I'll Be Right Back…

be right back

It’s been a long month here at the Dude Ranch.

Lots of blog posts for Celiac Awareness Month. And lots of BS that went along with it.

Some saying I’m being too negative. Really? Helping 30 celiacs in 30 days is being negative. Why? Because I don’t say how awesome Udi’s bread is?

Some saying I’m being too positive. “Dude…celiac sucks. Can’t you talk about the realities of our disease instead of always shining a bright light on it?” (Yes…that was an actual email.)

Made me think of this…

Too many comments of people posting their own agenda. Yes…I know you believe in the SCD diet. Start your own blog and tell the world about it.

And of course the media chose Celiac Awareness Month to do an all out assault on those eating gluten-free for their health. This will be discussed shortly.

But the biggest reason for the break is my amazing, wonderful, beautiful, adorable, special Mrs. Dude.

She got diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago. We believe they caught it early enough so long-term, she should be good as new. We just have some tough decisions to make right now and the next few months will be challenging, to say the least.

It’s funny…while I was writing this blog post, Mrs. Dude called me. I told her I was going to mention that she’s had health issues but nothing specific. She said to please share the news so people understand the need to get screened on a regular basis.

She skipped a few years of getting her annual mammogram. Imagine if she skipped this year too?

So please folks…get screened. The breast you save may be your own.

See you next week.

GD

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206 thoughts on “I'll Be Right Back…”

  1. So sorry to hear about your wife´s diagnosis! Good to hear that they caught it early! Take that break and focus on your wife and family with no guilt whatsoever!

  2. Very best wishes to you and your family, Dude, and thank you for everything you have done for the coeliac community, whatever other people may say. If anyone deserves a break, it’s you.

    Hugs from the UK xx

  3. They can do amazing things these days. My mom was diagnosed a couple of years back, and she is cancer-free now. It was one where if they had discovered it a little later, it would have been a different story.

    Email me if you want any suggestions for people in NYC, she had/has some good doctors, and a GREAT oncologist.

    Keeping fingers, toes, eyes and hairs crossed for you, Mrs Dude, and the girls.

  4. I’ve only been lurking on your blog since I was diagnosed with CD a few months ago but I feel like I know you, and I’m so sorry to hear a bout your wife’s diagnosis! But very glad it’s treatable. Best of luck.

  5. So sorry to hear this news, sending you and ur wife lots of positive healing vibes!
    And Dude thank u so much for been so positive about ur coeliac journey! As someone who was only diagnoised in March u and ur work has been a huge inspiration to me! Xxx

  6. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Mrs. Dude and strength for your family while you tackle this hurdle.

    Dana

  7. Love your blog, just as it is! Thanks for all you do for the gf community. Best wishes to you and your family.

  8. Good luck to your wife and to you as well. Obviously I don’t know either one of you, but I do know she’s going to need you and you need to stay healthy and focused to be able to do that. Thank you for all that you do to spread awareness on celiac disease.

  9. Sending best wishes your way Mrs. Dude! So glad that you had a mammogram. Last month I got a reminder that I am due but did nothing about it…will make an appt. today! Thanks for sharing. Will miss you Gluten Dude..your blog has helped me a lot, but for sure take a time out!

  10. Thank you for the 30 days of info. You rock! But yes, I agree, it is time to help your wife. Best wishes to Mrs. Dude and to you, too!

  11. Prayers for all of you. As a family member of a survivor I can say that this will be the hardest journey you’ve had thus far. I am heartened to hear that it was caught early. Many of us are extremely thankful for all you do for our community so if you need a little support now be sure to remember you have plenty out there who will help you any way we can; even if it is just prayers and positive thoughts sent your way. God Bless.

  12. {{{hugs to you & the Mrs}}}
    Take your break. Take as long as you like.
    We can handle things from here. She needs you.
    You need her.

