Beverly...

Just to let everyone know in case they didn't know already Beverly is doing just great. I saw her yesterday before and after the support group. She was planning to come to the meeting but had a drill sargent for a day nurse who couldn't find a portable oxygen tank. She's one hell of a spitfire that Beverly I'll tell ya! She had her surgery done on Friday, taking quite a while I might add since there were other things that had to be done in there before he could get to her stomach. She was so chipper...completely opposite from me. I wish I had her energy! And she says she wants me, ha! I hope she doesn't mind but...she is in room 303 on the 3rd floor of course. I'm sure she'd love to hear from some people she knows from here and the meetings if she hasn't talked to you already. Side note...the meeting was nice. Small group of about 20. We were all able to blab (pre-ops included). I hope people don't think I talk to much...I seem to butt in a lot, oops. Dr. Clough stopped by which was nice. I do wish that the meeting was longer but alas the people who run it don't get pai soooo that wouldn't be fair. Anyhoo... I need to get a little shopping done for our move, I hope it doesn't snow during this week!!! Sorry white Christmas wishers. ;) So talk to you all later, Casey

Hi Casey! You never talk too much at meetings. Your comments help keep things in perspective and remind us that none of us are the same. It helps me remember that this experience (and life) is mine and further reminds me that the responsibility for it is also mine. Please wish Beverly well for me! I wanted to go visit and probably should have waited for you to go with me, but having never met her, I just felt as though I might be intruding. For those of you who haven't met Casey or didn't see her months ago, she is doing amazingly well! She's an inspiration! Seek her out at meetings! Jane - Hang in there! We're all with you! Thanks for your honesty and the reminder that it's not an easy process I face in a few months. I look forward to seeing your transformation. See you all! Kent

Casey: It was great to meet you in person!!! Kent too!!!! You don't speak too much at all---my goodness---we need to hear from folks several months out who have been so successful. Looking at you and Tom and Gale gives me so much hope and faith in this surgery and the other things that go along with it(water, vitamins, exercise). I continue to feel better and stronger every day. My right foot is acting up again which is difficult because I want to walk and yet when I do, the right toe goes out of joint and creates a lot of pain. I need to get that dumb thing adjusted again. I had a good experience tonight. I think I ate too quickly and perhaps too soon after lunch(late lunch). Anyway, thought I would lose all my food but got up and walked around and finally belched a big one. Rather painful but now I know how it feels to eat too fast and/or too much. Hey are the meetings in Jan--the 2nd, 14th and 24th? Jane