Shane, I just visited my friend Monica yesterday at Stanford--she had surgery by Dr. Steinberg and is doing great.  I also met another MM patient there who had both sides done and she also looked terrific.  I'm sure you know you couldn't be in better hands.

A doctor once told me that "everyone has something, but not everyone knows what they have."  Well, you're one of the ones who knows what you have -- and you can take it from there!  Good luck with your surgery!

Shane,
          I know this really sucks but to put a positive twist on it your right, at least you knew from Michelle what signs to look for because you could have not seen the signs like we didn't with Mandy and have your whole life pulled from under you. You have a good additude and I think you realize just how lucky you are. Don't get me wrong it still bites, but you know what I'm saying....certainly not making light of it. Dr. S is the best as you know I'm sure you'll do fine. Good Luck!!
                             Nancy

Shane,

I have been thinking about you daily since I read Michelle's post about you being diagnosed with MM. I'm so glad to see a post from you. 

One thing is certain. You know what to expect and you know Dr. Steinberg will take good care of you.  Since you went through this with Michelle, you have an edge over most others. You are familiar with the hospital, Dr. Steinberg and the process.  I believe that is a big plus.

I was very surprised to hear you were diagnosed with MM and having surgery almost one year from the day Michelle had her surgery. The whole thing is simply odd because it is so rare to hear of both siblings having MM and it's just overwhelming. I'm sure the thoughts of having MM are in the minds of many siblings.

As far as I know, I don't have MM like Kevin (Cubbie).  However, we had an older brother who died suddenly almost 2 years ago.  He had a heart attack and they put stents in but what seemed odd to me, in retrospect, is the doctor said he opened his arteries and nothing was there but his arteries kept collapsing.  Perhaps it had nothing at all to do with MM.  It was like his entire body simply shut down. Since he died prior to Kevin's diagnosis with MM, we will never know if he may have had MM.  I'm certain they did an angiogram and there was no mention of MM vessels.  However, not many in this area know about MM even today. So it remains a mystery.

Shane, God does have a plan for you and all of us. You have a positive outlook. You know you can look at this as "the glass is half empty or the glass is half full". It's your choice and I know it is easier said than done. As you are aware, I am a kidney cancer survivor. When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer I oscillated through all kinds of emotions and I too asked why me? The cancer diagnosis humbled me greatly. Perhaps that was a lesson I needed to learn in a big way. I also was not a very patient person. I have worked very hard at trying to be a more patient, caring and loving person. Of course I like to say God gave Kevin to me after our mother passed away to teach me patience. lol 

I too got depressed and it wasn't until I saw the movie Shawshank Redemption and Morgan Freeman said "you can get busy living or you can get busy dying" that I realized he must be talking to me and I made the choice to get busy living.  We are never promised tomorrow. I am a firm believer we should live each day to the fullest, as though it were our last. You have a much more positive attitude about your MM diagnosis than I did about my cancer diagnosis. It is natural and expected to go through all kinds of emotions like you are experiencing when being diagnosed with a rare disease. When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, at that time, it was unheard of in a women. I felt like I was alone. Today, kidney cancer in women has increased 600%. I like to say I was the one female who opened the door for those who followed to have a chance at surviving,  I was a guinea pig!  You are focusing on the positives.  My hat goes off to you for that.  It's not an easy thing to do. So keep those positive thoughts.  You have a lot of people supporting you and praying for you.

You are a sweetheart and a very caring person. I know you will do fine and this time Michelle gets to take care of you.  Wow!! Just think of the possibilities! You can milk it for all it's worth! lol  Don't tell Michelle I said that. lol

I still remember you sitting with me through Kevin's surgery and being there for me and getting me coffee.  I wish I could physically be at Stanford with you and Michelle. Although I can't be at Stanford, I will be here to support you both.  You know, Kevin has to go back to Stanford for follow-up.  If I can get it arranged for when you are there, I will certainly try.

Shane, stay strong and please let me know how you are doing. If there is anything I can do for you or Michelle, please don't hesitate to let me know.

You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Love and hugs,

Lore and Kevin (Cubbie)