  13. I’m sorry to hear this. I’m glad it was caught early and wish your wife and you the best of luck. I love that she recognizes the importance of stressing to others to get regular check ups white she’s going through her own battle – she sounds truly special.

    And for what it’s worth, you have helped me a great deal. I don’t post often but I read every day and I find inspiration in your posts even when they are slightly negative. That’s the reality of this disease and it’s encouraging to read about someone else who experiences the same issues I do, as opposed to only reading about how to bake 15 different types of gluten free artisan bread and their world is all sunshine and roses. Don’t get me wrong, I truly appreciate all of the recipes and positive stories on other blogs but sometimes when you’ve got your head in the toilet for the third day in a row it’s encouraging to know it happens to others and to feel if they can get through it I can get through it.

  14. Sorry to hear about Mrs. Dude’s diagnosis and very glad she didn’t skip the mammogram this year. It sucks, but you’ll all come out stronger and better than ever on the other side. Sending hugs to you and your family.

    Please know that regardless of what others say and whether they agree with your approach or not, you are helping people here. I’ve learned so much from this blog since I was diagnosed last year and I truly believe that the things I’ve learned have kept me healthier. Just keep on doing what you do.

    Love the Ricky Nelson song by the way. I think I quoted a lyric from that on one of your posts a while back. 🙂

  15. As this was loading (blackberry takes FOREVER) I was secretly hoping she just had breast cysts that a gluten free diet & time would help.
    Pointer from friend that got her 1 year all clear this week:
    -they are just tits, if you’ve had kids & are of a certain age they aren’t where you want them anymore anyway!!
    -pick out the new pair you want, at the end of this journey you’ve earned a perky pair
    -pedilyte & sprite help survive chemo pukes. The crackers help thing is apparently a big lie.
    -take help, let people send food you can’t eat & maid service. At minimum your husband won’t starve to death & you have a clean path to the bathroom
    Sign up for programs like joeman assistance fund, project angel heart etc BEFORE you need them!! You aren’t being selfish its called proactive. When you sign up after you need help the wait is additional agony on top of chemo.

    Good thoughts & good luck

  16. My thoughts are with you and your wife during this time. We will miss you during your time of absence but we understand totally. Hoping for a speedy recovering!

  17. I have often thought of how lovely your wife must be to support you totally as if she were the one with Celiac Disease. You are true partners & I can see you being just as supportive for her throughout this difficult time. Cast your cares upon The Lord for he cares for you.

  18. My prayers are with your wife, with you, with all of your family and friends, and with all who you’ve impacted in such a beautiful way.

  19. I am sorry to hear this, thinking of you and Mrs. Dude – not an easy time. Thanks for the reminder, yes it is time I was checked again!
    It is too easy to let slip. Thanks for doing all that you to create more awareness – remember, trolls will be trolls no matter what.

  20. Kathleen Connors

    Thoughts and prayers to you both. Clearly your wife is as caring and selfless as you: wanting you to share her DX to help others. Take all the time you need for you and yours. Your community will always be here when you get back.

      1. My family has been through it. If there’s anything I can do, please just ask. Whatever strength I can muster is behind you.

  21. Yes, prayers for you, your wife and your family. Glad they caught it early. Sorry you have one more thing to battle. Going to go get screened now. Have been putting it off myself.

  22. Sending good vibes and well wishes to Mrs. Dude and you of course. We’ll be right here when you return! Speedy recovery for the Mrs. and I love that she’s still thinking of others while she’s going through this time by asking you to tell her story so others get screened. All the best!

  23. Colette Ledoux

    Dear Mrs. Dude and Gluten Dude,

    Tip of the hat to both of you. Your willingness to share your personal life for the sole purpose of helping others, may at first blush seem like a fairly easy task to accomplish, but it certainly is not. You have proven by your tireless, dedicated commitment, that words matter, and not just any words; words that help, soothe, advocate, and educate.

    I’m sending positive energy your way, with best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

    Colette Sullivan-Ledoux.

