Don Wood

Best to you in 2005!

Happy New Year, Rich. On to 2005! Don

Ho! Ho! Ho! Oh! Oh! Oh!

Welcome, Glenn! Glad you have joined us actively. Don

My wife is on morphine, probably forever. A lot is in attitude. She has accepted what she cannot do, does what she can, and continues to push on the envelope. Encourage your mom to get involved in things she is interested in and enjoys. It makes for better days, whatever number there are. Don

Congratulations, MaryAnn! Our own MaryAnn, affectionately known as "mhutch1366", and sporting the dog with the ears flapping in the breeze, has reached 2000 posts. She has achieved that milestone in just 15 months with us. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation, Mary Ann, for your love and support of us all, and your continued effort. Please keep those dogears flapping and bringing a smile to our hearts. A toast to Mary Ann! Cheers! Don

Lori, sorry about the news of your mom. The mets can be treated with radiation, I believe. I am in the camp that says there is no cure, and we live each day to the fullest, making it the best we can. And, who knows but God, how many there will be. We were told 9 months and we have now traveled 27. Hang in there. Don

Deb, your mom is experiencing normal side effects, especially when taking chemo and radiation at the same time. They are both cumulative, and usually sap one as time goes on. The radiation continues working weeks after completion of treatment. Hang in there. Don

Welcome, Charlie. Glad you have decided to join us actively. Keep us posted on your progress and let us know how we may support you. Don

Cheryl, I am so sorry at this turn of events for you. My prayers are definitely with you. Please know that these mets can be treated. There are many here who have gone through this. Take one day at a time and one step at a time. There is more that can be done. You have much support here. Don't forget that. Don

Happy birthday, Alex! Prayers as requested, Joni. Don

Yep, that's a real dilemma. We've all been there. My approach is to realize that is the way it is, get over it and move on. Some people truly care -- they just don't know what to say, and sometimes they say the wrong thing without realizing it. If you want to weed out the ones who want to know, just be honest with everyone, and give them a quick update. Those who really don't want to know will stop asking, and those who really do will continue to keep in touch. People will surprise you both ways -- some you think would respond will not, and others you really didn't think would will. It's a funny world. Just as ourselves, you don't know how you will respond to cancer until it happens. Naturally, those of us who has been there usually respond more appropriately, so part of it is education. Hang in there. And forgive those who are ignorant or just hopeless. Don

Love that panda! So good to see you post, Laurie! Have a great 2005, and don't stay away so long. Don

Prayers comin'.

Welcome, Jackie. It is tough to go through chemo and radiation at the same time. My wife had to go through that initially, and she had many down days. Tell your mom that there is hope. There are many survivors here, including my wife who was diagnosed Stage IV NSCLC and she is still going strong at 27 months. See if your mom can get interested in something -- hobby, family, etc. -- that can take her mind off thinking about cancer 24 hours a day. If she is skilled at art, sewing, cooking or something like that, try to get her interested in that, even if on a small scale. She needs something to be interested in and to work towards. My best to you and your family. Don

Happy 2005, Paddy!

Happy 2005, Di!

Cindy, I wish you the best in 2005!

Always good to hear from you DeanCarl. You are an inspiration to us. Congratulations on your survival -- may it be for many, many more years. Have a great 2005! Don

Berisa, thank God you are safe. Thanks for letting us know. That was a terrible natural disaster. Have a great 2005! Don

Joanie, so good to see your post. Have a good Christmas and New Year, and much beyond. Don

So good to see you posting, Margaret. Missed you. Happy to hear things are better. Have a great Christmas and New Year. Don

You are right, TAnn. When we went to church tonight for Christmas eve services, it was snowing! Oh well -- we get to have fall and winter together. Colorful! Don

Anais, I am so sorry that your mom is gone, especially at this time. My heartfelt sympathies. Don

Well, folks, we are at freezing but no white stuff. However, since this is the first real cold snap we have had, the "fall" colors on the trees are beautiful! Go figure! Does make for an interesting Christmas eve. Don