This is the FAP where we Curse Cancer (Do not read if you hate Kate, or are offended by frank medical discussion)

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

OK, so I've been finally been given an appointment for my lump-endectomy/biopsy thing. I am having the operation on Wednesday, 25th August (that's next week) so I would like my friends to gather together for drinks and support the night before - Tuesday, 24th August.

(Yeah, I know, I probably won't even be able to drink the day before surgery, but I would really appreciate some company and some support.)

For those of you who have not been following the story spread out over several threads, here's a recap. Last year, I started growing a strange lump on my wrist. When I went to the doctor, I was told it was just a ganglion bursa, nothing to be worried about, a simple surgery would remove it.

Not so simple, though. My mother was misdiagnosed with a "ganglion bursa" for over a decade. When they finally opened up her wrist to remove it, they found an invasive tumour had worked its way through the bones of her wrist and into her hand. She had to have two major surgeries, and intensive therapy for many years, and she has still never recovered the full movement of her hand.

So yeah. Although in all likelihood, my lumps (they found others in my ankles) are just ganglions, there is a small but very terrifying genetic chance that I have the same condition as my mother.

I'm not actually afraid of death, and I never have been. (I can't imagine that death could possibly be more painful than living.) But the Big C scares me. I am *terrified* of losing the use of my hand. I am terrified that I could never write or type or draw, or worse, play guitar or piano again. THAT, to me, would be a fate worse than death.

So, anyway. I am really scared. It's hard to admit that, but I'm terrified. So please come out and have a drink with me, cheer me up, and help me to laugh in the face of the Big C. (Be that C Cancer or, hopefully, just a cyst.) If you can't come out, please think of me, or pray for me, or something.

Thanks, Kate

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 07:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Or tell me stories of one-armed drummers and 4-fingered guitarists and stuff like that.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 07:48 (twenty-one years ago)

"Cancer! From the choking smog of the Southland I stab at thee..."

My mother beat breast cancer when she was 40 and she's doing just fine today at 57. Cheers, Kate.

― Gear! (Gear!), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 07:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Dude, keep strong. We will be there in the pub. There's a Glasshouse Stores thing that night already - would this be suitable for cursing cancer?
FAP Tuesday Aug 24th

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 07:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, cripes. I thought that was on Wednesday, for some reason.

Will the good Doctor C mind me bringing doctors and the Big C into his FAP?

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Kate:

You know that if anyone can talk with you and sympathise with you over this, it's me.

You are welcome to have a drink with me at any time and we can mutually cheer ourselves up and make each other laugh.

But you have in get in touch with me.

Love,
MC x

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:13 (twenty-one years ago)

I would dearly like to come and see you - not to mention catch up with Dr C - next Tuesday but unfortunately I am doing my Laura tribute programme on Resonance the next evening and I really need to leave Tuesday evening clear so that I can do the final preparatory work for that.

But if you want to do something this weekend then that shouldn't be a problem.

It's up to you. You know how to contact me.

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:17 (twenty-one years ago)

i'll be thinking of you kate, and i really hope it isn't cancer.

― The Lady Ms Lurex (lucylurex), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:18 (twenty-one years ago)

My thoughts are with you Kate. Unfortunately, the rest of me is in Edinburgh, so I won't be able to make it to drinks!

― ___ (___), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:21 (twenty-one years ago)

best of luck kate, i'll be thinking of you.

― J.D. (Justyn Dillingham), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:23 (twenty-one years ago)

As an alternate suggestion, if you are not in or near London, you may wish to have a drink *for* me, in your own home or neighbourhood pub.

(I have just realised that one of the good things about this is that I may finally be able to come off the anti-inflammatory medication which makes me unable to drink anything stronger than shandy.)

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:24 (twenty-one years ago)

I thought this was the thread where we CURE cancer. I'm thinking we're all probably too stupid, though.

Good luck, kate.

― jewelly (jewelly), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:25 (twenty-one years ago)

hey kate, i'll come along to wherever you are-- whether it's the main FAP or your own zany spinoff series!

― colette (a2lette), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:47 (twenty-one years ago)

I think if there is already going to be a FAP at the Glasshouse Stores, then we should curse cancer there.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:48 (twenty-one years ago)

I shall have a drink *for* you, Kate.
x

― Jimmybommy JimmyK'KANG (Nick Southall), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck Kate, I hope it all goes well.