  24. Prayers for Mrs. Dude! (and the whole family) I have two survivors in my family, and thank goodness your wife found it early. Stay positive!! You guys will rock through this!!

  25. Keeping Mrs. Dude in my thoughts and prayers.

    You have to take a break to help the ones you love. This will be tough on her so she will need all of your support. We will all be here when you return. Please if at all possible let us know how she is doing.

  26. I’m so sorry! I’m praying for the Dudes. Hoping your energy, health and attitudes can stay high through this “marathon” for her health.

  27. Screw off to the people that whine about the same old things to you. Your main mission now will be your wife and her health. Best of luck from Canada and sending good vibes both your way. The media can kiss our ass. Seen more celiac BS on TV last night

  28. Diane Humphrey

    Prayers for both of you as you meet this new challenge. And tell Mrs. Dude thanks for the reminder. I need to schedule my own scan since it’s been a few years. 😉

  29. So sorry to hear this, Dude. Best wishes for strength (and patience) to you, Mrs. Dude and the Dudettes.

    Take as long as you need away from the blog, but please remember that we are here for you just as you have been here for us.

  30. WELL – it is a GOOD thing she is used to being a WARRIOR!!

    I am so happy she caught it early and FIGHT ON!!! This is a short season – and then back to life!

    I will be thinking/praying/sending positive thoughts!

    Camille

  31. Dude, “The amazing, wonderful, beautiful, adorable, special Mrs. Dude” & the classy Dudettes:

    What a great family! You’ll fly over this hurdle just like all the rest! Since Mrs Dude carries y’all on her shoulders so often anyway, now y’all can carry her for awhile just to let her know how much you love and appreciate her.

    Our family will be regularly praying for your family for courage, peace, strength and healing and for your doctors and health care providers.

    A verse which our Heavenly Father has proven to be true and answered for our family time and again, over and over, during the last 20 yrs and more:

    “O Lord my God, I cried out to You & You healed me.” Psalm 30:2

    I’ll miss my regular dose of The Dude but the time away will make the next dose that much more special. The “back yard will look like a runway” with all of the lights left on for The Dude & his family!

    Hap

  32. Sue in Alberta

    Talk about perspective – what does and does NOT matter. All of the very best coming your way, “GD Family”.

    Grab peace whenever you can.

  33. I am sorry to hear about Mrs. Dude’s diagnosis, but I applaud you both for sharing to raise awareness. She sounds like such a strong woman and she will kick this! I will be thinking about you both and someday you will look back at this scary time and realize how it brought you two closer and how it made you both stronger (than you already are). I wish you both the best.

  34. Thank you BOTH for all the help and support you’ve given to all of us. Stay strong together, and you’ll beat this latest challenge as you have all the previous ones. You guys are the greatest!

  35. Sending healing and peaceful thoughts to you and Mrs. Dude. Take advantage of all the different stress-busting complementary things offered to you and your family during this health crisis that you WILL get through (yoga, music, whatever).

  36. “Garden Party” is such a great song. Good luck to you and your wife with dealing with medical issues. Thanks for blogging. Stay strong.

  37. I am so very sorry to hear about Mrs. Dude and her diagnosis. My prayer is that she has a full recovery with zero side effects of her treatment. thank you again for all you do for those of us in the celiac community. God bless you

  38. I am so glad you took my big sisterly advice to heart. Didn’t I practically sing that Ricky Nelson song to you the other day?

    I told you, kiddo: You simply cannot “please all the people”. It never, ever works.

    And I reiterate: just be true to yourself and you can’t go wrong.
    Don’t give a flying fig what others say. You do good work.
    Sometimes, people just hate the messenger. (been there…)
    😉

    “I’m inspired by people who are their true selves and use that to do good.”
    ― Matthew J. Fox

    And my admiration to Mrs. D for being brave and allowing you to share her news. News shared = more loving support. You know you both have mine. Take some time off. You two need to be with each other right now. xxoo

  39. Having been through this myself as both a family member and as a cancer survivor, I understand this all far too well. I’ve got your backs, Dude and Mrs. Dude. My prayers and thoughts heading your way.

