidence in him.</p>

<p>There are many reasons for me to be very optimistic. One, I am not yet 50; I am otherwise in excellent health. I have the ability to control my work schedule and the details of my life and even my physical location, so, I am not constrained by the sorts of things that might contribute to stress. The doctors are taking what appears to be a conservative approach - stopping radiation for now and doing only chemotherapy; they do not want to take a chance on giving me cadiac, pulmonary, or thyroid problems, because I do not currently have any of these sorts of problems. They are taking the position that they believe they can get me to a remission position - but - I have no idea if that is where they start out with everyone, and then they see what happens and adjust from there. My experience with oncology is now only days old, so, I am a bit foggy on how seriously to digest their optimism.</p>

<p>I am sorry to post such unfortunate news but this is where I have been, and, I will continue to contribute to the community as often - and as competently - as I can. I am still enrolled in my Harvard class but find that it does not interest me very much any more, so, I am considering dropping out. I missed the virtual class this past Monday evening - I was 48 hours out of the hospital and still in a state of absolute shock. I sent email to the professor; she said I could make up the work, but, I have a very busy Q4 schedule with many commitments, and, I think that I need to confine my efforts to continuing my professional work, and fighting this disease. </p>

<p>I will say this much: though the statistics are terrifying, if there is a person who can win this battle, I am that person. </p>

<p>I truly hope Berurah, on the other hand, is actually on an island… :)</p>

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<p>LateToSchool, I will be praying for you and wish you all the best. Please hang in there and please keep fighting.</p>

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<p>OMG, LTS, I am so sorry to hear that! How awful for you. How did they find this? Were you symptomatic in some way? Our hope for the very best and quickest recovery. You are in an area of the country with excellent medical care. We will all be here thinking about you and your daughter’s telephone interview :)</p>

<p>Oh, and noobie, tell the island dwellers to say hi to coronax for us ;)</p>

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<p>Latetoschool - all my very best wishes as you fight this terrible disease.</p>

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<p>LTS - I’m without words. I’m very sorry this has happened to you. You have my most powerful prayers… and with no doubts in my mind or heart, I consider you absolutely one of those people who can win this battle. Absolutely.</p>

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<p>Oh God, Latetoschool—what awful news! I’m so sorry to hear you are facing this crisis. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I too believe that if there’s anyone who can beat this disease, it’s you. Thank you for letting us know about your health challenge. The more people there are sending you well wishes and praying for you, the better. Here’s sending you loving energy and a fierce wish for your complete recovery.</p>

<p>Poetsheart</p>

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<p>Wow, LTS, you’ve blown me away with your news…shocking. Hugs and prayers to you.</p>

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<p>Latetoschool,</p>

<p>Although I could never be as eloquent as Berurah,</p>

<p>{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and prayers going your way!</p>

<p>You have been a fighter and a survivor your whole life, and I know you will not let up now.</p>

<p>And I do believe you possess just as much grace and class as Randy Pausch!</p>

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<p>LTS…my prayers are with you. I also wonder where Andi is? I would love to hear an update on Andison!!</p>

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<p>Latetoschool—keep your head up and keep positive—that’s the best thing you can do to fit this SOB disease. Your being in good health to start with is a major plus in your favor. Cancer is the most vile, despicable, and downright nasty intruder that can enter any family’s life. We’ll be thinking of you.</p>

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<p>My heart goes out to you, latetoschool.
While of course I don’t know you personally, all of us here definitely have certain things in common-- so many of the same hopes, dreams, worries, etc. These life-changing events can happen to any of us. Hang in there, and know that there are a lot of people here on CC thinking of you fondly and wishing you strength.</p>

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<p>LTS, I’m so sorry to hear your news. I am pulling for you!</p>

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<p>Latetoschool, so many warm hugs and soothing thoughts and prayers coming your way. Be strong through this arduous treatment.</p>

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<p>I am so very sorry to hear about why you’ve been away, LTS. My best to you and your family.</p>

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<p>

LTS, I don’t know you in real life, but I am absolutely certain, based on knowing you here, that you are right. Many prayers and good wishes go along with the admiration I’ve always felt for you. Please let the forum know how you’re doing whenever you can.</p>

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<p>LTS:</p>

<p>I sent you a PM!</p>

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<p>Go get 'em, LTS.</p>

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<p>LTS, I am so shocked & saddened to hear of your crisis…but I really believe that cancer picked the wrong woman to mess with. I’ll be praying for your full recovery. I know you’ll be strong.</p>

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<p>Latetoschool: Although I am rather new here on CC, I just wanted to say that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you fight this new challenge. As a 6-year survivor of Ovarian cancer, I can attest to the fact that a positive attitude is crucial, and from your post, I can tell that you WILL beat this! My very best to you and your family.</p>

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<p>Latetoschool, You have brought all of us back to reality. Life is precious. I have lots of experience with oncologists and urologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and have a feeling from your post that your oncologist is also at a large center. My experience is that these doctors are brutally honest. If they are telling you that they believe they can get you into a remission position, they are telling you a fact. This is very good news. You can fight and you can win this battle. You are in my thoughts and prayers for a great response to your treatment. Best wishes and stay well.</p>