Ann

I am really hoping that you get out of there really soon and back home to your computer, cause I miss your posts! Hey...stay out of trouble! I think we're managing the California situation but your expertise will be appreciated!!!!

This is a great story. I'm so glad you shared this, today in particular! I guess I need to get brave and do a little "running in the rain" myself today! In case you're wondering, it's sunny and clear here in Florida today. My "bravery" has to do with facing an unplesant issue with my boss.

Sending good vibes, good wishes, hugs, thoughts and prayers your way!!!

THE PERKS OF BEING OVER 50 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. 3. No one expects you to run anywhere 4. People call at 9 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?" 5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way. 7. Things you buy now won't wear out. 8. You can eat dinner at 4 P.M. 9. You enjoy hearing about other peoples operations. 10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans. 11. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it. 12. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge 13. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room. 14. You sing along with elevator music. 15. Your eyes won't get much worse. 16. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off. 17. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service. 18. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either. 19. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size. 20. You can't remember who sent you this list. Chapter 2: SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE 1. You sell your home heating at a yard sale. 2. Your husband jokes that instead of buying a wood stove, he is using you to heat the family room this winter, rather than just saying you are not amused, you shoot him. 3. You have to write post-it notes with your kids' names on them. 4. You change your underwear after every sneeze. 5. You're on so much estrogen that you take your Brownie troop on a field trip to Chippendale's. Chapter 3: SIGNS OF WEAR OLD IS WHEN... Your sweetie says, Let's go upstairs and make love and you Answer "Pick one, I can't do both!" OLD IS WHEN... Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you're barefoot. OLD IS WHEN... A sexy babe catches your fancy and your pacemaker opens the garage door. OLD IS WHEN... Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face. OLD IS WHEN... You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along. OLD IS WHEN.. You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor instead of by the police. OLD IS WHEN... Getting a little action means I don't need to take any fiber today. OLD IS WHEN... Getting lucky means you find your car in the parking lot. OLD IS WHEN... An all-nighter means not getting up to pee.

Kathi...Thanks for sharing suchc a sweet post with us. Your dad must have been a truly amazing man.

Prayers will continue!

Just beautiful, Peggy!

Hip...HIP....HOORAY for Natalie!!!!!

Let's hear it for Kathi...HIP...HIP....HOORAY!

Hope you're feeling better really soon, Geri!

All you guys on this list are in for a real treat!!! Lisa represented us well! I'm sooooooo proud of her!!!!

Thanks for the memories, Addie. Although I love cats...I had to get a laugh at your post!!! If you get bored, you can come and clean my house. I could use some of your energy!

Jim...There is nothing like a great day of fishing to clean the cobwebs out of your brain!! When you're out on the water, with lots of time to think about all the good things surrounding you, it's hard to stay on that pity potty!!! Glad you're feeling better!!!

Dixie, I am highly upset that you came into this group and managed to offend so many people with your ignorant statements. This board was founded so people could get the help and support they need while dealing with lung cancer. Frankly, I could care less how any of these dear people got lung cancer. The issue we are dealing with is that they do have it, have had it, and it has affected the life of every member here. I think it is very wrong for you to come to this place and offer your opinions and insults. My dear, you obviously have never read posts from this site before or you would know that we harbor no secrets here. After losing my husband to lung cancer, I have shared my very innermost feelings ...and secrets....with members of this group!!! Members of this group have nothing to hide from each other and definitely not from you! If your brother does have lung cancer, I certainly feel saddened for him and the apparent lack of support he receives from his sister.

Wow, Addie, it's really hard to type and bow at the same time. No, let me get this straight. I'm a female which means I should just curtsy, correct? Anyway, it has to be a really sick person that would "pretend" to either have cancer of have a family member suffering from cancer. I know the world is filled with wierd people and I know it does happen....here of all places. Thanks so much for calling this one!!!!

Jane, you know this is the world's best place to throw a pity party and it sounds like you have plenty of reasons to be the hostess. Sometimes, all this just gets to be too much to handle and we have to have a place to sound off. Hey, I would love to listen...anytime!!!

I think it is so wise of you to think of these things and get them in order. The steps you are taking is something all of us should do, regardless of our health status. I would use the online information as a guideline and then consult an attorney in your area to prepare the documents. Your attorney can also keep copies of your documents, should you ever need to locate them quickly. Doing the paperwork ourselves if nice and saves a few dollars but when it comes to end of life issues, there are a lot of loopholes a good attorney can find in case of a dispute.