  40. Best wishes to you and your family. Also here’s to Mrs. Dude for the best case scenario with treatments and a speedy recovery.

  41. ((((Hugs)))) to you, Mrs. Dude and the Dudettes! Your blog is my favorite…I love that you tell it like it is. Stay strong.

  42. Best thoughts going out to your family. And thank you, I was due for my mammogram in April. Will go call for an appt right now. Hugs all around!

  43. Glad that it was caught early and prayers coming for her. Prayers for you and your girls too, it can be hard even for those who aren’t going through the health issue (don’t we know that one all too well). I have another AI disorder that reqired me to get a mammogram two summers in a row even though I was only 32 at the time of the first one. I am thankful I have those baseline ones to go by for the future.

  44. My heart and strength goes out to you Dudes as you fight for your lovely wife” s health. Take extra care and be strong. Knowing early on gives her the best chances so here’s hoping.

    As for the whole gf lark. You were amazingin the past month so the brick bats can buga off!!! Being gf is the best. It’s made me well, healthier and far more aware of food, food production and food marketing than I’ve ever been and I thought I was pretty onto it 5 yrs ago. It’s all about embracing the challenge and listening to your body as once it’s out of the inflam stage it lets you know how healthy and happy it feels!!!!!

  45. Praying for the best for you and Mrs. Dude.

    Thanks for all the amazing things you do for this community and this disease. You rock!

  46. The time is now to take care of your wife, your family and YOU. Please don’t forget to take care of yourself throughout this whole ordeal. Sending you thoughts and prayers… we’re here to support you and Mrs. Dude, and we’ll be here when you’re ready to come back.

  47. Prayers for your wife and your family. Please take this opportunity to start eating as clean as you can, eating as little sugar as possible. The cancer won’t have a chance without it. 🙂

  48. My thoughts and prayers with your wife, you and your family. Cancer. I hate it. Well, like anybody LIKES it. Duh. But you know what I mean……. We have breast cancer in our family (Mom’s side) like wildfire. Seriously. We also have the BRCA defective gene. Yeah…. So just hold on tight. SO good to hear it was caught early. They are doing amazing things these days and I will pray for a complete recovery for her. And this will just be a major bump in your life-road. Take care. We will survive. HUGS.

  49. Dude Family will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers as you all travel through this challenge. Thank you for sharing the details, it is so important a reminder!

  50. Oh no, I’m so sorry! All my best to both of you! Thank you for sharing your story and the reminder to get tested; it’s so important to stay tuned in to these things but so easy to let appointments slide when things get busy. Good luck, get well, and stay strong!

  51. Oh, man. I’m glad that the bad news is at least somewhat hopeful, with the level of severity and all, and I know that Mrs. Dude has the strength to win out over this, but it just sucks that she has to deal with it at all. Adding my good thoughts to the many coming your family’s way.

      1. Healing thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Dude. Will miss you but know you’ll be back. Thanks for the important reminder. Calling tomorrow.

  52. I am so sorry to hear of your wife’s diagnosis, and wish her a speedy and full recovery.

    Thank you for your posts, I appreciate them.

      1. Thankful for Whole Foods

        Mrs. Dude – you rock! You are amazing and you thanked everyone yourself! You and your family are in my prayers!

  53. Did they check Mrs. Dude for her zonulin levels and evaluate the possibility of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)? Not that it would help (and please don’t let it get in the way of treatment), but perhaps a chat with Dr. Fasano after you both get through this might help.

    Nevertheless, I wish Mrs. Dude a speedy recovery.