Even if it turns out to be cancer, which is unlikely even considering the family history, they'll have caught it early which would be in your favour.

Not surprised you're terrified. It doesn't help to say "oh, you'll be fine", I'm sure, but the odds are in your favour whether it's cancer or not.

4-fingered guitarists and stuff like that

Django Reinhardt was an awesome guitarist despite losing fingers in a fire during childhood. See, there's at least one.

xpost - completely separately and by total coincidence I might be in the glasshouse stores that night too - mind if I come and say hi? shouldn't be too hard to spot you lot

― beanz (beanz), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, please do come and say hi. I'll be easy to spot - I'm the girl with the MASSIVE FUCKOFF WEIRD LUMP on her right wrist. ;-)

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:54 (twenty-one years ago)

hope all goes well kate will see you at glass house stores. hope the doctors sink the lumps like we sink those bar billiard balls.

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 08:59 (twenty-one years ago)

best wishes and fingers crossed, kate - tommy iommi has a fake finger!

― stevie (stevie), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 09:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, best of luck, Kate.

I've a very nice bottle of Champers in my fridge at the moment and I'll make a toast to your good health with the first glass.

Those lumps are so goin' down!

― Penelope_111 (Penelope_111), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 09:10 (twenty-one years ago)

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAA!!!

I just had the Middlesex Hospital on the phone, asking if I wanted to reschedule my surgery.

Middlesex Hospital? The place that cancelled my surgery without warning or notice OVER TWO MONTHS AGO?

In the time that it took them to reschedule (a procedure which I asked for the first week in *February*) I moved, signed up with a new GP, got referred and WILL HAVE HAD MY LUMPS OPERATED ON before they can even give me another consulation.

I told them to please take me off their waiting list. God save the NHS.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 09:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh dear. Sorry, I work for these guys (well, UC7H anyway, not MDX specifically).

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 09:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Oops, sorry, maybe I should have googleproofed that name.

I'm just really cross about them, because they jerked me around so much. I had to wait MONTHS to even see a specialist, who spoke to me for two minutes, and then told me it would be months before there could be surgery. When I finally got the letter saying to call and be scheduled for surgery, they told me that the specialist had left the hospital. It took them another TWO AND A HALF MONTHS to even get back to me. I thought they'd disappeared off the face of the earth.

Not to mention, that they didn't even MENTION that anti-inflammatory drugs could help with the swelling and the PAIN of the lumps. (In fact, I was made to feel guilty and awful about even complaining about the pain of the lumps.)

Grrrr, they pissed me off.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 09:25 (twenty-one years ago)

liz works for the UCTH????

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 09:30 (twenty-one years ago)

Drinking for you, and wishing you the best, from Seattle.

― Rickey Wright (Rrrickey), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 10:22 (twenty-one years ago)

**Will the good Doctor C mind me bringing doctors and the Big C into his FAP? **

Hey look, it's not *my* FAP. Let's make it the 'good wishes for Kate FAP' and collectively tell the big C to f-ck off. I'm pleased that I'll be there to wish you all the best in person. Take care and looking forward to 24th.

Marcello - bugger preparing for the radio show, do it at the weekend. Be there! (There will be no bad vibeXOR - sod it, the Glasshouse stores will be the ILX LUV ZONE. There is nothing a few beers cannot put right!!)

― Dr. C (Dr. C), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 10:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I wish you all the best, Kate.

― MikeyG (MikeyG), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 10:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry Dr C, but this programme might be the most important thing I've ever done and I can't run the risk of messing it up because I'm hungover or ill-prepared or didn't get enough sleep the night before.

I don't have a script as such, nor a playlist (except for key records which need to be included), but I am going to do some readings mixed with music and I have to be absolutely sure that I can go through them without breaking up in grief. So I have to rehearse. With one particular passage it took me twelve attempts to be able to read it without collapsing in tears. I don't want the programme to be about my grieving, it has to be about Laura's life.

Do you understand? I have to get it right, for Laura's sake if not for mine. There are going to be friends and former colleagues of hers, and maybe even family, listening on the internet in Oxford. It's going to be a painful enough day and this is the best way I can think of to (a) get through it and (b) pay tribute to Laura.

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 18 August 2004 10:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Understood!

― Dr. C (Dr. C), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 10:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck Kate - we can rebuild you, we have the technology! Dude, I'm thinking the whole Doc Oc rig and everything!

