JAJ

It used to mean something - before 1962, which is when the United Kingdom imposed immigration control on Canadian citizens.

shahzadandkelly

Dartmoor

I cannot answer any of your questions but wanted to wish you well.

What you are currently experiening is unfortunately meant to be for you but I expect that you will come out the other side of this a much stronger and contented person.

Stay positive, try not to worry (though I know that's esier said than done) it saps too much energy, everything will work out for you.

Sending you virtual hugs and karma.

Kelly

Tanty

Like others here, I also cannot offer any assistance. But I did want to wish you all the best and just say keep your head up through this ordeal. And as you say, the huge silver lining to all of this is that you got those medicals done and found it when you did.

I hope 2008 is more favorable to you and your others.

louise033

Hi Dartmoor_3 I am sending you positive vibes, I am convinced they are key to beating this disease, let me briefly tell you my story, I hope it helps.

Sept 2004, I moved to Canada on a work permit, hubby came with me but couldn't get a WP off the back of my permit so was not allowed to work. We had planned for this so weren't at all worried about only earning one really crap wage!

Oct 2004, sent in PR application to London. AOR rec'd Nov 8th.

Sept 2005, hated job but realised it was just a means to an end, hubby was getting a bit bored at home all day. I was diagnosed with cancer!

Sept 05 - Jan 06, my employer gave me the full 5 months off work but didn't pay me a penny! My tumor measured 7cm x 4cm - I was crapping myself.

Chemo & radiotherapy was successful and I was given the all clear in Jan 06.

March 06, med requests for PR were received.

We didn't know what the outcome of my very recent cancer battle would be with regards to obtaining permanent residence status.

May 06, received PPR and landed!

All my medical costs except tablets (anti sickness etc) were covered by AB health.

We didn't claim any sickness benefits at all (still not sure if we would have been eligible to claim anything) we just didn't feel like it was the right thing to do, being as we had only just moved to the country and we slated immigrants in the UK who took advantage of the welfare system.

I wrote a book about my experience fighting cancer which was published in October 2007.

It may be difficult for you to think very far ahead right now, just remember that your mind is your most powerful weapon. You will achieve health and I am sure you will achieve your PR status. Be confident & positive and surround yourself with others who can lift you up. We knew very few people in Canada so I just emailed everyone who loved me and asked that they join my positive thinking team!

Less than 3 months after the end of my treatment, I walked up the 802 steps of the Calgary tower to raise money for the hospital that treated me, I believe that it is important to give something back.

Good luck, Louise x

saskia65

Hi folks

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but it made interesting reading for me.
I left the forum (was Saskia07) for a few days last week, for a couple of reasons, one of them being that I've been diagnosed with a tumor which I'll be having treatment for shortly. It's not all doom and gloom as I'm told it should be relatively straightforward to treat, and it's benign.

Obviously, the priority is for me to get well before I pursue my plans to emigrate, but I've decided that being positive is the only way to be, so I'm going to crack on regardless, and I've returned to the forum. I know a lot will come down to the prognosis post treatment, and the medical, but I'll give it my best shot and what will be will be. I'm no quitter!

It's so encouraging to read your experiences Louise - just what I need at the moment.

Having rambled, the main question for me is the name of Louise's book - sounds like something I should read - and pronto?

Thanks for reading,

Sas x

sans

Hi Sas...........Really wishing you all the best and hope everything comes right for you, A.S.A.P.........Heres to your very happy future
Good Luck X
y

Piff Poff

Just want to wish you well fighting your fight Sas.

saskia65

Hi Piff Poff and Sans

Thanks for the good wishes. I think now I've done three posts I can PM Louise for the info on her book.
I read a post a minute ago from someone whose family is facing cancer....my tumor is a problem, but benign. Makes me feel lucky inspite of everything.

Thanks for thinking of me, I haven't told many people in the 'real' world, but I've had lots of support from those I have. Very touching.

Thanks again
Sas x

purple80

Sas,
I will now stop moaning about house not selling and missing my husband.....

I was diagnosed when I was 31 years old with cervical cancer, I was extremely lucky, other than having to have a full hysterectomy I did not need any other treatment. Unfortunately I had not had children, IVF failed, so I was going to be childless.

Two years later I met a wonderful man, fell in love, his partner had left him with 3 beautiful children, aged 2,3 and 5. We became a very happy family who are now moving to Canada.

I wish you all the best with your treatment, positve mental attitude I honestly believe is a great healer.

All the best
Charlie

saskia65

Hi Charlie

Thank you so much for sharing your story, and what a fantastic outcome for you! Really uplifting.

I can't have kids anyway, a long story, so I do understand what a blessing it must be to have inherited a bunch of your own!

I have a brain tumor, which scared the life out of me when I found out, but I'm sort of dealing with it now. The words 'brain tumor' have the same effect on me as the word 'cancer', panic stations, full alert. OMG. I even planned an alternative funeral for myself. (I kid you not. lol) But it isn't as bad as it could be. It looks like they will be able to treat it with something called Gamma Knife treatment. This is non invasive - so no big operation, I don't have to shave my head (I can't see myself as Sinead O'C) and only an overnight stay in hospital. It's all highly targeted so hopefully there will be no impact on the rest of my brain.

Now I just want to get it over with so I can get the magical 'all clear' prognosis and get on with my plans. It's funny though, when you get a 'knock' from life, there's always some positives? My friends have been wonderful - one even forced me (lol) to go away with his family for a week to get some sun so I'd be fully fit to face the treatment. I'm single, so it was soooo appreciated. Hard facing something like this alone.

While I was away I met a guy for a couple of drinks and he's been amazingly supportive. He hardly knows me, apart from having my life story dumped on him in a bar, but he's been fantastic, and extremely positive, which is what I need. Maybe we do have guardian angels looking out for us, but in human form?

I have moments when I think how **** life is, and why me? but then I give myself a kick and tell myself to 'get a grip'. It could be so much worse.

I'd feel a hell of a lot better too if I hadn't gone out last night and had one too many Margaritas....but that's self inflicted...so I don't expect sympathy there!

Thanks again,

Sas x
PS I don't think I can give Karma yet, but if I could, a bucket would be coming your way!

sans

So glad you have some good friends in your corner its not easy going through any of lifes pit falls without them, expecially when your not well

Just got out of hospital myself and without one or two cyber friends on here supporting me in the last few months.........Well they got me through all the down days thats for sure

So just keep talking on here as much as you need, their are afew angels that look in

Yogi-Bear

Dear Dartmoor,

I'm pretty new to this forum and after reading your story it really did put things into perspective. I have no advice to offer, but I think you're one brave lady and I'm convinced with your positive attitude you'll beat this..

I really do wish you all the very best for the future.

Kind Regards

Yogi.

sans

Dartmoor 3's not been back to us since december, hope she's doing OK...

Yogi-Bear

Hi Louise,

This too is a very remarkable story, and a very touching gesture with regards to the tower steps and giving back. If only more people would think along those lines? Imagine the endless possibilities..

Here in the Uk my son was confined to a special care baby unit when he was born. The staff worked endlessly to keep things going and did a great job.

The day we bought him home, I made a substantial donation to that unit as they struggled for equipment and we're asking for donations!

Today he is a healthy 16 yr old My donation to them was a way for me to say a BIG BIG thank you!

Just like you this was important to me.

Very touching story indeed.

Regards

Yogi

snorkmaiden

Saskia, good luck with the treatment!!

Louise's book is called A Year in My Shoes - http://www.louiselampard.com/ayearinmyshoes.html