  54. I love your blog and it keeps me sane. My son and I both can’t eat gluten and he is much more tolerant of the tedious diet than I am. I HATE IT AND I MISS DECENT BREAD AND THE INCONVENIENCE AND COST OF A GF DIET! In England we do have Genius bread which is pretty good but it’s not the same as the real thing. So your funny and sometimes angry blog just hits the right note for me so thanks. Oh and comment from Traci above – totally agree with you.

    As for the lovely Mrs Dude, so so sorry to hear the news. Three years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 49. It too,was caught early (11mm tumour, mastectomy, reconstruction, no chemo as caught early and not in lymph nodes and horrible tamoxifen to take for 5 years). I am slim hence having to have a mastectomy – a lovely English journalist who had BC at the same time as me wrote a very funny article about it with the following quote ‘the tit to tumour ratio was such that a lumpectomy was out of the question’. Yep I think that summed my situation up perfectly and laughing about what I was going through helped me cope with it. Well three years on I am still here, still taking the tablets and life is back to normal or as back to normal as is possible as I am probably a ‘glass half empty sort of person’ which means I worry about….EVERYTHING! But so far so good and I am sure you will be the same. Very very best wishes over the next few weeks. The decision making is hard and stressful but you seem to have a wonderful family to support you. I wish you all the very best for a speedy and full recovery and good luck to you all.

  55. My thoughts and prayers to the wonderful Mrs. Dude, you and the Dudettes. Please thank her for the importance of the reminder..I’ve put it off too long myself. May you all have strength and fortitude. Thank you for everything you do Dude. Much love to you all.

  56. All the best to your family! I am always amazed at the time and care that you put into writing this blog, and Mrs. Dude’s great support and love is clear when you look through the comments and see that she has responded personally to every single comment on this post. Best wishes and all the best from Canada!

    1. I am so incredibly touched at all the good wishes and prayers that are being sent our way. I appreciate it tremendously. Hugs to Canada!

  57. Sorry to hear of this bad news.

    You’ve said so many times on here, GD, of how supportive Mrs. Dude has been in your own health battles. I’m sure you’ll be every bit as supportive to her in return, just as you’ve been for the GF community on this blog. Best wishes to you both as you face this foe!

  58. Amateur Celiac

    I was diagnosed with Celiac with Serology and Biopsy recently. This may be a question for a medical professional, however I had an allergy test run and I was negative for IgE against wheat. Should a celiac pt. be allergic to wheat? Thanks for your help

    1. No.

      Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not an allergy.

      Some celiacs may also have an IgE mediated wheat allergy too, but they are entirely different clinical entities. I have no food allergies, for example. (but I have other food intolerances on top of celiac)

      read this and welcome to the celiac family.

      http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/wheat-allergy

      I suggest this book for you to get started on your new life

      Real life With celiac Disease by Melinda Dennis and Daniel Leffler

  59. Amateur Celiac

    Thanks for the info. My IgE tests were negative, but I wonder whether to do IgG tests for food sensitivities? I think sometimes we want relief so bad that we end up doing tests and investigations that are really unnecessary, when it really just will take time and discipline. Once again, thank you and I’ll check out the book.

    1. You were just diagnosed. Let yourself heal for a bit before assuming that you have other issues.

      (there is no PubMed research/validation for any IgG food intolerance testing anyway. I know some people use them, but I cannot find any scientific reason why they should be considered valid at all. )

  60. Mrs. Dude-

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Here is a link to the best breast cancer blogs of 2014. I follow some of them & I truly believe that you will find a connection as you start your treatment.

    http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/best-breast-cancer-blogs#1

    xox-
    Jersey Girl
    _________________________________________________
    “Now I am going through changes,
    Changes
    God, I feel so frustrated
    Lately,
    When I get suffocated-
    Save me
    Now I am going through changes,
    Changes”

    3 Doors Down

    1. Jersey girl you are the best!!! Thx for link- will check it out!
      (I love the lyrics you always include <3<3)

  61. All I can say is that I have unfortunately known far too many women in my friends and family who had a bout with breast cancer. I am older so that’s what happens….you know more women who do. BUT…..every single one of them survived well and are thriving now. In fact, some of them had advanced cancers and yet……they all survived and are doing well after conventional treatment. You could not say that even 10 years ago and even though I detest current treatments, they work incredibly well. Many of them are 10 years plus after treatment with no return of the cancer so there is every reason to believe you will have the same outcome. You are a tough lady and will come out well on the other side. I know this sounds corny but I will channel healing thoughts and prayers your way because it does help!

