I'M IN REMISSION - FREE OF CANCER

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

By the grace of God I can share good news with you.  Yesterday I visited the oncologist and she read me the report of the PET scan I had in La Jolla last Friday.  I AM IN REMISSION OR, FREE OF CANCER!!!  I can't believe my goo fortune...

The last 8 months have been the loneliest, painful 8 months of my life!  The silence was deafening.   I think I experienced every emotion there is including helplessness!   . 

On July 2, 2015 I had a lumpectomy.  A few days later the doctor called and said "Well, we didn;t get all the cancer.  We're going to have to go back in again and you'll be on radiation and chemo therapy (slash, burn and poison)"  I said "No way.  I'll go up to Oregon before I do that!"  Then I called my Wounded Warrior friend, Rob Caudill, and asked him did he know of any alternative medicine to beat cancer?"  .He took me to meet Dr. Paula Shore in Oceanside who has a medical marijuana dispensary.  She prescribed Simpson Oil which I take a capsule nightly.

Then my neighbor, who has tumors all over her body, told me about her alternative medicine "Graviola."  She, and now me, take it 2 x daily.  She said it has stopped her tumors from growing.  Next, since I lost over 57 lbs.  I wanted something to build up muscle.  The oncologist prescribed something that cost $300.00.  I asked for something generic but never heard back from her or my family MD.  Again, medical marijuana came to the rescue!

I truly could not see going the traditional medical route - slash, burn and poison.  I opted for the alternative medicine instead and prayed it would help.  I truly think it has and am grateful I listened to my own voice.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2015 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As 2015 comes to a grinding halt I couldn’t be happier. 

This had to be the most challenging year of my life, from ongoing health issues, financial stress and lost friendships.  After being diagnosed with the big “C” I put my life on hold in July which I wouldn’t recommend anyone do.   I declined more surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and opted for some alternative medicine.  Unfortunately, my family does not support me in this action and it saddens me.  But, I feel it’s the right decision for me and I try to live by the motto “To thine own self be true!”  And, as queen Elizabeth would say “2015 is not a year that I shall look back upon with undiluted pleasure.”

The solitude has helped me discover what I’d like to do with the rest of my life.  I’d like to become an advocate for senior citizens.  I never want them to go through some of the nightmares I encountered.  I’m writing a book and borrowing the title “YANA – You Are Never Alone” and dedicating it to them. YANA is a group of senior police volunteers who call on housebound seniors Monday through Friday.  They knock on my door each morning and say “Good morning Miss Carolan, how are you today?  Do you need anything, etc?   It was they who found me on the floor back in February after laying there for 11hours because I slipped and fell on the bathroom at midnight.

Later, Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy told a reporter “how lucky the woman on Golden Ridge Drive is to be alive.”  I didn’t know I had fractured my pelvis in two places and was bleeding internally.  Later, I made the evening news on Channel 39.

Assisted living is not what’s it’s cracked up to be and I have volumes to share with seniors, caregivers, E/Rs, doctors, nurses, insurance companies, ambulance companies, etc.  I will have a list of questions for seniors to answer according to their needs and lifestyles.  It is to help them sort through all the red tape and have a thorough understanding of their rights!  Which I did not know…

Instead of setting resolutions (which I break too easily) I am setting goals.  I want to make some concrete plans with guidelines on how to get there, what’s stopping me, and how I can get back on track if need be.  This may involve some speaking engagements too.  Journaling is also at the top of my list which I encourage everyone to do.  The therapeutic benefits from journaling are immeasurable.  I used to teach seminars on Journaling and would welcome opportunities to do so again.

Whatever your goals and dreams are treasure them because without them people can walk all over you and you will never know your full potential.  As Les Brown says “Shoot for the moon!  Even if you miss… you will land among the stars!

Happy New Year!   And may the force be with you!

TREASURE GOOD HEALTH

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

While I may not be able to say “I am cancer free” now, I can say that the cancer has not spread!  Last week I went to Scripps Hosp., La Jolla and Scripps Hosp., Encinitas for a battery of bone and body scans whereby they inject radioactive material into you and then take pictures.   I can say that the cancer has not spread to my bones or organs!  But, the new oncologist I saw recently still wanted me to have surgery and then chemo and radiation therapy.  I declined. 

I firmly believe the alternative medicine I’ve taken since June when I first got the cancer diagnosis has a lot to do with my improved health today.  I am indebted to my wounded warrior friend, Rob Caudill, for introducing me to Dr. Paula Shore who prescribed the alternative medicine.  While this treatment is expensive I don’t think you can put a price tag on your health and, it beats surgery.  

