LindaMRG

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. There are just no words. I agree with what someone said, dont keep looking for what made it go quicker. It doesnt matter. There was nothing you could have done differently that wouldve produced a different outcome. We are never ready, there is never enough time. The doctors can only guess. And, yes, you never realize how much you can miss someone. Just know there are others out there that do understand. Linda

I, too, remember Ray and have thought of him often. He was there for me when I needed inspiration during my father's battle with lung cancer. I am so truly sorry for his family.

Oh Don, I only check in from time time so I am seeing this about a month and a half later, but oh how sorry I am about Lucie. You are right when you say she no longer has lung cancer. At my father's funeral, in his eulogy I said that now he had won his battle with lung cancer because it couldnt hurt him anymore. The same with Lucie, she is free. No words can ease your grief but I was truly sorry to read this tonight.

So glad there is no progression. My best to you both.

Im reading all your responses on Christmas morning. I just looked at a video of my dad from a Christmas a couple of years ago. I appreciated reading your responses, youre such a great group of people, thank you so much. I wish miracles for you in '06.

Most of you wont remember me, but some will. Just to let you know Im thinking about you especially during the holidays. I miss my father every day of my life, but especially the holidays and most especially Christmas Eve. That was our most festive holiday with food, music, gifts, family. It will never be the same. For such a quiet man, its so silent without him. There is a book I read recently, "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper. He talks about being in heaven for "90 minutes" after a car crash. Its the first bit of comfort Ive been able to find. You might want to look for it in your local bookstore. Wishing each one of you well during this season and always.

My dad had shoulder pain and after many different tests to find the reason, they had to conclude that it was the way the tumor was resting. The pain was in his right shoulder and the tumor was in the right lung. Just thought you might want to ask doc about that. He wore a pain patch and that helped.

Oh Carleen, STABLE IS SUCH GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Linda

Dear Gay, First I want to express my condolences on your loss of DeanCarl. It sounds like his passing was peaceful. I want to let you know that DeanCarl was a great help to me when my father was placed in hospice care. I never forgot how nice he was to me. I wanted you to know that. Since my father's passing, I was not on the board much, but when I did come on, I would always try to see how DeanCarl was doing. It sounds like you and DeanCarl had something really special.

Im so happy to hear she's tolerating her treatment well and that her mouth sores are improving. That is so great she got out to celebrate your granddaughter's birthday!!!!

Hi Ray, Dont know if you remember me, but I remember you and Im very glad to see you are doing so well!!!!

Hi Don and Lucie, Call onc and see if he can prescribe something. I remember my father taking these certain lozenges when he had stem cell that were good. There are several options your onc can tell you about. Im always thinking of Lucie.

" He said that he looked around and saw so many tears for Don, but he wanted us to know that every one of us sitting in our chairs were dying, and Don was the one that was living. I hope this helps others, too. " Wow!! So simple, yet I never thought of it that way. Also, Im so sorry for your very recent loss.

Yes, Cathy, the "new normal". Life just is never, ever the same. I miss my father every single day. Your mom sounds a lot like mine. I hope you got through the anniversary with a lot of support.

Dear Ginny, Its unbelieveable that its been a year, isnt it. I lost my father, but a lot of what you said reminds me of how my mother feels dealing with our loss. We, too, grieve for what we feel he is missing out on as my children (whom he adored) get bigger, when they play the piano (which he loved), and most of all my sister's wedding. Im so glad you have such a great support system and had all those invites to honor the anniversary of your Duke.