tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82148198379488652722024-02-08T07:25:43.997-08:00Network of FriendsDoug Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05026535635104079692noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-44395123856037705052009-12-22T16:41:00.000-08:002009-12-22T17:03:19.392-08:00A note from Nancy, 12/22/09If you happen to be checking this blog, thank you! (Some people tell me they are still checking daily. I apologize for not being able to keep up!!!)<br /><br />My good news: I had the big follow-up appointment with Drs. Batjer and Fishman yesterday, 12/21. and they were both delighted with my progress. The biggest relief to me is that I can now drive. Just as Dr. Lisa Rosenberg was amazed weeks back that I didn't have double vision (and had perfect peripheral sight), so too, Dr. Batjer couldn't believe I was seeing normally... So, yes, I promise to stay on the right side of the road!<br /><br />As you may have guessed, we opted to stay home this December instead of taking our planned trip to Naples. (I did pull the brain tumor card to get American Airlines to waive its $250 penalty fee to restock my miles back into my account ... normally, I would have never done that but their 2 options, worse and worser, made my blood boil.) Hopefully, a night downtown will be a good getaway for the kids!<br /><br />I am still taking extra care of my right eye. Its vision is fine, but I must use drops or gel constantly as the 7th nerve is stubborn to relax. I still go to physical therapy, now, early in the morning while the kids are sleeping.<br /><br />Again, I have so much to be grateful for this snowy holiday season. As it is difficult to multitask and personally shop for "just the right thing," the Glazers are truly having a more meaningful holiday. As ever, I am appreciative that you are thinking of me at this time.<br /><br />Simply grateful,<br /><br />NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00043565821839489492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-81852918961221961712009-12-09T08:25:00.001-08:002009-12-09T08:25:50.033-08:00Happy Birthday Nancy!From Nancy:<br /><br /><div>December 9th. It's my birthday ...</div> <div>Simply put, this is my best birthday ever.</div> <div>It's good to be alive!</div> <div> </div> <div>I could end this post there, but I'm rather thrilled to share how well I am doing. Since my parole from RIC last Tuesday, my vision in my right eye has improved greatly (still not able to get through all the emails; sorry ...) My endurance has soared. When I get tired at night, I simply put my head back for 15 minutes and then go make lunches. I have totally ditched the grandma walker (took me 3 days). </div> <div> </div> <div>My new physical therapist at RIC Northbrook calls me "super-high functioning." I passed every balance and physical test; I am simply working on endurance. To say the least, I love everything about RIC Northbrook, mostly because they are amazed and thrilled about how much I have accomplished since my ridiculously-long surgeries.</div> <div> </div> <div>Of all days, my birthday, I am appreciative to have another chance at life. I am so fortunate to have had each member of every medical team. (And now my many doctor friends are giving me extra TLC for minor residual issues,)</div> <div> </div> <div>Thank you so much for caring enough about me to check this post. Thank you, again, for honoring my crazy wishes. To those of you who are as stubborn as I am and did what you wanted to anyway, thanks, too ... sigh.</div> <div> </div> <div>To paraphrase George Bailey from <em>It's a Wonderful Life,</em> "No man is a failure who has friends ..." To say the least, I have never felt more loved than I do now. I have never felt more successful in life than I do right now. Thank you.</div> <div> </div> <div>Nancy</div> <div> </div> <div> </div>Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-58125897913084289832009-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:002009-12-04T10:54:19.070-08:00A Post From Nancy<div>Dear All,</div> <div> </div> <div>It's Friday, December 4th, both Abbe Berry's and Ed Zukrow's birthday(s). Happy, healthy to both of them! Also, happy (low) round number tomorrow to Pam Shimamoto .... </div> <div> </div> <div>As for me, Barry brought me home Tuesday night. Orchestrating my parole out of RIC was a daily, ever-changing challenge. While I am beyond-belief appreciative to have the medical care I have had, to quote Dorothy, "there's no place like home." The little things truly mean the most ...</div> <div> </div> <div>I have found in the last 3 days that I have been able to get around pretty well. Walking is not difficult for me. Nor are stairs. My greatest challenge is endurance so pacing myself is key. (Fortunately for us, we have a well-paid staff living at our house, happy to do laundry, make school lunches and even chauffeur.) I will be starting my outpatient rehab at RIC-Northbrook, 3 times weekly, next week. Thank you, in advance, for the rides.</div> <div> </div> <div>Also, thank you all for following my crazy wishes. More than most, I understand how difficult of a position I put you all in; clearly, I created one of these "damned no matter what you do" situations. I get that. There are no rights of wrongs here. I know I just have to get through the way I know how. </div> <div> </div> <div>Thank you, too, for your thoughts, prayers, kind words, etc. I am overwhelmed by the emails, and I have not yet ventured onto this blog. Please know I appreciative that you care. </div> <div> </div> <div>Heartfelt hugs,</div> <div> </div> <div>Nancy</div>Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-1182815619441019602009-12-01T15:23:00.000-08:002009-12-01T15:24:36.055-08:00Nancy's Home!!Big news - Nancy arrived back home late this afternoon!!Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-13047255087028609902009-11-26T07:58:00.000-08:002009-11-26T07:58:00.406-08:00Thanksgiving Day Update from Barry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Below is a post from Barry. I am THRILLED to be posting more than 2 sentences!! For the first time in my role as Blogmaster, I am going to take a couple of creative liberties. First, as I read Barry's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "><b>OP </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">TEN</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> REASONS WHY THE GLAZERS </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">ARE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> THANKFUL THIS THANKSGIVING</span></b></span></span>, I realized there is a glaring omission. So, I am adding this 11th reason:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>11. Barry</b>. While I am sure Nancy will post later about how wonderful Barry has been throughout all of this, I wanted to say how thankful we, as Nancy's friends, are to Barry for his love and support for Nancy during all of this. Also, in addition to a full plate of responsibilities at the hospital, home, and office, Barry has made time to reassure us and keep us informed during the past week and a half. Thank you Barry - and get some rest this weekend. You deserve it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; ">Enjoy your time with family and friends today... Happy Tofurkey Day :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Gayle</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">****************************************************************************************************************************************</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">All:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">This is Barry, the current gatekeeper of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">'s Network of Friends. I am pleased to report that </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> quickly made it to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and she will be home as soon as she gets stronger. Pretty soon, she will be communicating with you via the blog.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">First, an apology. Thanks to Gayle Byck, Pam and Scott Shimamoto, and Doug Wilson, this blog was set up for </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">. I have tried to balance your need to know </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">'s status with my sense of privacy and superstition. There have been many highs and some lows, but I didn't want to take everyone on this rollercoaster or jinx anything. Thanks to Gayle for honoring my wishes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Thanksgiving is </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">'s favorite holiday. Look what she had to do to get out of hosting this year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">The Glazer family has much to be thankful for at this time. <b>HERE’S THE T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "><b>OP </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">TEN</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> REASONS WHY THE GLAZERS </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">ARE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> THANKFUL THIS THANKSGIVING:</span></b></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">10. </span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">'s Legion of Friends</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">. It was amazing to see the breadth of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">’s friends from all aspects of her life. From coast to coast, your thoughts and prayers have worked wonders. To the locals, we appreciate your honoring </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">'s wishes. Your day will come.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">9. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Robbins, Salomon, and Patt Ltd. </span></strong>Once again, thank you for your support. Sorry about the insurance premiums.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">8. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">My Foxhole Friends</span></strong> (you know who you are). You always have been, still are, and will be there for me. A special shout out to Dr. Rosenberg and the Drs. Berkowitz for your medical interventions and translations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">7. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">The Mackeviches, Hesdorffers, Kings, and Mary.</span></strong> As always, thank you for being there. I can't thank you enough.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">6. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Nana, Fern, and Emily. </span></strong>Thanks for watching over the kids when I couldn't be there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">5. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Northwestern </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Memorial</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Hospital</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">.</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> From the doctors to the nurses and everybody else, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> received wonderful care. <span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">4. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Drs. Fishman, Bendok, Koht, Joe, Brkic, and your teams. </span></strong>Led by Dr. Batjer, you are the Dream Team. Thanks for your fantastic work. By the way, the entire schwannoma was removed and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> will not need a gamma knife.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">3. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Dr. Hunt Batjer. </span></strong>You are THE BEST, leading </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">’s “Fantastic Voyage.” Words are inadequate to thank the man who saved </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> twice. We were so fortunate that you came from </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Texas</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> in 1995. Sorry that baseball thing didn't work out for you. May we meet only over pristine MRIs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">2. <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; ">Dana, Sami, and Tracy</span></strong>. Throughout, you guys put your mother first and were low maintenance. I will miss our nightly team meetings. And pumpkin pie really is a vegetable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">1. </span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">Nancy</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">. </span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">I don't know why you keep having to confront these medical challenges, but your strength, courage, and attitude are amazing. We love you!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; ">To everyone: A happy and <b><u>HEALTHY</u></b> Thanksgiving.