Also, Rob Caudill has been my rock of support.  I don’t know what I would have done without him for the myriad chores he does for me!    He’s like the grandson I never had.  He also introduced me to medical marijuana after all my doctor approved of it.  Rob is now President of my Carlsbad Toastmaster club.  I also want to thank everyone else who has helped me and/or kept me in their prayers.

Lastly, if there are any female Toastmasters who have breast cancer or, are survivors of it, I’m starting a new, local, support group along with another female Toastmaster survivor.  If you’re interested please contact me at 760-518-6493.

SCAMMERS ABOUND

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

On August 31 while on-line my computer was hacked into and they tried to relieve me of my savings as well as hacking into my checking account.  Fortunately, Union Bank took swift action and immediately closed my accounts, and notified me otherwise I’d be a pauper today.

While that’s great service it created havoc in its wake, leaving me unable to write checks, use my ATM card to charge for groceries, etc. and, leaving several companies (paid directly monthly by Union Bank) at the beginning of the new month unpaid!   I notified those companies what had happened and that the situation was being corrected.   Unfortunately, I didn’t get all of them and have started to receive some nasty emails from them about non-payment.

In addition to taking my new computer back to the shop to get the virus removed, Union Bank wanted a statement from them confirming that the computer was now virus-free.  That took a few days.  Back to the bank I went to order a new checking account, with new checks. new ID and new password.  The checks just came but not the new ATM card.    So, I still can’t pay bills on-line until the new ATM card arrives.

In a way I feel I’ve lost my identity.  I thought I had excellent virus software and never dreamed a hacker could or would hack into my bank accounts.  This whole ordeal was made lighter by my wounded-warrior friend and President of my Tick Talk Toastmaster club, Rob Caudill.    Since I am not driving my car yet I needed help driving to Best Buy with my computer and then to Union Bank.  Rob sprang into action and took me to straighten out this mess.  I am so lucky to have Rob in my life.  He’s like the grandson I never had.  Always cheerful, upbeat and willing to help regardless of the mess I’m in.  Thank you Rob.  You help me to keep things in perspective.

Being without my computer and unable to email friends was bad enough.  But not being able to pay my bills on-line promptly and now receiving terse emails from companies who have not gotten paid is the worst.

There must be a better way to keep one’s PC virus-free without the hassle of stripping it of all files and taking it back to the factory settings.  Some files I can never replace.  I’d like to hear from you if you have any solutions.

I'M BACK!

I'M BACK!

By Shirley M. Carolan

I'm back and hopefully with a passion!  It's been a very challenging 8 months with each month bringing some major issue to resolve.  Health has been my biggest challenge this year, from broken bones to pneumonia to fracturing my pelvis.  Then in June diagnosed with breast cancer.  Surgery July 2 thy removed a lump but unfortunately they didn't get all the cancer.  Hence I am facing surgery again! 

Since I love writing I thought I'd try my hand at writing my blogs again.  It gives me such pleasure to see my work in print where others can also see it and enjoy it and comment if they wish.  What I write will hopefully help others especially where cancer is concerned.  I am turning to alternative medicine to help me in this ordeal.  While it's not cheap you can't put a price tag on your health!

Stay tuned.


 Shirley M. Carolan, ATMGWriter ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2015 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

WHAT HAPPENS AT A TOASTMASTER MEETING?

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

I am often asked “What goes on at a Toastmaster meeting?  What can I expect? Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure to write a recap of our Thanksgiving meeting and share it here with you.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me by phone 760-732-0663 or email:  artistwithaflair@att.net.

AHOY THERE TOASTMASTERS!

If you missed last Thursday’s TM meeting you missed a real treat!  It was both stimulating and motivating.  The theme was “Memories” and we started off with a moment of silence for Dan McKeon, our dearest Toastmaster who valiantly fought his battle with cancer followed by a tribute to him.  Poignant it was as each Toastmaster recalled some happy moment they shared with him.

The theme lived up to its name!  Neil Thompson did the first time honors of Table Topics Masters and chose “Mind” as the word of the day.  His questions were both provocative and thoughtful.  Nirav Desai won Best Table Topics and wowed us with his energy and enthusiasm as he told us about his chance enconter with actor Mel Gibson.

Richard Rettig was our solo speaker.  He gave a wonderful  exposition  on the history of marriage and the cultural changes through the years right up to the present.  Many members were shaking their heads in agreement.  His title was “Marriage-What Is Its Future?”    Nirav Desai gave a rousing evaluation and won the Best Evaluator trophy.  Well done Nirav – two trophies in one night!

Pat Partin did a great job as General Evaluator and Amiel Sharon was the Timer for the first time.

Two long term members whom we’ve not seen for ages were Carol Sheckler and Shirley Carolan were present.  Carol looked fabulous with her new hairdo and Shirley graced us with her dry, British wit!  Welcome back ladies!