― Michael Stuchbery (Mikey Bidness), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha ha, how would I be rebuilt?

Better, faster, stronger, able to drone for hours without RSI... how great of a guitarist would I be with a bionic wrist?

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:06 (twenty-one years ago)

You could shred incredible solos with your super nanopolymer cybernetic fists-of-rock fury.

Mmm, nanopolymer.

― Michael Stuchbery (Mikey Bidness), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:09 (twenty-one years ago)

I just googled "bionic arm" and the results were even cooler than borg-implants. I can't help but laugh. OK, it's not funny, but it's better than terrifying memories of my mother with a Frankenstein-looking PIN sticking out of her wrist for a year and a half.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:15 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, it's not funny, but it's better than terrifying memories of my mother with a Frankenstein-looking PIN sticking out of her wrist for a year and a half.

and the credit card thieves had a field day (sorry)

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha ha, that would be funny. If I came out of surgery and had an ATM slot sticking out of my arm. Think how much money I could scam!

Maybe I can get the doctor to just cut to the chase and put in a discdrive while he's at it. And a modem. I wouldn't need to be able to type if my bionic arm could be hooked up directly to the web.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:21 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd love to be able to come, and am in London next week, but am kid-bound and I don't think the GHS would be that keen on under-10s of an evening. I shall have a drink in the hotel for you instead.

btw - if anyone sees me next week say hi. Unlikely though that sounds, London's a big place after all.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:24 (twenty-one years ago)

wow! hey if the Dr. adds in a E-BOW then you don't even need the hand to play guitar!!!!!!!!!!!

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:27 (twenty-one years ago)

I am going to turn up at the surgery with a string of requests. And possibly some equipment. I think this is a very positive way to approach it. Don't think of it as losing a weird lump, think of it as gaining an eBow, an internet port, an ATM and... what else can I ask them to put in my bionic arm?

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:29 (twenty-one years ago)

I don't know you at all, but I wish you the best of luck Kate!! I shall have a drink for you!

― Hanna (Hanna), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:33 (twenty-one years ago)

(xpost)

A sine-wave oscillator? A Fairlight?

Why it's like Xmas at Selfridges! I envy you! ;-)

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Some kind of vibrating mechanism, for erm, y'know, mixing stuff or something.

― Penelope_111 (Penelope_111), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:34 (twenty-one years ago)

I AIN'T HAVING NO TOILET PAPER VIBRATOR FULL OF WASPS ON MY BIONIC ARM!!!

Though a batter-mixer attachment might be good. For making pancakes and frothing milk for cappucino. Yes! Excellent!

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:35 (twenty-one years ago)

(This is great, guys, laughter really is the best medicine.)

((And thanks for the good wishes, Hanna, it's good to know that even strangers are rooting for me.))

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh God Kate, I had no idea. I don't know if I'll be able to come out, but best of luck anyway. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about and anyway you're getting it sorted quickly. Maybe add a hot brush to bionic arm for Charlie's Angels -style flick-into-battle action?

― Anna (Anna), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Best of all possible luck Kate, I'll be thinking about you and shall have a pint of Malibu and Tizer and consider roasting-hot Danelectro-riffage in yr honour.
Thine,
Crawford...

― mzui, Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:47 (twenty-one years ago)

For making pancakes and frothing milk for cappucino.

hahahaha i see that's what they call it nowadays

― ken c (ken c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 11:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Best wishes & a frothing drunken salute from MS.

― Rock Hardy (Rock Hardy), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 12:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck with your appointment Kate.
I'll be thinking about you.

― mei (mei), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 12:54 (twenty-one years ago)

hey kate, just read this, and want to wish you best of luck. Thinking good thoughts for ya.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 12:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Best of luck Kate - here's to the day when, whatever the test results, you'll be able to say for a fact that you're completely clear.

― Markelby (Mark C), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 12:58 (twenty-one years ago)

let's not wish Sc!3ntol0gy on Kate, now.

(kidding! humor helps, I hope)

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 12:58 (twenty-one years ago)

I am going to have an anti-Scientologist ray fitted into my bionic arm, now. ;-)

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:00 (twenty-one years ago)

rad!

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:01 (twenty-one years ago)

except don't kill Isaac Hayes, he's cool.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Clear this, Shaft!

