I've got my new camera!

[Robyn]

Thanks to all those who offered me advice on this purchase.

As of today I'm the proud owner of the Canon 30D. I went with the all-round lens 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM for starters. I'll see how I go with that and will most probably go for a dedicated marco lens down the track a bit.

It's going to be a HUGE learning curve for me, so hopefully you will all give me lots of help.

[GaryK]

Robyn

Congrats. I'm so happy for you.

One thing to remember (when the learning curve gets too steep) is to just go out and take some photos and have some fun. Forget about all the settings and dials and things, just enjoy. :D

[Carbone]

Robyn,

That's a great news !!!!!!! Congratulations :)

A new Canon is born.. touching moment :D

Ray

[kayser]

Congratulations, Robyn! That equals what, a set of tires for one of your husband's cars?? :) You better get some accessories too.

[NMarti]

Yeah Robyn

http://smiliesonline.com/smilies/happy0064.gif

Take LOTS of pictures and don't get discouraged - it will all come together.

[luvmydigital]

Congrats!!!! I remember when I got my camera---it is a sweet memory indeed.

[Robyn]

Ray,
I thought it would bring tears to your eyes.:D

Kay,
You might get one tyre .....if you're lucky. But yes, his cars have been a wonderful lever.:D Strangely enough... LOL........my purchase has just happened to coincide with his possible purchase of yet ANOTHER car!!

[Carbone]

You know, Robyn, the thrill is get when someone takes their first picture and goes like "wow......" That's when I get a wet eye.. ;)

Ray

[Robyn]

Ray,
Keep the tissues on standby.........I'll let you know when to use them!:D

[Jan Ruthig]

Robyn,

Go take some pictures of his cars and show him what great pictures the new camera takes!! :D

Even though I am a Nikon user I will be gracious and say congratulations!!

[cpittmx]

Robyn,

congrats, I'm truly jealous. i also wanted to say that I love the pics in your gallery! Nice, work.

[Grant]

Robyn

Congradulations ....

A great camera and a a great lens ...


P.S. Please don't tell Ray I said that. :)

.

[Carbone]

That's ok, Grant, I wasn't wearing my glasses when you wrote that.. ;)

Ray

[CarolLHB]

Robyn!!

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you-it's a Canon baby boom!!:D

Use it it good health-and the learning curve?? You have to ignore it-and take it one step at a time or else the top of your head might explode!:D
Have fun!

[w7vp]

What a thrill to hear that Robyn. Start out slow. Do a lot of auto shooting first until you get used to the camera then you can move to the other systems.

Again, good on ya!.:)

Bill

[Robyn]

It's been a very mixed day. This morning I was all excited getting a new camera. This evening I haven't even taken it out of the box. My husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer this afternoon - surgery next week - so we are both in shock at the moment.

[karen donnybrook]

Robyn, So sorry to hear about your husband. You will both be in my thought and prayers. Make some time to use your new camera because it will act as a diversion for you and take your mind off things for a short time.

[Robyn]

Thank you Karen, I appreciate your kind thoughts.

[Wendy]

Hi Robyn ...

I am so sorry to hear the news ... and it must have come as a shock to you both. Hope that all goes well with the surgery next week ... and I will be thinking about you ...

Wendy

[CarolLHB]

Robyn-
You and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers-keep the faith.
http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/heartsmile.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[Carbone]

Robyn, I don't know what to say... Best of luck to you and your husband especially.

Ray

[Jan Ruthig]

Robyn,

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. What a terrible shock! My thoughts are with you.

And the nurse in me must say to everyone - if you are 50+ and have not had a screening colonoscopy now is the time!!!! It is an easy procedure to get done and saves lives!!!!!!!!!!!

[w7vp]

Hi Robyn
Linda and I are thinking of you. On Sunday I am the worship leader at our church (Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross) here so I will put your DH on the prayer list.

My father had cancer of the colon when he was 87 and had a partial colonectomy and managed to live to 97. Linda is involved in long term care and formerly was the Cancer Care Coordinator where we used to live. (She is a cancer survivor herself having had a renal cancer 5-1/2 years ago). So we know this is very survivable.

So know our thoughts and prayers are with your husband, you and your family.
Hang in there.http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/hangin.gif (http://www.millan.net)
http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/getwell.gif (http://www.millan.net)

Bill

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

Robyn,
So sorry to hear about your DH. We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

[ktnoon60]

Robyn I'm so sorry. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

Kt

[NMarti]

Robyn
I'm so sorry to hear that. The good thing is the advances in medicine are outstanding and I'm sure he will receive the best of care. You and your family will be in my prayers. Having been there I know what a hard time you will go through. If you ever need a shoulder I'm here.

[mel]

Robyn that must have been a terrible shock, especially after the exitement of getting you camera. You'll both be in my prayers as well.

Remember "FAITH" does really precede the Miracle. Always keep the faith, especially in hard times.

[Scraptastickat]

Robyn so sorry to hear of your husbands illness. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

[kayser]

Robyn,

As you can see, we're all thinking of you. Please keep your forum family posted.