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Barry</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; "> </span></div></span>Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-71729105518554543332009-11-24T13:29:00.000-08:002009-11-24T13:31:01.171-08:00Tuesday NewsAs another sign of her continued progress, Nancy was moved today to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). While there, she will be working on building up and increasing her strength and endurance before she comes home.Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-8371561588103832132009-11-23T18:56:00.000-08:002009-11-23T18:59:12.786-08:00Another Monday Update!Correction: Nancy is actually in REGULAR room, not a step-down room! She had an appetite today and continues to do well and make progress.Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-84186871480415479632009-11-23T08:52:00.000-08:002009-11-23T08:53:32.684-08:00Monday UpdateNancy is no longer in ICU, she has been moved to a step-down unit... so that means all is progressing well.Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-37869296559601470422009-11-21T11:49:00.000-08:002009-11-21T11:52:44.909-08:00Another Good Day!Nancy continues to make good progress. She sat up, walked a bit, and ate. She is still very tired. There will not be another post today as Barry left the hospital to avoid the parade and downtown festivities.<br /><br />Enjoy the rest of your weekend!<br /><br />GayleGayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-89214779397579105832009-11-20T19:08:00.000-08:002009-11-20T19:11:29.354-08:00Friday UpdateJust a brief update from Barry so everyone can sleep well tonight:<br /><br />Barry was at the hospital today. Nancy's recovering from surgery. She is sleeping a lot, but was talking. She continues to make good progress.Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-63252336426154809192009-11-19T19:35:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:43:25.843-08:00Thank you for waiting patiently!Nancy's surgery is concluding. She will spend the night in ICU. Dr. Batjer believes the surgery went well.<br /><br />There will be more to follow.<br /><br />GayleGayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-84148588773667315282009-11-19T04:49:00.000-08:002009-11-19T04:53:58.752-08:00FYIA number of people have called or e-mailed to ask about an update... As the second day of surgery is today, I do not expect to have any news to report until at least late afternoon/early evening. I promise to post as soon as I have information from Barry...<br /><br />Gayle<br /><br />p.s. I do not know why the blog uses Pacific time!Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-79951298319739551892009-11-17T16:54:00.000-08:002009-11-17T16:55:47.551-08:00Nancy is Doing FineHi everyone, <br /> <br />I know you have all been waiting patiently all day for news about Nancy. Barry just saw her and she is doing fine. The doctors finished surgery late in the afternoon. So far all is good and going as expected. The doctors felt that they made good progress but would need to resume on Thursday to complete the surgery. While Nancy and Barry had hoped that this would be done in one day, they had been told that it was a strong possibility that the surgery would go into a second day. Nancy is comfortable and in a room on a step-down unit until then. <br /> <br />Please no visitors or phone calls. Nancy and Barry appreciate your continued support and prayers. They will provide me with an update to post on this blog on Thursday. <br /> <br />Thank you, <br /> <br />GayleGayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-54223709561486785922009-11-17T04:24:00.001-08:002009-11-17T04:24:37.651-08:00A Note from Nancy<div>Friends,</div> <div> </div> <div>Even though most of you can't follow directions, please know that your many emails and sentiments mean so much to me. I will take in to surgery with me Tuesday the strength that you all give me. </div> <div> </div> <div>And for just as many who followed my crazy rules, your respect for my wishes also gives me a lot of strength-- a quiet toughness that I relate to ...</div> <div> </div> <div>Thank you both ways. Thank you for thinking about me today. I know I'll get through this one, too.</div> <div> </div> <div>Heartfelt thanks,</div> <div> </div> <div>Nancy</div>Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-63645766781205779732009-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:002009-11-16T05:50:33.178-08:00<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nancy asked me to post this letter that she sent last week. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Also, she has asked me to encourage people to use this blog rather than her e-mail account. To leave a comment, all you need to do is click where you see "comments" in green after a post entry, then type in the "post a comment" box and click "post comment." No need to sign in, log in, create an account, or anything complicated.<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">*****************************************************************************************************************<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Dear All,<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many apologies for telling you in this email message about my unfortunate news. There's no good way of saying this, so I'll just say it. I have a growth, probably benign, pressuring my brain stem. It grew larger without my knowing because the most likely first symptom would have been a ringing in my right ear. You may know, I am deaf in that ear.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Barry and I have been quietly absorbing, researching and crafting strategies about this "elephant in the room" since September 21st.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Also unfortunately for me, there is no choice but surgery. Barry, my dear friend, Dr. Lisa Rosenberg and I explored medically (and hoped exuberantly) that this tumor could be removed with the easy-by-comparison gamma knife. No luck; my growth is too large. Second opinions, via overnight mail, confirmed surgery.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">For about a year, I have been feeling "head rushes" every time I get up out of a chair or bend down in the garden, etc. Since about September, my balance has been "off" when I walk. (While Gayle Byck and I decided not to ask people for money this year for our annual City of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">Hope Walk</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">, my later decision to refrain from walking, myself, for the first time in 6 years, was probably prudent. Sorry for lying to the Great Strides for Girlfriends team...)