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:03 (twenty-one years ago)

What about an umbrella with a corkscrew on the end? You could then happily wait for a bus in the pissings of rain while glugging fruity little numbers. AND you won't look camp - just cool, dry and all inspector gadgety.

― Penelope_111 (Penelope_111), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:13 (twenty-one years ago)

go go, gadget kate!

― colette (a2lette), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:47 (twenty-one years ago)

you should get a theremin so you can just waive it around and make weird sounds, the loudspeaker maay look a little odd strapped to your head though.

best of luck Kate

― Porkpie (porkpie), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Have drone strings installed so you can do a kind of tamboura-plus-guitar while you're playing? Mmm, maybe I've listened to My Goal's Beyond too many times.

― Rock Hardy (Rock Hardy), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 13:51 (twenty-one years ago)

It's going to have to be like a Swiss Arm(y) with mini recessible theremin, umbrella, bees+cigartube vibrator et c. But so handy!

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Heavens, I'm late on this. All shall be well, Kate, fret not (I always say this to be sure, but darnit there is nothing wrong with that!). Get the laser implants anyway and you can be fearsome!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:34 (twenty-one years ago)

I think you need a spidey webshooting thing. Good luck Kate.

― Madchen (Madchen), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck Kate.

― Rock Bastard, Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:52 (twenty-one years ago)

I shall drink myself into a stupor for you, Kate. My fingers are crossed.

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Wow, I like Luna's idea that we could get drunk all is well for her. PLEDGEFAP FOR KATE ON SATURDAY!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:57 (twenty-one years ago)

I like the idea of people getting drunk for me!

If I had a funeral, I would want everyone to get plastered and have a good time and toast me. OK, I'm not dead, and in all likelihood, probably won't die from this, even if it *is* a tumour, but it's the same idea.

General drinking and goodtimeness all around the world will make me happier, and happier means I will get better quicker!

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 14:59 (twenty-one years ago)

I get drunk for you every night.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:00 (twenty-one years ago)

okay sorry, that's creepy.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Not creepy. I like the idea that someone, somewhere, is getting drunk for me at any point during this.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Cocktails for Cancer: The nu fundraiser.

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:02 (twenty-one years ago)

If it turns out that it is cancer, I am so starting a charity called cocktails for cancer!

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:03 (twenty-one years ago)

oh but Kate I just meant in general.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:06 (twenty-one years ago)

crying into my beer, pining away, etc.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah that sort of sounded like 'hey, drink cocktails and you'll get cancer', but it's early and my brain is still asleep.

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck Kate. I won't be making the FAP but as it's payday, I shall drink my nearest offy dry for you.

― robster (robster), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck, Kate! I shall do remote Nordic drinking for you on Tuesday (can't promise Malibu though), and perhaps listen to that elephant song or something.

― OleM (OleM), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:45 (twenty-one years ago)

I have a friend with cancer in hospital too right now. I wish you all the best, Kate.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 21:15 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm hoping for 'a big fat nothing' as the verdict, kick ass Kate

― Begs2Differ (Begs2Differ), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 21:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Good wishes to Kate and good luck to Marcello; all my best.

― nabisco (nabisco), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 21:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Best of luck from half a world away, Kate. cheers.

― derrick (derrick), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 21:41 (twenty-one years ago)

I freaked out when I had a weird, large lump on my left wrist Kate (and this week two of my fingers feel...odd), although it's almost completely gone over the last 2 years, so I hope and pray you'll be all good. Only the smallest chance I'll make the FAP however.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 21:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Best of luck, Kate. I'll make a toast (with my befuddled friends) to your health on Saturday night.

― Michael White (Hereward), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 22:32 (twenty-one years ago)

best of luck kate! i had many drinks tonite and was thinking of you - hope everything turns out ok!

― weasel diesel (K1l14n), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 22:36 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm drinking RIGHT NOW. *fingers crossed*

― Kim (Kim), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 23:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck to you, Kate! I'm totally convinced that all the bad karma you'd been experiencing relationship-wise will help cover you when it's determined what kind of growths you have. (If they aren't benign, then the only logical conclusion will be that John Taylor will dump Gela for you and will nurse you, Mrs. Taylor # 3, to health. Has to happen.)

― Many Coloured Halo (Dee the Lurker), Thursday, 19 August 2004 00:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Hope everything's ok, Kate! Good luck!