  62. Just seeing this post and I’m sorry to hear this news. Life can be so damned challenging. I’m sending all the best thoughts and energy to Mrs. Dude and your family!

    Shirley

  63. I am so sorry to hear this news. Glad you caught it early. Positive thoughts and vibes your way. I have been putting off my mammograms too since my divorce 2 yrs ago. I better get on it! Hugs to you both!

  64. Hi Mr. And Mrs. Dude,

    I just found your blog and I love it. I’m 45 and got diagnosed with Celiac 7 months ago.

    I’m so sorry to learn about your breast cancer diagnosis, Mrs. Dude. You can beat this. I’ll keep you and Mr. Dude in my thoughts.

  65. My daughter had breast cancer at age 31 in 2007,after radiation and 3 years on tamoxifen she had her first child in 2012 .my beautiful grandson. Life is good now and it shall be for you too. You have a lovely family that does support each other, hold tight to each other and the good Lord will see you thru this. My prayers are for all of you. God bless

  66. Mrs. Dude and your family are in my prayers. My brother started radiation for his lymphoma this week. I still cannot get him to ask for a celiac panel. He told me there was no point in being tested for celiac because he already has lymphoma. For pete’s sake! It’s stage 1 in one lympth node. With the removal of it and radiation, maybe it won’t come back for a very long time! Why won’t he listen to me? My son’s gene test came back positive for a celiac gene. Based on his response to the gf diet he is being diagnosed with probable celiac disease, fatty liver and prediabetes. He’s not fat!

    Good luck Mrs. Dude! You’re in my thoughts and prayers 🙂

  67. All the best to you both! Wishing Mrs. Dude happier, healthier days! And hoping you enjoy this break. We all need it from time to time. Take care!

  68. Thank you for this blog. It has been unbelievably helpful to me. I’m sorry that you are getting so much back lash. People are hard to please. I’m so sorry to hear about your wife’s cancer. I will be praying for you both as you weather this storm.

  69. Will pray for discernment (on what to do), guidance, health, and support, for Mrs. Dude and family. Thank you, Mrs. Dude, for your candor, for our sake. I received the same friendly, loving admonition from my college health exercise science instructor, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 19 yrs of age.

  70. Oh no, I’m really sorry about your wife’s illness. I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way. I also want you to know that I really appreciate your site. It’s nice to see that other people understand what it’s like to be living with celiac disease. I look forward to your return to the blog. xoxo

  71. Mrs. Dude,
    You are going to be in my prayers. Thank you so much for sharing what is happening to you, I have learned that it is usually better to share our experience rather than isolating ourselves and trying to handle things on our own. Thank you for your support and I hope can do the same for you!

  72. Just an added thought for some who may not have discovered this yet. Herb-Ox Chicken Bouillon is gluten free! It comes in both cubes and granulated form. I use it in soups, stews, and stir fry. It gives a nice taste to all dishes.

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Who I am. And who I'm not.

Who I am. And who I'm not.

I AM someone who's been gluten-free since 2007 due to a diagnosis of severe celiac disease. I'm someone who can steer you in the right direction when it comes to going gluten-free. And I'm someone who will always give you the naked truth about going gluten free.

I AM NOT someone who embraces this gluten-free craziness. I didn’t find freedom, a better life or any of that other crap when I got diagnosed. With all due respect to Hunter S. Thompson, I found fear and loathing of an unknown world. But if I can share my wisdom, tell my stories and make the transition easier on you, I’ve done my job.

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