Sunday, July 01, 2007

Medical Update


Sometimes morning TV keeps you up to date on current events or the latest in fashion and Hollywood gossip & sometimes it provides information that can save your life. The other morning while watching Live With Regis and Kelly, they talked about the funeral of Claudia Cohen (pictured). WHAT? Didn't I just see her on TV a week ago? When did Claudia Cohen die? For those who haven't heard of her, she was a regular on Regis & Kelly and had been the gossip columnist at New York's Page Six for years & was probably just as well known for being the ex-wife of Ronald Perelman. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and sadly left a young daughter behind.
The conversation about her death continued on The View where I learned that her only symptoms were sudden weight gain & bloating. Hey, I'm a little boated. I jumped on the scale & to my surprise, I'd gained seven pounds in 2 weeks. It must be the Sprinkles cupcakes (I don't think I've mentioned it, but I'm obsessed with the red velvet ones). To be safe, I called my doctor to schedule an appointment. Well, it turns out that I have a tumor the size of a grapefruit! After further tests, they found two other smaller tumors. I go into the hospital for surgery on Tuesday. Luckily, I'm by the beach, so I'll be able to watch 4th of July fireworks from my hospital room. I really debated writing this post. I certainly don't want anyone to worry about me. But if you read my blog regularly, you know that I'm a big supporter of promoting awareness (AIDS, Autism, etc.). If reading this post encourages even one person, who is experiencing symptoms and ignoring them, to seek medical advice & diagnosis, it's easily worth giving up my lack of privacy.
On the positive side, I may be posting more in the next couple weeks. I'll be on bed rest, so what else do I have to do? I'll be better soon & I've got some fun TV projects lined up for August!

21 comments:

Brophtron said...

I know it's not easy sharing something personal like this, but know that everyone only wishes you well. Take care of yourself and don't try to rush the healing process - just know that you have support.

Marlo said...

I really hope everything goes well for you.

J.P. said...

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery! Best wishes.

Unknown said...

Erin, I'm very sorry to hear of your health issue. I just want to wish you the very best on your surgery and the speediest of recoveries.

That other business on bewitched.net is utterly ridiculous grandstanding on the part of that particular webmaster. After it's all resolved to your satisfaction, you should erase that person from your consciousness. Remember the message that Madame Marushka's secretary gave to Darrin and Larry? "As far as she's concerned, you don't exist!" That's what you need to do. And it will be HER loss.

Focus on healing. There is nothing more important than that. My best wishes to you.

GaryB said...

Hi Erin,
Thank you for sharing your health concerns with us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sometimes the joy that is in the journey is made stronger by life's obstacles.
Please keep us informed.

Rhonda Lauren Bennett said...

I'm so glad you saw the segment on TV. Thank God for tiny miracles. Please keep us posted on how things are going. We'll pray for you and the doctors!! Rhonda Bennett

Jerry said...

Best wishes and I am sending virtual red velvet cupcakes your way.. ummm yummy aren't they good? :)

backup slayer said...

WOW !!
Congratulations on being perceptive enough to notice and take care of it quickly!!
My sister went through the EXACT same thing and she was up and around in just a few days....

And thanks for raising awareness !

bmorris said...

Heres to you Erin. I hope everything goes well and you get on your feet quick. Everyone needs to take care of themsselves to prevent needless tragedies.

Betty Granda said...

Erin,

Just chiming in, to wish you a speedy recovery from the procedure. Good for you getting the symptoms checked out right away.

When all of us readers here see the fireworks on the fourth, we will know that you are watching fireworks on the beach as you heal!

Be Well,
Betty Pipetti

Solid said...

Erin,

Having gone to El Toro High School with you it's easy to believe that we are simply too young for medical issues like that.

Thank you for the reminder that everyone should be in tune with changes in their body.

Know that I am praying for you. Please keep us posted even when it's difficult.

Blogger V said...

Erin,

Grateful that ANT mentioned in his blog that you had to go in for surgery and to pray for you. Will do, get well and I will put you on my list of blogs to read.

Octolad said...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery! I'm a bit late checking in, but I so look forward to your future posts -- I'm sure you came up with some great ideas while you were laid up. :-)

Mike Barer said...

Dear Erin
I know that you will get well fast. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Richard Cooper said...

I hope you're having a speedy recovery and will be better than ever very soon!

The Fool said...

Erin,
Best wishes to you in your fight against cancer. I just had cancer surgery a month ago, I had a tumor removed from my bladder and it turned out well. They think they got it all and now all I have to do is get checked every three months. I'm doing well but recovery is slow. I know you can do it too kiddo. My best wishes go out to you. Take care.
Thom

Mike Barer said...

I think Claudia Cohen would be real touched to know that saved lives.

Susan said...

Gosh Erin
I'm wishing you a SPEEDY recovery. I hope it was just one of those spongy things from Trader Vics! I hope to see you dining and smiling very soon but until then, have somebody else take care of the kids and STAY IN BED! I was sick recently and became addicted to the History channel.
It was good that you posted what you did. Such benign symptoms, "I'm bloated, I'm gaining weight" What woman doesn't say that???
Thanks for making us aware.
I Love You!
Muah!
Susan, AKA Fluff

Blogger V said...

Erin, I just wanted to leave a note to tell you I hope all is doing well. You're in my thoughts and can't wait to hear from you again.

Best regards,
Elaine

mikepenn said...

Hi Erin, I am so glad that you are doing better..I was really worried about you..I know you don't me, but my b/f had a brain tumour and this stuff scares me when I here about anyone that has any type of a tumour...take care and our best wishes go out to you and your family!! Love and Peace, Mike n Adam

Oh PS... My sister is 43 and I told her to go to the doctor and get tested to be on the safe side... she is having the same problems you posted so I hope she will be ok... again thank you!

Suzanne said...
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