― CeCe Peniston (Anthony Miccio), Thursday, 19 August 2004 00:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Many good wishes to you from Chicago. I'm not drinking lately, so maybe I'll find a dessert to consume in your honor.

― JuliaA (j_bdules), Thursday, 19 August 2004 00:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Hope all goes well, Kate. Damn, time for another refill.

― jim wentworth (wench), Thursday, 19 August 2004 01:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Best of luck, Kate.

Things that could go wrong have a one in ten chance of actually going wrong, if that helps.

― Dirty Muriel (Autumn Almanac), Thursday, 19 August 2004 01:27 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll eat pancakes for you.

And you ought to get one of those cool little USB flash drives put in!

― Layna Andersen (Layna Andersen), Thursday, 19 August 2004 01:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh god Kate, I wish I could think of anything better to say than a) good luck, b) catching it early means there is a really good chance of dealing with whatever it is with the most minimal damage, and c) good luck again. I'll be there on Tuesday.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 19 August 2004 09:13 (twenty-one years ago)

I will be there in spirit Kate (and will *drink* spirits in your name wherever I am in body, also may look at cute boys on yr behalf). Good luck!

― Archel (Archel), Thursday, 19 August 2004 09:45 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll be there to wish you well in person Kate.
And I will also curse cancer, since I have a few reasons to...

― Rob Bolton (Rob Bolton), Thursday, 19 August 2004 10:07 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll drink for you in Massachusetts, Kate.

I have a lump on my wrist, too, but it has gotten smaller since I moved my mouse to the left side. I'm thinking it's swelling from RSI. I hope your lump turns out to be insignificant, too. The genetic thing is scary, though. Take deep breaths.

Not having a fear of death is cool. Leaving the lump aside for a moment, you should capitalise on your lack of fear and become a stunt woman or extreme spelunker or lion tamer. (I don't know you, though, so maybe you already are all those things.)

Anyway, good luck. Scott and I will toast to you tonight.

― Maria D. (Maria D.), Thursday, 19 August 2004 10:21 (twenty-one years ago)

pretty certain i'll be along for a good curse as well :)

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 19 August 2004 10:30 (twenty-one years ago)

I won't be in the pub (because I live in the wrong country), but like most evenings I will probably be drunk, so on that night I can be drunk in your honour.

Anyway, best wishes with the surgery and stuff.

― DV (dirtyvicar), Thursday, 19 August 2004 10:48 (twenty-one years ago)

I will curse very hard from afar and wish the best for you even harder.
Good luck!

― misshajim (strand), Thursday, 19 August 2004 10:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck Kate, will also have a drink in yr honor.

― H (Heruy), Thursday, 19 August 2004 12:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Thanks to everyone on this thread for your lovely comments.

I talked to my mum on the phone for an hour yesterday, with her telling me that I was being ridiculous and hysterical (in between telling me "the reason that mine got so bad was because it was untreated for a decade... that's why I had to have THREE OPERATIONS and BONE-SCRAPING!! and TENDON REARRANGING!!! and ELECTRO-MUSCULAR THERAPY!!!!" until I was nearly crying and hysterical and she insisted that she could still play the piano if she wanted to, even though she can barely type) but anyway...

I know I'm being hysterical and over-reacting and everything, but I am scared. And it just seems like *everything* has happened at once lately.

It's true, I don't have a fear of death. But I *do* have a fear of pain or serious injury, so unfortunately, I might make a good kamikaze pilot, but a rubbish liontamer or stuntwoman. ;-)

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Friday, 20 August 2004 08:05 (twenty-one years ago)

You are wise to be dealing with this now instead of just ignoring it for awhile because it's scary. Face your fear. You're not being ridiculous at all for being scared; you're not overreacting. Just don't let the fear turn into a thing all its own. Stress isn't good for a body either. Breathe. Do whatever relaxes you. Have drinks. Cry a little if it makes you feel better. You'll probably be just fine, but that doesn't mean you're being silly for worrying. And for all the horror stories about scraping there are probably 100 about things that turned out to be not very serious.

― Maria D. (Maria D.), Friday, 20 August 2004 21:19 (twenty-one years ago)

kate
im not only scared of death and pain but even mild discomfort--hugs that it will all go ok and everything will be benign

― anthony, Friday, 20 August 2004 22:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Very best wishes from me Kate! xxxxxxxxxxxxx!

― jed_ (jed), Friday, 20 August 2004 22:44 (twenty-one years ago)

just found this thread ... all the best and my prayers are with you now, kate.

