Sending Healthy Wishes to Karen/Button!

[sharon]

Dear Karen, if I lived closer to you, I'd charge into that ICU and give you a big hug.

Sharon

[Diane C]

Sending as much karma, peace, healing wishes as your small but usually mighty self can accept, Karen. Hadn't read the latest when I posted before. I agree. I bet 20 of us would softly charge the ICU to bring you relief. Praying the doctors can help you regain strength and ease the pain. You've been through so much and continued to help us no matter what.

We're with you in spirit. I do wish I lived closer. Is there ANYTHING we can send?!

Namaste,

Diane C.

[lms1]

Karen,

I am so sad to read your last update. I am sending you virtual gentle hugs and the hopes that you are comfortable and pain free. As others have said, I wish I was able to get up the coast to Portland and deliver these in person.

Namaste,

Linda

[Button]

Well . . . I cannot say that this has been an easy road nor an uneventful hospitalization.

It has been/is an overwhelming experience, at times leaving me lost. But I come back to a place deep within myself and my core spiritual beliefs, and here find solace with acceptance and next steps.

What medical science has to offer cannot “fix” me nor make me markedly better. It is less one health issue but the confluence of multiple, interdependent health issues that brings me to this place.

Today is day 24 in the hospital (with a few days at home before cycling back). I would not choose to go through a similar repeat of this hospitalization. It is not a quality of life that I can accept.

Plan is to begin referral to hospice and home with an indwelling pain pump for narcotic delivery. I already have a port for venous access. This is a decision of my choice in discussion with my medical team.

This is not a frightening decision for me. I have been in Palliative Care for several years and have been part of the care/comfort model of care.

I will not come back to post any further on this forum. It would not serve benefit to anyone.

This forum and its members were a guiding light to me during my early days with an ostomy. And I have continued to appreciate the genuine friendships formed over the years.

Be well. Be sure to let those that you love how much they mean to you.
Karen

[lms1]

Karen I wish you fair weather and following seas for your journey. I will miss your participation on this forum but understand your decision.

Namaste my friend,

Linda

[paula]

Karen, I just came on now, and are so saddened, to hear of your latest hospitalization. I was about to go on my thread, where you helped me so much, when I came home from my hospital stay and was given an ileostomy, to update you and the others who helped. You were always there, to give so much important information and support. I am thinking of you, and praying as well.

I can relate to the hospitalization stay, even though mine was not bad, some of the care is just not there, and I as well, could not wait to be in my own bed and home.

Again, take care.

Paula

P.S. I just saw your latest post, where you said you were not posting any more. Will miss your insight and always helpful information and support. Please keep us posted if you are able.

[nickolas]

Karen

I too am so sorry to read your latest post. I had prayed for a more positive outcome. I pray now that you are pain free surrounded by family, friends and love.

God be with you and I will truly miss your posts.

Lee

[JerryNYC]

Dear Karen (not only cute as a button but also sharp as a tack). We are all saddened by your present condition but gladdened by the wonderful life you have led. Four years ago, in his last essay in the New York Times, a colleague of mine (Oliver Sacks) wrote this, I have been comforted ... by the hundreds of letters I have received, the expressions of love and appreciation, and the sense that (despite everything) I may have lived a good and useful life." Karen: We are all comforted by your great generosity of spirit and support to others. I hope that you may be comforted by the fact that you too have lived a good and useful life. You will be missed but mostly remembered.

[Diane C]

Dear Karen,

Just read your last message. My eyes filled with tears. I pray you're not in pain. JerryNYC was wise to quote Oliver Sacks whom I'll always respect for his wisdom and humanity. I'll remember you likewise. Safe and easy passage. You've helped so many of us through dark times. May yours be lit with light. You deserve otherwise. If I could hand you a miracle -- along with a puppy -- I would.

Namaste, wonderful friend.

[Lerbus]

Karen,
I am so sorry you are still fighting the health challenge battle. Nothing wears thin faster than a hospital stay. I saw a study once that had patients watch an episode of the 3 Stooges vs. pain meds and the patient had better pain control with the 3 Stooges. So much for modern medicine.

You have contributed an unmeasurable amount of knowledgeable information and concern. I personally feel I have been blessed by your expertise. I wish those you have helped could now help you as much as you have helped us. Thank you! and remember you have made a difference in many of our lives.

Wishing you relief from all discomfort.

[Luv2Sew]

Karen,
Thank you so much for your wise advice and thoughtful comfort to those of us living with an ostomy. I am grateful to have met you through this forum.
Janice

[BillGK]

Thank you for everything, Karen. Your comments and advice have helped all of us immensely. You are embarking on the greatest adventure of all. Please save a spot for me.

[sharon]

Peace and love to you, Karen.

Sharon

[paula]

Hi Karen, once again, just sending you good thoughts and prayers. Been thinking about you a lot. Once again, thank you for all your help and support when I needed it.

Hugs,

Paula

[nickolas]

Hi Karen

You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I started a new thread on Colon Talk about you entering into hospice. If you would like to read it, hear is the link.

http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com ... =1&t=62517

Know that you have helped many people and many of us are going to miss you.

God bless you,

Lee