[Pauline]

I almost missed this post! Robyn so sorry about your husband and sending good thoughts your way! While it takes away from the excitement of your new camera, maybe the timing was there for a reason. It will give you something to do to take your mind off things. While it's impossible not to be worried at least you have a bit of a distraction.

Fingers and paws crossed here.

[Robyn]

I am completely and absolutely overwhelmed by your response. This forum really is a family......thank you all so very, very much, your support and prayers mean a lot.

Last night was terrible, no sleep etc. and today it's really hit home.
He goes to the specialist on Monday to get the results of x-rays, CT scans, etc. etc. and that should determine if the cancer has spread so it will be an anxious wait until then. He is booked in for surgery on Monday 27th.

Jan, I can only loudly endorse what you say. Barry's specialist has told us that once our daughters hit 50 they MUST have that screening colonoscopy every two years, and to go before they are 50 if they have any worries. I can't help being very angry with our GP over this. As near as I can remember Barry went back to him 4 times over the past 18 months or so and was told, it was nothing, not to worry. Finally, at my insistence he went back and more or less demanded to be sent to a specialist......and this is the result. To me that doctor had a duty of care towards my husband. He did not exercise that duty of care and that is negligent in the extreme. One could probably sue him but as Barry says, what's that going to prove.

Thank you all.......I will keep you posted.
PS. The camera is still in the box, just for now it doesn't seem so important.

[Jodi Frye]

Robyn, I started this post about 4 times...nothing I write seems to sound right. I guess I'm feeling really bad about what has happened and I can't find the right words to express myself. In the end all I want is to wish you and your husband the greatest power of faith one can have and hold on to it as tight as you can. Remember that 'faith' means 'no worries'...it means you can believe that all will be well and it will be. Many surround you here with lots of warmth and compassion. Anytime you need to talk....my pm box is always open.
Congradulations on the new camera. It will be there for you whenever you are ready.

[crljean]

Robyn - Want to add that you and your husband are being added to my prayer list, as well. "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

[mom to 4]

Robyn:

Sorry to hear of your husbands illness. As you can see you and your husband are in all our thoughts and prayers. Keep your chin up. Try not to worry too much........I've always heard them say that attitude is so important! We will all be praying for a complete recovery!

[mom to 4]

PS: I just scheduled my colonoscopy for Friday, April 14 (Good Friday). For all of us on the forum that have hit that magical number 50.......it really is something we need to do. I am already 1 1/2 yrs late. And I look on the bright side. Maybe the prep of not eating for 24 hours prior to will help me jump-start my diet! That may sound flip under the circumstances, it is not meant to be. I just hope we all take a look at the calendar and schedule an appointment if it is time......

[Robyn]

Thank you all so very much. I appreciate that you have taken the time to convey your thoughts.

Sometimes Colleen I don't think a bit of humour hurts and can often help to lighten the "doom and gloom" atmosphere. I think humour, faith and a positive attitude will serve us well.

I just hope that this serves as a reminder to everyone (says me who turns 60 in May and has never had a colonoscopy) about regular checkups.

[jo]

Robyn, you and your husband are in my prayers.

It's an awful thing he faces, but it may be just a ^&*$#@ inconvenience for the next 20 or 30 years. My uncle had a colostomy and for about a year afterwards he didn't look very good, but then he came back to really living life for probably 25 years or more. He was almost 90 when he passed away and he always looked much younger than his age -- and he looked strong and healthy. You'd never have guessed what health problems he lived with.

And I pray for you because it's an awful thing to be so helpless when someone you love is in a crisis. Keep your chin up, girl!

[imike]

yes, the feeling is really great when you recieve your new camera, I have experience before. Now it's take to take some good pictures from it and hopefully can share the picture with us...

[Pauline]

Robyn it's unfortunate that your Dr. fluffed it off as 'nothing'. I am fortunate to have a Dr. who is very cautious and errs on the side, of 'let's just make sure'. It makes all the difference.

Suing will give you no relief and cause more hardship for you. My neighbour's husband died of a heart attack nearly 3 years ago and since then she has been in the process of suing. In my opinion it has given her more grief and just added to the problems she is already dealing with (2 teens and 2 younger children). In the end I will be surprised if she ends up with anything, and all it has done is prolong the pain.

For those out there who 'feel' something is not right. Get another opinion. Force your Dr. to investigate further if need be.

Keep your faith Robyn that all will end up well. We are all here for you, and as Jodi said, I am also here if you want to e-mail or pm me. Sometimes talking to friends helps.

[NMarti]

Robyn
My philosophy was "Laugh and Live - cry and die". I had to keep up good spirits and face it with a brave smile because everyone around me was fallling apart. Funny - I had the cancer and I had to be strong and make it okay for them.:rolleyes: I did have some really fun moments in joking my way through it. A couple I can share here - my reconstruction was 2 weeks before christmas. While in the waiting room for surgery I was looking through a magazine and saw a particularly voluptuous woman's picture in an ad. I tore it out, wrote on it "All I want for Christmas" and taped it to my chest. When the surgeon removed the gown he and the whole surgical team got quite a laugh out of it. One other time a drunk started hitting on me at the Halloween Parade and telling me what beautiful blond hair I had (my wig) so I pulled it off and said "hey thanks - want it?". Needless to say - the look on his face was priceless :eek: Some I can't share here but it sure helped me get through it. The point being - keep your chin up. With the prayers you have going for you here it has to help.