― Eisbär (llamasfur), Sunday, 22 August 2004 03:21 (twenty-one years ago)

(Oh man. Maria D., I just have to say that your advice is AWESOME.)

― Many Coloured Halo (Dee the Lurker), Sunday, 22 August 2004 08:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Damn, I missed this thread. Kate, I wish you the very best, and I am sure you _will_ be OK.

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Sunday, 22 August 2004 08:02 (twenty-one years ago)

What they all said. Thoughts, prayers, best wishes, they're all there in bucketloads. Take care x

― ailsa (ailsa), Sunday, 22 August 2004 08:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Don't think I'll make this. Good wishes to Kate!

― jel -- (jel), Monday, 23 August 2004 16:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Best wishes, Kate!

― Huck, Monday, 23 August 2004 16:58 (twenty-one years ago)

A wee bit late getting to this. Can I use one of the drinks I had for my birthday retroactively? ;-)

Much love and well-wishing. Why do I have "Pour Some Sugar On Me" in my head now...

― kaliflwr (kaliflwr), Monday, 23 August 2004 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Will try to make, it, but - I hope it goes well, Kate, and I'll try to have a drink for your sake even if I can't get down there.

― cis (cis), Monday, 23 August 2004 22:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh... I just posted about this on another thread. Thanks, guys, for all the well wishes. This makes me feel so much better about everything, it really, truly does.

I spoke to the clinic this morning on the phone, and the lumpendectomy is all booked and fine. I'm scared. (Especially since my joints have been extra specially aching post-dancing at the weekend.) But I can face this, I can do this.

Repeat after me, in Arnie voice. "It's NOOOHHHHT a tuuuuu-mour!"

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 07:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry I won't be able to be at your FAP in person, Kate, but I shall be thinking of you and, as Maria D said, you are definitely doing the right thing by getting this checked out right now. As I know from my own experience of hospitals and scary health issues, tho it's only natural to feel scared, I've always found these medic types to be very understanding and good at putting ppl at their ease and are really quite selfless in their efforts to make sure that you're feeling as relaxed as is humanly possible in these situations and - just important - keep you 100% informed every step of the way.

― MarkH (MarkH), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 07:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Good luck Kate, sorry I can't make this. You'll be dancing wildly again before you know it ;)

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 08:13 (twenty-one years ago)

I can't come because I'm having a FAP with Legoland-visiting relatives, but all the best, etc.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 08:16 (twenty-one years ago)

It doesn't look like I'll be up to it, either - I haven't been to work in a week, and I think it's probable that I won't manage to get out of the house this evening. I apologise to Dr C, who I was looking forward to seeing, and especially to Kate, who I will be thinking of, today and tomorrow, if I don't manage to get there.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 12:43 (twenty-one years ago)

:-(

I really enjoyed talking to you last week, Martin, and was looking forward to seeing you again.

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 12:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Sorry, I've arrived a bit late to this thread.
To my good friend kate, all of the best wishes I can muster & love are being sent to you. I know you are scared, but please try to be strong, we are all here for you. My prayers are with you darlin. Please email me your address though, I'm sure I had it, but pls can you update me. *big kitten hugs*

― PinXor (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 13:15 (twenty-one years ago)

Kate, all of my best wishes are with you and positive thoughts for the exam.

― jocelyn (Jocelyn), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 13:21 (twenty-one years ago)

BUMP - for kate.

I did respond to your email, but u obv haven't got it yet!! :-(

― PinXor (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 13:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Have been having terrible trouble with Yahoo lately... grrr. Things not turning up for days after they were sent and stuff...

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 13:53 (twenty-one years ago)

i forwarded it to easynet. can you let me have your addy pls!

― PinXor (Pinkpanther), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 13:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Kate I won't be at the GHS after all but I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow. Um... "It's nooohhhht a tuuuuu-mour"

― beanz (beanz), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 14:46 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I'm taking off now, headed for the pub.

Thanks for the well-wishes, everyone! Think of me tomorrow, coz that's when the operation. Pray for me, if you believe in that sort of thing.

I'll try to get Suzy to post tomorrow post doctor to let youse know if there's any results, but otherwise, I will talk to you all next week, god willing!

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 15:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Update please! I hope everything went okay.

