For Thanksgiving Loners

Hal61
Hal61 Member Posts: 655
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I was born into a nuclear family, one mom and two boys. I enjoyed my ex wife's family as my own for over twenty years, but have spent the last few solo. I have a lady friend who lives 50 miles from me and she has been my great and loving support through my treatment. I am of course invited to her family gathering for Thanksgiving, and I'm grateful to have the invitation. I won't attend because there will be the regular troop of kids-gone-wild and commotion and I have a lingering symptom I don't like to complain about because it is so minor compared with others' trials on the board. I have ongoing tinnitus that is stuck on jet engine levels, and it's disabling. I'm not alone, there are a significant number of tinnitus sufferers who are disabled by its effects.

I know there are other singles out there, people who have managed a lot or all of their treatment themselves. I want to say hello to all of you and wish us all a great Thanksgiving. I feel lucky, and thankful, and not alone. The people here have been my most constant and immediate support throughout my journey, and I an grateful to each and all of you.

So this Thanksgiving, nine months post radiation and chemo, I have more to be thankful for than ever. I'm alive and cancer free. I also recently replaced my 19.5 inch tv with a 32 inch, and with it, and ear buds, I don't even hear the jets. This is a unique forum because I've never encountered a mean spirit on it.

giving thanks, Hal

Comments

  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU HAL
    Hal,

    Thanks for your post. You clearly are in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Please know that you are not alone this Thanksgiving, as we will all be with you in spirit.

    Happy Thanksgiving.

    Myka
  • Jan Trinks
    Jan Trinks Member Posts: 477
    Happy Thanksgiving
    Hal:

    Have a great Thanksgiving. I do understand about the TV. For our 35th anniversary in June Charlie and I bought a 32 inch flat screen HDTV and it is awesome. I have informed my family and friends that I will not be going anywhere for New Year's as I will have just returned from NC for Christmas with Charlie's folks and family and I do not want to be on the road and miss any of the ballgames and I want to watch them on my TV! Glad you're doing well.

    Jan
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Hal,

    I'll be thinking of you this Thanksgiving, when I'm surrounded by the extra-loud in-laws. Have a quiet and grateful holiday.

    Deb

    p.s. We're still on for lunch at the Ahwahnee. It just started snowing way earlier this year than I had expected and that pesky highway keeps closing.
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    D Lewis said:

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Hal,

    I'll be thinking of you this Thanksgiving, when I'm surrounded by the extra-loud in-laws. Have a quiet and grateful holiday.

    Deb

    p.s. We're still on for lunch at the Ahwahnee. It just started snowing way earlier this year than I had expected and that pesky highway keeps closing.

    Happy Thanksgiving Hal!
    :)

    sweet
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Happy Turkey Day
    Hoping you have the very best of Thanksgivings Hal... I hear you brother, I'm glad that I'm here to pester a few people hopefully for many many years to come...

    Best,
    John
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    Enjoy the Day
    Hal,

    Don't blame you for taking a pass on the big gathering - ten conversations in one room would wreak havoc on the tinnitus.

    I was never completely alone during treatment, but am one of the others who went without a caregiver. I can honestly say that you and the others here have often been better company for me than most of my family (love them - doesn't mean I'd want to be in their faces or have them in mine all the time).

    I'll dedicate one of my pecan pies to you tomorrow - I'm thinking the no refined sugar (maple syrup) one. If you prefer, it could be the corn syrup one or cane syrup one. So know that you'll be appreciated at my family gathering tomorrow.
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    Pam M said:

    Enjoy the Day
    Hal,

    Don't blame you for taking a pass on the big gathering - ten conversations in one room would wreak havoc on the tinnitus.

    I was never completely alone during treatment, but am one of the others who went without a caregiver. I can honestly say that you and the others here have often been better company for me than most of my family (love them - doesn't mean I'd want to be in their faces or have them in mine all the time).

    I'll dedicate one of my pecan pies to you tomorrow - I'm thinking the no refined sugar (maple syrup) one. If you prefer, it could be the corn syrup one or cane syrup one. So know that you'll be appreciated at my family gathering tomorrow.

    Hal
    Happy Thanksgiving Day Hal! Wishing you my best.
  • JUDYV5
    JUDYV5 Member Posts: 392
    Happy Thanksgiving
    Have a nice Thanksgiving - You will not be alone in spirit. - Judy
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    JUDYV5 said:

    Happy Thanksgiving
    Have a nice Thanksgiving - You will not be alone in spirit. - Judy

    No one is alone here
    Hal and to everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, When we come here we are never alone, and always think of each other, Dennis, try to enjoy the day, I will!
  • stevenl
    stevenl Member Posts: 587
    dennis318 said:

    No one is alone here
    Hal and to everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, When we come here we are never alone, and always think of each other, Dennis, try to enjoy the day, I will!

    Thanksgiving
    Hoping for a happy thanksgiving for you Hal!

    Steve
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hal
    All the best to you my friend, take care, keep strong and always remember you are part of a very large family here on CSN. I too suffer with the tinnitus but all my children understand it now , I am first to start eating at the table and last to finish.

    PS: A Man and his Big TV it is a beautiful thing……