Denise, I feel so close to the people in the February board. We are family. We can feel each other's pain and offer support as a token of our caring since we cannot give hugs in person. At least that is how I feel and I assume the others feel the same. I received so many kind replies to my post on my mother's passing. It has soo helped me to cope. I know you are sad, you will be for a while as you work through your grief. I don't believe that time cures all. In time I hope the pain will lessen for us both. Warmly, Paula

Thank you, Ladies for your very kind words and comforting thoughts as I wrote about the passing of my cousin. I was blaming myself because I felt as though I had convinced her into having surgery. I know the choice was hers alone and nothing I said put the seal on her decision. I also know that she had a diagnosed blood clot years ago and the surgery just put too much stress on her system. It is sad and tragic and always so very difficult. I feel like I've lost a friend. Knowing that you all care enough to respond and show your support means so much. I hope that where ever you are you are happy, warm and safe. XOXO Denise

I'm so sorry for you and the rest of the family. I hope you're not blaming yourself for sharing with her. To have surgery is a personal choice and from you've said, she did all of her own research and came to her own conclusions. I trust you have wonderful memories of her to hold on to and will live each day of the rest of YOUR life in rich, full, celebration just like she would have wanted you to. Lots of love, Julie

Denise, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. It is so hard when something like this happens. Mary

Hi Debbie, I have lost 174 pounds, and if you saw me naked you would scream and run away!! Loose skin hanging. My thighs are soo very ugly I won't be able to go out of the house with shorts on. I'm excited to consult with a few platic surgeons. I had a matectomy d/t breast cancer in 1998. I never had a reconstruction. I can have it now. I want to also have my right breast removed so I don't have to worry about cancer reappearing. I don't want inplants. They can take extra tissue from my upper rear end, my belly or outer thighs. I started taking pictures of fungus infections under my pannus. I feel encouraged. I made an appointment for one doc highly recommended on this site (Dr. Askren in Freno). I have an appt for Oct.3. He must be really good. I'm going to try for an appointment at UCLA too. I had a bad consult visit with a surgeon last Friday. I was so excited, my daughter came with me and I was giggling. The doctor walks in the room with a very sour face and tells me she will not see any more patients with fibromyalgia, because they are ALWAYS WHINING. I just burst into tears as my daughter told her off. It used to be about my weight (my orthopedic surgeon ridiculed me). Now fibromyalgia. I've had it for 34+ years. I don't think I whine about it. Sorry I had to vent and get it out of my system. May God guide your surgeon's hands on your hysterectomy and tt. Paula