― Maria D. (Maria D.), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 16:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Everything went fine, and it was pretty anticlimactic actually as we were out by 5pm, no anaesthesia, no . The doctor explained patiently as he removed two syringes of chartreuse goop from the area that it can't be a tumour and be goopy *like this* at the same time.

― suzy (suzy), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:05 (twenty-one years ago)

yay, good news for kate! thanks suzy for telling us, too.

― hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Excellent news. Is the goop being biopsied to figger out what it was?
Tonight I drink Kwak in honor of the goop!

― Rock Hardy (Rock Hardy), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

yes, brilliant news! Thanks for letting us know Suzy! Syringes of goop, ew!

― MarkH (MarkH), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Great news! Glad to hear that things went well.

― Barry Bruner (Barry Bruner), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

hi i'm relatively new here... and have seldomly directed a question at someone personally,
but it was quite moving to read this thread... all the pedantry any ilxors may have ever
expressed cannot hold a candle to the goodwill expressed in this thread.
congratulations on the good news, kate. i hope all's well that ends well.
gregory

― firstworldman (firstworldman), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:23 (twenty-one years ago)

It's a real relief - I hope the wrist feels all better very soon.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Kate, I know I promised to get drunk for you, but I've had the flu for the last couple days, so skipped the drinking and went straight for the vomiting. Er, sorry. I'm glad to hear it was relatively easy though, and promise to drink in celebration this weekend.

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 19:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Goop news.

― Maria D. (Maria D.), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 20:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Yay for goop! Okay, not really, but yay for the non-tumor implications of goop! Best wishes to Kate...

― JuliaA (j_bdules), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 20:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Kate, any idea what the goop is and why it's there?

― Michael White (Hereward), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 20:21 (twenty-one years ago)

oh good. Arnie was right.

― kephm, Wednesday, 25 August 2004 20:41 (twenty-one years ago)

The doctor used some schmancy Latin term for goop which I have forgotten. Had the option of staying in theatre but they got out the little phials of local anaesthetic to use on Kate and I dove for the lobby.

Kate's been referred for ultrasound for the leg-bump, it's an enlarged Achilles tendon according to the specialist. She may even be back at work on Friday!

― suzy (suzy), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 20:46 (twenty-one years ago)

I called it pus by accident and was told off.

― suzy (suzy), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 20:49 (twenty-one years ago)

That's excellent news.

Except for the Suzy being told off part.

Now Kate has to come to club FT and show off her pus! er, I mean, lack-of-tumour-ness. Unless they give her a jar of the stuff to take home, like some people do with appendices.

― cis (cis), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 21:21 (twenty-one years ago)

I never got my appendix. I feel cheated!

― MarkH (MarkH), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 21:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Yay Kate- I'm glad all went well. :-)

― lyra (lyra), Thursday, 26 August 2004 01:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Hooray kate, just to re-iterate my text last night, I'm really happy that it was nothing more sinister than goop! can't wait to chat! *hugs*

― PinXor (Pinkpanther), Thursday, 26 August 2004 07:14 (twenty-one years ago)

aw goop it up! nice one, st claire.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 26 August 2004 07:27 (twenty-one years ago)

oh thank goodness kate!

― The Lady Ms Lurex (lucylurex), Thursday, 26 August 2004 07:42 (twenty-one years ago)

I said this on the other thread as well but this is fantastic news. Go dancing to celebrate!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 26 August 2004 07:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Hurrah for Kate and her gloop! I thought of you yesterday Kate, hope you feel on top form again very soon. Thanks for info suzy.

― Archel (Archel), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Great news Kate!

― Tom (Groke), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Hurrah! Excellent news on the ~~pus~~ goop.

― robster (robster), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:16 (twenty-one years ago)

goop news!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Good for you Kate!!!

(I don't have my appendix in a jar, but I do however have the removal of it on video tape, but I've never watched it. My dad copied it onto the same vhs as our birthdays and Christmases. I know it's freaky, don't ask.)

― Hanna (Hanna), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Excellent news! (goop, ugh, puke)

― Pashmina (Pashmina), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:30 (twenty-one years ago)

:-)

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:30 (twenty-one years ago)

The goop of R!O!C!K! has been freed. And so has Kate, hurrah.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Goop for you! Ewwww. Hurrah, caramel LOGS all round!

― Starry (hello chickens), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:38 (twenty-one years ago)

i'd pay £5 to whoever dares drink the goop

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:38 (twenty-one years ago)

maybe the goop will grow into a new Kate.