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have an amazing team of doctors at Northwestern ("NMH"). I am very fortunate to be under the care of Dr. Hunt Batjer, who previously saved my life in 1995 by clipping and “shunting” an unrelated, nearby aneurysm. With him is Dr. Andrew Fishman, an otologist/neurotologist. Dr. Fishman reminds me of Steve Hart, a truly comforting presence. <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17<sup>th</sup>. (If you want to help me, say a prayer on the 17th for everything to run smoothly.) <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">(This may be a good time to take a bathroom break from this long email ...)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><u><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">Here's what I'd appreciate:</span></u></em><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"> This being my fifth (5th) major surgery in 14 years (brain aneurysm/clipping surgeries, 10/95; breast cancer, 3/04; pelvic growth removed, 12/04), many of you have told me that I'm "made of iron." While the prospect of this fifth surgery has worn away at some of Barry's and my "iron," you can help by doing us some favors:<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1. <u>In your mind, try to "pretend" that I am going to a regular doctor’s appointment on 11/17.</u> (Obviously, there would be no need to tell my friends, family and business colleagues about that.) Indulge me; this has been my <em><span style="font-family: Arial;">modus operandi </span></em>for the last 14 years -- I just do what needs to be done. I accept my situation; Barry and I do our homework; we advocate and mediate for me on those matters within our control; <em><span style="font-family: Arial;">and we get through it with appreciation.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If I had my choice, I would just do this surgery quietly and get it done--get it behind us. This operation is bigger than "just me," so I don't have that option. My <em><span style="font-family: Arial;">modus operandi </span></em>doesn't work this time.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2. <u>No puppy dog eyes, no weepy emails.</u> Be tough. I am. <em><span style="font-family: Arial;">This is the most important thing you can do for me.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">3. <u>Don't feel sorry for me or view me as medically-fragile.</u> I'd prefer if you thought of me, instead, as a medical triathlete and a medical miracle. (You may be interested to know that my medical teams always think my situations are fascinating; long ago, Barry and I were ready to stop being so fascinating.)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">4. <u>No need to send food, but thank you, in advance, for even thinking about it.</u> <em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I want the next 2 months to be as normal as possible for my children. </span></em>Our daughters, Dana, 16, Sami, 12, and Tracy, 9, were just told this past weekend. Try not to give them puppy dog eyes, too. <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">5. <u>Go to my new blog, </u></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial; color: red;">NofGlazer.blogspot.com</span></u><u><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">, if you want, artfully established by Gayle Byck, Pam and Scott Shimamoto and Doug Wilson.</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"> There, you can see updates about me, graciously provided by Gayle. You can also leave me a note, though not private. If you have trouble leaving a message, there will be instructions on the blog shortly about how to login.<span style=""> </span>You should have no problem, whatsoever, reading Gayle’s postings.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>If you send a note to my personal email, I will probably not have time to read/respond. (I'm sure you'll understand that my time with the kids is paramount right now.)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I feel that my surgeries are most difficult for those sitting/pacing in the waiting room. As you may know, Barry is the most amazing human being. He’s adding “M.D.” to his business cards as he thoroughly understands each procedure I've had, every vessel and nerve affected. He does the homework on the doctors <u>and</u> the medicine. He also suffers the ripple effects of each surgery--financially, professionally and emotionally.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My family, too, is astounding. My mom is trying like heck to honor my wishes and hang tough for me, again; my dad and Barb similarly have also been there through every medical nightmare of mine, supporting me all the way. My in-laws and siblings are and have been unreal as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are too many of you to mention who have done so much over the years. I am beyond appreciative. Floored. Blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many apologies for lying to you all over the past 6 weeks when you kindly asked how we all were doing. (Sorry, too, Larry, for missing the marketing seminar on 9/24 and lying to you; I had a date with an angiogram.)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thank you for reading this long email. Thanks, too, for trying to honor my wishes. Whether you're family, a colleague or pal, thank you for being my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></o:p></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;">Nancy</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> P.S, Kindly no visitors at the hospital; I'll be there for a week or so. I need that time to recuperate. I'd love to see you after I'm home, if it works.<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span>Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-83447753109245726992009-11-09T18:53:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:54:31.940-08:00Just testingThis is just to make sure I can now post. Please check back on the 17th for an update.Gayle Byckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367873555611315005noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214819837948865272.post-38785330006684666442009-11-03T21:24:00.000-08:002009-11-03T21:25:58.847-08:00First entryWelcome to our blog. This will allow us to update you all on the status of Nancy in a discreet way. We ask that you respect our privacy and help us manage some of the difficulties in communication by using this tool.Doug Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05026535635104079692noreply@blogger.com59