Be honest. Be realistic. Be happy. Be grateful: Meet @dbamos1945

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@dbamos1945: A neuroendocrine tumor (also called NETs or carcinoid cancer) diagnosis found by exploratory endoscopy motivated me to search online for information about symptoms, treatments and prognosis. I joined Mayo Clinic Connect to learn about my disease through peer experiences. It continues to enhance my curiosity of how others have dealt with disease symptoms, treatments and evolving new approaches being tested in clinical trials. We NET patients share the same basic disease, but our bodies react in different ways to treatments, side-effects and tumor response to drug treatment. We need to be proactive in our treatment.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@dbamos1945: When you join Mayo Clinic Connect, you can choose topics of concern, how often you want to receive email notifications and you can provide a short profile of yourself.

I am motivated to respond to posts that are sincerely asking for help. I want to answer those common questions foremost in the mind of a patient who has recently been notified of a NET diagnosis. It seems to me that I have been in their shoes… scared, sleepless, desperate, and feeling like I did, “I don’t know what to do or who can answer my concerns”. I think perhaps I can help them realize they are not alone by posting words of understanding.

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@dbamos1945:I like that Mayo Clinic Connect is moderated and has the advantage of informed volunteer patient mentors sharing facts and their experiences.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@dbamos1945: I take part in many support groups on Mayo Clinic Connect. Primarily I post in the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) support group. You’ll also find me in these support groups and others: 

• Aging Well
• Blood Cancers & Disorders
• Cancer: Managing Symptoms
• Kidney & Bladder
• Melanoma & Skin Cancer
• Neuropathy
• Osteoporosis & Bone Health

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@dbamos1945: Finding and living a life with balance is a difficult goal to perfect. I explored many religions through my years with the sincere desire to find one that was ethically above reproach and basically offered guidance to live a good life. Buddhism has answered most of my quests. Attending temple, going on retreats and a personal meditation practice manifests itself in my desire to give of myself as my goal to be of help to others. I have found calm, comfort and peace.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@dbamos1945: I have always loved color! I love to create with color to express my individuality. I have dappled in watercolor, acrylics, silk-screen, embroidery, cross-stitch, decoupage, ceramics, metal-art, and other mediums. 

Color in yarn is my current favorite way to create projects. I began this hobby 19 years ago, making afghan blankets for the inpatient veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital. I have continued to donate my afghans and lap blankets twice a year. That’s about 25 to 30 per year. 

Lately I have had fun duplicating items from pictures in magazines: a bedside rug that matches my bedspread, purses, hats, shawls, market bags, holiday decorations, etc. I love to make something from nothing but a string of yarn!

TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@dbamos1945: Be honest! Be realistic! Be happy! Be grateful!

TERESA: What do you appreciate about your friends? 

@dbamos1945: People are all different individuals making their way through this life. I have been a “watcher” and very discerning when choosing friends. I appreciate those who are comfortable living fully in reality. I also like people who express their curiosity and are quick witted. I love to find humor in ordinary comments and I am always grateful to find this personality quirk in a friend. I love to laugh!

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@dbamos1945: I chose to live in a retirement (CCRC) community as an independent resident over nine years ago. It offers me weekly housekeeping, several restaurant choices, etc. It is similar to living in a luxury hotel. I attend many activities offered daily, like dances, lectures, parties, entertainers, bus trips, shopping, as well as free ten-mile radius transportation.

There is a billiard room, theatre, library, arts and crafts room (with classes), game/card room, pavilion party room, fully equipped exercise rooms, free laundry rooms, outdoor pool, putting course, outdoor fountain patio, atrium and wellness nurses with 24/7 EMT available to me. This makes my days easier as I age. If my needs change, there is help readily available. There is also a separate assisted living, skilled nursing and physical therapy facility on campus.

All the above contribute to my being happy where I call home.

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