When I was at my sickest, I was completely lost and knocked witless. Without certain people's help, I don't know how I would have made it. I relied, and still do rely, on loved ones for emotional, mental and physical help. I owe so much to these people...so much more than a couple of sentences on a website...but I guess it's a start. So, I'd like to say "thank you" to the following people:

who helped me immensely by giving me a very long-awaited diagnosis and educating me on the illness. He is truly a blessing, not only to me, but to the medical community and silicone women everywhere.

who never made me feel like I was wrong for thinking my implants were making me sick when other doctors were so condescending and ugly to me. He learned about the illness along with me and helped in every way possible.

who did such a great job with my explant surgery.

and all the ladies on the Saline Support site who gave me invaluable advice and support at a time when I felt so alone. I felt like I was in a glass jar that I couldn't find my way out of, watching the world going by and feeling so helpless. They let me know that I was not alone...and for that I am eternally grateful.

for being a continuous inspiration in the task of informing people about our illness. When I feel like my spirit is broken and I can't go any further, thinking about her motivates me to keep fighting.

who didn't think twice about giving me a place to live when things fell apart. Also, for the crying sessions and for never getting mad at me for raiding her closet or turing down the thermostat when I have hot flashes.

who brought me back from a dark place by reminding me what I had to live for...for putting my life on hold to let me stay with her and let MTV cameras take over her home...for never making me feel judjed, only genuinely loved and supported...and for all the hard work on the site and help with getting the Memphis Flyer article done.

who when I was too sick to leave the house, would come by to see me almost every day at lunch to bring me food, groceries, flowers, or just to make me smile by pulling up in the driveway with reggae music blaring, singing at the top of his lungs.

who is the reason why I am still here. There were so many times when I thought it was over and she would rush to be by my side and pull me through...no matter where I was, where she was, or what time it was. As I sit here and type this, I realize that I can not possibly begin to put into words the infinite amount of love and hope she has given me throughout my illness...so I'll just say "thank you, mama. I love you."

for their incredibly generous financial help when I could no longer work.

for the prayers...especially my grandparents who gave me unconditional love and support.

for everything. I can't imagine how hard it was being married to me during my illness. We didn't know for so long what was wrong and I had turned into this person who wasn't your wife. I will always have respect for you and hold you in high regard.

especially Liz, Kim and Matt for helping me to tell my story...and for giving people an honest look at plastic surgery and being willing to talk about the side that other shows won't touch.

especially Bianca, for such a wonderful article.

for the constant friendship and love, for calling to let me know I was missed, even when I was too sick to talk on the phone, for my escape to Alligator Bay, for the computer, the cell phone, for all the lunches and movies...for...wow, too much to list...just thank you for everything.

for taking such good care of me and making me laugh constantly, for always helping me with the stairs and opening my water bottles and Dr. Pepper cans, for the therapeutic rides on his Harley...and of course, for the endless supply of TCBY shivers.

for putting up with me when I was going through the hardest time of my life. They helped me so much and gave me so much slack when other bosses would have washed their hands of me.

who will remain nameless, for immediately stopping the exam when I mentioned silicone poisoning, for telling me I didn't have to be sick if I didn't want to, and for handing me a script with "Extra Strength Tylenol" scribbled on it. He, and a handful of other physicians, only fueled my fire and gave me the ammunition I needed to fight harder.

- Regina, Vanessa, Shelby, Gin, Carno - who showed concern and friendship when I was going through such a hard time before I had a diagnosis.

for never leaving my side and giving me unconditional love. hee-hee.

who pulled me up when I fell to my knees again and again. I am so incredibly humbled and thankful for everything I have learned and hope that I can carry this gift he has given me with grace and dignity.