President and Toastmaster, Richard Jennings, reminded us that Tick Talk will be celebrating Toastmasters International 90th anniversary with a party and demo meeting scheduled for December 4, 2014 at Carlsbad by the Sea.  Preparations are in the works and the event probably will start at 6:30 PM with hors d’hoeuvres, networking, etc.  Be sure to put that on your calendar and do bring a friend.

Lastly, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  One member told us she left Southhampton, England with her family aboard the S.S. America on November 27, 1947 and set sail for America. It was Thaanksgiving Day!

‘Till next time,


Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2014 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

WHAT TO DO WHEN EVERYTHING HITS THE FAN! Or, I Can Handle That!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Many titles came to mind as I wrote this article.  Since I wanted to reach as many folks as possible who might be going through a difficult patch in their lives, especially those feeling like a victim, I chose not to use a fancy title. 

Regardless of what you are going through do NOT consider yourself a victim of your circumstances!  Neither are you alone in facing problems because that’s part of being human, even when everything hits the fan simultaneously.  .Just  know that you can’t solve all problems immediately!  Instead work on one problem at a time.  I know, that’s easier said than done as I experienced on a recent Thursday.

First, I was quite distraught because my little dog “Teddy” was acting strange.  He was not eating, drinking his water, urinating, or barking as usual , etc, Then when he wouldn’t get off the bed at 6:00 am to go for our regular morning walk, I knew something was seriously wrong.   After much agonizing I knew I had to get Teddy to a vet.  I would need to cancel my chiropractic appointment  that morning.  As I walked to my office/den to do so I discovered my phone-answering machine was dead and I couldn’t phone or receive messages from there.  I rushed to the kitchen to use the wall phone, whereupon AT&T informed me they couldn’t get a repair man here until next Tuesday!

Then, I went outside to check my outdoor mailbox.  There was an invoice from Bank of America with $7,500.00 charged to my account.   I was stunned since I had not authorized any such charges by a San Diego  medical facility. 

Finally I arrived at the vet’s office.  Two hours  later I was informed that Teddy had a 103^o  temperature and would need x-rays and blood work done.  I was a basket case.  Later, he was diagnosed as being dehydrated and needed special injections and food.  Naturally, the vet’s bill didn’t come cheaply.  In fact, I staggered under the weight of it..  But, at least I knew he would live and eventually get back to his old self.  It was about 5:30 PM as I walked to my car.  I started it but it too was as dead as a door nail.  AAA was called in to help.  It took another hour for them to arrive and the commute traffic was at its peak.  I finally got home a little before 7:00 pm totally exhausted and  I knew I could not make it to my Toastmaster Club meeting that night.  Somehow things spiraled out of control that day for me.

I want to share some vital things that helped me through a very stressful day:

Firstly, I had to stop myself from storming around the house, gritting my teeth, shouting at Teddy, in a huff, and totally losing it.  Yes, I was totally playing the victim role and giving my power and life force away! 

Next, as I prayed to God to help me in my hour of need, I gradually sensed a small feeling of peace.  I began to realize I couldn’t wave a magic wand and solve everything immediately.  But, as the peace grew I knew I could handle anything!  I started to smile at my former ridiculous/negative beliefs and behavior.  .I began to repeat out loud:  “I can handle this”  several times..

Then I worked on one problem at a time and each small success did wonders for my self esteem… Again, I repeated   “I can handle this”    As each problem began to get solved I felt a sense of relief and, I thanked God for his divine help and guidance .  I could not have done it without him.  I was finally able to know and feel that I could handle anything thrown at me without going to pieces!

Furthermore, I began to see a bonus in placing my trust in God’s hands.  I got to see what the lesson was from each experience that I needed  to learn.  Once I gained a handle on my peace of mind I reached for my Journal and started writing what the problems were, how I reacted to them, and how I solved them. This has helped me to write this article and share with you not  to be a victim of your circumstances!  Let’s face it you can’t put a price tag on “peace of mind.”.

In case you doubt this would  work for you and pooh-pooh everything, I suggest you look at the alternatives if you stay a victim of your circumstances.  You wreck your mental, physical and emotional health! 

 You become a prime candidate for:

1.    Falls

2.    Accidents

3.    Lost relationships

4.    Loss of love from your pet (he/she is probably scared by your erratic behavior).

5.    Loss of energy, drive and happiness  -  leading to depression

6.    A victim of your circumstances  -  you’ve given your power away

7.    An erroneous belief that you can’t  handle whatever  Life throws at you.

Best wishes on solving life’s problems, especially when everything hits the fan simultaneously!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone:  760-732-0663

http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com

http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2014 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.