kate1621

Shellie, Me and mine are thinking of you and yours. Kate

Boy, did I need this today. Thanks so much. Kate

Hi Beverly, Sorry you have to be here. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your sister. Unfortunatly, I'm not qualified to answer your questions; I just wanted to welcome you. I'm sure others will respond soon. The group is a wealth of information/support. Kate

A man and his wife were getting ready to go out to dinner. As his wife was standing in front of the mirror holding up dresses, the man asked his wife what she'd like for her birthday. "I'd love to be six again," she replied. On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms and then took her off to the local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was.Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. Right away, they journeyed to a McDonald's where her loving husband ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie to see the latest blockbuster, a hot-dog, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his precious wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well, Dear, what was it like being six again?" Her eyes slowly opened and an expression of realization suddenly came over her face. "For crying out loud, I didn't mean my age you moron, I meant my dress size!" The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he still gets it wrong.

Have a wonderful time. Kate

It's taken me a long time to post this--almost a "hear no evil, see no evil" twist. J's tumor has shrunk, but in all the wrong places. It's still active/encasing the artery. Surgery has been completely, repeatedly ruled out. In classic form, his FORMER cancer center put us through the hoops, and we had to seek out getting the proper tests from another provider for the surgeon to make informed decision. We were in the car for the better part of 2 days, and he was still sick from chemo. Got dehydrated, but NEW oncologist hydrated him quickly enough to prevent hospitalization. Life's a lot easier at new cancer center. He is finally getting shots to increase his blood counts. The numbers are frighteningly low. Doc said anemia plays part in his neverending sleeping. J feels so defeated now, like it's been for nothing, and doesn't yet believe that "stable" can be a good word. He's very depressed, and I'm going to mention it to the oncologist. Pot calling the kettle--I've cried so much I could probably submit a water damage claim against our insurance. I'm coming out the haze now, and am trying to be optimistic, it's just so scary. Oncologist wants to start 8 or 9 rounds of taxotere at end of this month. J's resumed radiation, has wicked head cold, and is still shaking nausea from chemo I guess. He's just still sick. Man, those little Zofrans are expensive. Doc wants him to get a little stronger, plus get his head straight. I'm almost certain if doc wanted to do more chemo now J would refuse treatment. I realize I don't contribute here enough, I'm always reading, and including you in my talks w/the big guy upstairs. I've procrastinated about posting this, as though maybe if the words weren't in black and white, it would't be true. Can you believe they let me drive?? You are all in my thoughts, and I'd probably be committed by now if you weren't here. (or maybe in jail ) Kate

J has same "miracle mouthwash". Pharmacist had to mix it, it's lidocaine and mylanta. Has helped him alot, his throat is a mess. Kate

Have a wonderful time. Kate

Sending prayers your way. Kate

Boy, that sucks, but--ditto. Glad you found it early on. Go get 'em. Kill 'em. Me and mine are thinking of you and yours. Kate

AWESOME Kate

Can we be added to the list? After much begging, J's thoracic surgeon will look at MRI TOMORROW to see if treatment has rendered him operable. Every cloud has a silver lining--I have the radiologist report/films in my posession--the answer is here--I just cant decipher it. J's so sick that I don't have much time to go crazy waiting for tomorrow to come. I will be thinking of everyone, most definitely. What a day it's gonna be. Kate

A Woman's Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for: Wisdom, To understand a man. Love, To forgive him and; Patience, For his moods. Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength I'll just beat him to death

Holy cow, what a week. Glad to hear it ended on the up note. Kate

I have no insightful suggestions. However, your post is appreciated, because I think the same scary thoughts, and feel selfish about it, or wonder if I'm gonna' be some sort of jinx. I've been trying the "one day at a time" approach. Next week I'll be trying something new. (not sure what yet) Wishing you and yours stregnth, Kate