[bwolford]

Robyn,

I've been through cancer scares and tragedies in my family and extended family. I know it is no comfort to know that there are many people in your position and they are out there and ready to talk to you. I don't know if Australia has support groups like we do in the US, but I do know they exist on the internet.

You mentioned bowel cancer and colon cancer and I don't know if it's just a hemisphere/country difference in terminology, but in the US they are 2 different things. NBC, a US TV network, just had a weeklong series on colon cancer. Bottom line is 90% survival rate when caught early AND a nice long life. The challenge is, until the tests are done, you know don't know how early you are in the process and that's nerver shattering. We often think the worst instead of reaching for the best.

Keep the faith. Hope is a powerful medicine. Despair is a powerful malady. Have hope. Have faith. You will get through this. Use the love you have for each other to hold each other up. You might have to do most of the holding right now.

So hit the Internet.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11796329/

http://www.ccalliance.org/

http://www.ccalliance.org/patient/buddy/buddy.html

It's there for you, use it. This is a stumble, not a defeat.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Brice

[w7vp]

Robyn
I know how hard it must be to enjoy it but I wanted to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's day anyway (a day late given he International Date Line?).

DW is a nurse specializing in gerontology and has seen much of this kind of thing. She says to hang in there because the long term options are usually pretty good. She is also very into the concept of being aggressive with health care and demanding proper treatment.

If you will permit me let me tell you that story.

She was having some pancreatic pain so we went to the emergency room and got a sonogram. The emergency room doc did not find anything but the xray tech noticed something on the other side. The emergency room doc said no worries. So DW went to our internist and had her take a second sonogram which was then referred to a urologist. Linda was in the hospital two days later for the removal of her left kidney and had we relied on the emergency room doc she would have allowed the renal carcinoma to spread. It was just on the verge of it as it was.

So her advice to anyone who will listen is to always demand complete attention the health problems by your health care providers.

All our best to you and your husband Robyn.

Bill and Linda

[bayhli]

I'm late reading this thread Robyn, but I want to wish you and your husband every success with his surgery. I'm really sorry that he has to go through this but keep hope alive; the medical advances with this sugery are great.

You'll both be in my thoughts and prayers....

[Robyn]

You guys are ALL JUST THE BEST!

Nancy your story is wonderful.......what an incredible person you are!

I said to Barry this morning (he's got this thing about me being always right)........."I'm very positive about all this Barry, and you know I'm ALWAYS right!"

I told him about all the message of support we've received on this forum and he answered back (he was trying to be humourous).....well they wouldn't be able to send them if they were dead!

Anyway, he had a lot better night last night, so it's onwards and upwards from here.:D

[virgo1]

Robyn,
I don't know what to say. It is onward and upward and forward. This summer I will be a 32 year survivor. PM me any time Robyn.
Eva

[Robyn]

32 years Eva! That's wonderful.
Thank you for your support.

[jazzfisher]

Robyn,
All my good thoughts are with you both.
This week my mom (75) in good health, was called back after a biospy on a tumor she found in her right arm (her left hand is somewhat deformed from a birth defect). She goes in for the 2nd biopsy Monday as an outpatient, so we won't know anything for a week or so. But the doctor believes it could be a rare form of cancer. So I know how hard the waiting to know can be..

[NMarti]

Waiting is the worst part. My sister in law worked in the lab at the hospital where I had my biopsy done. She knew 3 days before I did that I had it and even told my mom to brace for the worst. Based on my mom's hints and constant "have you heard from the doctor yet" I pretty much knew it was postive. I guess there was all kinds of patient confidentiality violations there but somehow it ended up making that eventual phone call much easier to accept.

Sherry - my prayers will be with your mom too.

[jazzfisher]

Nancy,
Thank you, I'm not going to worry until I have something to worry about. That's how I'm going to do it!!

[Robyn]

Oh Sherry,
We are not having a good week are we. I so hope it is a positive outcome for your mum and you. Let us know won't you.

[jazzfisher]

Robyn,
I guess in every life some rain must fall--but the sun will come back out!!!! I know it!!
I will let you know as well when we found something out.

[e-mailsucks]

Hey Robyn, I'm so sorry to hear of the news of your husband. I have read all the threads here and there is not much more I can add that hasn't already been said. I have never dealt with cancer in our family, so I have no wisdom to share with you. We have had our health problems and have had to try and deal with them. Some can look at it as a challenge, but it always depends on how tough the challenge gets as to how it's handled. You know the forum is all hoping and praying for you guys, so try and hold in there. My thoughts will be with you until I hear some good news from you. Bless you Robyn.

Brian :o