― DV (dirtyvicar), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:40 (twenty-one years ago)

K-2000

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:41 (twenty-one years ago)

omg someone photoshop kate here pls
http://assall.de/movie-prop/terminator/te_15.jpg

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Yay Kate's chartreuse icky goop and non-existent tumour.

Thanks for letting us know, Suzy.

― beanz (beanz), Thursday, 26 August 2004 08:45 (twenty-one years ago)

I think the Chapel Bar should launch a new GOOP COCKTAIL in honour of Kate's non-tumourdom.

― MarkH (MarkH), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:05 (twenty-one years ago)

It'll have Midori in it.

― suzy (suzy), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:18 (twenty-one years ago)

robogoop

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:19 (twenty-one years ago)

goopge street

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:19 (twenty-one years ago)

It'll have Midori in it.

mmmm. I love that stuff.

― MarkH (MarkH), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Midori, Advocaat, creme de menthe

― Ed (dali), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Ooooh minty melony alky custard goop!

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:27 (twenty-one years ago)

This thread makes me want to vomit. I'm thrilled for Kate but STOP TALKING ABOUT META-PUS!!!

― Markelby (Mark C), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:28 (twenty-one years ago)

I think an egg should feature as well.

― Ed (dali), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Now you've gone too far.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:29 (twenty-one years ago)

STOP TALKING ABOUT META-PUS!!!

I think you've just coined the name there. Sex on the Beach, an Orgasm and a Meta-pus, pls, friendly barkeep!

― MarkH (MarkH), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:30 (twenty-one years ago)

gonorrhea egg nogdule

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:34 (twenty-one years ago)

FANTASTIC!!! Great news, Kate. Fit to strum again!

Stop the PUS talk! Please!

― Dr. C (Dr. C), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:49 (twenty-one years ago)

oh jesus. kate described this in a much less gross way than suzy...i think the addition of the color makes the mental picture just so icky.

but still super happy that it all turned out ok!

― colette (a2lette), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Green stuff coming out of yr body is always going to be weird - it's funny the colours that are already in there though. The gall bladder is a startling shade of emerald and tendons are a beautiful pearly white.

― Liz :x (Liz :x), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:25 (twenty-one years ago)

aw.. my guts are so pretty!

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Chartreuse goop! Awesome!

Very, very happy to hear things went well. Thanks for the info!

― kaliflwr (kaliflwr), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Goopica!

The relief must be immense. Onwards...

― Penelope_111 (Penelope_111), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm happy for you, kate. I wish I could have raised a drink for you the other night. I'll try to make up for it this weekend. :-D

I did, however, play guitar a little extra in your honor.

― Sarah McLusky (coco), Thursday, 26 August 2004 18:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Aw, just back from dancing and people said 'it wasn't goop. It was clearly pure absinthe.'

― suzy (suzy), Thursday, 26 August 2004 21:09 (twenty-one years ago)

i was relieved to open this thread and see that the news is good. god bless, kate.

― weasel diesel (K1l14n), Thursday, 26 August 2004 21:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Aawwwww, you guys! Thanks for all the well-wishing and the wishing me well. The power of prayers... or at lesat, the power of DRINKING worked wonders.

Suzy lies about the colour of the goop, twould have been good if it were chartreuse or absinthe coloured, but alas, it was more the colour and consistency of chip pan oil at the end of a long night. The doctor did not let me keep any, but squirted it onto a bit of gauze to prove once and for all that it is NOT A TUUUUUMOOOOOUURRRR!!!

I am very relieved. I took off the bandaegs this morning and my wrist is flat in the same way that a pregnant woman's stomach goes flat aftr delivery - very squishy, and pulsating in time with my heartbeat. eeeuuurrrggghhh. but at least i can fit my brace over the top of it now! hurrah!

ok, brace or no, is hurting to type. but i just wanted to say hello and thank youthank you thank you for the drinking and the wellwishing, you guys are the bestest. XOXOXO

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Friday, 27 August 2004 09:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Hoorah for kate! *big hugs*

― PinXor (Pinkpanther), Friday, 27 August 2004 10:04 (twenty-one years ago)

no, hurrah for ILX for being so supportive in a time of need!

::hugs to all of you::

― Super-Masonic Black Hole (kate), Friday, 27 August 2004 10:11 (twenty-one years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.