BETTE'S BOOKCASE

"Choose thy friends like thy books, few but choice." (James Howell)

MY PERSONAL PAGE

'MG Club Of Hearts' Support Group

MGFA, Inc.

MGnet Internet Chapter Of MGFA

Interview By Local Newspaper

Coping With Lung Cancer

ABOUT ME:    I was diagnosed with Lupus in 1992 and Myasthenia Gravis in 1995. Both are autoimmune diseases. In April of 2006, a routine chest xray revealed a suspicious spot on my left lung. Further testing showed it to be highly suspicious of cancer. Surgery was done in May. The thoracic surgeon removed the lower left lobe of my lung was removed. It was Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage 1B, adenocarcinoma. I received four chemotherapy (taxotere and carboplatin) treatments over a period of 12 weeks. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -      Myasthenia Gravis is a neuro-muscular disease which affects the voluntary muscles causing weakness. Overuse of the muscles or repetitive movement causes them to weaken. Rest helps relieve the weakness temporarily. I am presently only taking Mestinon for the MG but past treatment include prednisone, Imuran, and IVIg treatments.      When I was told I had MG, I didn't understand the disease or how it affected my muscles. It wasn't until June of 1999, when I was hospitalized in ICU with a MG crisis, that I began to search for information about Myasthenia, it's greatment and what the future held for me. The first place I searched was the internet and discovered there were others like me seeking information. I also called the National MGFA and they mailed me several helpful pamphlets about MG.      In April of 2000, I formed a MG Support club in Yahoo. It is referred to as the "MG Club Of Hearts" because of its caring and supportive members. I am also a member of the MGnet, the internet chapter of the MGFA, and other MG support groups. Please read about this MG group on my personal page.      I try to stay in touch with the members of my group either by email or instant messenger. I have met some wonderful people through this group and other mail lists in which true friendships and bonds have been formed.      I believe the support and information we can give each other is very helpful in how we cope and deal with our illnesses.  The internet has allowed me to become friends with people from all over the world. Hopefully this webpage, which is like a bookcase filled with many books, will provide you with more knowledge and information My personal page, (see link above) ,also contains some of my favorite past-times and hobbies and how I've dealt with three serious illnesses..      If you or someone you know have Myasthenia Gravis, just remember that you are not alone and there is much support in the world for those affected by this disease. Contact the MGFA for more information at 1-800-541-5454.         "My life is like a book .. as I come to each chapter, I read one page at a time and don't look back at the pages already written. It is far better to enjoy each day with no worry about the past nor concern about the future." (Bette - November 2002)      DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is for educational purposes only. Please contact your physician before making any medical decisions.