Please allow me to introduce myself...

[TinkerBelle]

First of all, I'd like to say how pleased I was to stumble onto this site. My name is Holly. I live in a small town in the "bible belt". Not only am I a Liberal, but also an Agnostic. On top of that, I have two kinds of cancer. Needless to say, it has been dificult living in a community where people have very strong opinions about their ability to save my soul, not to mention changing my political beliefs, as well. I dance to the beat of my own drum. Unfortunately, I'm a lousy drummer. There is no one around here to talk with about being Agnostic, unless that entails hearing how I'm going to burn in hell for my beliefs. I am very open to the ideas of others. This is a subject in which I am most interested. A little background on what pushed me to join this site? In June 2009, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As frightening as that was, I let the doctors take their best shot in treating it. Over a year later, I had developed a new cancer. Nothing against the attempt to save me, but I had reached my breaking point. In late August, I made a difficult decision to have my port removed, and let the chips fall where they may. My family disowned me because they didn't want to see me die. This was, oddly enough, the best thing. I haven't felt more healthy and alive since everyone has stopped making decisions for me, or letting doctors pump chemicals into my body. I plan on surviving. My goals are to continue learning about things of interest, hearing what others have to say, and getting back to a place of inner peace. For a time, my identity as a sane person was stolen from me, and now I have it back. Reading these forums has given me strength and comfort, so I thank you all. While I am somewhat of a private person, any questions or discussions are welcome. I may post, or not. Also, I am an easy going individual, with a somewhat sarcastic, dry sense of humor. Major film and music lover. Looking forward to being here. Thanks for this forum. Cheers.

Holly (they keep saying "There are no atheists in foxholes." I say, "Maybe, maybe not, but I know of at least one agnostic.")

[Davin]

Welcome to the forums!

Holly (they keep saying "There are no atheists in foxholes." I say, "Maybe, maybe not, but I know of at least one agnostic.")

I think you'll only find atheists in foxholes, because people with faith that their god will protect them don't need foxholes.

[The Magic Pudding]

Wish you well Holly.

[Tank]

...In late August, I made a difficult decision to have my port removed, and let the chips fall where they may...

What does this mean? Would it be an intravenous 'port' where chemo drugs would be administered?

Welcome aboard

Regards
Chris

[TinkerBelle]

Thank you for making me welcome.
For Chris: It was actually a DuoPort-a-cath installed in the right side of my chest with a cath running to my heart, and yes, it was for two (thus, the duo) access points where they could administer the chemo. They couldn't place it over my heart because I had several surgeries that same day on the left side to try and remove the 12 centimeter "lump". (one of many) I'd rather not concentrate on my illness. Instead, I'd like to embrace the forum for what it is. If I came off sounding like I needed pity or support, that was unintentional. I'm actually in a good place emotionally, so don't take pity on me. Thanks again. Cheers.

Holly

[Thumpalumpacus]

Hiya, Holly.  That's a pretty rough row to hoe.

My son's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999.  By 2002 it had metastasized to five tumors, two on the lymph nodes.  Lumpectomies and intensive chemo/rad therapy knocked it back.  It's made return engagements in 2006 and 2009.  She went from Catholic to Buddhist to atheist...funny how cancer has that effect.

Best of luck with everything.

[Tank]

So Holly. What do you want to talk about, discuss, curse, blaspheme, joke etc et al  

[TinkerBelle]

Thumpalumpacus, (that's fun to say) sorry about your son's mother. Funny how people refer to having cancer as going through hell. Tough? Yes. Hell? Don't know. I look around anymore, and see that so many others have it tougher than I do, so I consider myself lucky. My poor attitude took its toll earlier this year, and cost me much. Now, I am just getting back to a place of contentment. I have been agnostic as far back as I can recall, and have always been referred to as "the black sheep" of the family, because I have a bad habit of thinking for myself, asking questions, and speaking my mind.
Tank: Think I'll continue to read and absorb any information here that piques my interest. If I want to joke, I'm sure there's a good forum for that elsewhere. Hoping for some stimulating conversations. There are some bright individuals on here, and I respect their thoughts and opinions. As I stated previously, I may post, or not.
Thank you and take care.

Holly

[Tank]

Well, don't be a stranger  

[McQ]

Welcome to the forum, Holly. Sorry to hear about you having to live in the bible belt as a liberal and as an agnostic. I think that's harder than Hodgkin's Lymphoma!

Happy to learn that you enjoy the forum and that you've gained something from it. That means a lot to us. Sincerely, it does.

I won't talk about your cancer in the open forum if it is against your desire, but I want to offer you the opportunity to chat about it via PM if you'd like. I am a Hematology/Oncology Consultant and would be happy to lend an ear, answer questions, or just be someone to bitch at. Just shoot me a PM if you like.

Enjoy the forum, and again, my condolences on your misfortune to be a heathen among all those god-fearing rednecks!

[legs laney]

Warm greetings from Las Vegas  
inside tip:  i'm pretty new here too, but i hear inserting the dancing banana smilie is very bad

[navvelline]

Welcome Holly!
I liked your introduction title. It reminds me of the song "Sympathy for the Devil", which is a favorite song of mine.  

[wildfire_emissary]

Welcome TinkerBelle! You're a brave one enduring all those things you are encountering. I salute you!

[Thumpalumpacus]

Thumpalumpacus, (that's fun to say) sorry about your son's mother. Funny how people refer to having cancer as going through hell. Tough? Yes. Hell? Don't know. I look around anymore, and see that so many others have it tougher than I do, so I consider myself lucky. My poor attitude took its toll earlier this year, and cost me much. Now, I am just getting back to a place of contentment. I have been agnostic as far back as I can recall, and have always been referred to as "the black sheep" of the family, because I have a bad habit of thinking for myself, asking questions, and speaking my mind.

Holly

I wish you the best, Tinker.  For what my little opinion is worth, you look to have your head in the right place.

[TinkerBelle]

Thanks so much, guys and gals. I can't tell you how much it means to have such a warm welcoming.

Tank: I couldn't be much stranger.  

McQ: Still digging your avatar. Thanks for the great messages.

legs: I'll bear that in mind. <TOSSES DANCING BANANA>

navvelline: Caught my song reference? Good job! It is a pretty awesome tune.

wildfire: Brave? Wow, no one's ever accused me of that, but I like it! Thanks.

Thump: Now, if I can just keep my head in the right pl... Hey! Get back here! Thank you.

Cheers,
Holly