What was the best day of the week for you last week? Why? I think the best day for me last week was Thursday. I ordered my son and future DIL a gift for their new home and it finally arrived on Thursday. I'm a very impatient person and have a hard time waiting for things to happen! Receiving this was a good thing, as I love doing things for my boys!

Dixie...Welcome to our group. I know there are many people on this board that probably have more valuable information to add that I do, however, I'm going to throw my two cents worth in. First of all, you do realize that not all people have lung cancer because of smoking? In my husband's case, I'm sure smoking was the biggest cause. Like your brother, Dennis had sclc. He had been a smoker for almost 30 years. After a chest xray showed a possibility of lung cancer, Dennis threw down his cigarettes and never smoked again. Of course, the damage caused by smoking was already done and I'm sure quitting smoking was "too little, too late." However, I am glad that he was able to quit. Your brother probably well knows what he is up against. He's an adult and is able to make decisions about his body. I realize your concern is an expression of love and caring but you cannot make him quit smoking. If this is causing tension between the two of you, I would guess the stress is taking as much of a toll on his body right now as is the smoking. Please don't misunderstand. I'm by no means an advocate of smoking and I do realize your concerns. I would just rethink this and try to make life as easy as possible for your brother right now. I'm so glad you have joined our group.

Hey...she's just like her mom...quite talented!!!!

I think we should all whistle right along with Brian! I'm so glad that you smiled!

New Medications For Women D A M I T O L Take 2 and the rest of the world can go to hell for up to 8 hours. E M P T Y N E S T R O G E N Highly effective suppository that eliminates melancholy by enhancing the memory of how awful they were as teenagers and how you couldn't wait till they moved out. P E P T O B I M B O Liquid silicone for single women. Two full cups swallowed before an evening out increases breast size, decreases intelligence, and improves flirting. F L I P I T O R Increases life expectancy of commuters by controlling road rage and the urge to flip off other drivers. M E N I C I L L I N Potent anti-andro-tic for single women. Increases resistance to such lines as, "You make me want to be a better person .... can we get naked now?" B U Y A G R A Injectable stimulant taken prior to shopping. Increases potency and duration of spending spree. Can also be slipped into a husband's "Hungry Man Dinner," rendering him jovial at the prospect of paying for said shopping spree... Extra Strength BUY-ONE-AL When combined with Buyagra, can cause an indiscriminate buying frenzy so severe the victim may even come home with a Donnie Osmond CD or a book by Dr. Laura. J A C K A S S P I R I N Relieves headache caused by a man who can't remember your birthday, anniversary or phone number. A N T I - T A L K S I D E N T A spray carried in a purse or wallet to be used on anyone too eager to share their life stories with total strangers. S E X C E D R I N More effective than Excedrin in treating the, "Not now, dear, I have a headache," syndrome- when administered to a husband, it alters his consciousness, making him think he's made whoopie for 48 solid hours, thus sparing a wife considerable wear and tear. R A G A M E T When taken by a wife, provides the same satisfaction as ragging on your husband all weekend, and actually having him complete all his "Honey-do's!" When administered to a husband, provides the same irritation as ragging on him all weekend, saving the wife the time and trouble of doing it herself. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A friend that is caring for her aged mom showed this to me this morning. I had to make a copy and post. A Caregiver's Bill of Rights by Jo Horne I have the right: To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my loved one. To seek help from others even though my loved ones may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength. To maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things just for myself. To get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally. To reject any attempts by my loved one (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, and/or depression. To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do, from my loved ones, for as long as I offer these qualities in return. To take pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to meet the needs of my loved one. To protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when my loved one no longer need my full-time help. To expect and demand that as new strides are made in finding resources to aid physically and mentally impaired persons in our country, similar strides will be made towards aiding and supporting caregivers.

Please let Beth know that the prayers are definitely continuing for her. It's so sweet of you to keep us all updated. I hope she continues to find things to laugh about!!!! Please send her our love and good thoughts!

Kim, I am so sorry to hear about your uncle. You have certainly had your share of heartaches recently. I'm sending hugs (((((((Kim)))))) and saying prayers.